If you’re planning a Kenyan safari and want to make the most of your time, combining Amboseli National Park with other top wildlife destinations like Tsavo and Masai Mara is a brilliant way to diversify your experience. Whether you have five days or a full ten, this guide offers itinerary ideas tailored for travelers seeking variety, convenience, and unforgettable wildlife moments.
Why combine Amboseli with other parks?
- Amboseli offers iconic elephant sightings with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
- Masai Mara delivers predator action and Great Migration drama (seasonal).
- Tsavo brings in vast, wild landscapes and red-dusted elephants.
- Lake Naivasha or Nakuru add lakeside serenity and birdlife variety.
Combining parks helps balance game viewing with different ecosystems, less travel fatigue, and often, more cost-effective packages.
5-day itinerary: Amboseli + Masai Mara + Naivasha
Day 1: Nairobi → Masai Mara
Travel by road or flight. Afternoon game drive in the Mara.
Day 2: Masai Mara full day
Big cat sightings, possible hot-air balloon safari, Maasai village visit.
Day 3: Masai Mara → Lake Naivasha
Scenic drive through the Rift Valley. Afternoon boat safari or relax.
Day 4: Naivasha → Amboseli
Early transfer to Amboseli. Afternoon game drive, views of Kilimanjaro.
Day 5: Amboseli → Nairobi
Morning safari. Drive or fly back to Nairobi.
7-day itinerary: Tsavo West + Amboseli + Masai Mara
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Rest or short city tour.
Day 2: Nairobi → Tsavo West
Drive southeast. Game drive, visit Mzima Springs.
Day 3: Tsavo West → Amboseli
Morning transfer. Game drive in Amboseli.
Day 4: Amboseli full day
Elephants, swamps, observation hill.
Day 5: Amboseli → Masai Mara (flight or long drive)
Evening safari in Mara.
Day 6: Masai Mara full day
Big Five focus. Optional sunrise balloon.
Day 7: Masai Mara → Nairobi
Return by air or road. Departure.
10-day itinerary: Kenya circuit with coast option
Day 1: Nairobi → Masai Mara
Fly or drive. Game drive on arrival.
Day 2: Masai Mara full day
Classic safari with chance to see the Big Five.
Day 3: Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru
Flamingos, rhinos, acacia forests.
Day 4: Nakuru → Lake Naivasha
Boating, cycling in Hell’s Gate.
Day 5: Naivasha → Amboseli
Transfer with lunch en route.
Day 6: Amboseli full day
Photography, elephant encounters.
Day 7: Amboseli → Tsavo East or West
Transition day with game drives.
Day 8: Tsavo exploration
Volcanic terrain, red elephants, quieter safaris.
Day 9: Tsavo → Coast (Diani or Watamu)
Relax by the Indian Ocean.
Day 10: Beach day or departure
Ideal for honeymooners or family trips.
Tips to optimize your route
- Fly one-way if possible: Save long hours by flying between parks when budgets allow.
- Choose your lodges strategically: Proximity to park gates or airstrips matters.
- Account for travel time: Kenyan roads can be slow; even short distances take time.
- Limit total parks to 3: Better to enjoy 2-3 deeply than rush through 4-5 parks.
- Use Nairobi as a hub: Start and end there to streamline logistics.
Estimated travel times (by road)
| Route | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Nairobi → Amboseli | 4–5 hours |
| Amboseli → Tsavo West | 3–4 hours |
| Tsavo → Nairobi | 5–6 hours |
| Nairobi → Masai Mara | 5–6 hours |
| Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru | 4 hours |
| Lake Naivasha → Amboseli | 5–6 hours |
Sample cost guidance (mid-range)
- Park fees: $60–90/day per person
- Lodging: $200–400 per night per person (mid-range)
- Transfers: $100–300 per leg (shared vs. private)
- Internal flights: $150–200 one-way (varies by route)
Conclusion
Whether you have five days or ten, combining Amboseli with parks like Tsavo, Masai Mara, or the Rift Valley lakes offers a rich, efficient safari. Mix ecosystems, see a wide variety of wildlife, and adapt the route to your pace and style. With smart planning, you’ll enjoy the best of Kenya without backtracking or burnout.
FAQs
Yes, if you include flights or keep transfers efficient. Expect fast-paced travel.
Tsavo West, Masai Mara, and Lake Naivasha are top combinations.
Driving is cheaper but slower. Flying saves time, ideal for shorter itineraries.
No, each park has its own fees. Budget around $60–90/day.
Yes! Tsavo to Diani or Watamu is a common combo via road or train.
Mid-range: $3,000–4,500 per person, all-inclusive.
Yes, especially if you include rest days and avoid long drive days back-to-back.
Yes, but using a local tour operator simplifies logistics and ensures smooth connections.
