Tarec Gorilla Safaris - 6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari

6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari

Two of Kenya's most iconic safari destinations in one journey — Big Five wildlife and the Great Migration ecosystem in the Mara, and large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro views in Amboseli.

Maasai Mara wildlife
Amboseli National Park
Elephants on a game drive in the Maasai Mara
Elephant bull in front of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli
Amboseli National Park landscape

6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari

From $2,150 / person sharing

This 6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari is designed for travelers who want to experience two very different sides of Kenya. The Maasai Mara is famous for its open savannah, large concentrations of wildlife, big cats and the annual wildebeest migration. Amboseli, on the other hand, is renowned for its elephants, open plains, wetlands and dramatic views toward Mount Kilimanjaro. Rather than spending the entire safari in one park, this itinerary takes you from the Mara in southwestern Kenya to Amboseli in the south, creating a diverse Kenya wildlife experience.

6 Days / 5 Nights Private Safari Nairobi Start & End Mara + Amboseli
Safari Highlights
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Big cats & open savannah
Great Migration Ecosystem
August–October — herds unpredictable
Amboseli National Park
Elephant herds & wetlands
Mount Kilimanjaro Views
Weather permitting
Full-Day Game Drives
Mara & Amboseli
Big Five Wildlife
Lions, elephants, buffaloes & more
Optional Maasai Cultural Experience
Traditional homes, crafts & dance
Optional Hot-Air Balloon Safari
Early morning flight over the Mara
Mid-Range Lodges & Tented Camps
Comfortable accommodation
Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle
Pop-up roof for game viewing
Safari at a Glance
Destinations
Maasai Mara National Reserve & Amboseli National Park
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Starting & Ending Point
Nairobi
Safari Type
Private Wildlife Safari
Transport
Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Accommodation
Mid-range lodges & tented camps
Main Activities
Game drives & wildlife viewing
Main Wildlife
Lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest & more
Maasai Mara vs Amboseli

One of the biggest advantages of this itinerary is that the two parks offer different safari experiences.

FeatureMaasai MaraAmboseli
Famous ForLions, cheetahs, leopards, the Great Migration, open savannahLarge elephant herds, Mount Kilimanjaro views, wetlands
Best ForPredators & large concentrations of plains wildlifeElephant photography & dramatic mountain backdrops
LandscapeOpen savannah & acacia woodlandOpen plains, wetlands & swamps
Recommended Accommodation
ParkProperty
Maasai MaraMara Sentrim Camp · Zebra Plains Mara Camp · Similar mid-range safari camp
AmboseliAmboseli Serena Safari Lodge · Amboseli Sopa Lodge · Similar mid-range lodge or camp

The exact property can change according to availability, travel dates and the final safari quotation.

6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari itinerary

Detailed 6-Day Itinerary

6 Days / 5 Nights · A private Kenya wildlife safari

From Nairobi to the Maasai Mara, then across Kenya to Amboseli, and back to Nairobi. Follow the day-by-day timeline below.

6 Days Private Guide Game Drives 5 Nights Accommodation
Full 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara – Afternoon Game Drive
Early pickup · Great Rift Valley drive · Afternoon game drive in the Mara

Your 6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari begins in Nairobi. Your safari guide will pick you up from your hotel, residence or another agreed location early in the morning. Depart Nairobi and travel toward the Maasai Mara. The journey takes you through Kenya's Great Rift Valley landscape and rural communities before continuing toward the reserve. You can make a short stop at a scenic viewpoint along the way before continuing toward the Mara.

After arriving at your accommodation and having lunch, begin your first afternoon game drive. The Maasai Mara is one of Kenya's most important wildlife areas and forms part of the wider Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

During your first drive, your guide will search for wildlife including: Lions · Elephants · Buffaloes · Giraffes · Zebras · Wildebeest · Cheetahs · Leopards · Hyenas · Gazelles · Warthogs.

As the afternoon progresses, continue exploring the savannah before returning to your lodge or tented camp.

Afternoon game drive in the Maasai Mara - Day 1
Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Activities: Scenic drive · Afternoon game drive
Accommodation: Mid-range safari lodge or tented camp
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Maasai Mara Game Drive
Main wildlife day · Migration areas where applicable · Picnic lunch option

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading into the reserve for a full-day game drive. This is your main wildlife day in the Maasai Mara. Your guide will select the game-viewing areas according to wildlife activity and recent sightings. The Mara's open grasslands provide excellent habitat for predators and large herbivores.

You may encounter lions resting after a night hunt, cheetahs scanning the plains, elephants moving through the reserve and large herds of zebra and wildebeest.

Great Migration Experience: If you travel during the migration season, the safari can be planned around the areas where wildebeest and zebra are currently concentrated. The Great Migration is seasonal and unpredictable, so the exact location of the herds cannot be guaranteed. If river crossings are taking place, your guide can take you toward suitable viewing areas. However, individual crossings should never be promised because the animals decide when and where they cross.

Continue your game drive throughout the day. A picnic lunch can be arranged so that you spend more time in the reserve rather than returning to the lodge. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Full-day Maasai Mara game drive - Day 2
Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Activities: Full-day game drive · Picnic lunch option
Accommodation: Mid-range safari lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Amboseli National Park
Long cross-country transfer · Changing landscapes · Evening arrival at Amboseli

After breakfast, leave the Maasai Mara and begin the long journey toward Amboseli National Park. This is one of the longer driving days of the safari. Instead of rushing through another park, the itinerary uses the day to travel across Kenya toward the southern part of the country. You will pass through changing landscapes and rural communities as you travel toward Amboseli.

Arrive in the Amboseli area later in the day. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a short evening game drive or relax at the lodge. Amboseli is particularly famous for its large elephant population and spectacular views toward Mount Kilimanjaro.

Journey to Amboseli National Park - Day 3
Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
Activities: Scenic drive · Optional evening game drive
Accommodation: Mid-range Amboseli lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Full-Day Amboseli National Park Safari
Morning & afternoon game drives · Elephant herds · Kilimanjaro views (weather permitting)

Wake up early for breakfast and begin your Amboseli game drive. The morning is one of the best times to explore the park because temperatures are cooler and Mount Kilimanjaro can sometimes be clearly visible. Amboseli is especially known for its elephants. You may see large elephant herds moving across the plains, sometimes with Mount Kilimanjaro providing a dramatic backdrop.

Other wildlife can include: Lions · Cheetahs · Buffaloes · Giraffes · Zebras · Wildebeest · Hippos · Hyenas · Antelopes · Numerous bird species.

The park's wetlands are particularly important because water and green vegetation attract wildlife even during drier periods.

Mount Kilimanjaro Views: One of the highlights of an Amboseli safari is the possibility of photographing wildlife with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Visibility depends on weather and cloud conditions. The mountain is not guaranteed to be visible throughout the day, so early morning is often a useful time to look for clear views.

Continue with game viewing before returning to your accommodation.

Full-day Amboseli National Park game drive - Day 4
Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
Activities: Morning & afternoon game drives · Photography
Accommodation: Mid-range Amboseli lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Amboseli Morning Game Drive and Cultural Experience
Morning game drive · Optional Maasai community visit · Relaxed evening

Start the morning with another game drive in Amboseli. This provides another opportunity to explore areas that were not covered on Day 4. Your guide can focus on wildlife sightings and photographic opportunities before returning to the lodge.

After breakfast or lunch, you can choose an optional Maasai cultural experience.

Optional Maasai Community Visit: A cultural visit can provide an opportunity to learn about local traditions, homes, crafts, music and community life. The activity is optional and should be arranged in advance.

After the cultural experience, return to the lodge and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Amboseli morning game drive and cultural experience - Day 5
Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
Activities: Morning game drive · Optional Maasai cultural experience
Accommodation: Mid-range Amboseli lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Amboseli to Nairobi
Final morning game drive · Return drive to Nairobi · Drop-off at hotel or airport

Wake up early for your final game drive. The morning provides one last opportunity to search for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife. If weather conditions are favorable, you may also have another opportunity to photograph Mount Kilimanjaro.

Return to your accommodation for breakfast before checking out. Begin your journey back to Nairobi.

Depending on your departure arrangements, you can be dropped at: Nairobi hotel · Jomo Kenyatta International Airport · Wilson Airport · Another agreed location.

The safari ends in Nairobi.

Final game drive and return to Nairobi - Day 6
Main Destination: Nairobi (End of Tour)
Activities: Morning game drive · Return drive to Nairobi
Drop-off: Nairobi hotel · JKIA · Wilson Airport · Agreed location
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
What Wildlife Can You See?

Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and animal movements. During the safari, you may encounter:

Lions
Both the Mara and Amboseli — the Mara is especially known for predators
Elephants
Amboseli's signature species — large herds across the ecosystem
Cheetahs
Open plains of the Maasai Mara provide suitable habitat
Leopards
Present in the Mara but more elusive than lions and cheetahs
Buffaloes
Large herds in both destinations
Giraffes
Browsing on vegetation across suitable habitats
Zebras & Wildebeest
Important components of the Mara ecosystem
6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari pricing

Rates & Pricing

From $2,150 / person sharing

Pricing for this 6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari depends on the travel season, accommodation availability, number of travelers and current park charges. Your personalized quotation will clearly show the accommodation, meals, park fees and activities included.

Private Safari Park Fees Included 5 Nights Accommodation Based on 2 Travelers
Suggested Price Per Person
Number of TravelersPrice Per Person
1 TravelerUS$3,100
2 TravelersUS$2,150
3 TravelersUS$1,900
4 TravelersUS$1,750
5 TravelersUS$1,650
6 TravelersUS$1,575

Important: These are indicative private mid-range prices and should be confirmed against your travel dates and accommodation availability. Current SafariBookings listings show six-day Kenya itineraries combining Maasai Mara and Amboseli — often with additional destinations — ranging from roughly US$1,900 to above US$3,000 per person depending on the accommodation and safari category.

Accommodation Options
ParkProperty
Maasai MaraMara Sentrim Camp · Zebra Plains Mara Camp · Similar mid-range safari camp
AmboseliAmboseli Serena Safari Lodge · Amboseli Sopa Lodge · Similar mid-range lodge or camp
Optional Add-Ons & Extensions
Maasai Cultural Experience
Traditional lifestyles, crafts, music & dance
Hot-Air Balloon Safari (Mara)
Early morning departure — book ahead
Add Lake Nakuru
Requires adjusting or extending the safari
Add Tsavo East or West
Extend into more of Kenya
Mombasa / Diani Beach Extension
Combine safari + beach holiday
Combine with Uganda or Rwanda
Add gorilla trekking & East Africa cross-border
Inclusions of 6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari

What's Included in Your 6-Day Safari

Transparent Pricing · No hidden costs

We believe in full transparency. Below is exactly what is included in your 6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari — and what is not.

Transport Park Fees Game Drives Accommodation
What's Included
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Nairobi pickup and drop-off
  • Fuel
  • Maasai Mara park/reserve entry fees as quoted
  • Amboseli National Park entry fees as quoted
  • Game drives
  • Five nights accommodation
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Drinking water during the safari
  • Safari planning and coordination
  • Applicable government taxes and tourism charges

Amboseli's current official non-resident adult entry fee is US$90 per day.

What's Not Included
  • International flights
  • Kenya visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers outside the agreed itinerary
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
  • Souvenirs
  • Maasai cultural experience
  • Hot-air balloon safari
  • Additional activities
  • Extra accommodation
  • Medical expenses
  • Any service not specifically listed under inclusions
Getting There - 6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari

Getting There

Nairobi · Start and end point

This 6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari begins and ends in Nairobi. Most travelers are staying in Nairobi before the safari or arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from your hotel, residence, airport or another agreed location.

Nairobi Hotel / Airport Pickup Private 4×4 Vehicle
Travel Information
From Nairobi Hotel
Pickup from your hotel, residence or agreed location in Nairobi.
From Nairobi Airport
Pickup can be arranged from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport.
Destinations
Maasai Mara National Reserve & Amboseli National Park
Best Time — July to October
Popular period for the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. Accommodation demand can be high.
Best Time — January to March
Greener landscapes in parts of Kenya; wildlife viewing remains possible.
Best Time — June to October
Generally drier conditions can make wildlife viewing attractive in both destinations.
Best Time — November to May
Greener scenery; rainfall can affect some roads.
What to Pack
Lightweight shirts · Long trousers · Comfortable walking shoes · Light jacket · Warm layer for early mornings · Hat · Sunglasses · Sunscreen · Insect repellent · Camera · Binoculars · Power bank · Reusable water bottle · Personal medication · Passport · Travel insurance documents
Is Six Days Enough for Maasai Mara and Amboseli?

Yes, six days provides enough time to experience both destinations without turning the safari into an extremely short visit. The itinerary gives you:

2 Nights in Maasai Mara
3 Nights in Amboseli

This allows time for multiple game drives in both destinations. The main challenge is the long transfer between the Mara and Amboseli, so the itinerary deliberately uses Day 3 as a travel day.

Private 4×4 Safari

This package is designed as a private safari. Your group travels in a dedicated 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide. This gives you more flexibility during game drives and allows the itinerary to be adjusted around your interests. For example, photographers can spend additional time with wildlife, while families can request a slower pace. Shared safari options can also be quoted for travelers who want a lower price.

Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 6-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari cost?
Our indicative private mid-range price starts at US$2,150 per person for two travelers sharing. The final price depends on travel dates, accommodation, park fees and availability.
Is this a private safari?
Yes. The standard Tarec package is designed as a private safari using a dedicated 4×4 vehicle.
Can I see elephants in Amboseli?
Yes. Amboseli is particularly well known for its elephant herds.
Can I see Mount Kilimanjaro?
You can see Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli when weather and cloud conditions allow. Visibility is not guaranteed throughout the day.
Can I see the Great Migration?
You can experience the migration in the Maasai Mara during the appropriate season, but the exact location of the herds changes and specific sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I add Lake Nakuru?
Yes. Lake Nakuru can be added, but this would require adjusting the itinerary or extending the safari.
Can I add Tsavo?
Yes. Travelers who want to see more of Kenya can extend the itinerary to include Tsavo East or Tsavo West.
Can I start the safari in Nairobi and finish in Amboseli?
Yes. A one-way itinerary can be arranged if you are continuing to another destination after Amboseli.
What type of vehicle is used?
A private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is recommended for this itinerary, providing good visibility during game drives.
Can I combine this safari with Uganda or Rwanda?
Yes. We can create a longer East African itinerary combining Kenya with Uganda or Rwanda. For example: Maasai Mara → Amboseli → Entebbe → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi.
Otaremwa Barack — Tarec Gorilla Safaris

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We are a locally owned and operated safari company based in Kampala, Uganda. Our team of experienced driver-guides, primate trackers, and travel planners is passionate about sharing the beauty of East Africa with travellers from around the world. Every safari we run is personally designed by someone who has walked the trails, tracked the gorillas, and knows the lodges by name.

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Company Details

Tarec Gorilla Safaris

Kampala, Uganda
info@tarecgorillasafaris.com
+1-602-727-3006 (US) · WhatsApp
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We are a full-service safari operator offering custom itineraries, group tours, and self-drive packages. Our fleet of well-maintained 4×4 vehicles and our network of trusted lodges ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable safari experience.

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