Have you ever closed your eyes and imagined the quintessential African safari? The thunder of a million wildebeest hooves, a lion’s silhouette at sunset, towering elephants marching before a snow-capped mountain, and the vibrant pink hue of a million flamingos? This isn’t just a dream—it’s a perfectly planned 7-day Kenyan adventure.

This “Best of Kenya” safari is meticulously crafted to give you the most incredible wildlife and scenic diversity in just one week. It’s the ideal journey for first-time visitors and seasoned safari-goers alike, packing four iconic destinations into an unforgettable loop from Nairobi. Let’s dive into your upcoming adventure.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

This classic 7-day road safari takes you on a thrilling circuit through Kenya’s most famous parks and reserves. You’ll start with the Great Rift Valley lakes, Nakuru and Naivasha, famous for their birdlife and tranquil beauty. Then, you’ll journey to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, the crown jewel of African safaris and home to the awe-inspiring Great Migration. Finally, you’ll head south to Amboseli National Park, where legendary elephant herds roam against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

This itinerary balances intense game drives with moments of relaxation and alternative activities, offering a comprehensive taste of Kenya’s natural wonders.

Highlights

The Big Five: Maximize your chances of spotting lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo
Witness the Great Migration: Experience the raw drama of the Masai Mara, potentially seeing the dramatic Mara River crossings (seasonal, typically July-October).
Amboseli's Iconic Views: Capture postcard-perfect photographs of vast elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro providing a stunning backdrop.
Birdwatcher's Paradise: Be amazed by the spectacle of thousands of flamingos painting Lake Nakuru pink
Lake Naivasha Boat Ride: Glide past hippos and marvel at diverse birdlife on a serene boat safari on the freshwater Lake Naivasha.
Maasai Cultural Experience: Enjoy an authentic visit to a Maasai village to learn about their rich heritage and traditions (optional but highly recommended).

Day 01 :

Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

After an early pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the airport, you'll drive into the Great Rift Valley, enjoying stunning panoramic views. Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its alkaline lake that attracts vast flocks of flamingos. After lunch, embark on your first game drive. Besides the famous birds, the park is a fantastic rhino sanctuary, so keep your eyes peeled for both black and white rhinos. You may also see lions, leopards, and the rare Rothschild's giraffe.

Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Lake Nakuru area.

Day 02 :

Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

Enjoy an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru as the animals are most active. After breakfast, begin your journey to the legendary Masai Mara. You'll drive through picturesque landscapes, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge or camp. In the afternoon, dive straight into your first Mara game drive in this vast savannah landscape. Keep your camera ready!

Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp inside the Masai Mara.

Day 03 :

Full Day in the Masai Mara

This is it—a full day dedicated to exploring the magic of the Mara! You have two options: a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch carried in a special box, allowing you to explore the remote reaches of the reserve, including the Mara River; or two separate game drives (morning and afternoon). Your guide will track animals, and you'll spend the day searching for the Big Five and witnessing the incredible drama of the predator-and-prey cycle unfold on the plains.

Overnight: Lodge/Tented Camp inside the Masai Mara.

Day 04 :

Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha

Savor one last early morning game drive in the Mara, perhaps catching a hunt in action or a beautiful sunrise over the plains. Return to your camp for a hearty breakfast before checking out and driving to Lake Naivasha. This freshwater lake in the Rift Valley is a complete contrast to the Mara. After checking in, you can relax by the lake, enjoy the lodge grounds, or take an optional walk in Hell's Gate National Park (famous for being the inspiration for Disney's The Lion King and a great cycling destination).
Overnight: Lodge on the shores of Lake Naivasha

Day 05 :

Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a beautiful boat ride on Lake Naivasha. This is a fantastic water-based safari where you'll get up close to hippos, see fish eagles soar, and admire a stunning variety of waterbirds. Afterwards, begin the drive south towards Amboseli. The journey offers a fascinating look at rural Kenya. You'll arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon with the majestic sight of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting) welcoming you.

Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Amboseli National Park.

Day 06 :

Full Day in Amboseli National Park

Rise early for a stunning morning game drive with Kilimanjaro's peak (if clear) providing an unforgettable backdrop. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds, and you'll likely see many, along with lions, cheetahs, and vast numbers of plains game. The park's swampy areas fed by Kilimanjaro's meltwater attract plenty of animals and are excellent for photography. Return for lunch and relaxation before an exhilarating afternoon game drive.

Overnight: Lodge/Camp in Amboseli National Park.

Day 07 :

Amboseli to Nairobi

Amboseli to Nairobi Enjoy one final, short morning game drive in Amboseli, bidding farewell to the wildlife. After breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi. You will be dropped off at your hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home, filled with a lifetime of memories.