Kenya classic circuit in 8 days (7 nights)

8 days · Kenya

Three nights in the Maasai Mara open the trip, long enough to work the reserve before the route turns east. Single nights at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha break the drive back across the Rift Valley, one for rhino and lakeshore birds, the other for a boat trip among hippos. A long transfer south then puts two nights at Amboseli under Kilimanjaro. Four bases, five driving legs, and early starts most mornings; the whole circuit is on the road, starting and ending in Nairobi.

The route, stop by stop

1. Masai Mara, Kenya · 3 nights

Arrive by drive — By road from Nairobi to the reserve

Three nights is the minimum that lets a guide plan around the animals rather than the clock: one full day out with a packed lunch, one dawn drive, and slack for a long wait at a river crossing in migration season.

2. Lake Nakuru, Kenya · 1 night

Arrive by drive — Road transfer from the Mara, back across the Rift Valley

A single night is enough here. The park is compact, the rhino and Rothschild giraffe are usually found in a half-day loop along the lakeshore, and it sits on the way east.

3. Naivasha, Kenya · 1 night

Arrive by drive — Road transfer south along the Rift Valley floor from Nakuru

An afternoon away from game drives: a boat out among the hippos, or a walk on Crescent Island, where the plains game can be approached on foot. One night, then the long haul south begins.

4. Amboseli, Kenya · 2 nights

Arrive by drive — Long road transfer south from Naivasha to Amboseli

Two nights gives two chances at the mountain, which is usually only clear at first light and late afternoon. Midday heat is dead time here, so the day splits into an early drive, a long break, and a second run out in the afternoon.

Experts who can arrange this trip

• The Safari Vibe, who works in Kenya.

More trip ideas · Kenya