7-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara & Amboseli
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Gateway to Adventure
As your plane descends into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the vast African landscape unfolds beneath you, offering a glimpse of the adventure that lies ahead. Upon landing, a warm welcome awaits from your professional safari guide, who will escort you to your private vehicle for the transfer to Sarova Panafric Hotel. The short drive through Nairobi’s bustling streets showcases the city’s unique blend of modern vibrancy and deep cultural heritage. Arriving at the hotel, you’ll find a serene retreat nestled in lush gardens, providing the perfect place to unwind after your journey. Settle into your elegantly furnished room, take a refreshing swim in the pool, or relax on the terrace with a steaming cup of freshly brewed Kenyan coffee.
For those eager to explore, optional excursions offer a chance to experience Nairobi’s wildlife and history. Visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform, or head to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to watch orphaned baby elephants being bottle-fed while learning about their inspiring rescue stories. If history intrigues you, the Karen Blixen Museum provides an intimate look into the life of the famed author of Out of Africa.
As evening sets in, indulge in a delightful dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, where a variety of Kenyan and international dishes are served. With the sounds of the city settling into the night, your safari guide will provide a briefing on the exciting journey ahead, setting the stage for the thrilling adventure that awaits.
Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 15 km, 30 minutes from JKIA to hotel
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Into the Heart of the Wild
The adventure begins! After a hearty breakfast, set off for Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous wildlife haven. The journey covers 280 km and takes approximately 5-6 hours. Along the way, you will pass the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, where you’ll pause at a scenic viewpoint to capture the breathtaking panorama of escarpments and lush plains.
As you continue toward the Mara, watch the scenery transform—from rolling farmlands to expansive savannahs dotted with acacia trees and roaming wildlife. Arriving at Mara Sopa Lodge, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing drink before checking into your spacious cottage, offering private balconies with views of the wilderness.
After a delectable lunch buffet, gear up for your first game drive. The thrill of entering Masai Mara’s untamed landscape is unparalleled—elephants, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes roam freely, while predators lurk in the golden grasses. Keep your eyes peeled for a lion pride resting under the shade or a cheetah sprinting across the plains in pursuit of its prey.
As the sun sets, casting an amber glow over the Mara, return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner. Gather around the campfire, sharing stories under a starlit sky while the distant calls of nocturnal animals echo through the night.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 280 km, 5-6 hours
Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara – Big Five & The Great Migration
Wake up to the sounds of the African bush—a lion’s distant roar, the chatter of birds, and the rustling of the wind through the savannah. Today is dedicated to a full day of exploration in Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich reserves.
Setting off at dawn, you’ll embark on an early morning game drive, the best time to witness predators in action. You may come across a leopard dragging its kill up a tree, or a lion pride feasting on their latest hunt. The Mara’s birdlife is equally captivating, with sightings of the martial eagle, lilac-breasted roller, and secretary bird adding to the spectacle.
Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast before heading out on an extended game drive with a picnic lunch packed for the adventure. If traveling between July and October, prepare for one of nature’s greatest spectacles—the Great Migration. Watch as thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested Mara River in their relentless search for greener pastures.
For a deeper cultural experience, an optional visit to a Maasai village allows you to interact with the Maasai people, learning about their warrior traditions, intricate beadwork, and unique way of life.
As the day draws to a close, return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening, the distant growls of lions and hyenas reminding you that the wild never sleeps.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes, 4-6 hours of exploration
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Flamingos, Rhinos & Birdwatching
After a sunrise game drive and breakfast, say farewell to Masai Mara as you begin the scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey covers 300 km and takes approximately 6 hours, passing through Kenya’s highlands, past tea and coffee plantations, with stops along the way for breathtaking views.
Arriving at Lake Nakuru Lodge, you’ll check in and enjoy a delightful lunch with panoramic views of the lake, often shimmering pink due to the presence of thousands of flamingos.
In the afternoon, set out on a game drive along the lake’s shores, where pelicans, cormorants, and fish eagles thrive. The park is also a sanctuary for black and white rhinos, and if you're lucky, you may spot one grazing in the golden grasslands. Keep an eye out for tree-climbing lions lounging on acacia branches, and leopards stealthily navigating the dense woodlands.
As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the lake’s still waters, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation. The sounds of the night—frogs croaking, distant hyenas laughing, and the gentle lapping of the lake—create a magical African ambiance.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 230 km, 5-6 hours
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Amboseli – Journey to the Land of Giants
Awaken to the tranquil beauty of Lake Nakuru and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off on a morning game drive. Your journey continues southward toward Amboseli National Park, covering 380 km in approximately 7 hours. The drive takes you through Kenya’s heartland, offering glimpses of rural life, bustling markets, and the towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro drawing ever closer.
Arriving at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, check into your well-appointed room, offering stunning views of the savannah. After a delicious lunch, refresh before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
Amboseli’s vast open plains make for spectacular wildlife sightings. Watch as elephants traverse the landscape in family herds, their massive tusks gleaming in the golden light. Keep your camera ready for zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and elusive predators like lions and cheetahs.
As the sun sets behind Mount Kilimanjaro, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape, return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 400 km, 7-8 hours
Day 6: Exploring Amboseli – Elephants & Kilimanjaro's Majesty
Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro, its snow-capped peak glowing in the soft morning light. The crisp, fresh air carries the distant calls of birds and the occasional trumpeting of elephants, signaling the start of another exhilarating day in the wild. After a hearty breakfast at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, set off on an early morning game drive—one of the best times to witness predators in action and the park’s wildlife at its most active. Amboseli’s vast open plains offer spectacular visibility, providing stunning views of large herds of elephants, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, gracefully moving across the golden savannah. Their massive tusks glint in the sunlight as they traverse the landscape, a magnificent sight that makes Amboseli famous.
As you explore, keep an eye out for giraffes stretching their long necks to feed on acacia leaves, hippos wallowing lazily in the cool swamp waters, and buffalos, zebras, and wildebeests grazing peacefully in the grasslands. The thrill of spotting lions, cheetahs, or hyenas stealthily stalking their prey adds an exciting dimension to the safari. After an eventful morning, return to the lodge for a well-deserved break—perhaps a dip in the pool, a refreshing drink, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views of Amboseli’s striking landscapes.
In the afternoon, embark on another game drive, venturing deeper into the park’s diverse ecosystems, from the arid lake bed to the lush swamps that provide a vital water source for countless animals. The majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro creates unparalleled photographic opportunities, making every moment in Amboseli truly special. For those interested in cultural immersion, an optional visit to a Maasai village offers a unique opportunity to interact with the legendary Maasai people. Witness their traditional dances, admire their intricate beadwork, and gain insight into their nomadic lifestyle and deep-rooted connection with nature.
As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a delightful dinner under the African night sky. The distant roars of lions and the gentle rustling of the acacia trees in the breeze create an enchanting ambiance, the perfect way to end a day filled with adventure and discovery.
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes, 4-6 hours of exploration
Day 7: Amboseli to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Savor your final morning in the African bush with a sunrise game drive, soaking in the golden hues of the landscape as Amboseli awakens. This is your last chance to spot any elusive animals you may have missed—perhaps a leopard camouflaged in a tree, a herd of zebras crossing the plains in perfect symmetry, or a majestic lion surveying its kingdom.
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Amboseli and embark on the journey back to Nairobi. The scenic drive takes you through Kenya’s picturesque countryside, passing through small towns, farmlands, and local markets bustling with activity. Along the way, you can reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments that have made this safari truly special.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight home. If time allows, you may enjoy a final meal at a city restaurant or indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping—perhaps picking up beautifully crafted Maasai beadwork, handmade wooden sculptures, or Kenyan coffee to take home a piece of Africa with you.
As you leave Kenya behind, carry with you the memories of endless savannahs, thrilling game drives, majestic wildlife, and the untamed beauty of Africa—an adventure that will stay with you forever.
Transfer: Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Meals: Breakfast
Distance & Travel Time: approx. 240 km, 4-5 hours
Inclusions:
✔ Accommodation: Midrange lodges on a private basis, including Sarova Panafric Hotel (Nairobi), Mara Sopa Lodge (Masai Mara), Lake Nakuru Lodge (Lake Nakuru), and Amboseli Sopa Lodge (Amboseli).
✔ Meals: Full-board meal plan (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the safari.
✔ Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle for all transfers and game drives.
✔ Game Drives & Activities: Unlimited game drives in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli National Parks.
✔ Park Entry Fees: All entrance fees to national parks and conservancies.
✔ Professional Guide: Services of an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide (other language options available upon request).
✔ Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water provided during game drives.
✔ Airport Transfers: Pick-up from and drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
✔ Government Taxes & Levies: VAT, conservation fees, and all mandatory government charges.
Exclusions:
✖ International Flights: Airfare to and from Kenya is not included.
✖ Visa Fees: Travelers are responsible for obtaining and paying for their Kenya entry visas.
✖ Personal Expenses: Costs such as souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, additional snacks, and laundry services.
✖ Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safaris, Maasai village visits, and other excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
✖ Travel & Medical Insurance: Highly recommended but not included in the package.
✖ Tips & Gratuities: Tipping for guides, drivers, and lodge staff is at the traveler’s discretion.
