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Introduction
This expertly crafted 7 Days Amboseli, Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari is a premier Kenya safari experience designed to give you the absolute best of East Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations. Covering Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, this 7 Days / 6 Nights private tour delivers extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class African hospitality throughout every stage of your journey. For more options, browse all our Kenya safari packages.
Jun-Oct, Jan-Feb
Best Time
Why This Safari?
Elephants Against Kilimanjaro
Witness massive elephant herds roaming the Amboseli plains with the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro as the backdrop.
Flamingo Spectacle
Lake Nakuru's shores turn pink with thousands of flamingos. Also home to black and white rhinos, lions, and leopards.
Lake Naivasha Serenity
Cruise the hippo-filled waters of Lake Naivasha, walk among wildlife on Crescent Island, and explore the scenic freshwater lake.
Masai Mara Big Five
Three full days in the world-famous Masai Mara. Search for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and the Great Migration.
Expert Local Guides
Our experienced Kenyan guides bring decades of knowledge, ensuring you see more and understand deeper on every game drive.
Detailed Itinerary
Each day is carefully crafted to maximise your wildlife encounters while ensuring comfort and relaxation. Below you will find a complete breakdown of every day, from morning game drives to evening sundowners at your lodge.
Day 1
Nairobi Arrival & Safari Preparation
Full Day
Transfer: 30-60 min
Accommodation: Nairobi Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi — Kenya's vibrant capital and the safari gateway of East Africa. You will be warmly met by your professional English-speaking driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Depending on your arrival time, you can opt for an enriching city tour visiting the Karen Blixen Museum (of Out of Africa fame), the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to see rescued baby elephants, or the Giraffe Centre to feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Kenyan cuisine followed by a comprehensive safari briefing about the exciting days ahead.
Morning: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Clear customs and collect your luggage. Your professional driver-guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Nairobi is known as the "Green City in the Sun" and serves as the safari capital of East Africa with over 50 years of safari tourism heritage. The city sits at 1,795 metres above sea level, providing a pleasant climate year-round.
Afternoon: Transfer to your hotel in Nairobi (30-60 minutes depending on traffic). If time permits, enjoy an optional city tour to the
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (feeding time at 11 AM or 5 PM), the
Giraffe Centre to feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes up close, or the
Karen Blixen Museum — the former home of the famous Danish author. Alternatively, relax at your hotel pool or spa and prepare for the extraordinary adventure ahead. For travellers interested in expanding their journey, check out our other
Kenya safari packages for more options.
Evening: Check in and settle at your hotel. At 7:00 PM, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant featuring a blend of international cuisine and authentic Kenyan dishes. Try the famous
nyama choma (roasted meat) served with
ugali (maize meal) and
kachumbari (tomato-onion salsa). After dinner, your guide conducts a comprehensive safari briefing covering game drive strategies, park rules, photography tips, and what to expect at each destination. Recommended: book your departure flight after 5:00 PM on Day 7.
Contact us if you have any special requests or dietary requirements.
Airport Transfer
City Tour Option
Safari Briefing
Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Amboseli National Park — Elephants & Kilimanjaro
Full Day
Drive: ~4 hrs
Accommodation: Amboseli Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive south through the scenic Athi Plains towards Amboseli National Park — one of Kenya's most iconic wildlife destinations. Arrive in time for lunch and an unforgettable afternoon game drive. Amboseli is world-famous for its massive elephant herds — over 1,600 individuals — set dramatically against the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5,895 metres. The park's wetlands, acacia woodlands, and open savannah support exceptional wildlife including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species. Overnight at your carefully selected Amboseli lodge.
Morning: Early breakfast at the hotel at 6:30 AM. Check out and depart Nairobi at 7:00 AM driving south through the Athi Plains and Kenyan countryside. The 240 km drive takes approximately 4 hours with a brief but spectacular stop at the
Great Rift Valley viewpoint for panoramic photographs of the escarpment stretching to the horizon. The landscape transitions from urban Nairobi through rural farmlands to open savannah with views of Mount Kilimanjaro appearing on clear days as you approach Amboseli. If you are interested in more options in this region, explore our
Kenya safari page for a full list of itineraries.
Afternoon: Arrive at Amboseli National Park (392 sq km) around midday. Check in at your lodge and enjoy a buffet lunch overlooking the park's famous swamps and plains. At 3:30 PM, depart for an afternoon game drive through the park's wetland areas, open plains, and acacia woodlands. Amboseli offers the best elephant photography in Africa with Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. Look for lions stalking prey in the grasslands, cheetahs on termite mounds scanning for game, hyenas resting near dens, and abundant birdlife including pelicans, herons, secretary birds, and the African fish eagle. The park's Observation Hill offers a 360-degree view of the entire ecosystem.
Evening: Return to the lodge as the sun sets behind Kilimanjaro, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Enjoy a sundowner drink on the lodge deck followed by a gourmet dinner featuring both international dishes and Kenyan specialities. Photography tip: the late afternoon light on Kilimanjaro creates stunning photo opportunities, especially when the peak is clear of clouds — a phenomenon most common in the dry season (June-October). Overnight at your Amboseli lodge. Visit our
destination hub to learn more about Amboseli and other national parks.
Elephant Photography
Kilimanjaro Views
Big Cats
Wetland Birding
Day 3
Lake Naivasha — Hippos, Boat Safari & Crescent Island
Full Day
Drive: ~3 hrs
Accommodation: Naivasha Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Amboseli and drive north-west through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley towards Lake Naivasha — the highest freshwater lake in the Rift Valley at 1,884 metres. This stunning lake is surrounded by papyrus-fringed shores, acacia woodlands, and dramatic volcanic scenery. Enjoy lunch at your lakeside lodge followed by an afternoon boat safari where you will encounter pods of hippos up close, watch fish eagles dive for prey, and cruise past the shoreline teeming with cormorants and herons. Option to enjoy a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, a predator-free wildlife sanctuary where you can walk safely among zebras, giraffes, waterbuck, and wildebeest.
Morning: Early breakfast at the Amboseli lodge at 7:00 AM. Check out and depart Amboseli driving north-west through the Great Rift Valley. The 3-hour journey (150 km) offers some of the most scenic driving in Kenya as you ascend the Rift Valley escarpment with sweeping views of volcanic cones, soda lakes, and Maasai homesteads. You will pass through Nairobi briefly before descending into the Rift Valley floor via the Mai Mahiu road. The changing landscapes — from Amboseli's arid plains to Naivasha's lush green shores — showcase Kenya's incredible geographical diversity. For a deeper dive into the
Rift Valley landscape and its formation, visit our park guide.
Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Naivasha and check in at your lakeside lodge. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the terrace overlooking the sparkling lake waters and the distant escarpment. At 2:30 PM, board a private boat for a 1.5-hour boat safari on Lake Naivasha. Glide past pods of hippos — Lake Naivasha has one of the highest hippo densities in Kenya — watch fish eagles swoop down to catch tilapia, and photograph the stunning papyrus-fringed shoreline. After the boat ride, enjoy a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, a wildlife sanctuary within the lake where you can walk among zebras, giraffes, waterbuck, wildebeest, and over 200 bird species. No predators inhabit the island, making it a safe and unique walking experience.
Evening: Return to the lodge as the sun begins to set over the Rift Valley escarpment. Enjoy sundowner drinks on the lodge deck followed by a seafood dinner featuring fresh tilapia from the lake. Optional: visit
Hell's Gate National Park for cycling and walking among wildlife in a dramatic gorge setting. The park inspired Disney's
The Lion King landscape. Overnight at Lake Naivasha. Learn more about
Kenya's Rift Valley lakes and parks on our destinations page.
Boat Safari
Walking Safari
Hippo Viewing
Birding Paradise
Day 4
Lake Nakuru National Park — Flamingos, Rhinos & Rift Valley
Full Day
Drive: ~1.5 hrs
Accommodation: Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive north to Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO Ramsar site of international importance famous for its thousands of flamingos that transform the lake shore into a spectacular pink carpet. The park is also a premier rhino sanctuary with thriving populations of both black and white rhinos, along with lions, leopards, waterbuck, buffalo, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe. The afternoon game drive takes you through acacia woodlands, euphorbia forests, and along the lake shore, offering exceptional wildlife viewing and bird photography opportunities. Overnight at your Nakuru lodge overlooking the Rift Valley.
Morning: Breakfast at Naivasha lodge at 7:00 AM. Check out and drive north to Lake Nakuru National Park (approximately 1.5 hours, 80 km). The short drive takes you deeper into the Great Rift Valley with views of Menengai Crater — one of the largest calderas in East Africa. The park covers 188 sq km and is part of the Rift Valley soda lake system. Lake Nakuru's alkaline waters support massive populations of lesser flamingos — at peak season, over one million flamingos feed on the lake's blue-green algae, creating one of Africa's most spectacular birding spectacles. The park is also home to over 450 bird species including pelicans, storks, herons, and the majestic fish eagle.
Afternoon: Check in at your Nakuru lodge and enjoy lunch on the terrace with panoramic Rift Valley views. At 3:00 PM, depart for an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is a
designated rhino sanctuary and offers excellent sightings of both black rhino (solitary, browsers) and white rhino (gregarious, grazers). The park is also home to lions, leopards, waterbuck, buffalo, zebras, eland, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe. The rocky cliffs of the escarpment are prime leopard territory — look up! Photography tip: early afternoon light reflecting off the lake surface creates stunning conditions for flamingo photography. For more information about Kenya's incredible bird diversity, check out our
Kenya safari guide.
Evening: Return to the lodge as the sun sets over Lake Nakuru, painting the sky in brilliant colours reflected on the lake surface. Enjoy dinner at the lodge with views of the Rift Valley. Optional:
night sky photography — the Rift Valley has minimal light pollution and offers spectacular views of the Milky Way, particularly during the dry season when skies are clear. Consider booking a
5-day version of this safari if you have a shorter timeframe available.
Flamingo Viewing
Rhino Sanctuary
Big Cat Search
Rift Valley
Day 5
Masai Mara National Reserve — Arrival & First Game Drive
Full Day
Drive: ~5 hrs
Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and drive south-west through the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve — Kenya's most celebrated wildlife destination and the stage for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. En route, stop at the Maasai town of Narok for supplies and a glimpse of local Maasai culture. Arrive in the Mara in time for lunch followed by an exhilarating afternoon game drive — your first introduction to Africa's greatest wildlife reserve. The Mara is home to the highest concentration of predators in Africa and offers year-round exceptional Big Five sightings.
Morning: Early breakfast at Nakuru lodge at 6:30 AM. Check out and depart south-west towards the Masai Mara (approximately 5 hours, 280 km). The drive passes through the Loita Plains — known as the "Wild West" of Kenya — and the Maasai town of Narok, the last major settlement before the reserve. Stop in Narok for supplies, coffee, and a comfort break. The landscape transforms dramatically from the lush green lake region to the vast, open savannah plains of Maasailand, dotted with acacia trees and red-clad Maasai herders. The Maasai Mara is contiguous with Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, forming a single ecosystem of over 30,000 sq km.
Afternoon: Arrive at the Masai Mara National Reserve (1,510 sq km) around midday. Check in at your lodge or tented camp and enjoy a welcome drink and lunch. At 3:30 PM, depart for your first afternoon game drive in the Mara. The Mara is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Kenya: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, topi, impalas, and Thomson's gazelles. The Mara River is famous for its resident hippos and crocodiles, and during migration season (July-October), dramatic river crossings. Photography tip: the late afternoon golden light in the Mara creates spectacular conditions for wildlife photography — bring a 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens for best results.
Evening: Return to the lodge as the sun sets over the endless Mara plains. Enjoy a sundowner drink at the campfire followed by a gourmet dinner under the stars. Listen to the sounds of the African night — lions roaring in the distance, hyenas whooping, and the gentle rustle of night creatures. Many lodges offer night drives in private conservancies (extra cost) where you can spot leopards, genet cats, porcupines, and the elusive aardvark. Check our
FAQ page for answers to common questions about the Masai Mara and safari preparation.
First Mara Game Drive
Big Five Territory
Photography Paradise
Scenic Drive
Day 6
Full Day Masai Mara — Great Migration, Predators & Maasai Culture
Full Day
Game Drives: Full Day
Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A full day of exhilarating game drives in the Masai Mara. Rise before dawn for a sunrise game drive when predators are most active — lions making their morning kills, cheetahs scanning the plains from termite mounds, and leopards descending from their acacia tree beds. Return to the lodge for a leisurely brunch and rest during the heat of midday, then head out again for the afternoon game drive. Your expert guide will navigate to the best wildlife viewing areas based on recent sightings and radio network updates. If visiting during the Great Migration season (July-October), you may witness dramatic Mara River crossings as thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters. Optional: visit a traditional Maasai village (Manyatta) to learn about Kenya's most iconic tribe, their pastoral traditions, and vibrant culture.
Morning: Early morning game drive departure at 6:00 AM with a packed bush breakfast or return to lodge for full breakfast. The early morning hours (6:00-10:00 AM) are the best time for predator viewing — lions are most active after a night of hunting, cheetahs begin their morning search for prey, and leopards can be spotted returning from their nocturnal exploits. Your guide uses extensive knowledge of territory, recent kill sites, and a radio network with other guides to locate the best sightings. The Mara's open plains provide exceptional visibility stretching for kilometres, making it one of the best game viewing locations on Earth. The reserve hosts over 95 species of mammals and 570 bird species, so keep your camera ready at all times.
Afternoon: Return to the lodge for brunch and rest during the heat of midday (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM). Many lodges offer swimming pools with views of the plains — watch wildlife come to drink at the waterhole while you cool off. At 3:30 PM, depart for the afternoon game drive, exploring different areas of the reserve. During the
Great Migration (July-October), the Mara River crossings at key points like the Mara River and Talek River provide some of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth — thousands of wildebeest and zebras plunge into crocodile-infested waters in a primal surge of survival. Even outside migration season, the Mara's resident wildlife is exceptional with consistent lion, cheetah, elephant, and giraffe sightings year-round. For a deeper dive into the Great Migration, explore our
Kenya safari packages page.
Evening: Return to the lodge as darkness falls over the Mara. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the campfire — share stories of the day's sightings with fellow travellers while listening to the sounds of the African bush. Dinner is served under a canopy of stars, featuring a blend of international cuisine and East African flavours. After dinner, many private conservancies offer
night game drives (extra cost) where you can spot the Mara's nocturnal wildlife: leopards on the hunt, genet cats, porcupines, springhares, and the elusive aardvark. Overnight in the Masai Mara. You can learn more about Mara conservancies on our
destinations page.
Full Day Safari
Great Migration
Big Cats
Maasai Culture
Day 7
Final Game Drive, Bush Breakfast & Return to Nairobi
Final Day
Morning Game Drive: 3 hrs
Drive to Nairobi: ~5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise before dawn for one final spectacular game drive in the Masai Mara, capturing the extraordinary morning light and wildlife activity in Africa's greatest wildlife reserve. Enjoy a memorable farewell bush breakfast in the heart of the Mara — surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African savannah — before packing up and departing for Nairobi. The drive back takes you through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley with opportunities for last-minute souvenir shopping at Maasai craft markets. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon for your international departure or onward connections. End of tour — but the memories will last a lifetime.
Morning: Early morning game drive at 6:00 AM — your final opportunity to capture the magic of the Masai Mara at dawn. The early morning light is spectacular for photography, and predator activity is often at its peak after a cool night. Look for any species you may have missed: a leopard draped over a riverine acacia branch, a cheetah scanning the plains from a termite mound, or the iconic lion pride resting after a night of hunting. At approximately 9:00 AM, enjoy a farewell bush breakfast in the heart of the Mara — served on a folding table under a shade acacia tree with the sounds of the savannah as your soundtrack. This is the perfect moment to reflect on your extraordinary Kenya safari journey.
Afternoon: Pack
Destinations You'll Explore
Discover the iconic parks and landscapes featured on this safari. Find detailed guides on our destinations hub.
Amboseli National Park
World-famous for its massive elephant herds set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park's swamps, acacia woodlands, and open plains support exceptional wildlife including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and over 400 bird species.
392 km² 2 hrs from Nairobi Big Five
Lake Naivasha
The highest freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley at 1,884 metres. Known for its hippo populations, boat safaris, Crescent Island walking safaris, and proximity to Hell's Gate National Park.
139 km² 1.5 hrs NW of Nairobi Hippos & Birding
Lake Nakuru National Park
A UNESCO Ramsar site famous for its thousands of flamingos and premier rhino sanctuary. Home to black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, and over 450 bird species.
188 km² 2.5 hrs NW of Nairobi Flamingos & Rhinos
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya's premier wildlife destination and stage for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. Home to the highest concentration of predators in Africa with exceptional Big Five sightings year-round.
1,510 km² 5 hrs SW of Nairobi Great Migration
| Included | - Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
- Professional English-speaking Guide
- Full Board Accommodation
- All Park Entry & Conservation Fees
- Game Drives as per Itinerary
- Boat Safari Lake Naivasha
- Crescent Island Walking Safari
- Airport Transfers (Nairobi)
- Bottled Water & Soft Drinks
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|---|
| Excluded | - International Flights
- Kenya Visa ($50 online)
- Travel Insurance
- Tips & Gratuities
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Personal Expenses
- Maasai Village Visit ($30)
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| Transport | - Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
- Airport Transfers in Nairobi
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Kenya Wildlife
From the elephant herds of Amboseli to the predators of the Mara, Kenya's wildlife diversity is unmatched. Here's what you can expect to see.
- Amboseli National Park - Elephant herds framed by Mount Kilimanjaro
- Lake Naivasha - Boat safari, hippos, and Crescent Island walking safari
- Lake Nakuru - Thousands of flamingos, rhino sanctuary, and lush birdlife
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Three full days in Africa's greatest wildlife reserve
- Great Migration — Witness the wildebeest migration (July-October)
- Big Five Safari - Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino
- Great Rift Valley - Sweeping views of Africa's iconic geological feature
- Maasai Culture - Optional visit to a traditional Maasai village
Photo Gallery
Amboseli Elephants
Lake Naivasha
Lake Nakuru
Masai Mara
Great Rift Valley
Maasai Culture
Location
This safari covers Kenya's premier safari circuit, from Amboseli in the south through the Rift Valley lakes to the Masai Mara in the south-west.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for this Kenya safari?
The dry seasons from June to October and January to February offer the best wildlife viewing across all four destinations. The Masai Mara's Great Migration peaks from July to October with dramatic river crossings. Amboseli is best in dry months when Kilimanjaro views are clearest. The rainy seasons (March-May and November-December) offer lower rates but wetter conditions and fewer tourists.
How much driving is involved on this 7-day itinerary?
Total driving time is approximately 20-22 hours spread across the 7 days. The longest drives are Nairobi to Masai Mara (5 hours) and Masai Mara back to Nairobi (5 hours). Shorter transfers include Amboseli to Naivasha (3 hours), Naivasha to Nakuru (1.5 hours), and Nakuru to Masai Mara (5 hours). All drives are in a private air-conditioned 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with regular stops for photographs and comfort breaks.
What is the accommodation like on this safari?
This is a mid-range safari featuring comfortable lodges and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, swimming pools, and excellent cuisine. Amboseli lodges offer views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Naivasha properties are lakeside with hippo visits at night, Nakuru lodges overlook the Rift Valley, and Mara camps provide authentic bush experiences under canvas with views of the savannah.
Can I see the Great Migration on this safari?
Yes, if you book between July and October. During these months, you will witness the wildebeest crossing the Mara River in the Masai Mara. The exact timing of the migration varies with rainfall patterns, but July-October offers the highest probability of witnessing river crossings. Even outside migration season, the Masai Mara offers exceptional year-round wildlife viewing with resident lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, and giraffe populations.
What should I pack for this Kenya safari?
Pack lightweight neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, beige, olive), a warm fleece for early morning game drives, comfortable hiking shoes, a hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with extra batteries (200-400mm lens recommended), and a reusable water bottle. Don't forget your passport with at least 6 months validity and your eVisa printout. A small daypack for game drives is essential.
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Most visitors require a Kenya eVisa which costs $50 and can be applied for online at evisa.go.ke. The visa is typically processed within 2-3 business days. You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival, a digital passport photo, and proof of accommodation and return flight. Visa on arrival is available but the eVisa is strongly recommended to avoid queues.
Is this safari suitable for children?
This safari is suitable for children aged 6 and above. Many lodges offer family rooms and child-friendly menus. Children under 12 receive discounted rates. Some activities (such as the Crescent Island walking safari) are particularly suitable for children. Please note that game drives require patience and early starts, which may be challenging for younger children.
What is the Covid-19 policy for this safari?
No Covid-19 vaccination or testing is currently required for entry to Kenya as of 2026. We follow all Ministry of Health guidelines and lodges maintain enhanced cleaning protocols. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended for all guests regardless of vaccination status.
Ready for the Ultimate Kenya Safari?
Book your 7-day journey through Kenya's greatest national parks and wildlife encounters. For alternative itineraries, explore our full range of Kenya safaris.
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