9 Days Big 5 Safari in Kenya (2026 Guide): Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo & Lake Nakuru Itinerary + Price
- BeyondForest
- Feb 11
- 6 min read
Image of Elephants roam a savanna with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
1.)What Is the Big 5 Safari
2.)9 Days Big Five Safari Itinerary Overview
4.)Day 3–4: Amboseli National Park
6.)Day 6: Lake Naivasha
7.)Day 7–8: Masai Mara National Reserve
8.)Day 9: Return to Nairobi
9.)How Much Does a 9-Day Big 5 Safari Cost in Kenya?
10.)What’s Included in This Kenya Big 5 Safari?
12.)Why This 9-Day Big 5 Safari Is Ideal for First-Time Visitors
A Big 5 safari combines guided game drives, luxury lodges, and unforgettable close-up encounters with Africa’s most celebrated wildlife.
A Big 5 Safari is a wildlife experience focused on spotting Africa’s most famous animals: the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and African buffalo. The term “Big Five” originally came from big-game hunting and referred to the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Today, the meaning has shifted to wildlife viewing and conservation. In Kenya, destinations like Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park offer excellent opportunities to see these iconic species in their natural habitats.
Your African Safari Story Starts Here
Imagine watching elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro…Tracking lions in the vast plains of Masai Mara National Reserve…And witnessing rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park.
This isn’t just a trip.It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
9 Days Big Five Safari Itinerary Overview
This 9-day Big Five safari takes you across Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations, starting in Nairobi and heading to Tsavo West National Park, then Amboseli National Park for elephant views beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey continues to Lake Nakuru National Park for rhinos, Lake Naivasha, and ends in the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, home to lions, leopards, buffalo, and seasonal wildebeest migration.
Day 1–2: Tsavo West National Park
Image of Elephants drink water at a muddy watering hole at Tsavo
Your safari begins with a scenic drive to Tsavo West National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes, lava flows, and red-dust elephants. Enjoy game drives searching for lions, buffalo, and leopards, then visit Mzima Springs to see hippos and crocodiles in crystal-clear waters. Evening relaxation at your lodge completes the experience.
Want To Learn More About Tsavo Learn Here >>>
Day 3–4: Amboseli National Park
Image of Amboseli National Park Kimana Gate entrance
Travel to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Morning and afternoon game drives offer chances to see lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and buffalo. The open plains and swamps provide excellent wildlife photography opportunities in stunning natural scenery.
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Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park
Image of A large flock of pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru
On Day 5, explore Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its thriving rhino sanctuary and scenic lake views. Enjoy game drives in search of white and black rhinos, lions, buffalo, and Rothschild’s giraffes. The park’s acacia woodlands and lakeshore areas also attract flamingos and diverse birdlife.
Want To Learn More About Lake Nakuru National Park Learn Here >>>
Day 6: Lake Naivasha
Image of a Hippo in Lake Naivasha near green plants l
Day 6 takes you to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley known for hippos and abundant birdlife. Enjoy an optional boat safari to see fish eagles and grazing wildlife along the shores. You may also visit Hell's Gate National Park for cycling or guided walking adventures.
Day 7–8: Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend two unforgettable days in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s premier wildlife destination. Enjoy extended game drives searching for lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The vast savannah offers incredible predator sightings and, seasonally, the Great Migration. Optional hot air balloon safaris provide breathtaking aerial views.
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Day 9: Return to Nairobi
After breakfast, enjoy a final scenic drive back to Nairobi, with optional souvenir stops along the way. Arrive in time for lunch or airport transfer. This marks the end of your unforgettable 9-day Big Five safari adventure across Kenya’s iconic wildlife destinations.
How Much Does a 9-Day Big 5 Safari Cost in Kenya?
Group Size | Price Per Person |
1 Traveller | $4,585 |
2 Traveller | $3,205 |
3–4 Travellers | $2,870 |
5–6 Travellers | $2,755 |
Prices exclude international flights, visa, insurance & tips.
What’s Included in This Kenya Big 5 Safari?
This 9-day Kenya Big Five safari includes a private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, and all national park entry fees. You’ll enjoy full-board accommodation in carefully selected lodges and tented camps across destinations like Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park. Daily game drives, bottled drinking water, and airport or hotel transfers in Nairobi are also included for a seamless safari experience.
Ready to Experience the Big Five in Kenya?
Don’t just read about the adventure — live it.Secure your 9-Day Big Five Safari today and witness lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo in their natural habitat.
✅ Custom dates available
✅ Flexible group pricing
✅ Expert safari guides
✅ Limited peak-season slots
Best Time to Do a Big 5 Safari in Kenya
The best time for a Big Five safari in Kenya is during the dry season from June to October. Wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around rivers and waterholes in parks like Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park. July to September is ideal for witnessing the Great Migration. January to February also offers excellent game viewing with clear skies and great photography conditions across Kenya’s major safari destinations.
Why This 9-Day Big 5 Safari Is Ideal for First-Time Visitors
This 9-day Big Five safari is perfect for first-time visitors because it combines Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations into one seamless journey. From the vast plains of Masai Mara National Reserve to the elephant-rich landscapes of Amboseli National Park, travelers experience diverse ecosystems, scenery, and wildlife in a single itinerary. It offers a high chance of spotting all Big Five animals while balancing adventure with comfort in quality lodges. The pace is well structured, allowing time for relaxation, photography, and guided exploration, making it stress-free and rewarding for newcomers to Africa.
Big 5 Safari Kenya – Frequently Asked Questions
The Big Five animals are the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. These animals were originally called the “Big Five” because they were considered the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Today, they are the most sought-after wildlife sightings on safari in Kenya.
Can you see all the Big Five in 9 days in Kenya?
Yes. A 9-day safari covering Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West, and Lake Nakuru gives you an excellent chance of spotting all Big Five animals. Lake Nakuru is especially known for rhinos, while Masai Mara offers strong chances for lions and leopards.
How much does a 9-day Big 5 safari in Kenya cost?
Prices typically start from $2,755 per person, depending on group size. Solo travelers pay more, while groups of 4–6 people enjoy lower rates. The cost usually includes accommodation, park fees, game drives, meals, and a professional safari guide.
What is included in the Big 5 safari package?
Most 9-day Big Five safari packages include 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, Certified English-speaking safari guide, National park entry fees, Full-board accommodation (luxury or mid-range lodges), Airport or hotel transfers, International flights, visas, travel insurance, and tips are usually not included.
When is the best time to go on a Big Five safari in Kenya?
The best time is during the dry season (June to October) when animals gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot. July to September is also ideal for witnessing the Great Migration in Masai Mara.
Is Kenya safe for a safari?
Yes. Kenya’s national parks and reserves are well protected and professionally managed. Licensed tour operators provide experienced guides, secure lodges, and well-maintained safari vehicles to ensure visitor safety.
Is this safari suitable for families or first-time visitors?
Absolutely. A 9-day Big Five safari is ideal for first-time visitors because it covers Kenya’s most iconic parks. Many lodges are family-friendly and offer spacious accommodations and guided activities.
Do I need special vaccinations to visit Kenya?
Travelers are generally advised to check with their doctor before traveling. Yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your country of origin. Malaria precautions are also recommended in some regions.
What type of accommodation is provided during the safari?
This itinerary includes a mix of luxury lodges and mid-range safari camps, such as Kibo Safari Lodge in Amboseli and Ashnil Camp in Masai Mara. All accommodations offer comfortable rooms, dining facilities, and scenic locations near wildlife areas.
How do I book the 9 Days Big 5 Safari in Kenya?
You can request a custom quote by selecting your travel dates and group size. It is recommended to book at least 2–4 months in advance, especially during peak migration season.
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