Unforgettable 3-Day Amboseli Safari Itinerary from Nairobi
The 3-Day Amboseli Safari is a 3-Day Amboseli Safari short package that takes visitors to one of Kenya’s most beautiful parks, Amboseli National Park. This Short Kenya Safari Tour is a 2 nights, 3 days safari package. Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya most stunning safari parks, famous for its iconic views of the Giant Kilimanjaro Mountain and the large herds of elephants that roam its savannas.
Amboseli National Park is a premier wildlife viewing safari destination in Kenya, home to an incredible array of different wildlife species, including the African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and over 300 bird species. On this short 3-Day Amboseli Safari, visitors will explore this National Park on a customized 4×4 safari vehicle with enough space for viewing wildlife.
On this 3-Day Amboseli Safari or 3 days wildlife Safari in Kenya, visitors will enjoy an evening game drive on the first day of the safari. Since this safari starts from Nairobi, visitors will spend about 4 – 5 hours traveling to Amboseli National Park, a journey that also doubles as a roadtrip.
On the second day of this safari, the whole day will be dedicated to exploring the park, the focus will be on some of the popular wildlife viewing spots in the park and if time allows, visitors can also go for a community tour or cultural experience.
This short 3-Day Amboseli Safari allows visitors to witness the stunning beauty of this park, its incredible wildlife and an opportunity to discover new ways of life away from home during the cultural tours.
Embark on this classic short 3-Day Amboseli Safari trip, Contact Us today and let us help you customize this package to better suit your interest.
Summary of 3-Day Amboseli Safari
- Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
- Day 2: Full Day adventure in Amboseli National Park
- Day 3: Amboseli National Park to Nairobi
Why book 3-Day Amboseli Safari with Mpenzi Safaris?
- Tailored for families & couples: We design drives and timings to suit your pace.
- Local expertise: Our guides know Amboseli’s best vantage points for Kilimanjaro and wildlife.
- Responsible travel: We partner with community projects and recommend ethical cultural visits.
- Flexible upgrades: Add balloon safaris, private vehicles, or longer cultural stays.
Detailed 3-Day Amboseli Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
On the First day of your 3-Day Amboseli Safari from Nairobi, your driver guide will pick you up by 7:00 AM and drive you to Amboseli National Park. The drive takes you through the stunning Kenya countryside, where you’ll get the chance to witness settlements, natural beauty, and stunning landscapes. Arrive in Amboseli in time for lunch and check in at your booked safari lodge. Enjoy lunch and a short rest at the lodge before embarking on your first adventure.
After lunch, you’ll embark on an evening game drive in the park. As you drive through the park, you’ll witness the dry ancient lakebed and fragile grassland with patches of acacia woodland, but as you proceed to the southern area, there are several small, rocky, volcanic hills that make the area look stunning. You’ll discover different sections of the park, including the swamps of Ol Kenya, Ol Tukai, and Enkongo Narok, where the vegetation is lush with yellow-barked acacias and phoenix palms.
There are different wildlife species that you’ll encounter during this adventure, including lions, zebras, elephants, giraffes, and hyenas, among others. You’ll also spot different bird species as they fly overhead or witness them on tree branches. After the game drive, drive back to the lodge where you’ll have dinner and an overnight stay.
Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
Accommodation Option: Ol Tukai Lodge
Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2: Full day adventure in Amboseli National Park
On this second day of the 3-Day Amboseli Safari, you’ll wake up early for good views of Mount Kilimanjaro before the clouds build up over the summit. Depart your lodge with a packed lunch box and embark on a full day adventure in the park. The first rays of the sun often illuminate Mount Kilimanjaro crating the iconic stunning backdrop of Amboseli National Park with most animals active during this time – an absolute beauty to witness.
Your journey will then continue to the observation hill and the environs – drive east wards towards the Enkongo Narok swamps, one of the best sites to spot large herds of the elephants, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, among other wildlife species. While here, you can also enjoy the stunning views of the Kilimanjaro Mountain if the sky is clear. Proceed with a drive to the elephant corridor along the plains near the foothill of Mount Kilimanjaro. This area is also known for large elephant herds.
The adventure will also take you to the Ol Tukia Swamp known for hosting elephants, hippos, and different bird species including the African Jacana, egret, heron, and pelicans. Continue with the drive through the open plains towards the eastern sector of the park. The plains inhabit different wildlife species including cheetahs, gazelles, wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes among others.
Enjoy a lunch break at the Observation hill picnic site overlooking the swamps below.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Lake Amboseli basin, the Longinye swamp and the Acacia woodlands that all inhabit a number of wildlife species. As the temperatures cool down and the animals become active again, you’ll drive back to the central plains near the Ol Tukai lodge. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3: Amboseli National Park to Nairobi
The third day is the last day of this amazing 3-Day Amboseli Safari Tour. Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the lodge. After breakfast, you’ll have a morning game drive in the park visiting some of the places that you might have missed out during the previous game drives. After the game drive, enjoy lunch at the lodge and depart for Nairobi, arriving at about 5:00 pm. You’ll transfer to your hotel or the airport.
Main Destination: Nairobi (City)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
End of 3-Day Amboseli Safari Tour
Add Hot-Air Balloon Adventure on your 3-Day Amboseli Safari
For visitors wishing for a once-in-a-lifetime panorama, include a hot-air balloon safari over the Amboseli plains at sunrise — a mystical way of surveying wildlife and panoramically sweeping vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro. Balloon flights typically take off before sunrise, floating slowly above the savanna so that you can observe elephants walking below and predators awakening at sunrise.
Most balloon safaris conclude with a champagne-style bush breakfast, photograph opportunities, and a return transfer to your lodge.
- Availability: Balloon safaris operate seasonally and weather and minimum passenger numbers permitting — book in advance.
- Approximate cost: USD 350–550 per person (dependent on operator and inclusions).
- Duration: 45–60 minutes flying time plus pre/post transfers (total half-day).
- Booking Tip: Book the balloon when you reserve your 3-Day Amboseli Safari Package — high season slots fill quickly.
In-depth Cultural Tour in Amboseli
Amboseli’s cultural activities introduce you to the Maasai people — pastoralists who’ve made Kilimanjaro their shadow for centuries. A cultural tour adds depth to your wildlife days with authentic, respectful, and community-based interactions.
What a cultural tour includes
- Maasai manyatta visit: Take a stroll through a traditional homestead (manyatta), meet local families, view seasonal homes, and gain insight into beadwork, cattle-keeping, and daily life.
- Maasai warrior performances: Witness customary jumping dances (adumu), songs, and listen to tales of Maasai life and initiation ceremonies.
- Beading and crafts workshop: Receive an introduction to beading in a brief lesson or go to a cooperative where women create jewelry and textiles for sale — proceeds support local community projects.
- School or community project visit: A brief stop at a local school or clinic (by arrangement) demonstrates how tourism income benefits education and health.
- Guided nature walk with Maasai guide: A brief stroll on communal land imparts tracking skills, medicinal plant uses, and pastoral attitudes towards landscape.
Most Maasai visits require a small community charge or recommended contribution — usually USD 10–40 per person. If you intend to purchase crafts, expect to pay USD 5–50 for the item. Bringing school material or small useful items as gifts is a good idea (but consult with the operator first).
Pricing Guidance on a 3-Day Amboseli Safari
Prices fluctuate seasonally, by lodge option, group size, and add-ons such as balloon rides or private vehicle upgrades. Use these ranges as planning estimates as you plan your 3-Day Amboseli Safari:
- Budget (shared vehicle, standard lodge or campsite): USD 450–700 per person for 3 days (shared group, simpler lodges).
- Mid-range (Ol Tukai Lodge standard, private or small group): USD 900–1,400 per person for 3 days (superior rooms, private vehicle, full-board).
- Balloon upgrade: USD 350–550 per person (optional).
- Maasai cultural visit: Community fees USD 10–40 per person; craft purchases additional.
Typical Inclusions
- Ground transport Nairobi ↔ Amboseli
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- Park Entry Fees
- Accommodation (2 nights) & Meals as indicated
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Game-drives
- Drinking Water
Common Exclusions
- International flights to/from Nairobi
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
- Balloon safari
- Personal effects
- Travel insurance
- Optional cultural contribution fees if not included.
Best Time to Visit Amboseli on a 3-Day
- Dry season (June–October & January–March): Ideal for good Kilimanjaro views, great wildlife concentrations, and comfortable game-drive conditions.
- Short rains (November): Lush scenery, low tourists.
- Long rains (April–May): Lush scenery but some roads could be poor; fewer vehicles and lower costs.
Tip: Early morning is generally best for seeing Kilimanjaro before cloud cover; plan at least one early morning game drive
What to Pack on this 3-Day Amboseli Safari
- Clothes: Layers — warm coat for early mornings, light tops for the day, sun hat. Earthy tones are best.
- Footwear: Closed comfortable walking shoes for walks around the lodge and short bush walks.
- Camera gear: Telephoto lens (200–400mm best), spare batteries, memory cards, and a binocular.
- Health: Prophylaxis against malaria is recommended; bring basic meds and sunscreen.
- Money: Small cash for tips, buying crafts, or community charges (USD is highly acceptable but local currency KES is convenient).
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