7-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli
By the Africa Safaris team, Nairobi · · 3 min read
The perfect 7-day Kenya safari itinerary: Masai Mara big cats, Lake Nakuru rhinos and Amboseli elephants under Kilimanjaro, with costs, lodges and booking tips.
Seven days is the sweet spot for a first safari in Kenya. It's long enough for three very different parks without feeling rushed. This 7-day Kenya safari itinerary is the route we recommend most often to first-time visitors from the USA, UK, Europe and Australia.
The route at a glance
| Day | Where | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nairobi | Arrive, transfer to your hotel, optional Giraffe Centre |
| 2 | Masai Mara | Drive via the Great Rift Valley, afternoon game drive |
| 3 | Masai Mara | Full day with the big cats; migration from July to October |
| 4 | Masai Mara | Optional sunrise balloon, Maasai village visit |
| 5 | Lake Nakuru | Rhinos, flamingos (in season), tree-climbing lions |
| 6 | Amboseli | Elephants with Kilimanjaro behind |
| 7 | Amboseli to Nairobi | Morning game drive, return for your evening flight |
Days 1–4: Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is Kenya's most famous reserve, and for good reason: lions, leopards and cheetahs are seen most days. From July to October, the Great Migration adds a million wildebeest and dramatic river crossings. Three nights gives you two full days and the flexibility to wait for the action.
Worth adding: a hot-air balloon flight at sunrise (around $495 per adult) and a Maasai village visit (around $40). For more on the reserve, read our Masai Mara safari packages guide.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru National Park is a fenced rhino sanctuary where both black and white rhinos are regularly seen. The lake is famous for flamingos, although their numbers change with water levels. Look out for Rothschild's giraffes and lions resting in the acacia trees.
Days 6–7: Amboseli
Amboseli National Park has some of Africa's most photographed elephants, set against snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania. Morning is the best time for clear mountain views. Read more in our Amboseli and Tsavo safari guide.
What does a 7-day Kenya safari cost?
A private mid-range 7-day Kenya safari typically costs USD 2,400–3,800 per person sharing, including vehicle, guide, park fees and full-board lodges. Our 6-Day Kenya Classic follows this route from about $2,145 per person. Add a night in Nairobi or the Mara to make it seven days.
Variations on the 7-day route
- Honeymoon: three nights in the Mara, then fly to Diani Beach. See the 7-Day Honeymoon: Masai Mara & Diani.
- Northern Kenya: swap Amboseli for Samburu and Ol Pejeta. See the 5-Day Samburu & Ol Pejeta.
- Fly-in: fly to the Mara instead of driving, saving about five hours each way. See luxury fly-in safaris.
Booking tips
- For July–October, book 9–12 months ahead.
- Secure your dates with a 30% deposit. The 40% and 30% balance payments fall due 60 and 30 days before travel.
- Let us know your flight times. Airport transfers are included.
Customise this itinerary by swapping lodges or adding nights, and see the price update instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for a Kenya safari?+
Yes. Seven days comfortably covers the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli, giving you three different landscapes and an excellent chance of seeing the Big Five.
How much is a 7-day Kenya safari?+
A private mid-range 7-day safari typically costs USD 2,400–3,800 per person sharing, with park fees and full-board lodges included. International flights are extra.
Should I drive or fly between Kenyan parks?+
Driving is cheaper and lets you see the countryside. Flying saves hours. Nairobi to the Masai Mara is about 5–6 hours by road or under an hour by light aircraft.
Tags
Safaris mentioned in this guide
6-DayKenya6-Day Kenya Classic: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli
You visit: Masai Mara National Reserve → Lake Nakuru National Park → Amboseli National Park
7-DayKenya7-Day Honeymoon: Masai Mara & Diani Beach
You visit: Masai Mara National Reserve → Diani Beach
5-DayKenya5-Day Samburu & Ol Pejeta Wildlife Safari
You visit: Samburu National Reserve → Ol Pejeta Conservancy
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