What destinations are included in this 8-day Kenya safari?

This 8-day Kenya safari includes Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre, Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island, Hell’s Gate National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve.

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Kenya?

Yes, this safari is very suitable for first-time visitors. It combines Nairobi wildlife attractions, Amboseli elephants, Lake Naivasha activities, Lake Nakuru wildlife, and the famous Masai Mara safari experience.

What activities are included in Nairobi?

The Nairobi experience includes Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and the Giraffe Centre. These attractions introduce guests to Kenya’s wildlife, conservation efforts, and giraffe experiences before the main safari begins.

Why book this 8-day Kenya safari with Imara Africa Safaris?

Booking with Imara Africa Safaris gives guests professional safari planning, experienced local guides, flexible pickup and drop-off options, smooth road transfers, reliable communication, and a well-organized Kenya safari experience.

Is July 2026 a good time for this 8-day Kenya safari?

Yes. July is peak dry season in Kenya, with thinner vegetation, reliable wildlife viewing and the start of Great Migration activity in the Masai Mara. It is also a busy travel period, so lodges and camps should be booked well in advance.

What wildlife can I expect on this Nairobi–Amboseli–Naivasha–Nakuru–Masai Mara safari?

Expect Amboseli elephants, hippos and birds at Lake Naivasha, rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes in Lake Nakuru, and lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, zebras and wildebeest in the Masai Mara. Sightings vary by season and animal movement.

How many nights are spent in each destination on an 8-day Kenya safari?

A balanced 8-day route usually includes 1 night in Nairobi, 2 nights in Amboseli, 1 night around Lake Naivasha, 1 night near Lake Nakuru and 2 nights in the Masai Mara, before returning to Nairobi on day 8.

Is this itinerary suitable for first-time safari travellers?

Yes. It covers Kenya’s most recognisable safari regions at a comfortable pace, with a mix of classic game drives, lake activities, scenery and varied habitats. A private vehicle also makes the schedule more flexible for couples, families and small groups.

What is the difference between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru on this safari?

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake known for boat rides, hippos, birdlife and Crescent Island walking safaris. Lake Nakuru is a protected national park best known for rhino viewing, Rothschild’s giraffes, flamingos, lions, leopards and dramatic Rift Valley lake scenery.

Does this safari include the Great Migration in the Masai Mara?

In July, the Masai Mara may receive the first large wildebeest herds from the Serengeti, although exact river crossings and herd locations depend on rainfall and grazing conditions. The Mara remains excellent for resident wildlife even when migration timing varies.

Is July 2026 a good time for this 8-day Kenya safari route?

Yes. July is peak dry season in Kenya, with thinner vegetation and animals gathering around water sources. It also coincides with the early Great Migration season in the Masai Mara, although river crossings are never guaranteed.

What wildlife can I expect in Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara?

Amboseli is best known for large elephant herds and Mount Kilimanjaro views. Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s key rhino-viewing parks, while the Masai Mara is excellent for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest.

How many game drives are included on an 8-day Kenya safari?

A typical private 8-day itinerary includes afternoon, morning and full-day game drives across Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara, with timing adjusted by the guide according to wildlife movement, park rules and guest preference.

What makes Lake Naivasha different from the other stops?

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater Rift Valley lake where the experience is softer and more scenic than a traditional game drive. Travellers can take a boat ride to see hippos and birds, then walk on Crescent Island among giraffes, zebras and antelopes.

Does this safari include the Big Five?

It offers a strong chance of seeing the Big Five across the route, especially rhino in Lake Nakuru and lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes in the Masai Mara. Sightings depend on season, guiding, weather and animal movement.

How much does this 8-day Kenya safari cost?

The safari starts from about US$2,047 per person sharing, covering private 4x4 transport, accommodation, park entry fees, meals as listed, the Lake Naivasha boat ride and a professional safari guide. Season, lodge choices and group size affect the final rate.

Is this a private or group departure?

This is a private safari with your own vehicle and guide from day one, so the daily schedule, game-drive length and photo stops are flexible. There are no fixed group departure dates — the itinerary starts on the date you choose, subject to availability.

Is this itinerary suitable for children?

Yes. Day one's Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust visits are ideal for younger travellers, drives are broken up by lake activities midway, and family rooms are available at the lodges used. We recommend it for children aged roughly 5 and up.

8-Day Kenya Safari: Nairobi, Amboseli, Nakuru & Mara Safari

Name: Imara Africa Safaris — Company & Catalog Statistics
Creator: Imara Africa Safaris
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Season	2 people 1 roomper person	3 people 2 roomsper person	4 people 2 roomsper person	5 people 3 roomsper person	6 people 3 roomsper person	7+ peopleGet quote
Peak SeasonNow 1 Jul 2026 – 30 Sept 2026	$3,253/pp	$2,994/pp	$2,725/pp	$2,676/pp	$2,548/pp	Quote
High Season 1 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026	$3,068/pp	$2,791/pp	$2,540/pp	$2,479/pp	$2,364/pp	Quote
Green season 1 Nov 2026 – 9 Dec 2026	$3,026/pp	$2,745/pp	$2,498/pp	$2,435/pp	$2,322/pp	Quote
High Season 10 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027	$3,369/pp	$3,113/pp	$2,841/pp	$2,793/pp	$2,665/pp	Quote
Mid Season 2 Jan 2027 – 31 Mar 2027	$2,865/pp	$2,590/pp	$2,337/pp	$2,277/pp	$2,160/pp	Quote
Low Season 1 Apr 2027 – 31 May 2027	$2,751/pp	$2,463/pp	$2,223/pp	$2,156/pp	$2,047/pp	Quote
High Season 1 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027	$2,852/pp	$2,574/pp	$2,324/pp	$2,262/pp	$2,148/pp	Quote

The 8-Day Kenya Safari is a private road itinerary from Nairobi through Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara, priced from US$2,047 per person at mid-range level. Travelling by private 4x4 Land Cruiser, it suits first-time visitors, families and photographers who want one complete Kenya circuit at a comfortable pace.

Which Destinations Does This Safari Visit?

Nairobi National Park (Day 1): a city wildlife day that also includes the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Centre.
Amboseli National Park (Days 2–3): two days among large elephant herds with evening and full-day game drives, and Mount Kilimanjaro views on clear days.
Lake Naivasha (Day 4): a relaxing boat ride and a guided nature walk at Crescent Island, compliments of Imara Africa Safaris, with hippos, birdlife, giraffes, zebras and antelopes.
Lake Nakuru National Park (Day 5): rhino viewing, flamingos, water birds, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, lions and leopards around the scenic lake.
Masai Mara National Reserve (Days 6–7): Kenya's most celebrated reserve, with a full-day game drive and picnic lunch among big cats, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and wildebeests.
Nairobi (Day 8): the return drive for your international flight or onward travel.

Who Is This Safari For?

This eight-day route is ideal for couples, families, small groups, first-time visitors, photographers and travel agents who want a complete Kenya safari combining wildlife, scenery, culture and lake activities. Because the safari is private, guests can discuss their preferred game-drive schedule with the guide to make the most of each destination, and the mid-range level keeps the circuit accessible without compromising on guiding quality.

What Is Included?

The price covers all transfers by pop-up-roof safari Land Cruiser, a professional English-speaking safari guide, accommodation and full-board meals as per itinerary, all national park entry fees, the boat safari and airport pickup and drop-off, with binoculars available on request and Amref Flying Doctors emergency evacuation insurance included. A complete list of inclusions appears further down this page. The safari departs all year round, and group sizes from 1 to 100 travellers can be arranged, making it as suitable for a solo photographer as for an extended family group.

Day	Destination	Travel	Key Sightings	Overnight	Meals
1	Nairobi National ParkNairobi Wildlife Experience – Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust & Giraffe Centre	Drive	African LionAfrican LeopardBlack Rhinoceros+9	—

Verified Guest Reviews

What our travellers say

From 4 guests who travelled the 8-Day Kenya Safari: Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara

5.0· 157 reviews

TripAdvisor5.0 Google4.9

Masai Mara Safari

We had an amazing safari experience from start to finish. Everything was perfectly organized, and the communication before and during the trip was excellent. Our guide was professional, knowledgeable, and passionate about wildlife, making every moment exciting and informative. We were lucky enough to see an incredible variety of animals, and the guide always made sure we had the best viewing opportunities while respecting nature. The vehicle was comfortable, the schedule was well planned, and we felt safe throughout the entire trip. This safari exceeded all of our expectations and created memories we will never forget. We highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kenya. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure!

Oktawia00

Gdynia, Pomerania Province, Northern Poland·July 2026

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8-Day Kenya Safari: Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara

B_SABO/July 2026

Fantastic Safari Experience in Kenya

My buddy and I has two incredible experiences in Maasai Mara and Amboseli with iMara Africa Safaris. We had two drivers/guides named Simon (one at each park) that did an amazing job showing us both parks. Their trucks and the accommodations were both spectacular and we even had WiFi inside the Land Cruiser on the second leg of our safari. Even though we booked this through one of their partners (see separate review), I would highly recommend booking your safari with iMara.

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raquel franco/June 2026

An Incredible Safari Adventure in Kenya Our safari through Kenya was everything we had hoped for and more. From the first inquiry to the final day of the trip, every detail was handled with care and professionalism. A huge thank you goes to our guide, Sammy who made this journey truly unforgettable. His expertise, enthusiasm, and deep understanding of the wildlife and local culture added so much value to every game drive. He always knew where to be at the right time, giving us countless opportunities to witness amazing animal encounters and breathtaking landscapes. Throughout the trip, Sammy was reliable, friendly, and incredibly attentive. Whether answering our questions, sharing fascinating insights, or ensuring we were comfortable, he consistently went above and beyond to make our experience special. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to enjoy the diverse beauty of the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Nakuru at a relaxed pace. We would wholeheartedly recommend Sammy and the entire team to anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and memorable safari experience. It was truly a trip we’ll never forget.

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ORDFamilyOf4/March 2026

Excellent safari partner in Kenya!

We reached out to several Kenyan tour operators directly but ultimately selected Imara Africa Safaris due to Wendy's responsiveness, flexibility and attention to detail. We leaned on her experience and input as we crafted what ended up being a 10-day trip across Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli. We were a little nervous at the nature of safari trips where upfront payments are made, but the Imara team delivered as planned, made accommodations for our 2 young girls (8 and 6) and assigned the best driver/guide in Eduard! The trip itself was fantastic. Eduard was timely, patient and informative. We were also amazed at how he navigated all of Kenya with no maps or GPS, and was very successful at identifying animals, sharing fun facts and making the trip very memorable. I would use Imara again in a heartbeat and have recommended them to a few friends since returning home.

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nanetteg99/August 2026

Unforgettable Honeymoon Safari

Highly recommend Imara Africa Safari! From the first enquiry we sent until the moment we returned home after our 2 weeks safari holiday, Imara team have been outstanding! Everything we asked for, Cate went above and beyond to make sure we get the best and arranged a private experience for just the two of us, within our budget! Jesse,our guide, was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, professional and he made sure we have the best safari views of all the animals. Even through the long drives, he created an enjoyable atmosphere. Our Honeymoon was most definitely one of the most special memories we made and we will definitely return to Kenya and Tanzania!

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sarahr987/August 2026

Brilliant!

An excellent experience, our guides Edward and Patrick were brilliant. We were a big group with different family subgroups within it which some of the resorts found confusing when organising our rooms. That was the only negative and not the fault of our guides! We were well looked after and had a really good time.

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Rimma Muchnik/August 2026

We had an amazing experience on the Maasai Mara + Lake Nakuru + Naivasha Mid-Range Safari with Imara Africa Safaris. Booking and communication were smooth, professional, and hassle-free from beginning to end. The itinerary was exceptionally well organized, giving us plenty of time to enjoy each destination without feeling rushed. Our guide, Simone, was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and always made sure we had the best wildlife-viewing opportunities. His experience and sharp eye helped us spot an incredible variety of animals and birds. During our safari, we saw lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, zebras, African buffalo, rhinoceroses, hippos, hyenas, thousands of wildebeest crossing during the spectacular Great Migration, gazelles, impalas, warthogs, baboons, monkeys, crocodiles, ostriches, majestic eagles, vultures, and many other colorful bird species. Witnessing the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara was truly breathtaking and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We also enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, which added a wonderful variety to the safari. The accommodations selected by Imara Africa Safaris were excellent. Every hotel and lodge was clean, comfortable, and welcoming, with great food and friendly staff, making it easy to relax after exciting days of game drives. This safari exceeded all of our expectations. From the excellent planning and comfortable accommodations to the incredible wildlife encounters and exceptional guiding, everything was first class. I highly recommend Imara Africa Safaris and the Maasai Mara + Lake Nakuru + Naivasha Mid-Range Safari to anyone looking for an unforgettable Kenyan safari adventure.

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B_SABO/July 2026