7-Day Kenya Safari: Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha & Amboseli

7-Day Kenya Safari: Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha & Amboseli

Kenya small-group week-long safari – Big Five in Maasai Mara, hippos + flamingos at Lakes Nakuru & Naivasha, elephant herds under Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, pop-up roof van game drives, 6 nights accommodation, all meals and round-trip transfers included (7 days).

4.7
$ 800
168 hours
682 + bookings
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Overview

This seven-day comprehensive Kenyan circuit is a high-intensity expedition that connects the predator-rich savannahs of the Maasai Mara, the bird-filled shores of Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, and the elephant-dominated plains of Amboseli.

You will move from the floor of the Great Rift Valley to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, experiencing a dramatic physical transition in landscapes. This is an immersive journey through four distinct ecosystems where the air shifts from the dry heat of the Mara to the humid, lakeside breezes of the Rift and the cool, highland air of Amboseli.

Because this is a small-group safari limited to 20 travelers, you benefit from a social environment while tracking the "Big Five" against Africa's most iconic backdrops.

You should book your 7-day Kenyan safari early to secure your spot in the 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep and to take advantage of the complimentary night in Nairobi before departure.

What's Included

  • 6 Nights accommodation (Lodge/Glamping)
  • Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • All National Park and Reserve Entrance Fees
  • All meals (7L, 6D, 6B) plus bottled water
  • Lake Naivasha boat ride and Hell's Gate entry
  • FREE Airport transfers and 1 night in Nairobi
  • Balloon Safari ($420 USD per person)
  • Alcoholic beverages and sodas
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Personal items and souvenirs
  • Personal travel insurance

Itinerary

  1. The journey begins with a 7:00 AM pickup in Nairobi, following your complimentary night at the After 40 Hotel. You’ll descend into the Great Rift Valley, stopping for 20 minutes at a vertical viewpoint. After a picnic lunch, you arrive at the Maasai Mara for an afternoon game drive. You’ll stay at Mara Ntulele Camp or Rhino Tourist Camp in a large, self-contained tent with a private bathroom.
  2. Day two is a 9-hour immersion in the Maasai Mara. After breakfast, you’ll spend the full day exploring the grassy plains and the Mara River, tracking lions, leopards, and cheetahs. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch within the reserve before returning to your camp for dinner.
  3. After an early breakfast, you depart for Lake Nakuru. The 8-hour drive takes you through the heart of the Rift Valley. You’ll arrive at Lanet Matfam Resort or Buraha Zenoni in the late afternoon, with time to swim or relax before a buffet dinner.
  4. The morning is spent in Lake Nakuru National Park, a crucial sanctuary for black and white rhinos and over 450 species of birds. After a 7-hour game drive, you’ll travel to Lake Naivasha for an included boat ride to see hippos. You’ll spend the night at the Astorian Grand or Chambai Hotel.
  5. Day five begins with a 2-hour exploration of Hell’s Gate National Park, where you can walk or cycle among wildlife. You’ll then embark on a 6-hour transit to Amboseli National Park, arriving in the evening at the AA Lodge or Amboseli Wildebeest Camp, overlooking the silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  6. A full day in Amboseli features 7 hours of game drives focused on the park’s legendary large-tusked elephants. You’ll visit Observation Hill for a vertical view of the swamps and plains. The day concludes with a final bush dinner at your luxury lodge.
  7. The final morning begins with a 6-hour game drive through the Amboseli ecosystem. After a brief stop in Kimana and a complimentary snack lunch at a traveler's motel, the Jeep returns to Nairobi. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport in the late afternoon, concluding your week-long circuit.

Expect a fast-paced and physically active itinerary. You will spend significant time in a 4x4 Land Cruiser navigating both paved highways and unpaved, dusty tracks—locally known as the "African massage." The accommodation is a high-quality mix of "glamping" tents in the Mara and mid-range hotels or luxury lodges in Nakuru and Amboseli. You should be prepared for diverse weather conditions, from the intense sun of the Mara plains to the cool morning breezes at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

7-Day Safari Insider Secrets

  • Reddit travelers suggest bringing a high-capacity power bank. While the lodges have power, the long 8-hour transits between parks and the heavy use of cameras during game drives will drain your devices quickly.

  • Visitors on X recommend wearing light, neutral-colored layers. You'll want a warm jacket for the early morning departures in Amboseli, but you’ll need to strip down to a t-shirt as the sun hits the Rift Valley floor.

  • If you want to see the rhinos in Nakuru, guests on Quora note that the lakeshore near the fever tree forests is their preferred grazing ground in the early morning; tell your guide to head there first.

  • Don't skip the "complimentary night" in Nairobi. It allows you to adjust to the altitude and ensures you are refreshed for the 7:00 AM departure on Day 1.

Best Time to Visit

Wildlife visibility and mountain views change with the Kenyan seasonal cycles.

Season Months The Experience The Trade-off
Peak Dry July – Oct Best for the Great Migration in the Mara; driest trails in all parks. The busiest time of year; park entrance areas can be crowded.
Short Rains Nov – Dec Lush green landscapes and the best bird watching at the lakes. Higher humidity; occasional afternoon showers can hide Kilimanjaro.
Green Season March – June The quietest atmosphere and great for seeing newborn animals. Tall grass can make spotting predators more difficult.

Recommended Start Time: 7:00 AM on Day 1. A prompt departure from Nairobi is essential to beat the traffic and ensure you maximize your first game drive in the Maasai Mara.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are park fees included?

Yes. This package is all-inclusive of entry fees for all parks and reserves mentioned in the itinerary.

Is the airport pickup really free?

Yes. We provide free pickup from Jomo Kenyatta or Wilson Airport, even if you arrive a day before the safari begins.

Can infants join?

Yes. Infant seats are available, though the long drives and bumpy tracks can be tiring for very young children.

Is the boat ride extra?

No, the boat ride on Lake Naivasha is included in your tour package.

What should I pack?

Sunscreen, a hat, high-quality binoculars, and comfortable walking shoes for Hell's Gate.

Book it today with Maasai Mara Safari Tours or simply following this link.

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