7-Day Kenya Safari: Mara, Amboseli & Rift Valley Lakes

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s most iconic national parks with our Ultimate 7-Day Safari Adventure. Starting from the bustling city of Nairobi, this itinerary promises a thrilling exploration of diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. As you traverse the Great Rift Valley, you’ll be captivated by panoramic views before arriving at the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Here, your adventure truly begins with opportunities to witness the majestic Big Five and countless other species in their natural habitat.

The safari continues to other renowned destinations such as Nakuru, Naivasha, and Amboseli, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking scenery. From the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Nakuru to the lush greenery around Lake Naivasha and the awe-inspiring backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, every day brings new wonders. Whether it’s spotting elusive leopards or enjoying serene boat rides, this 7-day itinerary ensures an immersive and enriching wildlife experience that captures the essence of Kenya’s natural beauty.

Safari Highlights

Masai Mara National Reserve - Begin your safari with panoramic views from the Great Rift Valley and dive into the wildlife-rich Masai Mara, home to the Big Five and countless other species.
Lake Nakuru National Park - Witness the pink-hued shoreline filled with flamingos, spot rhinos and Rothschild giraffes, and explore the diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded.
Lake Naivasha - Enjoy a boat ride on this fresh-water lake teeming with hippos and rich birdlife, and take a guided walk on Crescent Island to see giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests up close.
Amboseli National Park - Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, experience stunning views of Africa's highest peak and encounter large herds of elephants along with lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife.
Optional Maasai village visit, arranged and priced separately

1 :

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

The safari leaves Nairobi for the Maasai Mara, including the scheduled Rift Valley escarpment viewpoint stop before continuing to the reserve. The afternoon game drive introduces the grassland and woodland habitats explored during the stay.

Your guide selects viewing stops around the wildlife encountered, allowing time to observe animals and photograph the savannah landscape. The first Mara overnight precedes a full day of game viewing.

Lunch + Dinner

Day 02 :

Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve

Morning and afternoon game drives explore the Maasai Mara’s grassland, wooded margins and riverine cover. The morning programme includes the planned further wildlife-viewing session, with the guide following suitable routes and current animal movements.

A Maasai village visit remains optional, separately arranged and priced. The afternoon drive provides another wildlife session before the second Mara overnight and the following day’s move to Lake Nakuru.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 03 :

Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park

The programme continues from the Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park. The afternoon game drive explores the lake margins, grassland and woodland, looking for rhinos, giraffes, buffalo and other wildlife from permitted park routes.

Birdwatching complements the mammal viewing along the lakeshore. Flamingo numbers and locations vary with lake conditions, so viewing stops follow the birds and animals present during the drive.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 04 :

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

The safari leaves Lake Nakuru for Lake Naivasha. The included afternoon boat ride introduces the freshwater lake, with opportunities to observe hippos and waterbirds from the operator’s route under the crew’s safety arrangements.

The included Crescent Island walk follows sanctuary paths through grazing habitat beside the lake. The walking and boat experiences provide a different perspective from the preceding vehicle-based wildlife sessions before the Naivasha overnight.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 05 :

Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park

The road circuit continues from Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park. The afternoon game drive explores the plains and wetland edges, looking for elephants and other wildlife moving through the park’s different habitats.

Your guide chooses suitable stops for observation and photography. Kilimanjaro may form part of the wider landscape when cloud cover permits a view, while wildlife viewing follows the animals encountered along the park routes.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 06 :

Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli National Park

Morning and afternoon game drives give the full day to Amboseli. Your guide explores open plains, wetland margins and woodland, looking for elephants, other mammals and birds, with time to observe behaviour at suitable sightings.

The later drive continues the park exploration before the second Amboseli overnight. The two sessions provide different perspectives on the wildlife habitats and surrounding landscape.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 07 :

Amboseli National Park to Nairobi

The final morning concludes the Amboseli stay before the road return to Nairobi and the agreed hotel or airport drop-off. An optional city or souvenir-shopping stop can be arranged when the onward schedule allows. The day completes the Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha and Amboseli circuit.

Breakfast

Safari Route Map

A sense of the journey

Your route, at a glance.

7 days6 nightsKenya

Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Lake Nakuru → Lake Naivasha → Amboseli → Nairobi

Find your journey on the map.

Tap a stage below to explore the journey.

Location markers are approximate. Connections show the journey sequence, not roads, exact driving distances or live vehicle tracking. The itinerary sets out each stage.