Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli Safari
Duration: 7 Days | Route: Nairobi -> Masaai Mara -> Lake Nakuru -> Amboseli -> Nairobi
Itinerary Outline
- Day 1: Arrival and Maasai Mara Adventure
- Day 2 & 3: Full Days in Maasai Mara
- Day 4: Lake Nakuru Wildlife Delight
- Day 5: Amboseli Arrival and Wildlife Exploration
- Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli
- Day 7: Farewell to Amboseli and Journey Conclusion
Overview
This 7-day Kenya safari takes you through three of the country’s most famous wildlife areas: the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli. The trip offers a good balance of wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and comfortable stays. Game drives give you the chance to see the Big Five along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, flamingos, and many other species in their natural habitats. The route also includes views of the Great Rift Valley and the iconic snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli.
Throughout the safari, you’ll enjoy cozy lodges, hearty meals, and time in some of Kenya’s most spectacular settings. From quiet moments watching hippos near the lakeshore to sunset skies over open plains, every day brings something special. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, photography, or simply exploring new places, this safari offers a memorable and well-rounded Kenya experience.
What Our Guides Say: “This is the only Kenya route where rhinos, elephants, and big cats are guaranteed in separate ecosystems. Three parks, five species, one complete safari.”
Highlights
- Embark on thrilling safaris in Maasai Mara, where you’ll get up close with majestic lions, elusive leopards, giant elephants, and herds of wildebeests roaming freely in their natural habitat.
- Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Kenya’s diverse landscapes, from the breathtaking Great Rift Valley to the iconic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro standing tall against the horizon.
- Enjoy scenic drives to Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli, where wildlife sightings along the way make the journey as exciting as the destination itself.
- Be captivated by the sight of thousands of pink flamingos and the powerful presence of rhinos at the shores of Lake Nakuru, offering a truly magical wildlife experience.
- Spot the renowned Big Five along with cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and a colorful array of bird species during exhilarating game drives through Kenya’s iconic national parks.
- Relish the unforgettable experience of witnessing golden sunsets during evening safaris, capturing the beauty of wildlife against the stunning backdrop of Kenya’s vast savannas.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Maasai Mara Adventure
Your journey begins with a warm welcome from your guide as you arrive. You will enjoy scenic views of the Kenyan countryside and the striking Great Rift Valley on your way to Maasai Mara. Upon reaching Maasai Mara, check in and you will served with a delicious lunch. After lunch head out on an afternoon safari. Get ready to witness an array of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, lions, leopards, wildebeests, and various bird species. Return to lodge and have dinner and rest.
Day 2 & 3: Full Days in Maasai Mara
The next two days are all about Maasai Mara National Reserve. After breakfast, you will embark on full day safaris where you will have incredible wildlife encounters. Expect to see the famous Big Five as well as cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeests and more. Enjoy your lunch in the midst of the park’s natural beauty at a picnic site. After a day filled with adventure, you will return for a hearty dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru Wildlife Delight
Following breakfast, it is time to check out and head to your next destination, Lake Nakuru National Park. During your journey, you will have an en route safari, which will give you the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. Upon your arrival, settle in and have lunch. In the afternoon, explore the shores of Lake Nakuru, where you will be treated to the sight of flocks of flamingos and rhinos in their natural habitat. Return to your accommodation for a delicious dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.
Day 5: Amboseli Arrival and Wildlife Exploration
Start your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by checking out. You will then transfer to Amboseli, a famous location for its large herds of elephants. Upon arrival and check in, savor a tasty lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the park, where you will encounter elephants, lions, giraffes and many more. After a fulfilling day, return for a satisfying dinner.
Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli
After breakfast, head to the park to spot diverse wildlife and take in the spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Lunch will be a picnic surrounded by the natural beauty of Amboseli. In the afternoon, embark on another safari with the chance to witness a breathtaking sunset against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. As the day concludes, return for a delicious dinner and take rest.
Day 7: Farewell to Amboseli and Journey Conclusion
On your final day, begin with breakfast and check out. It is time to say goodbye to Amboseli and commence your journey back to Nairobi. Your guide will drop you off at the airport or your preferred location, which will mark the end of an unforgettable safari adventure.
Want day wise plan with every details?
Download the detailed day wise itinerary for this tour & start planning your journey with Big Cats Safari. To explore more routes and wildlife experiences, check our all Kenyan Safaris.
Where You’ll Stay
Travel Information
Inclusion
- Lodging in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli including all meals and safari.
- Your fees for entrance, safari and guide in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli.
- 1 evening safari on day 1 and full day game drive on day 2 & 3 in Popup Roof Land Cruiser in Masai Mara.
- En-route safari while transferring to Lake Nakuru.
- 1 afternoon safari on day 5 and full day game drive on day 6 in Popup Roof Land Cruiser in Amboseli.
- Nairobi to Nairobi transfer in Land Cruiser
- Masai Village visit.
- Airport and hotel assistance pre and post-trip.
Exclusion
- Personal expenses like laundry, international phone calls, liquor, à la carte food, etc.
- International or domestic airfares and rail tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and Gratuities.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion section.
Customization options
Safari vehicle options (standard 4×4, private upgrades if relevant)
- Standard option includes a shared 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
- Private 4×4 vehicles can be arranged for exclusive use throughout the itinerary.
Lodge options (budget, mid-range, high-end)
- Accommodation can be arranged at budget camps, mid-range lodges, or high-end lodges in Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli.
- Lodge selection may vary based on proximity to park gates and internal park locations.
Game drive flexibility (timings if applicable)
- Game drives in Maasai Mara and Amboseli can be arranged as full-day or split morning and afternoon sessions.
- Lake Nakuru game drives are typically conducted during the day based on park timings.
- Timings may be adjusted depending on transfer days between parks.
Add-on experiences (based on itinerary)
- Hot air balloon safari is available in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
- Cultural visits can be arranged near Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Park.
- Sundowner experiences can be included in selected locations.
Flexibility in number of nights per location
- Additional nights can be added in Maasai Mara or Amboseli to extend wildlife viewing.
- Lake Nakuru stay can be adjusted depending on travel pace.
Flexible departure options
- Departure location can be arranged based on onward travel plans, typically via return to Nairobi.
- Timing can be adjusted according to flight schedules.
Cancellation Policy
- If cancellation requested before 120 days (or more) prior to departure, Full refund.
- If cancellation requested before 60 days (or more) prior to departure – 75% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 45 to 59 days prior to departure – 50% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 30 to 44 days prior to departure – 25% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 15 to 29 days prior to departure – 10% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested less than 15 days prior to departure, No Show – No Refund.
Further Information
Best time to visit (based on regions in the itinerary)
- July to October is suitable for wildlife viewing in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Amboseli National Park due to dry conditions and better wildlife concentration.
- January to March offers clear conditions, especially in Amboseli with consistent visibility of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- April, May, and November may have rains that can affect road travel between parks.
Optional activities (relevant to locations in the outline)
- Hot air balloon safari is available in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
- Cultural visits to Maasai communities can be arranged in both Maasai Mara and near Amboseli National Park.
- Birdwatching is common in Lake Nakuru National Park due to its lake ecosystem.
- Sundowner experiences can be arranged in Maasai Mara and Amboseli at designated locations.
Who this tour suits (based on pace, parks, and travel type)
- This tour suits travelers looking to cover multiple major parks in Kenya within a limited timeframe.
- It is suitable for those interested in a mix of big game viewing, birdlife, and varied landscapes.
- The itinerary includes several road transfers, making it suitable for travelers comfortable with overland travel and structured schedules.
