7-Day Kenya Wildlife & Scenic Safari

Safari Overview

The 7-Day Kenya Wildlife & Scenic Safari is designed for travelers who want a balanced safari experience that combines classic big-game viewing with scenic landscapes and relaxed activities. The itinerary includes extended stays in the Masai Mara, peaceful lake experiences at Naivasha, and iconic elephant encounters in Amboseli beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. This safari is ideal for couples, families, and travelers who prefer a slower pace with diverse experiences.

 

Safari Highlights

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Afternoon game drive
Day 2–3: Full-day game drives in Masai Mara
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha
Day 5: Lake Naivasha activities – Boat safari & Crescent Island walk
Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli – Evening game drive
Day 7: Amboseli to Nairobi – Morning game drive

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive through the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara. The journey offers stunning views of the escarpment, with Lake Naivasha and the distant volcanic peaks visible on clear days. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and settle into your accommodation.

In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive across the open savannah. The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, home to the Big Five and the stage for the Great Migration (seasonal). Spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes as the golden light softens over the plains. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2–3: Masai Mara Game Drives

Spend two full days exploring different sections of the Masai Mara. Game drives are flexible and guided by wildlife movements, ensuring the best possible sightings. The Mara is famous for its high density of big cats, lions, leopards, and cheetahs are regularly spotted. Other wildlife includes elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. Between July and October, the Mara River becomes the stage for one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the dramatic crossings of wildebeest and zebras. Your guide will position you at strategic points to witness this event, if the timing aligns.

Optional activities include a visit to a Maasai village to learn about traditional customs and witness jumping dances, or a hot air balloon safari at sunrise offering a breathtaking aerial perspective of the reserve (both at extra cost).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara and travel to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. The journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, passing through scenic countryside with views of the valley floor. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge. Lake Naivasha is known for its resident hippos and abundant birdlife. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed sunset with views of the lake and surrounding wildlife. Overnight near Lake Naivasha.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Lake Naivasha Activities

After breakfast, enjoy a morning boat safari on Lake Naivasha. The boat glides across the tranquil waters, bringing you face-to-face with pods of hippos and a spectacular variety of water birds fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and cormorants are all commonly spotted.

Later, take a guided nature walk on Crescent Island. This private sanctuary is one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk among wildlife. Giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and wildebeests graze freely on the island, offering close encounters without fences. It’s a unique and intimate experience. Afternoon at leisure. You may choose to relax at the lodge or explore the nearby lakeside paths. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli

After breakfast, drive south to Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, passing through the heart of Kenya’s countryside with views of the mountain appearing on the horizon as you approach. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy an evening game drive. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds, often seen against the backdrop of Africa’s highest peak. The open plains and swamps support a variety of wildlife, including zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and predators such as lions and cheetahs. Overnight at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Amboseli to Nairobi

Wake early for a sunrise game drive to capture the iconic image of elephants crossing the plains with Mount Kilimanjaro towering behind them. The early morning light offers the best conditions for photography, and the animals are most active during the cooler hours. Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out. Depart Amboseli and return to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide

• Accommodation on full-board basis

• Park entry fees and conservation levies

• Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary

• Boat safari on Lake Naivasha

• Guided nature walk on Crescent Island

• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Safari Exclusions

• International flights and visas

• Travel insurance (mandatory)

• Optional excursions (Maasai village visit, hot air balloon safari)

• Tips and gratuities for guides and staff

• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs

• Accommodation in Nairobi before or after the safari