How We Managed a 6-Day Trip with Urban Jay Safaris

Kenya stands tall among the world’s best safari destinations. With sweeping savannahs, wild herds, and the annual spectacle of the wildebeest migration, this East African country captures the imagination of travelers and wildlife lovers alike. Our dream was to see the legendary Maasai Mara, the pink shores of Lake Nakuru, and elephants walking beneath Mt. Kilimanjaro. After plenty of research, we booked a 6-day adventure with Urban Jay Safaris, a Kenyan company with a reputation for immersive, responsible experiences. What followed was a journey that exceeded all our expectations and left us with memories to last a lifetime.

Planning Our 6-Day Safari Adventure with Urban Jay Safaris

The idea of a Kenyan safari brought a mix of excitement and questions. Where should we go? When is the best time to visit? Which operator could we trust? We compared several outfits, but Urban Jay Safaris stood out with their clear communication, personalized options, and glowing reviews for their guides and eco-friendly approach.

• Booking Process: Urban Jay’s team guided us through custom itinerary choices. We selected a circular route: starting in Nairobi, heading to Maasai Mara, then Lake Nakuru, finishing at Amboseli.
• Travel Essentials: We packed lightweight, long-sleeved clothes for the bush, a wide-brimmed hat, strong sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars. Soft duffel bags, rather than hard suitcases, proved essential for the safari vehicle.
• Vaccinations: Our doctor recommended hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, and rabies vaccinations. We also brought malaria prophylaxis, as recommended for most parts of Kenya.
• Budget Considerations: Park entry fees can add up, especially for the Maasai Mara and Amboseli ($60–$80 USD daily per adult). We allocated extra funds for tips, souvenirs, and community visits.
• Logistics: We chose a prepaid eSIM for reliable data and kept paper copies of our passports and travel insurance. Kenya’s e-visa process was quick online. Travel insurance with medical cover, adventure activities, and cancellation protection brought peace of mind.

Urban Jay’s smooth process and helpful pre-trip checklist took the edge off planning, so we could focus on the adventure ahead.

Day-by-Day Safari Experience: Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli

Nairobi to Maasai Mara

Photo by Hugo Sykes

Our trip began in Nairobi, where we met our guide, Joseph. The safari van was a 4×4 Land Cruiser, modified for extra height and a pop-up roof—ideal for animal spotting and unobstructed photography. Bouncing along the rutted road towards the Maasai Mara, we passed through the Rift Valley, stopping for panoramic views and a quick snack.

Upon entering Marai’s open plains, anticipation surged. Our first wildlife drive delivered a scene straight off a documentary: giraffes nibbling acacia branches, a herd of zebras dust bathing, and three lion cubs tumbling in the evening sun. We stayed at a cozy tented camp, where each tent had an ensuite bathroom, comfy beds, and the night air was filled with distant lion roars.

Meals featured Kenyan favorites like nyama choma (grilled meat), chapati, fresh fruits, and strong coffee. The day set a tone for the wild days to come.

Maasai Mara Game Drives and the Wildebeest Migration

Day two and three brought the full magic of the Mara. Game drives at dawn and late afternoon offered the best chances of spotting the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. We followed the winding Mara River, where thousands of wildebeest and zebra gathered, hesitating before their frantic dash across crocodile-infested waters—an unforgettable example of nature’s drama.

Urban Jay’s guides knew the land intimately. Joseph would position the vehicle for the safest, closest view without disturbing animals. We watched a leopard draped in a tree, a cheetah mother with cubs, and the matriarch of an elephant herd leading her family to water.

What impressed us most was Urban Jay’s rule of never crowding animals, keeping a respectful distance, and never driving off-track. They worked closely with conservancies, supporting local rangers and prioritizing ethical wildlife encounters.

Between drives, we visited a Maasai village. Elders taught us about traditional houses, fire-making, and the importance of cattle. The chance to interact directly (with a translator) was humbling and eye-opening.

Exploring Lake Nakuru: Rhinos and Scenic Views

On day four, we set out for Lake Nakuru, known for its shimmering pink shores lined with flamingos and important rhino populations. The approach to the park brought steep, forested escarpments and wide views of the Rift Valley.

Inside Nakuru National Park, the highlight was a close sighting of both black and white rhinos grazing near the water. The joy on our guide’s face made it clear how important this moment was—not just for us, but for conservation. Urban Jay emphasized the success of anti-poaching efforts in Nakuru and encouraged us to support local conservation projects.

Besides rhinos, we spotted Rothschild’s giraffes, elusive leopards lounging on fever trees, and massive flocks of pelicans taking off in unison. Our lodge overlooked the lake, with sundowners by the pool as flocks of flamingos painted the water with color.

Amboseli National Park: Elephants and Mt. Kilimanjaro Views

Amboseli, our final stop, unfolded like a living postcard. Herds of elephants strolled across the dusty plains with the snowcapped tip of Mt. Kilimanjaro rising behind them—a scene we’ll never forget.

Our full-day game drive included a surprise bush breakfast, set beneath a spreading acacia tree with hot tea, fruit, and pastries. We watched elephants up close, their calves playfully chasing birds.

Urban Jay arranged a cultural visit with a Maasai group outside the park, where we learned about wildlife coexistence and community conservation. Amboseli was also the best place for birdwatching, with over 400 species—kingfishers, eagles, and bee-eaters filled the air with movement and color.

Nights at the eco-lodge came with hot showers, mosquito-netted beds, and sunset views that made every evening feel sacred.

What Made Urban Jay Safaris Exceptional

Every detail was handled with care, from our airport welcome to each morning’s packed breakfast. The Urban Jay team’s expertise and flexibility were the biggest standouts.

• Guides’ Knowledge: Joseph’s storytelling and tracking skills brought the bush to life. The guides knew how to spot hidden leopards, read lion tracks, and explain animal behavior clearly.
• Accommodation: Lodges and tented camps were thoughtfully picked—clean, safe, close to nature, but never at the expense of comfort. Hot water, power, and good food were always available.
• Group Size: We traveled as a small group, with no more than six per vehicle. This meant unobstructed views and personal attention.
• Communication: Urban Jay arranged eSIMs for everyone, so we always had WhatsApp and Google Maps working, even in remote stretches.
• Safety and Support: Vehicles were well-maintained, with first aid kits and radios. Our guide stressed park rules, and everyone felt safe throughout.
• Extras: Bottled water, cold drinks, and even surprise treats kept us hydrated and happy. The staff also adapted plans based on weather or animal movement, so we never felt rushed.
• Responsible Tourism: Urban Jay partners with community conservancies, helping channel tourism dollars toward jobs, education, and conservation.

Looking back, Urban Jay Safaris delivered on every promise—personalized service, exceptional wildlife moments, and real cultural exchange.

Conclusion

A Kenyan safari leaves an imprint on your memory, deeper than any photograph or video could. Waking to the dawn calls of birds, tracking lions at sunrise, and sitting with Maasai elders around a fire gives you new respect for the wild world and the people who protect it.

Urban Jay Safaris made every day easy to enjoy, adapting plans with cheerful expertise and showing us the Kenya they love. For anyone thinking about an African adventure, start researching your trip early, pick operators with strong conservation values, and pack extra curiosity.

Ready for your own unforgettable safari? Kenya’s open plains, pink lakes, and rolling hills are waiting. And—with a trusted team like Urban Jay—you can make every single day count.