Small Group Safari: Big Five & Kilimanjaro Views

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Embark on a thrilling 7-day Maasai Mara Safari and explore Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli. Witness the Big Five animals, spot rare endangered rhinos, enjoy a biking safari in Hells Gate National Park, and marvel at the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Guaranteed daily departures and luxury accommodations available.

Duration: 7 days

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Nairobi to Masai Mara

Maasai Mara National Reserve - At 8:00 AM, the operator will pick you up from your hotel or the airport to begin the journey to Mara, passing through the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, where you can enjoy a stunning view of the Rift Valley floor. Lunch will be at a Traveler’s Motel. After checking in, relax until the evening. At 4:00 PM, embark on a game viewing drive in the Mara Reserve until late. Return to the camp for dinner at Rhino Tourist Camp or Enkajiang Mara Camp.

Rift Valley Province - There will be a brief stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint on the way to Maasai Mara.

Originally named the ‘Great Rift Valley’ by British Explorer John Walter Gregory, the Rift Valley is a geographic stretch extending 6,000 km across the Middle East and Africa from Jordan to Mozambique. The valley showcases tremendous changes in topographic diversity with its scarps and volcanoes, lakes, ancient granitic hills, flat desert landscapes, and coral reefs and islets. The breathtaking view, as you approach from Nairobi, Kenya, is quite unbelievable. To illustrate just how expansive the rift is, the ground unexpectedly disappears from under you, extending thousands of kilometers in either direction. An excellent introduction to the Kenyan Rift Valley, the most amazing part of this experience is delving deeper to explore the Lake System of the Rift.

Full Day in Masai Mara.

Maasai Mara National Reserve - Spend the entire day exploring Mara in search of the Big Five. Enjoy picnic lunches in the Reserve as you traverse the Mara. On this day, travel all the way to the Mara River, the site of the great wildebeest migration and river crossing. Even if it’s not migration season, it’s still a sight to behold with many resident hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun. You’ll also see numerous grazing animals coming to quench their thirst.

Optional: In the evening, visit the Maasai village for a Maasai cultural tour at USD 20. Learn about the Maasai community and interact with the local Maasai people.

An optional balloon safari at USD 420 per person can be organized early morning on this day, then proceed with the normal program. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place: the great migration.

Mara River - This is the site where the migration of the animals occurs, where large herds of wildebeest cross the Mara River.

Depart Maasai Mara to Nakuru

Lake Nakuru - Enjoy an early breakfast, then commence the drive to Nakuru. Check in at the resort in the late afternoon, where you can swim, relax, or use the Wi-Fi. Dinner will be at Lanet Matfam Resort Hotel.

Nakuru to Naivasha

Lake Nakuru National Park - Have an early breakfast and depart by 7:00 AM straight to the park. It’s a small park with magnificent, rare white rhinos, which are part of the Big Five animals. There is also a chance to see the pink flamingos. The game drive lasts 3 hours, after which you depart on a 1-hour drive to Naivasha to arrive in time for lunch at the hotel.

You will be dropped at Astorian Grand Hotel or Chambai Hotel for an overnight stay.

Lake Naivasha - After lunch, enjoy a one-hour boat ride on Lake Naivasha for bird watching and hippo viewing.

Naivasha through Hell’s Gate then to Amboseli

Hell’s Gate National Park - Pick up from the hotel, and head to Hell’s Gate for a biking safari. Bikes will be provided. It’s not a race, and you will go slowly with a bike guide as you take photos and selfies with the animals. If you are too tired, you will be driven in the park by car.

This is the only place in Kenya where you can have a biking safari in the park. You also have the option of using the car. While here, you will see the Pride Rock, which inspired the theme of the Lion King movie.

Amboseli National Park - Pick up from the hotel in the morning and drive to Amboseli National Park, famous for its scenery with a backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, which dominates the landscape and open plains. Check in at AA Lodge Amboseli, have lunch, and take a short rest.

A game drive might not be possible this day due to late arrival, so the game drive will be early the next day. Amboseli is renowned for its popular residents like the well-known predators and their opponents like the zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and hippo, with a view of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

No game drive due to late arrival.

Later, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at AA Lodge Amboseli.

Amboseli Full Day

Amboseli National Park - After breakfast, spend the full day in the park with packed lunch in search of its popular residents like the well-known predators and their opponents like the zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and hippo, with a view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. If you finish early, return to the lodge to relax and have a swim.

Later, return to AA Lodge Amboseli for dinner and an overnight stay.

Amboseli Eco-system - This is the general Amboseli area.

Observation Hill - Watch elephants bathe in a swamp from the summit of Observation Hill, a pyramid-shaped volcanic hill rising over the predominantly flat Amboseli National Park. Admire a view of the plains and swamps against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. One of the best places to see elephants, the observation point attracts many tourists, both local and international. In addition to large mammals gathering here to drink, you can also see flocks of pink flamingos. Bring binoculars and a powerful lens for good pictures.

Amboseli - Nairobi

Amboseli Eco-system - If the weather permits, the driver will show you Mount Kilimanjaro - the early morning view of Mount Kilimanjaro from your location. Proceed to the park for a short game drive strictly from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, then return to the hotel for breakfast and check out as you start the drive to Nairobi. Lunch will be served on the way at a Traveler’s Motel, or lunch boxes will be provided.

Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport.

This marks the end of the tour.

Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport.

This marks the end of the tour.

Kimana - Now proceed to Nairobi.

What's Included

6 Nights accommodation
Complimentary Airport transfer
Bottled water
Boat ride in Lake Naivasha
Entrance fees to all parks
Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast
Transport by customized vehicle with a pop roof for easy game viewing and Photography
Pickup and drop off to your hotel or residency within Nairobi CBD

What's Not Included

Tips
Drinks e.g Alcohol
Balloon safari 420 USD per person

Additional Information

This is an intimate safari experience, accommodating a maximum of 8 participants. A friendly, professional, and experienced guide will lead the tour. Enjoy a complimentary first-night stay in Nairobi at the city boutique hotel, Raha Suites, upon arrival. We provide free airport transfers both at the start and end of the tour.
During this safari, there…

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.7

(49 Ratings)

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Yvonneoliver168

Sep 9, 2025

Professional services! - I’ve been communicating with Clara 8 months before my trip. She’s very efficient, clear, professional, patient and helpful to assist me to complete my bucket list! 🥰 All the drivers/guides are great too! 👍 Strongly recommend their services!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Thomasso9197uq

Sep 7, 2025

General opinion safari - We went on a 7-day safari with Perfect Safari. We are very satisfied with this safari which met our expectations. Each reserve / park is different and so we enjoyed doing the 4 (Maasai Mara reserve, Nakuru park, Hell’s Gate park, Amboseli park) as well as Lake Naivasha. We really liked Nakuru National Park with its large vegetation and the number of animals (especially the white and black rhinos we saw only in this park). We would have liked to spend a whole day there! From an ethical point of view, we enjoyed the national parks more than the Maasai Mara reserve. Indeed, in the first, the rules are stricter and respect for animal welfare more closely followed (we are few vehicles, at a good distance from the animals, engine off if we stay long...). In the Maasai Mara reserve, the conflict over its management is felt: very many vehicles for the observation of the animals, sometimes even up to 40, which are very (too) close to the animals. Drivers unfortunately have to deal with the wishes of tourists, some of whom do not care about the consequences on animals and their health. A safari is very rich but it is also exhausting because we get up early and travel a lot. Also, the formula we chose pleased us perfectly because there were moments of break that allowed us to recharge the batteries. Concerning accommodation We slept very well in each accommodation we stayed in. If some are less comfortable than others all suited us and we expected it because we chose the economic formula. Concerning guides During our stay we had 4 different guides. Indeed, we have changed at every step of our journey as a guide and travel partners. Concerning practical aspects. As for drinks, we had water available in the vehicle every day. Drinks, including water, were paid for at all the “gas stations” where we stopped on the road for lunch. Drinks in hotels/camps/lodges were sometimes included for a fee. When it comes to food, meals are always in the form of Self-Service with several choices (often the same). As for cars, we had Landcruisers, very well equipped and comfortable. You can observe very well in any place thanks to the wide windows that open and the sunroof. As for the organization, the guides will explain the detailed program and the organization. Everything went well even though the organization was more complicated for the last park in Amboseli because people from another agency were with us but did not have the same accommodation as us, staggering the hours of entry to the park. We hope this detailed review will help future travellers. We highly recommend this safari!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Douglas_a

Aug 22, 2025

Remarkable Game Viewing - This is a fabulous way to see all the big five, and the other four, except leopard. Both Masaai Mara and Amboseli NP are fabulous so skip the rest if you are short on time. The others do enhance the experience. Who your driver is affects enjoyability. We had Charo who was outstanding.

Review provided by Viator

Cruiser61077582311

Aug 9, 2025

A life time experience. - Very well organised safari tour spotted all the big 5 and the ugly 5. Special mention for our guide and driver Mr.Ronald who was extremely patient and answered all our questions. He took the time to make sure we spotted all the animals. He also ensured that we reached the safari places safely and securely. Overall a wonderful trip that we will remember for a lifetime.

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Kruthikai2025

Aug 9, 2025

Ronaldo is the best - Visiting Kenya was a lifelong dream, and Ronaldo Mungoma, our guide and driver from The Perfect Safaris, turned it into an unforgettable reality. From the moment we started our journey, his warm hospitality, calm nature, and genuine passion for wildlife made every moment special. Thanks to his sharp eyes and deep knowledge of the parks, we were able to witness all of the Big Five—along with countless other animals and exotic birds—across Kenya’s most iconic national parks. His punctuality ensured we never missed a sighting, and his storytelling brought the wilderness to life, making each game drive feel like an adventure straight out of a documentary. Ronaldo didn’t just drive us through Kenya—he guided us into its very heart. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who dreams of experiencing the magic of an African safari. With him, you don’t just see the wildlife—you feel the soul of the savannah.

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Sunshine40216289022

Aug 9, 2025

Best wildlife safari must have the best guide. - This was my dream destination and Ronaldo Mungoma guide/ driver from the perfect safaris fulfilled my dream with his hospitality and calmness in showing us all the big 5’s and all the other animals and birds in all the major national parks in Kenya. He was punctual and very informative in detailing all the information needed during our trip. I would surely recommend Ronaldo to any of my friends who wants to do the safari in future. We totally enjoyed the safari and Ronaldo made it even more special. Thanks

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Vacation45759958351

Aug 9, 2025

Awesome experience! - The trip was awesome! Our driver Ronald is very friendly, helpful, and has excellent driving skills to go through different landscape. He brought us seeing the big five and other animals with interesting moments! He was patient in waiting when we took pictures. The trip was not too tiring with the arrangement of trip. Personally love the boat ride the most and Amboseli with various ecosystems. Accomodation is satisfying even with budget option. All have hot water supply, despite one having power cut issue due to an accident. Customer service online was very patient in answering my questions too! Overall an amazing trip!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Veronica_l

Aug 6, 2025

We went with perfect... - We went with perfect safaris and was placed with Castro. He was great at his job and was able to track down a lot of animals- ie we were the first to see many of the animals before other tour trucks came to the scene. This includes spotted hyenas, groups of rhinos, and 7 lioness crossing the road as well as numerous elephant families. He is good at anticipating when certain animals will arrive at the scene and then putting us in front of the action. We went during the great migration and saw a lot of wildlife, elephants and wilderbeasts. Out of the big 5 we saw 4 and on the side a cheetah and a Savana cat- which Castro and one other jeep was able to spot. We also saw all of the ugly 5. Attention to detail was present. Our tour guide made sure we got to see the sunset (when available) and also tried to do his best so we can see that Mountain from ambroseli park even though for most of the day it was overcast. He also anticipated ahead of time it will be overcast so had asked us to take a picture of the mountain so we don't miss anything. He also has binoculars for on the car that's about 12x magnification. He also diligently listened in on to radio communications for the shared knowledge of where to drive to hone into other tour guides animal finds. Overall our tour guide is diligent, knowledgeable, and experienced. He also made sure we had enough water and would periodically visit a clean bathroom. We were lucky to use perfect safaris. I realized along the way how rare it was to be placed with one tour guide the entire time. Some of the people kept getting switched in and out, and some of them had been switched around 3-4 times already and each time they will wait around like 4 hours for their guide. We had Castro for 7 days. And the lounging was adequate and most of the times it was quiet enough for adequate sleep. The food balance was excellent with ample beans, greens as well as protein selection and was buffet style. There was also fruit. My family ate some of that exposed fruit and did not suffer from gastroenteritis. This was an amazing experience and I would say half of the success mainly comes from who the tour operator is as well as who you get as a guide. Note that you are in the wild so yes there may be issues with getting hot water and dusty roads, you may have to request for hot water because in some cases it will not be automatically turned on, but that’s to be expected because of the remote location. Some recommendations—don’t forget to bring deet ( bug) spray, the beds had mosquito coverings but it’s important to prevent bug bites where you can, they are especially active at dusk and dawn. Also don’t forget that biking is optional at hells gate. If you don’t water to eat lots of dusk from cars and don’t want to bike on a bumpy road you can just get everyone to take the car. There’s a second part in that park that consists of climbing down into a gorge, which is actually kind of difficult to climb at parts without assistance—- I’m talking about paths without railings and also a large gap that requires almost like a leap of faith, and to have bikes prior to engaging in this activity would have made the second part unpleasant. Other major tip—- at one of the lakes—- I think it was navisha there’s an option to go to crescent lake for 50-70 a person. It wasn’t on the itinerary but a nice couple asked for that in addition to the boat ride. It’s a good experience and I highly recommend anyone thinking about this tour to maybe also try that crescent island. It was a walking safari and based on what that couple said, the most famous walking safari in the world. We got up close to a lot of animals including a baby giraffe that was only one month old with its umbilical cord still hanging out. Also saw a tons of zebras ostriches different types of antelopes and even a baby hippo ( from a far) as well as numerous birds and some large rat species swimming in the lake.

Review provided by Viator

Jun 28, 2025

One of the best experiences on my world travels - What an incredible experience. The 7 days trip was perfect because each place was so different. Every place was just as enjoyable as the last and we are glad we got to visit all of them! The accommodation was exactly as described, quite basic in the Masai Mara, comfortable hotels in Lake Nakuru and Naivasha and a lovely lodge in Amboseli. We enjoyed all the food provided at these lodgings and the places we stopped en route. A special shout out to Calvin our driver for the first 5 days. He was an excellent guide with the warmest of smiles. He was always on time, communicative about plans and full of knowledge of the parks and animals. We managed to see 4 or the big 5 (we just missed the Leopard despite Calvin trying to get us there as quickly as possible!). Calvin also had to navigate us through some towns affected by the protests, which he did without incident. Calvin definitely added to our trip! We had to swap driver for the last 2 days, sadly he wasn’t up the Calvin’s standard but he did get us in some incredible positions to observe the elephant herds. Complimentary airport pickup was a welcome bonus and that was all very efficient. Communication via WhatsApp pre arrival was also great.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Jos_carlosn483

Aug 12, 2025

Amazing Wildlife, Fantastic Guides - The 7-day safari was full of unforgettable wildlife sightings—lions, elephants, rhinos, and more—in stunning landscapes. There were some logistical issues with schedule changes, hotel swaps, and conditions not quite as promised, but the fantastic guides and the chance to see so many animals made it all worthwhile.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

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From $1,332

up to 15 guests

1 - Adult