Best seasonJanuary to March and June to October ( Dry season ) August to October for Wildebeest Migration June to October ( Peak/safari high season) November to December ( Green/safari low season)
AccommodationLodge, resort and camping
MealsB,L, D
Start / end pointNairobi- Masai Mara- Lake Nakuru- Lake Naivasha- Amboseli- Nairobi
Highlights of the Kenya Masai Mara Big 5 Safari- 7 Days
Experience Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife diversity
An unforgettable and enjoyable adventure for any nature and wildlife enthusiast with
knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations.
A well-liked destination for honeymooners and couples, the Masai Mara offers easy access to big cats and other animals, making it an excellent choice for a first-time safari.
Observe the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara, the birdlife in Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, and the breathtaking scenery in Amboseli.
An excellent option to get a flavor of Maasai culture.
A full-day excursion and picnic lunch.
Taking nighttime safaris in designated locations.
Sundowners at picturesque vantage locations.
Overview of Kenya Masai Mara Big 5 Safari- 7 Days
Kenya Masai Mara Big 5 Safari- 7 Days
The Masai Mara National Reserve is a protected wilderness region located near the Tanzanian border in southwest Kenya. The reserve features wide, rolling plains, isolated thorn trees, and far-off purple highlands. These are scenes straight out of Out of Africa, and the sunsets are among the most striking that you will witness. There are few trees since elephants have been tearing them down for centuries.
The Masai Mara safari would undoubtedly make the final cut if Africa had a Big Five for safari sites. It is a traditional safari destination, home to some of the best sights of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. It is also a part of the famous savannah land. That helped to define the East African safari experience many years ago. Along with a healthy mix of public and private nature reserves, Masai Mara is the home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). It's one of the best spots in Africa to witness cheetahs in addition to the big pride of lions. Watching a cheetah hunt is an exciting sight.
A plethora of wildlife and a moderate climate make the Mara an excellent place to go on safari all year round. The Great Wildebeest Migration, the world's most spectacular natural event, takes place in both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. August through October is the greatest time to witness the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara. The spectacular river crossings from the Serengeti into the Mara are most visible in August. It is when animals graze there until the November brief rains force them back into the Serengeti.
Big Five Animals of Africa
The main activity is game drives in the morning and afternoon. On the wheel, a qualified guide will point out and describe what you observe. Depending on where you travel, there may also be other activities available. In general, private reserves offer more activities than parks with public access. Night drives and nature walks, for instance, are not allowed in national parks). There are many entertaining activities and informative programs for children at family-friendly lodgings.
In high season (June to October), the Masai Mara can get very crowded, particularly at the river crossings, so if you want a front-row spot, you should make reservations up to a year in advance. To avoid the crowds during this time of year, it's also a good idea to stay in one of the Mara's private nature reserves. January through the end of March is the best time to visit the Masai Mara. Most safari visitors are not there. Furthermore, the weather is typically mild to moderate.
"The best months to go safari are June through October when the temperature drops a bit but is still pleasant and dry. There are two key reasons why this time is best for viewing wildlife."
First of all, there is less and drier vegetation, which essentially makes it simpler to spot animals—especially the big ones like buffalo, elephants, and rhinos. There is slightly less vegetation for even the more cunning leopard to conceal and blend in with. Second, as smaller ponds and streams dry up, there are fewer sources of water accessible. Due to their daily thirst, animals like buffalo and elephants are especially reliant on water. Larger mammals tend to assemble closer to the few surviving sources and are therefore simpler to locate because they cannot survive for a period without it.
Tiger Encounter in Bardia National Park trip itineraries are customisable; according to your choice & the number of days you want to stay. Simply, Contact Us
Itinerary of Kenya Masai Mara Big 5 Safari- 7 Days
AccommodationBest Safari Lodge
Transportation4WD Private Jeep
Maximum altitude1,480 to 2,280 meters (4,875 to 7,480 feet)
Trek duration5-6 hours drive
Trek distance229 km drive
MealsB,L,D
When you arrive in Nairobi in the morning, our tour guide driver will pick you up from the airport. Then drive to the Masai Mara. The five- to six-hour trip to the Mara Lodge will be enjoyable. You’ll go on an afternoon wildlife drive in the expansive plains of the Masai Mara after arriving and eating lunch. You’ll see the migration of wildebeests and possibly even spot the Big Five. After learning from your guide and taking in the breathtaking views, you’ll head back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
AccommodationBest Safari Lodge
Transportation4WD Private Jeep
Maximum altitude1,480 to 2,280 meters (4,875 to 7,480 feet)
Trek duration12 hours including lunch and waiting breaks
MealsB,L,D
After a leisurely breakfast, we will head out for a full day of game viewing in Masai Mara. We will be covering a variety of areas within the reserve to maximize the chances of seeing a wide variety of wildlife. Look out for predators, herds of wildebeest and zebras, graceful giraffes, and other fascinating animals. We will stop for a picnic lunch in a scenic area of the reserve, taking in the beauty of nature. Later in the afternoon, we will continue the game drive, covering new territory and marveling at the varied landscapes. For an additional fee, you can enjoy hot air balloon rides, trips to nearby villages, and horseback safaris. In the evening, you will head back to your lodge or campsite to relax and enjoy a satisfying dinner.
AccommodationBest Safari Lodge
Transportation4WD Private Jeep
Maximum altitude1,754 meters (5,755 feet)
Trek duration4-5 hours drive
Trek distance192 km drive
Following breakfast, you will depart from Masai Mara lodging and start the about five to six-hour drive to Lake Nakuru. The breathtaking scenery as we go across the Rift Valley will delight all of us. We will will settle into our accommodation, enjoy lunch, and unwind after arriving at Lake Nakuru National Park. We will go on a game drive in the park in the afternoon. Aside from seeing the variety of birds, which includes flamingos and pelicans, we should also look out for buffalo, giraffes, rhinos, and other wildlife. Admire the magnificent vistas of Lake Nakuru and its environs. We will spend the night and dinner back at our lodge.
AccommodationBest Safari Lodge
Transportation4WD Private Jeep
Maximum altitude1,884 meters (6,181 feet)
Trek duration4-5 hours including lunch and wildlife waiting breaks
Trek distance80 km game drive
MealsB,L,D
Following breakfast, we will depart from your Lake Nakuru and travel the 1 to 2-hour distance to Lake Naivasha. You will settle in and check into a hotel when you get to Lake Naivasha. You might choose to go on a boat ride on Lake Naivasha in the afternoon, where you can see hippos and many bird species while taking in the tranquil surroundings. As an alternative, you can go to Crescent Island, a sanctuary where you can go on a guided walk and witness animals up close, including wildebeests, giraffes, and zebras. You can unwind in your lodge in the evening while eating dinner while taking in the lake view. Before leaving for your next location the following morning, you can eat breakfast and, if time permits, go on a nature walk or check out neighboring sights like Hell’s Gate National Park.
AccommodationBest Safari Lodge
Transportation4WD Private Jeep
Maximum altitude1,180 meters (3,871 feet)
Trek duration12 hours including lunch and wildlife waiting breaks
Trek distance325 km game drive
MealsB,L,D
Having breakfast, we will leave your lodging in Lake Naivasha and drive for five to six hours to get to Amboseli National Park. As we travel to Amboseli, we will take in the breathtaking scenery while we drive. We will check into our lodge or campsite at Amboseli National Park and then enjoy lunch. We will spend some time unwinding and admiring the breathtaking vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, which dominates the skyline of the park. We will go on a wildlife drive in the afternoon in Amboseli National Park, which is renowned for its enormous herds of elephants and stunning scenery. Discover the park’s varied ecosystems and witness a great range of animals, such as giraffes, zebras, lions, and cheetahs. After dinner, we will head back to our lodging to spend the night amid the sounds of the African wilderness.
AccommodationBest Safari Lodge
Transportation4WD Private Jeep
Maximum altitude1,180 meters (3,871 feet)
Trek duration12 hours including lunch and wildlife waiting breaks
MealsB.L,D
Experience a full day of game viewing at Amboseli National Park, beginning with a captivating sunrise. Find out the park’s renowned elephants, as well as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species. We will stop for a packed lunch and take amazing pictures. We will explore the park’s various regions, making the most of your chances to see wildlife. As dusk falls, head back to our lodging for a delectable dinner and unwind while thinking back on the amazing experiences of the day.
Transportation4WD Private Jeep and flight
Trek distance220 km drive
We will leave our lodging in Amboseli National Park after breakfast. After a 4 to 5-hour picturesque journey, we will return to Nairobi. Following your afternoon arrival in Nairobi, your trip from Amboseli National Park will conclude when you are dropped off at your hotel or airport to fly back to your home country.
Includes of the Kenya Masai Mara Big 5 Safari- 7 Days
Airport pick-up and drop-off on arrival.
All accommodations on a Bed & Breakfast plan
All road transportation arrangements during the itinerary,
All meal arrangements during safari programs
All logistical arrangements during safari programs
Trip Excludes
International flights
Lunch and Dinner while in the town/city.
Tips to porters and staff.
Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered/ Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls
Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated)
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices included”.
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This is a pre-booking form for the lead traveler. We would send you the actual booking form after the confirmation
FAQs of the Kenya Masai Mara Big 5 Safari- 7 Days
A Big Five safari in Kenya is a wildlife adventure focused on spotting the lion, leopard, elephant, African buffalo, and rhinoceros in their natural habitats. A Kenya safari combining Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli National Park offers excellent opportunities to experience diverse landscapes and wildlife.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s best destinations for Big Five safaris, especially for lions, leopards, and buffaloes. Lake Nakuru National Park is well known for rhinos, while Amboseli National Park is famous for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Yes, it is possible to see all five during a Kenya safari. However, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed because animals live freely in the wild. Spending several days across different national parks and reserves can greatly increase your chances.
The Masai Mara is famous for its abundant wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. The reserve is also renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move through the Mara ecosystem.
Lake Nakuru National Park is particularly famous for its black and white rhinos. Visitors can also see lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and many bird species. The park’s scenic lake and surrounding landscapes add to the safari experience.
Yes. Lake Naivasha offers a different safari experience. Boat trips provide opportunities to see hippos and waterbirds, while the surrounding area supports giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and other wildlife. It is an excellent place to relax and enjoy Kenya’s natural scenery.
Amboseli National Park is famous for its impressive elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park also supports lions, leopards, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and many other species.
The dry seasons, generally from June to October and January to February, are popular for wildlife viewing. The period from July to October is also an excellent time to visit the Masai Mara during the Great Wildebeest Migration.
A 7- to 10-day safari is ideal for exploring Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli. A longer itinerary allows more time for game drives and increases the chance of seeing a wider variety of wildlife.
A private Kenya safari offers greater flexibility. You can spend more time observing wildlife, adjust your schedule according to animal activity, and focus on photography and specific species. It is particularly suitable for wildlife photographers and serious safari enthusiasts.
Pack lightweight and comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera with a telephoto lens, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Neutral-colored clothing is generally recommended for wildlife viewing.
This combination creates a diverse Kenya Big Five safari experience. You can explore the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara, search for rhinos at Lake Nakuru, enjoy a scenic boat experience at Lake Naivasha, and observe iconic elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli.
My wife and I wanted to visit Nepal at its best, living, feeling and enjoying this beatiful country and people, in the most possible comfort, safety and relax..but, at the same time, we were not looking for a trip of unnecessary and impersonal luxury, living all the time in an unreal “bubble”. After some research, Tiger encounters was our choice for a 2 weeks trip to Nepal, one week between Karhmandu and Pokhara, and one week safari in Bardia National park.
Mr. Ghanshyam, owner and director of Tiger Encounters, organized for us the best possible tours and experiences. He suggested and booked the proper premium hotels and lodges, visited the best places with top guides, fantastic choices! From the moment of booking the trip, until the very last minute before boarding our plane to come home, we always had a full and great support. Everything was seamless, spotless and perfect. We lived the best of the Himalaya and the wilderness of Bardia beeing always treated like royals, unbelievable !
Thank you very much for all the special moments we lived and enjoyed, we will come again for sure !
Dear Reader, if you are still here, means that you really wish to go to Nepal… in that case, do not hesitate any longer, contact Tiger Encounters right now, you will not regreat it !!!!
Nicola & MariaItaly
Snow Leopard Expedition in Nepal
I have to congratulate Ghanshyam on the great organization, from email communications, logistics and all the attention during the tour. Everything was organized in an excellent way and what I really appreciated was the availability and flexibility. I have travelled a lot, but few times have I met an agency so helpful to plan changes on site. Great drivers, careful driving.
Aashish, our guide, did everything to satisfy every request, always available and kind throughout the trip and very competent even during trekking in search of the Leopard. What about Tashi R. Ghale, a special person, tireless, did everything so that we could realize the dream of sighting the Leopard. It was an honor to meet him and be able to be with him, for me it was one of the best experiences of life. I would have hoped to see the Leopard more closely, but I realize how difficult it is and still being able to hear it during the calls of the mating season was exciting.
Thank you for everything and I can only recommend this agency “Tiger Encounter”!
Alessandra FarinaItaly
The most exciting journey of Snow Leopard and the most perfect service!
Together with Tiger Encounter we went to Nepal in the Annapurna National Park on the trail of the Snow Leopard and it was a magical experience where everything went smoothly. Organizing the trip of a lifetime is a wonderful challenge, but doing it with passionate, competent, and meticulous people who paid attention to every detail and our every wish, ensuring this was truly the trip of a lifetime, was truly fantastic! We were three of us along with me Alessan & Sandara.
These people really exist: they are the Tìger Encounter team.
Professionalism at the highest level, friendliness and respect, always open to any idea and always attentive to our safety.
You couldn’t ask for more.
Alberto CerioniReppubblica Italiana
One of the best tour companies I ever worked with
I’ve travelled to 50+ countries with dozens of tour operators – Ghanshyam and his team absolutely stood out. This was a demanding photography trip and everything was organised perfectly and flexibly when needed, with a lot of personal attention and excellent guides.
Florian KriechbaumerDubai
Bardia and Chitwan Photography Trip
I have traveled to many places in pursuit of photographing endangered species, and surprisingly, I did not have any images of the Bengal tiger. Many of my friends visited India for tiger safaris, but the crowded and hectic national parks discouraged me. After watching a BBC Planet Earth documentary, I discovered that Bengal tigers also exist in Nepal. Following many email exchanges with different tour operators in Nepal, I chose Tiger Encounter — and I am very happy that I made the right decision.
Ghanshyam was extremely flexible with my itinerary. I had to change my plans at least twice, and he accommodated every adjustment without hesitation or even a hint of frustration. He personally came to the airport to receive me and introduced me to my guide, Manju, who accompanied me throughout the entire trip. During the journey, Ghanshyam stayed in constant communication with the guide to ensure I was always well taken care of.
When I book a trip, I highly value creativity, resourcefulness, and flexibility. Not every trip goes perfectly smoothly, so when unexpected situations arise, the way they are handled matters greatly. Ghanshyam earned my trust because he managed every challenge in a way that exceeded my expectations.
Although I had to cut my trip short, I fully intend to return to Nepal, and Ghanshyam will absolutely be my first choice again.
With that said, I have no hesitation in highly recommending Tiger Encounter to anyone planning a trip to Nepal.
Ly DangUSA
Tiger Trip of a lifetime!
I spent 12 days exploring Nepal with Tiger Encounter and it was one of the most incredible trips in my life. They met us at the airport and didn’t leave our side the entire trip. Extremely organized and professional and I’m already planning on coming back. Best way to see tigers in the wild! Couldn’t recommend them enough.
Ryan ShirleyUSA
Tiger Safari in Bardia & Red Panda Trekking
I really wanted to find a local company who could make a personalised itinerary for my husband and I to do red panda trekking and a safari in Bardia National Park to see tigers (among other things). I would highly recommend Tiger Encounter for any trip to Nepal, but especially if you’re looking to encounter wildlife.
Ria & PeterNew Zealand
Outstanding Service
We recently returned from a 2 week private wildlife trekking and safari tour with Tiger Encounter, and couldn’t recommend them highly enough. We found them through a Google search and we are so glad that we did – we were so impressed! Tiger Encounter really offer such a personalised service and clearly care about their travellers.
Jessica & JamesUnited Kingdom
Great Experience with Tiger Encounter
Excellent safari in Chitwan and Bardia. Very professional company and we were looked after really well. Communication was easy and fast response. The guides on the safaris were brilliant and the accommodation was excellent. Can’t rate them highly enough.
Susan Joy BrownUnited Kingdom
The absolute best there is
I’ve been to 28 different countries and countless safaris over the world- let me tell you that this is the standard for every other safari I’ve been on since! The attention to detail, the absolute love and care of the guides, and the tour operator’s genuine wish for you to have the best experience possible made this one of the most amazing tours/safaris I’ve been on.
It was just as amazing to meet the locals and meet the Tharu people as it was to see the rhino and to be close up with an elephant!! (And That tiger that kept in front of our raft to cross the river!!) As an experienced traveler, take my word that you will have a genuinely wild and carefree adventure!!!???
Alison Michell HancockUSA
First Luxuries Jungle Safari Trip to Nepal
Had the most wonderful and life changing experience with Tiger Encounter. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Sharma (owner) who had accompanied me as my guide throughout my adventure. They had planned everything so well and truly make you feel like family. Be it every step of the way from jeep safari, jungle walk, canoe ride, trek through the jungle, mountain trek Mr. Sharma is truly amazing guide, photographer and wonderful motivator. It goes without saying that your guide is your doorway to experiencing everything about the beautiful country you visit. Be it food, shopping, adventure or pleasure. I truly loved every moment of my time…and hope to return to this beautiful country with Tiger Encounter to many more adventures and celebrating a wonderful friendship. Hop you all have as amazing adventures and journeys with them. ?
Chithra SashiBahrain
Fantastic from beginning to end
Thank you Tiger Encounter team for another great experience in beautiful Nepal. We had amazing memories in Mt. Everest & Chitwan! We did wildlife safari, jeep safari, bird watching, village tour & cultural program. You are super professional, knowledgeable. Strongly recommend.
