7 Days Kenya Safari – Amboseli, Lake Naivasha & Maasai Mara
Experience three of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations on one carefully paced private journey, from elephant country beneath Mount Kilimanjaro to the wildlife-rich plains of the Maasai Mara.
Discover the Best of Kenya in 7 Days
This 7 Days Kenya Safari combines three remarkably different landscapes: Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara. Begin with elephant-rich plains and possible views of Mount Kilimanjaro, slow the pace with a lakeside stay in Naivasha, then finish with three nights of exceptional game viewing in the Maasai Mara.
The route works especially well for first-time visitors, couples, families, photographers and travellers who want a classic private Kenya safari without trying to fit too many parks into one week.
Nairobi → Amboseli → Lake Naivasha → Maasai Mara → Nairobi
Safari at a Glance
7 Days Kenya Safari Highlights
A balanced combination of wildlife viewing, scenery, water-based activities and iconic Kenyan safari landscapes.
Amboseli Elephants
Search for large elephant herds across Amboseli’s open plains and wetlands.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Enjoy possible views of Africa’s highest mountain on clear mornings.
Lake Naivasha
Add a boat safari and Crescent Island walking experience.
Three Nights in the Mara
Spend more time exploring one of Africa’s most famous wildlife areas.
Big Five Opportunities
Search for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino during the safari.
Optional Balloon Safari
Add a sunrise hot-air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara.
Detailed 7 Days Kenya Safari Itinerary
A carefully paced itinerary designed to provide meaningful wildlife viewing without trying to visit too many destinations.
Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Meet your professional safari driver-guide at your Nairobi hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and begin the journey south towards Amboseli National Park.
Arrive at your lodge or camp, check in and enjoy lunch depending on your arrival time. Later, head out for your first afternoon game drive across Amboseli’s plains.
- Private transfer from Nairobi
- Afternoon Amboseli game drive
- Elephants, giraffes, buffalo and plains game
- Dinner and overnight in Amboseli
Full Day Amboseli National Park
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli’s open grasslands, swamps, marshes and acacia woodland. Early mornings can provide some of the best opportunities for views of Mount Kilimanjaro when conditions are clear.
Visit Observation Hill and continue searching for elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, hippos and predators.
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Visit Observation Hill
- Possible Mount Kilimanjaro views
- Optional Maasai cultural visit
Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, depart Amboseli and travel through Nairobi towards the Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha.
After arrival and check-in, relax at your lodge or add a boat safari on Lake Naivasha. A Crescent Island walking safari can also be included depending on arrival time.
- Scenic Great Rift Valley journey
- Optional Lake Naivasha boat safari
- Hippos and abundant birdlife
- Optional Crescent Island walk
Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara
Depart Lake Naivasha and travel through the Great Rift Valley towards Narok and the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Arrive at your selected camp or lodge for lunch or early afternoon before heading out for your first Maasai Mara game drive.
- Travel into Maasai country
- Afternoon game drive
- Big-cat viewing opportunities
- Dinner and overnight in Maasai Mara
Full Day Maasai Mara Safari
Enjoy an extended day of wildlife viewing in the Maasai Mara. Your guide will select areas based on current wildlife movements and conditions.
Look for lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hyenas and numerous antelope species.
- Full-day or split game drives
- Picnic lunch option
- Seasonal Great Migration opportunities
- Optional Maasai village experience
Maasai Mara Safari & Optional Hot-Air Balloon
Spend another full day exploring the Maasai Mara. Having an additional night gives you more time to visit different areas and increases your opportunity for varied wildlife encounters.
For an additional cost, start the day with a sunrise hot-air balloon safari before continuing with regular game viewing.
- Optional hot-air balloon safari
- Morning and afternoon game viewing
- Wildlife photography opportunities
- Final night in Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge or camp before checking out and beginning the return journey to Nairobi.
Drop-off can be arranged at your Nairobi hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A scheduled flight from the Mara to Wilson Airport can be added as an upgrade.
- Return transfer to Nairobi
- Optional fly-back upgrade
- Hotel / JKIA drop-off
Kenya Safari Accommodation Options
Select the accommodation style that matches your preferred comfort level and budget.
Budget Safari From USD 2,750
- Kibo Safari Camp – Amboseli
- Sentrim Amboseli – Amboseli
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort – Naivasha
- Lake Naivasha Country Club – Naivasha
- Sarova Mara Game Camp – Maasai Mara
Luxury Safari
- Tawi Lodge – Amboseli
- Ol Tukai Lodge – Amboseli
- Chui Lodge – Naivasha
- Loldia House – Naivasha
- Sand River Masai Mara – Maasai Mara
Premium / Ultra-Luxury
- Private conservancy camps
- Boutique safari properties
- Premium suites
- Exclusive-use accommodation
- Fly-in safari arrangements
Accommodation Note: Properties are subject to availability. Equivalent lodges or camps of a similar standard may be proposed when required.
What’s Included
- Private safari transportation
- 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
- 6 nights’ accommodation
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Applicable park and conservation fees as quoted
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Specified Nairobi transfers
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Personal expenses
- Hot-air balloon safari
- Maasai village visits unless specified
- Additional Nairobi accommodation
Optional Safari Experiences
Lake Naivasha Boat Safari
Explore Lake Naivasha by boat while looking for hippos and waterbirds.
Crescent Island Walk
Add a guided walking experience among giraffes, zebra and antelope.
Hot-Air Balloon Safari
Experience the Maasai Mara from above during an optional sunrise flight.
Maasai Cultural Visit
Learn more about Maasai traditions and pastoral life.
Bush Breakfast
Available at selected lodges and conservancy camps.
Sundowner Experience
End your safari day with a scenic sundowner where available.
Best Time for This Kenya Safari
This route can operate throughout the year, with each season offering a different safari experience.
January–March
Warm conditions and generally strong wildlife viewing.
April–May
Greener scenery, lower visitor numbers and more variable weather.
June
Drying landscapes and improving visibility in many safari areas.
July–October
A popular period for Maasai Mara and seasonal migration opportunities.
November–December
Short rains, greener landscapes and continued resident wildlife.
Great Migration Note: Migration timing, herd locations and river crossings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Customise Your 7 Days Kenya Safari
This itinerary can be adjusted to match your travel dates, interests and preferred style.
Add Lake Nakuru
Extend the route with an additional wildlife stop in the Rift Valley.
Upgrade to Fly-In
Replace selected road transfers with domestic safari flights.
Add Diani Beach
Continue from safari to Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline.
Add Tanzania
Extend into Serengeti, Ngorongoro and northern Tanzania.
Honeymoon Upgrade
Add premium rooms, special dining and romantic safari experiences.
Family Safari
Adjust game-drive lengths and select family-friendly accommodation.
7 Days Kenya Safari FAQs
Is 7 days enough for a Kenya safari?
Yes. Seven days provides enough time to combine several of Kenya’s most popular experiences without making the itinerary excessively rushed. This route focuses on Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Maasai Mara.
What is the best 7-day Kenya safari itinerary?
For many first-time visitors, Nairobi → Amboseli → Lake Naivasha → Maasai Mara → Nairobi provides a strong balance of wildlife, scenery and varied activities.
How much does a 7 Days Kenya Safari cost?
The cost depends on travel dates, group size, accommodation standard, park fees and whether you travel by road or air. Request a personalised quotation for the most accurate price.
Is this a private safari?
Yes. The itinerary can be operated as a private safari with the safari vehicle and driver-guide reserved exclusively for your travelling party.
Can I see the Big Five?
This itinerary provides opportunities to search for the Big Five and many other species. Wildlife is free-ranging, so individual sightings can never be guaranteed.
When is the Great Migration in Maasai Mara?
The wider July to October period is commonly associated with migrating herds in the Mara ecosystem, but exact timing varies each year depending on rainfall and grazing conditions.
Can children join this safari?
Yes. The itinerary can be adapted for families by selecting family-friendly lodges and adjusting game-drive lengths according to the ages of the children.
Can I add a hot-air balloon safari?
Yes. A Maasai Mara hot-air balloon safari can be added at an additional cost, subject to availability and operating conditions.
Can I add Diani Beach after the safari?
Yes. Diani Beach is one of the most popular extensions. The itinerary can also be combined with Mombasa, Watamu or Zanzibar.
Can this safari continue into Tanzania?
Yes. The journey can be extended to include Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and other northern Tanzania safari destinations.
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