8 Day Best of Kenya Safari – Amboseli, Samburu & Maasai Mara

Experience the best of Kenya on an 8-day safari through Amboseli, Samburu and the Maasai Mara, with private conservancies, expert guides and flights.

This 8-day safari offers a rich and varied experience of Kenya’s wildlife, cultures, and landscapes—combining exclusive conservancies with some of the country’s most iconic national parks. Beginning in the remote Selenkay Conservancy, adjacent to Amboseli National Park, you’ll enjoy an off-the-beaten-path safari among elephants, big cats, and Maasai communities, far from the crowds. Continue north to the dramatic terrain of Samburu, home to the unique ‘Samburu Special Five’, including Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk. Then head south to the rolling plains of the Mara ecosystem, where you’ll stay within the award-winning Ol Kinyei Conservancy, a haven for lion, leopard, and cheetah.

With a mix of game drives, night safaris, guided bush walks, and cultural encounters, this carefully crafted itinerary is ideal for those seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection to Kenya’s wildlife and wilderness. You’ll stay in small, eco-friendly camps that blend comfort with a light footprint, and your visit directly supports local conservation and community initiatives.

Whether it’s spotting elephants against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro, encountering Samburu’s rare species, or watching the sun set over the Mara after a thrilling day of wildlife viewing, this journey promises a truly authentic and unforgettable Kenyan safari.

SUMMARY

HIGHLIGHTS

PRICES

SUMMARY

1 night at Nairobi Tented Camp (Half Board basis)
2 nights at Porini Amboseli Camp (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)
2 nights at Ashnil Samburu Camp (Full Board basis)
2 nights at Porini Mara Camp (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Three Distinct Ecosystems

Journey through the contrasting landscapes of Selenkay, Samburu, and the Mara — from Amboseli’s elephant plains to Samburu’s rugged hills and the predator-rich savannahs of Ol Kinyei Conservancy.

Exclusive Conservancy Experience

Stay in private conservancies where vehicle numbers are limited. Enjoy uncrowded game drives, off-road access, and meaningful encounters with wildlife in pristine, protected habitats.

Diverse Wildlife Sightings

Spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, and elusive leopards alongside Samburu’s rare species such as Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich.

Authentic Cultural Encounters

Walk with Maasai warriors and visit a traditional village in Selenkay Conservancy to learn about their culture, traditions, and deep-rooted connection to the land.

Night Drives & Balloon Safari Option

Enjoy guided night drives to spot nocturnal creatures like aardvarks and servals, and opt for a magical hot air balloon safari at sunrise in the Mara (advance booking required).

PRICES

Price Includes

Meet and greet on arrival and transfer for 1 night at Nairobi Tented Camp
2 nights at Porini Amboseli Camp with daily Selenkay Conservancy fees and one day Amboseli Park fee.
2 nights at Ashnil Samburu Camp with daily Samburu park fees.
2 nights at Porini Mara Camp with daily Ol Kinyei Conservancy fees.
One day Masai Mara Game Reserve entrance fee included from 1st July to 30th September ONLY
Porini camps are based on full board basis including soft drinks, Beer, House wine, Gin & tonic, Mineral water
Day & night shared game drives in 4×4 safari vehicle with qualified guide
Sundowners
Walks with Maasai warriors.
Emergency medical evacuation cover.
Wildlife Habitat Trust Payment.

Price Excludes

Private game drives/vehicles
Hot air ballooning
Maasai Mara National Reserve park fees
Tips & gratuities
Visa
International Flights
Travel Insurance
Any personal items or anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Safari Pricing Guide (PDF)

For more information, view the Safari Pricing Guide (PDF)
– a detailed breakdown of the safari rates, inclusions, and key details.

LENGTH

7 NIGHTS I 8 DAYS

PRICE GUIDE

Download

FROM

US$ 4,950

Itinerary in Detail

DAY BY DAY

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Tour Experiences

Porini Amboseli Camp Gamedrive - photo credit Axel Fassio

A tourist and an expert Maasai guide viewing wildlife up close at Selenkay Conservancy.

Porini Amboseli Camp - Family Tent - photo credit Tom Mees

Porini Amboseli Camp - Family Tent Interior - photo credit Tom Mees

Day 1

You will be picked up from Nairobi Airport or central Nairobi and transferred to Nairobi Tented Camp, an exceptional alternative to conventional hotel stays in the bustling city center. Nestled within the lush woodlands of Karen, ideally located for visits to Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre and other attractions.

Overnight at Nairobi Tented Camp (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Days 2 & 3

Start your day with an early breakfast before transferring by road to the Porini Amboseli Camp, with an exciting game drive en route. You will arrive in time for check-in and lunch.

During your stay, you have the opportunity for an escorted walk to a nearby Maasai village to gain valuable insights into the way of life of the communities residing outside the Selenkay Conservancy, enjoy game drives viewing the best of Selenkay Conservancy. Time is also spent in Amboseli National Park. Expect to see big cats, elephants, and a variety of species, including large populations of giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Additionally, you may encounter less common animals such as the long-necked gerenuk gazelle, lesser kudu, and African wildcat.

Sundowners at a scenic location with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro, with a thrilling night game drive before returning to camp for dinner.

Overnight at Porini Amboseli Camp.

Days 4 & 5

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Wilson Airport, where you will then connect to fly to Samburu, arriving by 1 pm for lunch at the Ashnil Samburu Camp, where you will stay for 2 nights, with game drives in Samburu National Park..

Overnight at Ashnil Samburu Camp.

Days 6 & 7

Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airstrip for the flight to Olseki Airstrip in the Masai Mara (during the off-season, flights will be via Nairobi). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Porini Mara Camp, in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, which will be your base for the next 2 nights.

Embark on thrilling game drives in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy and neighbouring Naboisho Conservancy at your leisure, or opt for a game drive in the renowned Masai Mara (extra park fee charges may apply). Should you choose the latter, a picnic lunch will be provided in the park before returning to camp in the late afternoon.stopping for sundowners at a scenic viewpoint.

Overnight at Porini Mara Camp

Note: From July 1 to September 30, a one-day fee to view the Migration in the Reserve is already included in your package.

*Optional Balloon Safari and Champagne Breakfast.

Day 8

Begin your day with an early morning game drive in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, returning to Porini Mara Camp for breakfast. You will transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to either the international airport or a Nairobi hotel.

(please note that hotel accommodation is not included but can be arranged for an additional fee).

You may choose to add extra nights at any of the Porini Camps. Alternatively, consider extending your stay by flying to the Kenya Coast or the Island of Zanzibar, where you can unwind on the pristine white beaches of the Indian Ocean.

Tour Experiences

Day 1

Overnight at Nairobi Tented Camp (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Days 2 & 3

Start your day with an early breakfast before transferring by road to the Porini Amboseli Camp, with an exciting game drive en route. You will arrive in time for check-in and lunch.

Sundowners at a scenic location with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro, with a thrilling night game drive before returning to camp for dinner.

Overnight at Porini Amboseli Camp.

Days 4 & 5

Overnight at Ashnil Samburu Camp.

Days 6 & 7

Overnight at Porini Mara Camp

Note: From July 1 to September 30, a one-day fee to view the Migration in the Reserve is already included in your package.

*Optional Balloon Safari and Champagne Breakfast.

Day 8

(please note that hotel accommodation is not included but can be arranged for an additional fee).

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What Our Clients Say About Us...

In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback from Gamewatchers Safaris Clients posted on Trip Advisor.

What Our Clients Say About Us...

In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback posted on Trip Advisor.

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   monicasteinolson 
 20 August 2026
 
 
 Verified An Unforgettable Maasai Mara Safari with Gamewatchers We had an absolutely incredible safari experience in the Maasai Mara with Gamewatchers. From beginning to end, the whole trip was beautifully organized, and the team made our time in Kenya truly unforgettable. A huge thank you to Wycliffe, Wayne, Sammy, James, Stanley, Joseph and Anthony. Everyone was warm, knowledgeable, professional and genuinely passionate about the Mara and its wildlife. The game viewing was spectacular. We saw so many cats — lions, cheetahs and leopards — and every drive seemed to bring another amazing encounter. One of the biggest highlights was witnessing the wildebeest crossing, an experience we will never forget. What really made the safari special, though, were the people. Their knowledge, patience and enthusiasm added so much to every sighting and every day. Thank you, Gamewatchers, for an extraordinary Maasai Mara adventure. We came hoping for a great safari and left with memories that will stay with us forever. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mandy M 
 13 August 2026
 
 
 Verified Seamless We had an absolutely seamless trip. Every single member of staff we met from Gamewatchers Safaris were superb. I would highly recommend using Gamewatchers to plan your trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dr V A 
 8 August 2026
 
 
 Verified Best family safari experience we’ve had From the very beginning, Gamewatchers exceeded our expectations. Rick McIntyre listened to exactly what I wanted for this trip with my children and built an itinerary that balanced adventure, wildlife, comfort, and authentic experiences. Every camp—Nairobi Tented Camp, Elewana Tortilis in Amboseli, Porini Rhino Camp, and Porini Mara Camp—was excellent in its own way. What impressed me most was the logistics. Transfers, flights, guides, luggage, arrivals, departures—everything was handled for us. I could completely let go, stop managing details, and simply enjoy Kenya with my kids. Even when plans changed unexpectedly, the team immediately found solutions and made sure we were taken care of. Every guide, driver, and staff member was warm, professional, and genuinely kind. My son said it best: “This is the best vacation we’ve ever had.” We travel a lot, so that says everything. I would absolutely recommend Gamewatchers and would travel with them again.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   FarAway42686665765 
 28 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Second trip as a great as the first! This is the second time we have used Gamewatchers on a visit to Kenya. Both times we were very pleased. Everyone who planned our trips were patient and kind and even changed our itinerary when asked. Both time we stayed at the Porini Camps as well as other hotels that were recommended by Gamewatchers The drivers we had on excursions were professional and always flexible. We had wonderful guides and drivers at the Porini Camps who are very knowledgeable and friendly. The food at the camp is delicious and the camp managers and staff did a great job of making sure we were comfortable. If we are lucky enough to return, we will be using Gamewatchers for our travel needs. I highly recommend them!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Linae D 
 27 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Amazing Safari experience with Gamewatchers Safaris It was an amazing experience that words just cannot justify. The staff was amazing at both Porini Rhino Camp and Porini Mara Camp. Our guides at Rhino Camp, Fred and Alfred, were excellent. So full of knowledge and information. The food was excellent as was the accommodations. I highly recommend using Gamewatchers to book a safari as they were excellent in all ways.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   David J 
 26 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Extremely professional company We have travelled with Gamewatchers and Porini Camps a number of times and the fact that we keep going back speaks for itself I think. Using one of their dedicated booking agents makes the whole process very easy as you are able to plan your safari and are not restricted to a set itinerary . This safari we stayed at Porini Amboseli and Porini Cheetah.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   familytraveler318 
 26 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience - Big 5 and wild dogs so much more!! Our 10 day trip with Gamewatchers was amazing! Our travel consultant, Rick, was super helpful and knowledgeable in planning our two safari camp experience (Porini Rhino and Porini Mara) followed by a few days at Diani Beach. The family tent worked out great for us. The staffs at both camps were friendly and very accommodating to dietary restrictions. We felt very special having Porini Mara camps to ourselves, with no other guests. Likewise, Porini Rhino had only one other family. What an absolute wonderful vacation! The guides (Alfred and Fred) at Porini Rhino were excellent. They were very knowledgeable about animals, flora and fauna and went above and beyond. We were very fortunate to see the wild dogs at Porini Rhino camp. We knew it was a special event to see the wild dogs when the guides pulled out their phones to take pictures! We would highly recommend GameWatchers Safaris! They took excellent care of us from our arrival flight to departure flight!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Evelyn H 
 26 July 2026
 
 
 Verified A wonderful safari in Tanzania We thoroughly enjoyed our safari at two Asanja camps in Tanzania…Asanja Moru and Asanja Grumeti. Our driver, Mubarak, was extremely knowledgeable and provided an exceptional experience. We were so fortunate to see everything except the Black Rhino. The staff at both camps looked after us very well with their great service. We particularly loved their singing and dancing. Esther is a great masseuse at Grumeti camp … I would highly recommend booking one when you are there. A safari with Gamewatchers is very well organised and runs so smoothly. Hopefully we can do another safari with them in the future.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Monica B 
 25 July 2026
 
 
 Verified fabulous safari company I can't say enough good things about our safari with Gamewatchers! The guides were experts on the wildlife. They knew where to find the animals and where their territories are. They spotted an owl you would never find on your own and a gazelle giving birth, not to mention cheetahs and a leopard with her cub, and lions sleeping and eating. They were very friendly and professional and accommodated all our requests, and helped us get the best photos. The staff in the camps were also excellent. They met every need and request - such as extra hot water bottles. The jeeps were open for the best viewing. While it was chilly in the early morning and evening, they had flannel lined ponchos in the jeeps. The afternoon drive usually left the camp around 4 pm, and they provided a "sundowner" stop with the drink of your choice and snacks to watch the sundown. The Cheetah camp doesn't do laundry because the water is too brackish, but in the Lion camp they hand washed whatever we gave them, apart from underthings, but there is laundry detergent in the room to do those yourself. The camps are in the conservancy and we had monkeys in the camp, zebras right in front and we had a close encounter with an elephant not far from our tent. The tents were large, and the beds and bedding very comfortable. While there isn't running hot water, you just notify them when you want a shower and they bring it in buckets. They also provide an early morning wake up call, and bring coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a couple of cookies, at your request, to your tent. The meals were communal and delicious. They also picked us up at the airport, and brought us to the hotel in Nairobi at the end. And for an extra fee, they took us to the Giraffe Center in Nairobi, to feed the giraffes, an amazing introduction!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Linda G 
 8 July 2026
 
 
 Verified Best ever From start to finish, Gamewatchers provides an incredible experience. The service and meals at the camps are wonderful and the guides are personable and very knowledgeable.

Talk to a Specialist

Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.

Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to Africa.

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North America & Canada

North America

UK & Europe

South America

Australia

India

Looking to unwind after your safari?

A stay at one of Kenya’s beach resorts is the ideal add-on to your wildlife safari.

Discover our recommended beach hotels and complete your journey with the perfect coastal escape.

FAQs — 8 Day Best Of Kenya Safari

The 8 day Best of Kenya Safari visits Selenkay Conservancy and Amboseli in southern Kenya, Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem, including Ol Kinyei Conservancy.

The Best of Kenya Safari is an 8 day, 7 night itinerary, including one night in Nairobi and two nights each in Selenkay, Samburu and the Maasai Mara.

Wildlife varies by region, but guests may see large herds of elephants in Amboseli, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk and reticulated giraffe in Samburu, and lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo and other plains game in the Maasai Mara ecosystem.

Yes. Selenkay Conservancy and Amboseli are renowned for spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, weather and cloud conditions permitting.

The safari combines road transfers and scheduled flights. Guests travel by safari vehicle within the conservancies and parks, with scheduled flights connecting Amboseli with Samburu and Samburu with the Maasai Mara, followed by a flight back to Nairobi at the end of the safari.

Activities include guided game drives, night game drives where available, guided walks, wildlife viewing and Maasai cultural experiences. An optional hot air balloon safari is also available in the Maasai Mara.

The itinerary combines three very different wildlife regions and includes time in private conservancies as well as national park areas. This allows guests to experience diverse landscapes, distinctive wildlife, more flexible safari activities and generally quieter game viewing away from the busiest areas.

Yes. The itinerary provides an excellent introduction to Kenya by combining three of the country's most rewarding wildlife regions, with expert guides, comfortable safari camps, varied activities and convenient flights between destinations.