5-Day Masai Mara, Nakuru and Amboseli Family Safari

Masai Mara, Amboseli & Nakuru

Rates From $1,560

About This Tour

This family journey travels through the diverse landscapes of southern and central Kenya. It moves onward from the elephant-dotted plains of Amboseli to the alkaline shores of Lake Nakuru. The rhythm of the safari settles in the Masai Mara, where vast savannahs host high wildlife concentrations.

Designed for families, the trip maintains a steady pace with multi-night stays in the Mara. Movement between parks is by road, allowing for a grounded view of the Great Rift Valley. The atmosphere is calm and supportive, focusing on shared discovery in the wild.

Comfort remains a priority throughout the circuit. Lodges provide family-oriented accommodation, including deluxe tents and spacious rooms. The journey feels balanced, blending active game drives with restful evenings in camp.

Our Community Impact

JohnBow prioritizes lodges that employ staff from local communities. This safari supports the livelihoods of people living adjacent to the parks. We choose partners who contribute to local education and health projects.

Our Sustainability Promise

We use professional guides who follow strict park regulations to protect wildlife. Our partner camps focus on waste reduction and energy efficiency. We advocate for responsible viewing practices that respect the natural environment.

Why This Safari Works

The routing builds naturally, starting with the iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli. It then transitions to the birdlife and rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru before reaching the Mara. This order manages energy levels well, saving the most intense wildlife viewing for the final days.

Spaced travel segments and a two-night stay in the Masai Mara prevent fatigue. Using a private 4×4 Jeep ensures comfort and flexibility for families with children. This itinerary works best for families seeking a classic road safari that covers Kenya’s most famous ecosystems at a manageable rhythm.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • Big Five Experience
  • Couple
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Group Travel
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari
  • Private Safari
  • Rhino Tracking
  • Solo Traveller

Trip Summary

  • Day 1:Nairobi to Amboseli National Park by road
  • Day 2:Amboseli to Lake Nakuru National Park by road
  • Day 3: Lake Nakuru National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve by road
  • Day 4: Extensive Game Drive, Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Day 5: Masai Mara National Reserve to Nairobi by road

Destinations

  • Amboseli National Park
  • Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Masai Mara National Reserve

Where You Stay

  • Amboseli (1 Night): Kibo Safari Camp
  • Lake Nakuru (1 Night): Sopa Lodge Lake Nakuru
  • Masai Mara (2 Nights): Mara Maisha Camp

Safari Highlights

  • Elephant herds under Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Dusty plains of Amboseli
  • Rift Valley escarpment views
  • Rhino sightings in Lake Nakuru
  • Pink hues of lakeside birdlife
  • Acacia-dotted Masai Mara savannah
  • High concentrations of plains game
  • Evenings around the camp fire

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Road journey south from Nairobi
  • Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
  • Afternoon game drive

Itinerary information

The journey begins with a drive from the capital toward the southern border. The landscape shifts into the open plains of Amboseli National Park. This area is known for large elephant herds moving against the backdrop of Africa’s highest peak. The afternoon is spent observing wildlife as the light softens over the marshes.

  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Kibo Safari Camp

Itinerary Highlights

  • Travel across the Rift Valley floor
  • Lakeside scenery and birdlife
  • Black and white rhino tracking

Itinerary information

The safari moves north, passing through varied terrain toward the Great Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru National Park features a distinct ecosystem centered on the alkaline lake and surrounding woodlands. The park is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos. The day offers a chance to see diverse bird species and rare Rothschild’s giraffes.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Sopa Lodge Lake Nakuru

Itinerary Highlights

  • Descent into the Mara ecosystem
  • Vast golden savannah plains
  • Introduction to the big cats

Itinerary information

The route leads to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. The landscape opens into iconic rolling grasslands that stretch to the horizon. This is the heart of the safari experience, where predator-prey interactions are frequent. The rhythm slows as the group enters the reserve for an initial exploration.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mara Maisha Camp

Itinerary Highlights

  • Full day in the reserve
  • Deep exploration of the Mara
  • Picnic lunch in the wild

Itinerary information

A full day is dedicated to uncovering the different corners of the Masai Mara. Without the need to travel between parks, the pace is unhurried and focused on wildlife behavior. The day follows the herds’ movements across the plains. It is a time for patience and observation in one of Africa’s most productive wildlife areas.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mara Maisha Camp

Itinerary Highlights

  • Final morning game drive
  • Return journey to the capital
  • Last views of the Great Rift Valley

Itinerary information

The safari concludes with a final game drive as the sun rises over the Mara. After breakfast, the journey back to Nairobi continues by road. The drive provides a last opportunity to see the dramatic walls of the Rift Valley before reaching the city. The trip ends with a transfer to the airport or a central hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Not Included

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We designed this road safari to give families a grounded and steady introduction to Kenya’s most diverse wildlife parks without the rush of daily travel." ❞

~Johnbow Director

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

SeasonDate Range2 GuestsChild (4 -12)
SeasonDate Range2 GuestsChild (4 -12)
Shoulder SeasonJan – Feb, 3 April – 6 April, 1 June – 14 June, Oct , 2026$2,210$1,260
Green SeasonMarch – 2 April, 7 April – 31 May, 1 Nov – 22 Dec, 2026$2,730$1,560

Important Rate Notes

  • Rates vary based on seasonal availability and room types.
  • Single room supplements apply for solo travelers.
  • Child policies and age limits vary by lodge and need confirmation.
  • Lodge substitutions of a similar standard may be offered if needed.

What's Included

  • All accommodation listed
  • Private 4x4 Jeep transport
  • Game drives as per itinerary
  • All meals during the safari
  • National park and reserve entry fees
  • Professional driver/guide
  • Mineral water in the vehicle

Optional Addons

  • Hot air balloon safari in the Masai Mara
  • Guided nature walks
  • Maasai village cultural visit
  • Bush breakfast or dinner

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Kenya entry visas
  • Personal items and laundry
  • Drinks and beverages not included in the meals

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Extra nights can be added to any destination to allow for a slower pace or more activities.
Both Kibo Safari Camp and Mara Maisha Camp offer family deluxe tents designed for group comfort.
Road transfers typically take between four and six hours depending on the route and traffic conditions.
A private 4×4 Jeep is provided for better comfort on the road segments and superior visibility during game drives.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 3rd Floor Room 3-8. Moi Avenue, Nairobi