Three of Kenya's most iconic wildlife destinations. Six days. One itinerary that covers the Maasai Mara's predator-rich grasslands, Lake Nakuru's famous flamingo shores and rhino sanctuary, and Amboseli's elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro rising behind them. This is Kenya's classic safari circuit, done properly.

You begin in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya's most celebrated wildlife area and home to the world-famous Great Migration. Two full days of game drives give you time to find the resident lion prides, track cheetahs on the open plains, and position at the Mara River if the migration herds are crossing. The Mara rewards time. Two nights here means two morning drives and two afternoon drives, each different from the last.

From the Mara you drive north to Lake Nakuru, a soda lake in the Rift Valley that turns pink with flamingos in the right season and holds one of Kenya's most reliable concentrations of both black and white rhinos. An afternoon game drive in the entirely fenced reserve delivers efficient, high-quality sightings in a compact and beautiful landscape.

The journey ends at Amboseli National Park, known as the Land of Giants for its enormous free-ranging elephant herds. On clear mornings, which are most mornings in the dry season, Mount Kilimanjaro rises above the plains behind the elephants in one of the most photographed scenes in Africa. Two days in Amboseli give you an early morning drive for the best Kilimanjaro light, a full afternoon drive, and time to move at a pace that actually lets you watch animals rather than simply spot them.

The safari runs in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, full-board meals throughout, all park entry fees, and hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi. A Maasai village visit is available as an optional add-on at an additional cost, arranged through your guide during the Mara days.

This itinerary works year-round. July to October brings the Great Migration to the Mara. January and February are quieter, cooler, and excellent for elephant photography in Amboseli with clear Kilimanjaro views. June and October offer strong wildlife with fewer vehicles than peak season. Your guide will brief you on what to expect for your specific dates.