7-Day Amboseli-Lakes Naivasha Nakuru-Maasai Mara Safari

This 7-day safari takes you through some of Kenya’s most stunning and diverse landscapes, covering Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the world-famous Maasai Mara. You’ll experience iconic wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and unique cultural encounters along the way.


Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

  • 7:30 AM: Depart from Nairobi
    • Begin your adventure with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
    • Travel time: Approximately 4 hours (240 km).
    • As you drive to Amboseli, enjoy scenic views of the Kenyan countryside and, on a clear day, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
  • 12:00 PM: Arrival in Amboseli & Check-In
    • Arrive at your lodge or camp in Amboseli National Park, home to large herds of elephants.
    • Check-in and have lunch while overlooking the park’s sweeping plains.
  • 3:30 PM: Afternoon Game Drive
    • Head out for your first game drive in Amboseli. The park is known for its iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes.
    • As the sun sets, enjoy spectacular photo opportunities with wildlife silhouetted against the towering Kilimanjaro.
  • 6:30 PM: Return to Lodge/Camp
    • Return to your lodge or camp for relaxation before dinner.
  • 7:30 PM: Dinner & Overnight
    • Enjoy dinner under the African sky and rest up for a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or Kibo Safari Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 2: Full Day in Amboseli National Park

  • 6:30 AM: Early Morning Game Drive
    • Start your day with an early game drive to catch the park’s wildlife as they are most active in the cool morning hours. Spot large elephant herds, hyenas, and possibly a lion pride or cheetah on the hunt.
    • Enjoy the picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro, often clear in the early morning.
  • 8:30 AM: Return for Breakfast
    • After the game drive, return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast.
  • 10:00 AM: Relaxation or Optional Cultural Visit
    • You can relax at the lodge or opt for an excursion to a local Maasai village where you can learn about their traditional way of life and experience their customs, including dance and handicrafts.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at the Lodge/Camp
  • 3:30 PM: Afternoon Game Drive
    • Embark on another game drive to explore different areas of the park, including Observation Hill, which offers panoramic views of Amboseli and its swamps, frequently visited by elephants and hippos.
  • 6:30 PM: Return to Lodge/Camp
    • Relax and freshen up before dinner.
  • 7:30 PM: Dinner & Overnight

Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or Kibo Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 3: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha

  • 7:00 AM: Early Breakfast & Check-Out
    • After breakfast, begin your journey to Lake Naivasha, driving through beautiful landscapes and crossing the Great Rift Valley.
  • 12:30 PM: Arrival in Naivasha & Check-In
    • Arrive at your lodge or camp in Lake Naivasha.
    • Check in and enjoy lunch with views of the lake.
  • 3:30 PM: Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
    • Enjoy a relaxing boat safari on Lake Naivasha. Spot hippos, and a variety of birds including pelicans, fish eagles, and cormorants. You may also encounter some giraffes and zebras grazing by the shore.
  • 5:30 PM: Optional Nature Walk on Crescent Island
    • After the boat ride, take a guided nature walk on Crescent Island, where you can walk among wildlife like zebras, giraffes, and antelopes in a predator-free environment.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner & Overnight

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge or Naivasha Simba Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park

  • 7:30 AM: Breakfast & Check-Out
    • After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its birdlife, particularly flamingos, and endangered species like the black and white rhino.
  • 10:00 AM: Arrival in Lake Nakuru National Park
    • Upon arrival, check into your lodge or camp and get ready for your first game drive.
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at the Lodge
  • 3:30 PM: Afternoon Game Drive
    • Explore the park on an afternoon game drive. Spot rhinos, lions, leopards, and a variety of antelope species. Visit the famous Lake Nakuru to see the birdlife and possibly catch sight of pink flamingos lining the shores (depending on water levels).
  • 6:30 PM: Return to Lodge/Camp
  • 7:30 PM: Dinner & Overnight

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge or Flamingo Hill Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve

  • 7:00 AM: Early Breakfast & Check-Out
    • After breakfast, leave for the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves.
  • 1:00 PM: Arrival at Maasai Mara & Check-In
    • After a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley and Maasai lands, arrive at your lodge or camp in the Maasai Mara in time for lunch.
  • 3:30 PM: Afternoon Game Drive
    • Head out for your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, famous for its large population of big cats, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and the seasonal Great Migration.
  • 6:30 PM: Return to Lodge/Camp
    • Relax at your accommodation before dinner.
  • 7:30 PM: Dinner & Overnight

Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp or Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 6: Full Day in Maasai Mara National Reserve

  • 6:00 AM: Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari
    • For an additional cost, start the day with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride at dawn, floating over the Mara’s vast plains and wildlife. Afterward, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush.
  • 7:30 AM: Full-Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch
    • Enjoy a full day exploring the Masai Mara, venturing to the Mara River where you may witness crocodiles and hippos. During migration season, watch as wildebeest and zebras make the treacherous river crossing.
    • Visit different areas of the park, maximizing your chances to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards, and elephants.
  • 1:00 PM: Picnic Lunch in the Bush
    • Stop for a picnic lunch in a scenic area, possibly overlooking a river or in the shade of an acacia tree.
  • 3:00 PM: Afternoon Game Drive
    • Continue your game drive, covering more areas of the expansive Mara.
  • 6:30 PM: Return to Lodge/Camp
  • 7:30 PM: Dinner & Overnight

Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp or Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 7: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

  • 6:30 AM: Early Morning Game Drive
    • Set out on your final morning game drive, enjoying the cool early hours when animals are most active.
  • 8:30 AM: Return for Breakfast & Check-Out
    • After breakfast, check out and begin the drive back to Nairobi.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch En Route (Optional)
    • Stop for lunch in Narok town or another local spot.
  • 4:00 PM: Arrival in Nairobi
    • Arrive in Nairobi, where your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast


Safari Inclusions:

  • Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide.
  • All park entry fees.
  • Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • Daily game drives as per the itinerary.
  • Boat ride in Lake Naivasha.
  • Maasai village visit (optional).
  • Bottled water during game drives.

Safari Exclusions:

  • International flights.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Optional activities (hot air balloon safari).
  • Drinks and personal expenses.
  • Tips for guides and lodge/camp staff.

This 7-day safari showcases the best of Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife diversity, taking you from the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli to the dramatic savannahs of the Maasai Mara. Each destination offers unique experiences and unforgettable encounters with Africa’s wildlife.