# 8-Day Kenya Safari: Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara > This 8-day private Kenya safari links Nairobi's wildlife highlights with Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara by road. It suits first-time visitors, families and photographers wanting one complete circuit: elephants beneath Kilimanjaro, rhinos at Nakuru, a Naivasha boat ride and Big Five game drives in the Mara. - **Type:** trip - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//safaris/8-day-kenya-safari-from-nairobi - **Last updated:** 2026-07-12 ## Key facts - **Duration Days:** 8 - **Price From U S D:** 2047 - **Trip Type:** Safari - **Budget Level:** mid-range - **Best Months:** All year round - **Countries:** Kenya - **Destinations:** Nairobi City, Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake naivasha, Nairobi National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park - **Highlights:** Big Five game viewing, Hot air balloon safari, Cultural village visit - **Inclusions:** All transfers by safari pop-up roof Land Cruiser, All listed activities, Meals as per itinerary, Accommodations as per itinerary, All national park entry fees, Professional English-speaking safari guide, Non-alcoholic beverages in safari vehicle, Government taxes and VAT, Drinking water throughout the safari, Airport pickup and drop-off, Wi-Fi in safari vehicle, Charging ports in vehicle, Fire extinguisher, RF radio communication system, First aid kit, Safari gift pack for every guest, Cooler box, 24/7 emergency contact support, Binoculars available on request, Amref Flying Doctors emergency evacuation insurance, Complimentary mineral water, Boat safari as per itinerary - **Exclusions:** International flights, Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.), Visa and travel documentation fees, Tips and gratuities (suggested $10+ per person per day), Activities or meals not specified in the itinerary, Optional hot air balloon safari, Extra activities not listed, Travel insurance, Additional accommodation nights, Premium brand drinks ## Details 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. ## Frequently asked questions ### 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. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.