12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS
12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo
Explore the 12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo with a day-by-day safari plan, key wildlife experiences, destinations, accommodation ideas and travel logistics.
- Wildlife Safari Private Journey
- Private Safari 4x4 Vehicle
- Expert Guide English Speaking
- All Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 24/7 Support We're here to help
01 Overview
Safari Overview
- Duration 12 days / 11 nights
- Destination Masai Mara
- Starts / ends Nairobi
- Safari style Private 4×4 safari
- Accommodation Essential · Comfort · Premium · Signature
- Best for Wildlife viewing, photography
12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Safari Overview
The 12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Safari is an extensive Kenya wildlife journey combining three of the country's most celebrated safari regions in one carefully planned itinerary. The safari brings together the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve, the famous elephant country and Mount Kilimanjaro landscapes of Amboseli National Park, and the immense wilderness of the Tsavo ecosystem.
Designed for travelers who want considerably more than a short Kenya safari, this twelve-day journey allows time for repeated game drives, changing landscapes, photography, wildlife observation and relaxed evenings at safari lodges or tented camps.
The itinerary can be operated as a private Kenya safari, giving travelers their own safari vehicle and professional driver-guide throughout the overland portion of the journey. This makes it possible to adapt game-drive timing to wildlife sightings, photographic opportunities and the interests of the travelers. The route is particularly attractive to first-time visitors who want to experience several contrasting Kenyan ecosystems rather than concentrating exclusively on the Masai Mara.
Masai Mara provides classic open savannah and exceptional concentrations of predators and plains game. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds and spectacular views toward Mount Kilimanjaro when weather conditions are favorable. Tsavo introduces a much larger and wilder landscape characterized by volcanic terrain, red-earth plains, acacia woodland, rocky outcrops and important permanent water sources. Together, these destinations provide an excellent introduction to the scale and ecological diversity of a Kenya safari.
Safari at a Glance
- Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
- Destination: Kenya
- Safari style: Private wildlife safari
- Main destinations: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West and Tsavo East
- Primary activities: Game drives, wildlife viewing, photography and scenic touring
- Suitable for: Couples, families, friends, private groups and wildlife enthusiasts
- Starting point: Nairobi
- Ending point: Nairobi, with optional continuation to the Kenya coast
- Transport: Private safari vehicle with professional driver-guide
- Accommodation: Budget, mid-range, luxury or tailor-made combinations
Why Choose This 12-Day Kenya Safari?
A major advantage of this itinerary is the amount of ecological variation encountered during a single trip. Rather than spending twelve days within landscapes that look broadly similar, travelers move through dramatically different environments.
The Masai Mara is characterized by expansive grasslands, seasonal rivers and rolling plains. Amboseli presents dry open country, marshes fed by underground water from the Kilimanjaro ecosystem and dramatic mountain scenery. Tsavo West becomes increasingly rugged and volcanic, while Tsavo East opens into immense red-soil plains crossed by seasonal and permanent waterways.
This variety also creates opportunities to observe wildlife under different ecological conditions. Depending on season, location and luck, travelers may encounter:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- African elephants
- Cape buffaloes
- Black and white rhinos
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Hippos
- Crocodiles
- Spotted hyenas
- Jackals
- Warthogs
- Elands
- Hartebeests
- Impalas
- Gazelles
- Waterbucks
- Numerous smaller mammals
- An impressive variety of bird species
No wildlife sighting can be guaranteed, but spending several days across major conservation areas significantly broadens the range of potential encounters.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara
- Day 2: Masai Mara Safari
- Day 3: Another Full Day in Masai Mara
- Day 4: Masai Mara to Nairobi
- Day 5: Nairobi to Amboseli
- Day 6: Amboseli National Park Safari
- Day 7: Amboseli to Tsavo West
- Day 8: Tsavo West Safari
- Day 9: Tsavo West to Tsavo East
- Day 10: Tsavo East Safari
- Day 11: Tsavo East, extended Wildlife Exploration
- Day 12: Tsavo East to Nairobi, end of Safari
02 Itinerary
12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo: Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Drive time
- Road transfer as outlined in the itinerary
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Your 12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Safari begins in Nairobi, where you meet your professional safari driver-guide. Following a short safari briefing, leave the city and travel toward the Great Rift Valley. The journey introduces you to Kenya's changing geography as the urban environment gradually gives way to agricultural highlands, escarpment scenery and increasingly open countryside.
Where time and road conditions permit, a brief stop can be made at a Great Rift Valley viewpoint before continuing toward Narok and eventually the Masai Mara ecosystem. The landscape changes noticeably as you approach the reserve. Agricultural areas become increasingly interspersed with open rangelands, traditional livestock herding areas and expansive savannah.
Arrive at your selected lodge or tented camp for check-in and lunch or a late lunch, depending on arrival time. If sufficient daylight remains, proceed for your first game drive in the Masai Mara. Even a short introductory drive can produce rewarding wildlife sightings. Zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, antelopes and buffaloes may be encountered, while predators are always a possibility. Return to your accommodation as evening settles over the Mara.
- Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
- Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Where you stay
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Essential (Budget)
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Comfort (Mid-range)
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Premium (Luxury)
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Signature (High-end)
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Day 2: Full-Day Masai Mara Safari - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, begin a full day exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations and forms the northern continuation of Tanzania's Serengeti ecosystem. Its combination of open grassland, riverine forest, seasonal streams and rolling hills supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife.
Your driver-guide will select game-drive areas according to recent sightings, seasonal wildlife movements and road conditions. Morning is particularly rewarding because temperatures are cooler and predators may still be active. Look for lion prides resting near hunting areas, cheetahs scanning the plains from elevated positions and, with considerable luck, elusive leopards around riverine woodland.
Large herbivores are equally important to the Mara experience. You may encounter elephants crossing the plains, buffalo herds, Maasai giraffes browsing acacia trees and large concentrations of zebras, wildebeest, topis, impalas and gazelles. During the Great Migration season, parts of the wider Mara ecosystem can host enormous numbers of migratory wildebeest and zebras, although herd locations cannot be guaranteed.
A picnic lunch can be enjoyed at an appropriate location inside the reserve, allowing you to maximize wildlife-viewing time. Continue exploring during the afternoon before returning to your lodge or camp.
- Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Where you stay
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Day 3: Another Full Day in Masai Mara - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A second full day provides the opportunity to explore areas that may not have been covered the previous day. Wildlife viewing is unpredictable, and this is precisely why multiple days in the Masai Mara are valuable. A location that appeared quiet yesterday may produce exceptional predator activity today. Your guide may focus on river systems, open plains, rocky areas or sections known for particular wildlife.
If your safari coincides with the migration period, additional time may be devoted to searching for large wildebeest herds and activity near crossing points. River crossings themselves cannot be scheduled or guaranteed because they depend entirely on animal movements. Outside migration months, the Mara remains an outstanding year-round safari destination because of its substantial resident wildlife population.
An optional hot-air balloon safari can also be arranged at additional cost, subject to weather and availability. Ballooning normally begins around sunrise and offers a completely different perspective over the savannah before concluding with breakfast in the bush. Travelers interested in local culture may alternatively request an optional visit to a Maasai community, subject to arrangements and additional charges where applicable.
Return to your camp or lodge for your final evening in the Masai Mara.
- Accommodation: Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Where you stay
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Day 4: Masai Mara to Nairobi - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast followed by departure from the Masai Mara. Depending on your accommodation location, park regulations and departure time, there may be an opportunity for additional wildlife viewing while leaving the reserve. Travel back through Narok and the Great Rift Valley toward Nairobi.
This transitional day deliberately breaks the long journey between western Kenya and Amboseli, making the overall itinerary more comfortable. Arrive in Nairobi during the afternoon and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing, and travelers who want additional activities may request optional Nairobi experiences depending on arrival time.
- Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
- Meal Plan: Breakfast
Where you stay
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Day 5: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, leave Nairobi and travel south toward Amboseli National Park. The journey gradually approaches the Kenya-Tanzania border region and the greater Kilimanjaro ecosystem. Amboseli is relatively compact compared with Tsavo, but it offers some of Kenya's most recognizable safari landscapes.
The park is especially famous for its elephants. Generations of elephants have been studied within this ecosystem, and visitors frequently encounter family groups moving between dry plains, woodland and permanent marshes. Arrive at your lodge or camp for lunch before beginning an afternoon game drive.
During clear conditions, Mount Kilimanjaro creates a spectacular backdrop, although visibility depends on weather and cloud cover. At 5,895 meters, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain. Although its summit lies across the border in Tanzania, some of the most famous views of the mountain are seen from the Kenyan side around Amboseli. Continue your game drive until evening before returning to your accommodation.
- Accommodation: Amboseli lodge or tented camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Where you stay
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Day 6: Full-Day Amboseli National Park Safari - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is dedicated to exploring Amboseli in greater depth. Early morning can provide particularly attractive conditions for photography. Kilimanjaro is often clearest before clouds build around the mountain later in the day. Begin your game drive after breakfast or request an early departure depending on lodge arrangements.
Amboseli's permanent marshes act as wildlife magnets. Elephants frequently feed in and around these wetlands, while buffaloes, hippos, waterbirds and various antelope species also benefit from the permanent water. The contrast between wetlands and surrounding dry plains makes Amboseli ecologically fascinating.
Predators including lions, hyenas, cheetahs and jackals may also be encountered, and birdlife is abundant, particularly around wetlands. Depending on current park access, your guide may incorporate different habitats and viewpoints throughout the day.
Return to the lodge for lunch between game drives or carry a picnic lunch if a longer continuous safari is preferred. Spend your second evening enjoying the atmosphere of the Amboseli ecosystem.
- Accommodation: Amboseli lodge or tented camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Where you stay
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Day 7: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, leave Amboseli and travel toward Tsavo West National Park. The transition between the two parks demonstrates another dramatic change in Kenya's landscapes.
Tsavo is one of the country's great wilderness regions. Together, Tsavo East and Tsavo West form an enormous protected ecosystem covering thousands of square kilometers. Tsavo West is particularly scenic, with volcanic hills, lava flows, woodland, rocky landscapes and natural springs. Enter the park and continue toward your accommodation, with wildlife viewing possible along the way.
After lunch and some time to rest, head out for an afternoon game drive. Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes and predators inhabit the park, although wildlife may be more dispersed than in the open plains of the Mara. The landscape itself is an important part of the Tsavo experience. Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Tsavo West lodge or camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Where you stay
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Day 8: Full-Day Tsavo West Safari - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring Tsavo West. One of the best-known attractions in the park is Mzima Springs, where underground water originating from the Chyulu Hills emerges into a series of clear pools. The springs support hippos, crocodiles, fish, monkeys and diverse birdlife. Depending on current access conditions, your safari may include a visit to this fascinating area.
Continue exploring Tsavo West's volcanic landscapes. The park contains evidence of relatively recent geological activity, including extensive lava flows. Wildlife viewing continues throughout the day.
Tsavo's elephants are especially famous for their reddish appearance. The color comes from the animals dusting themselves with the region's iron-rich red soil. Your guide will search suitable habitats for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators. Return to your accommodation in the evening.
- Accommodation: Tsavo West lodge or camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Where you stay
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Day 9: Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, leave Tsavo West and continue into Tsavo East National Park. Although both parks belong to the greater Tsavo ecosystem, their landscapes are noticeably different. Tsavo East generally feels more open and expansive, with broad plains, red-earth tracks, acacia vegetation and long views across the wilderness. The park is particularly famous for large elephant herds.
Game viewing begins as you travel toward your accommodation. After lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive. Depending on the route and current wildlife activity, your guide may explore areas around permanent water sources and river systems where animals frequently concentrate.
Watch for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lesser kudus, waterbucks, impalas and numerous birds. Return to the lodge or camp for dinner.
- Accommodation: Tsavo East lodge or camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Where you stay
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Day 10: Full-Day Tsavo East Safari - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A complete day is reserved for wildlife exploration in Tsavo East. The additional time is important because the park is enormous. Unlike smaller reserves where wildlife may concentrate within limited areas, Tsavo rewards patient exploration. Your driver-guide uses local knowledge, recent sightings and environmental conditions to determine productive game-drive routes.
One of the park's important features is the Galana River, which supports riverine vegetation and attracts wildlife in an otherwise relatively dry environment. Elephants may gather around water, while crocodiles and hippos occupy suitable sections of the river.
Predator sightings are possible throughout the park. Tsavo has an important place in Kenya's lion history, famously associated with the so-called man-eaters of Tsavo during construction of the Uganda Railway in the late nineteenth century. Modern visitors are more likely to encounter lions resting beneath shrubs or moving through the open plains. Enjoy another evening surrounded by one of Kenya's largest wilderness landscapes.
- Accommodation: Tsavo East lodge or camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Where you stay
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Day 11: Tsavo East – Extended Wildlife Exploration - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today provides another opportunity to explore sections of Tsavo East that you may not have visited previously. Having two full days in the park significantly improves the quality of the experience. Instead of rushing through Tsavo as a transit destination, you have time to observe animal behavior and wait at promising wildlife areas.
The morning game drive may concentrate around waterholes and river systems before temperatures rise. Return for lunch and relaxation during the hottest part of the day. Later, head back into the park for your final major game drive. This is an excellent opportunity to search for species you may not yet have photographed and to spend more time with elephant herds.
As sunset approaches, the red soil, dry grassland and enormous African sky create beautiful photographic conditions. Return to your lodge or camp for your final safari dinner.
- Accommodation: Tsavo East lodge or camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Where you stay
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Day 12: Tsavo East to Nairobi – End of Safari - Main destination
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Drive time
- Return transfer as outlined in the itinerary
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy breakfast before beginning the return journey to Nairobi. Depending on your lodge's location, there may be wildlife viewing as you travel toward the park exit. Continue along the Nairobi-Mombasa corridor toward the capital. Arrival time depends on traffic, road conditions and the location of your accommodation in Tsavo East.
Upon reaching Nairobi, you can be transferred to your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport according to your onward arrangements. Travelers continuing to the Kenya coast can request an alternative ending, including transfers toward Mombasa, Diani Beach, Watamu or another coastal destination. Your 12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Safari concludes after an extensive journey through several of Kenya's most important wildlife ecosystems.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is often the centerpiece of a Kenya safari. It belongs to the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and is famous for both resident wildlife and the seasonal Great Migration. Visitors commonly associate the reserve with lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and immense herds of grazing animals.
The Mara's open terrain also makes wildlife observation comparatively easy. Predators can sometimes be watched across considerable distances, while open grassland provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. During migration months, wildebeest and zebras entering the ecosystem create one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife spectacles, although timing and river crossings are never guaranteed.
However, travelers should not assume that the Mara is worthwhile only during migration season. Resident wildlife makes the reserve a strong safari destination throughout the year.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli offers a completely different safari atmosphere. Its elephants and Kilimanjaro views have made it one of the most photographed parks in East Africa. The mountain can dominate the southern horizon when conditions are clear. Meanwhile, underground water originating from the Kilimanjaro ecosystem feeds permanent wetlands within the park.
These marshes allow wildlife to survive even when the surrounding plains become extremely dry. Amboseli is particularly suitable for travelers interested in elephants because sightings of family groups can be frequent and relatively close.
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West adds rugged scenery and geological diversity. Its landscape includes volcanic formations, rocky hills, bushland and natural springs. The park tends to feel less crowded than some of Kenya's smaller reserves, which creates a strong sense of wilderness.
Mzima Springs is among the best-known attractions, while the park's varied habitats support elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, predators and abundant birdlife.
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East is vast, open and distinctly wild. Its red soil is responsible for the characteristic appearance of its elephants, which regularly coat themselves in dust. The enormous scale of the park is part of its appeal.
Travelers can drive through landscapes where human development is barely visible and where wildlife remains spread across a huge ecosystem. The Galana River and other water sources provide particularly important wildlife-viewing areas.
Where you stay
03 Rates
Safari rates 2027-2029
Indicative per person. Season, group size and lodge style change the total — your quotation confirms current rates.
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Essential (Budget)
Essential (Budget)
Budget camps and lodges suit travelers who prioritize wildlife while keeping costs lower.
Great value camps
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Comfort (Mid-range)
Comfort (Mid-range)
Mid-range tented camps and lodges balance comfort and price with private rooms or tents and en-suite facilities.
Quoted for your dates
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Premium (Luxury)
Premium (Luxury)
Luxury camps and lodges focus on location, service and more intimate wildlife experiences.
Premium camps and lodges
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Signature (High-end)
Signature (High-end)
Signature camps and lodges are the most exclusive stays — small, highly private properties with exceptional guiding and setting.
Exclusive signature stays
04 Activities
Safari activities
Game viewing is the core of this itinerary. Optional extras are quoted separately and depend on season, permits and availability. Individual species and river crossings are never guaranteed.
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Included
Game drives
Scheduled wildlife drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
View activity -
Included
Wildlife photography
Time in the field for landscape and wildlife photography. Sightings are never guaranteed.
View activity -
Optional
Optional extras
Balloon flights, cultural visits and other extras can be added when available and are quoted separately.
Additional information
Plan This Safari
Best Time for the 12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Safari
This safari can be operated throughout much of the year. The dry seasons are generally popular because vegetation tends to be less dense and wildlife frequently concentrates around permanent water. Broadly, drier conditions often occur from approximately June to October and again during parts of January and February, although weather patterns vary.
The wetter periods can also be rewarding. Landscapes become greener, birdlife can be excellent and some destinations receive fewer visitors. Rain rarely means that every day is continuously wet. Tropical rainfall often occurs in localized or relatively short periods, although heavy rains can affect road conditions.
Travelers specifically interested in the Great Wildebeest Migration should discuss expected seasonal movements before confirming dates. Migration timing varies annually according to rainfall and grazing conditions, so no specific crossing or herd location can ever be guaranteed.
Safari Accommodation Options
The itinerary can be designed around several accommodation levels.
Budget Safari
Budget arrangements emphasize value while maintaining convenient access to safari areas. Accommodation may include permanent camps, simple lodges or properties outside reserve boundaries.
Mid-Range Safari
Mid-range accommodation offers a comfortable balance between price, location and facilities. Travelers can generally expect private rooms or tents, en-suite bathrooms, restaurants and comfortable communal areas.
Luxury Safari
Luxury lodges and tented camps may provide exceptional locations, larger rooms, upgraded cuisine, swimming pools, highly personalized service and more exclusive surroundings.
Mixed Accommodation
Many travelers prefer combining categories. For example, you might choose luxury accommodation in the Masai Mara and comfortable mid-range lodges in Amboseli and Tsavo. A tailor-made quotation can reflect your preferred balance between comfort and overall safari budget.
Private Safari Vehicle
A private vehicle is especially valuable on a twelve-day safari. It gives you considerably more control over your schedule than a shared departure. If you encounter lions hunting, elephants interacting around a waterhole or a leopard resting in a tree, your guide can often remain at the sighting longer rather than following a fixed group timetable.
Private safaris are also particularly useful for:
- Families
- Couples
- Photographers
- Birdwatchers
- Senior travelers
- Honeymooners
- Travelers with specific wildlife interests
Vehicle type depends on the final safari arrangement and group size.
What Is Included?
A typical quotation may include:
- Private safari transportation
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
- Airport or Nairobi transfers specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation for 11 nights
- Meals specified in the itinerary
- Scheduled game drives
- Applicable park entry fees listed in the final quotation
- Bottled drinking water during safari drives
- Government taxes applicable to included services
The final booking quotation should always be used as the definitive statement of inclusions.
What Is Normally Excluded?
Unless specifically included in your quotation, exclusions may include:
- International flights
- Kenya visa or electronic travel authorization expenses
- Travel insurance
- Vaccinations and personal medical expenses
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional hot-air balloon safari
- Optional cultural visits
- Personal purchases
- Activities not specifically listed as included
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
How Much Does a 12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Safari Cost?
There is no single fixed price suitable for every traveler. The cost depends on several factors, including:
- Travel season: Peak-season accommodation and park demand can significantly influence prices.
- Number of travelers: Private vehicle and guide costs can be distributed among more travelers, often reducing the per-person price.
- Accommodation category: Budget camps, mid-range lodges and luxury properties produce substantially different overall safari prices.
- Room configuration: Single rooms normally attract supplements, while families may use triples, family units or interconnected rooms.
- Vehicle type: Safari transport arrangements influence the final quotation.
- Optional activities: Balloon safaris, private cultural experiences and other additions increase the total price.
For accurate pricing, request a quotation based on your actual travel dates, number of travelers and preferred accommodation level.
Can This Safari Be Customized?
Yes. The 12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Safari can be customized extensively. Possible modifications include:
- Adding Lake Nakuru National Park
- Adding Lake Naivasha
- Adding Samburu
- Adding Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Increasing nights in Masai Mara
- Reducing time in Tsavo
- Adding Diani Beach
- Adding Mombasa
- Adding Watamu
- Adding a hot-air balloon safari
- Adding Maasai cultural experiences
- Upgrading selected lodges
- Creating a honeymoon version
- Creating a family-friendly version
- Creating a photography-focused itinerary
- Arranging domestic flights for selected sectors
Travelers can therefore use this twelve-day itinerary as a strong starting framework rather than a rigid package.
Add a Kenya Beach Holiday
Tsavo's geographical position makes this safari particularly suitable for travelers who want to continue to the coast. Instead of returning to Nairobi on Day 12, the itinerary can be modified to continue toward Mombasa or Diani Beach.
Diani is particularly popular for post-safari relaxation because of its white-sand beaches and Indian Ocean setting. A safari-and-beach combination creates a natural contrast between active wildlife viewing and several days of relaxation.
Is This Safari Suitable for Families?
Yes. A private safari format works particularly well for families because daily schedules can be adjusted according to the ages and interests of children.
Families should nevertheless consider the amount of driving involved. Twelve days is a substantial safari, and younger children may benefit from shorter game drives, swimming-pool breaks and carefully selected accommodation. We can adjust the route and lodge selection accordingly.
Is This Safari Good for Photography?
The itinerary is particularly strong for photography because it combines several distinct landscapes. Potential photographic subjects include:
- Masai Mara predators
- Large elephant herds
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Amboseli wetlands
- Tsavo's red elephants
- African sunsets
- Savannah landscapes
- Birds
- Giraffes
- Buffaloes
- Wildebeest
- Zebra herds
Private vehicles can be especially useful for photographers because positioning and waiting time can be adapted to photographic priorities whenever park rules and conditions allow.
What to Pack
Recommended safari items include:
- Lightweight neutral-colored clothing
- Long trousers
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Warm fleece or light jacket
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera and spare batteries
- Memory cards
- Personal medication
- Small daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel documents
Morning game drives can be surprisingly cool, particularly in open vehicles or during certain seasons, so layered clothing is useful.
Book Your 12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Safari
The 12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Safari offers an exceptionally varied introduction to Kenya's wildlife. You begin among the predator-rich plains of the Masai Mara, continue to the elephant herds and Kilimanjaro scenery of Amboseli, and finish among the immense red-earth wilderness landscapes of Tsavo West and Tsavo East.
Rather than simply visiting several parks, the journey reveals how dramatically Kenya's landscapes and wildlife habitats change across the country. Tell us your:
- Intended travel dates
- Number of travelers
- Adults and children's ages
- Preferred accommodation level
- Approximate safari budget
- Wildlife interests
- Whether you want to finish in Nairobi or at the Kenya coast
We can then tailor the itinerary and prepare a detailed quotation for your 12 Days Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo Safari.
Planning Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 12 days enough for Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo?
Yes. Twelve days provides enough time to experience all three major ecosystems without reducing every destination to a single rushed overnight stop.
Will I see the Big Five?
The itinerary travels through excellent Big Five country, and sightings of lions, elephants, buffaloes and other major species are common. However, wildlife remains wild and no specific animal sighting can be guaranteed.
Can I see Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
Yes, when weather conditions are clear. Early morning often provides favorable visibility, but clouds can obscure the mountain at any time.
Can I see the Great Migration?
Potentially, if you travel when migratory herds are in the Masai Mara ecosystem. Exact timing and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Can this safari start from Mombasa?
Yes. The route can be reversed or redesigned for travelers arriving from the Kenya coast.
Can I finish in Diani instead of Nairobi?
Yes. Because Tsavo lies relatively close to the coast, finishing toward Diani or Mombasa can be an excellent option.
Is this a private safari?
It can be organized as a fully private safari with a dedicated vehicle and driver-guide.
Can accommodation be upgraded?
Yes. Budget, mid-range, luxury and mixed accommodation options can be arranged.
Are park fees included?
They can be included in your final package quotation. Always refer to the confirmed quotation for exact inclusions.
Can we add Lake Nakuru?
Yes. The itinerary can be modified to include Lake Nakuru, although another destination or an additional day may be required to maintain comfortable travel times.
05 Request Quote
Request Quote
Tell us your dates, group size, and preferred lodge style — we will send a tailored quote for this safari.
Want to extend your safari?
Add Amboseli, Diani Beach, Tanzania and Zanzibar, or gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda — we tailor the journey to your dates.