7 Day Kenya Luxury Safari: Amboseli, Lakes & Mara Explorer
Experience a quintessential Kenyan journey, capturing the magic of its most iconic destinations, on this carefully crafted 7 day luxury safari. Designed for discerning Canadian travellers seeking an efficient and unforgettable experience, this itinerary showcases the majesty of elephants against Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, the vibrant birdlife and lakeside beauty of Naivasha and Nakuru, and the unparalleled wildlife spectacle of the Maasai Mara. As Kenyan based experts, Bubble Tours & Travel delivers this classic route with premium comfort, seamless logistics, and our personalized approach to every bespoke Kenya itinerary.
Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Amboseli
Day 3: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 7: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Activities:
* Multiple game drives in Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara National Parks
* Boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
* Nature walk on Crescent Island.
Optional activities: Visit the Mzima Springs, enjoy a bush walk, experience a Maasai village visit, or take a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara (additional cost).
Optional Travel Upgrade:
Travel Between Parks with Light Aircraft: For a seamless and time-efficient experience, consider upgrading your transportation between parks with a scenic light aircraft flight. This option offers breathtaking aerial views of the Kenyan landscape and significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to maximize your time on safari.
Wildlife & Scenic Highlights:
Amboseli National Park: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and secretary birds.
Mount Kilimanjaro: The majestic backdrop of Africa's highest peak, offering stunning photo opportunities.
Lake Naivasha: Hippos, African fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and a variety of other water birds.
Crescent Island: Zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, and numerous bird species.
Lake Nakuru National Park: Flamingos, rhinos (both black and white), lions, leopards, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, zebras, and a plethora of bird species, including pelicans, eagles, and storks.
Maasai Mara National Reserve: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
The Great Wildebeest Migration: Witness the annual spectacle of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores crossing the Mara River in search of fresh grazing lands. (Seasonal, typically July-October)
Scenic Landscapes: The vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara, the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, acacia forests, the shimmering waters of Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, and the volcanic Mount Longonot.
Tailored To Your Preferences
This 7 day itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to Kenya. As specialists in bespoke Kenya itinerary design, we excel at tailoring trips to your specific interests. Perhaps focus more on birding around the lakes, extend your time in the Maasai Mara, or adapt activities to suit a multigenerational family. We collaborate with you to create your ideal Kenyan safari.
Best Time for This Safari
This route offers incredible experiences throughout the year:
- Dry Seasons (June October, January February): Offer the best chances for clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli. Wildlife is typically concentrated around water sources. July to October aligns with the potential Great Migration period in the Mara.
- Wet Seasons (March May, November December): Present lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and often dramatic skies. Flamingo numbers at Lake Nakuru can vary; the park's rhino sanctuary remains a constant highlight.
We provide detailed advice based on your specific travel dates.
Why Choose This Classic 7 Day Journey?
- Iconic Highlights: Captures the "best of Kenya" in a week: Kilimanjaro & elephants, Rift Valley lakes, and the legendary Mara.
- Efficient Timeframe: Provides a great overview of key parks within a relatively short period.
- Excellent for First Time Visitors: A popular choice for those wanting a comprehensive introduction to Kenya's safari wonders.
Ready to Plan Your Iconic Kenyan Safari?
The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and further insights into this rewarding journey, follows below. If you're eager to discuss customization options or have any questions about this 7 day adventure, our knowledgeable specialists are ready to assist you.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)
- Morning (Arrival): Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi, you will be met by your professional driver/guide. After a brief welcome and safari briefing, depart for Amboseli National Park.
- Mid-morning: The drive takes you south, passing through diverse landscapes and local villages. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route.
- Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen lodge or camp in or near Amboseli National Park. Check in and have some time to freshen up.
- Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in Amboseli. This park is renowned for its large herds of elephants roaming against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Tortilis Camp Amboseli, Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli, Sopa Amboseli Lodge, or similar.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Amboseli National Park
- Morning: Early morning game drive to maximize your chances of seeing Kilimanjaro clearly (weather permitting) and observe wildlife during their most active hours. The morning light is excellent for photography.
- Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast.
- Late Morning/Afternoon: Continue exploring Amboseli with extended game drives, focusing on different areas of the park, such as the observation hill for panoramic views. Look for lions, hyenas, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and a wide variety of birdlife.
- Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final early morning game drive in Amboseli.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and drive towards Lake Naivasha. The drive offers changing landscapes as you descend from the foothills of Kilimanjaro towards the Great Rift Valley. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Naivasha and check in to your lakeside accommodation.
- Late Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. This is a fantastic opportunity for birdwatching and getting close to hippos. You can also opt to visit Crescent Island for a walking safari among zebras, giraffes, and other plains game (optional).
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Enashipai Resort & Spa, Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Kiboko Luxury Camp, or similar.
Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park (Approx. 1-2 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning at Lake Naivasha. You might consider a nature walk along the lake shores or some birdwatching.
- Mid-morning: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Nakuru and check in to your accommodation near the park.
- Late Afternoon: Embark on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. While the large flamingo flocks are not always present (their presence depends on water levels and algae growth), the park remains a haven for wildlife, including both black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, lions, leopards, and various antelope species.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, The Cliff Nakuru, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, or similar.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Nakuru, perhaps focusing on rhino tracking or birdwatching.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, depart for the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes, including the floor of the Great Rift Valley and rolling hills. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route.
- Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near the Maasai Mara. Check-in and have some time to freshen up.
- Late Afternoon: Begin your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, famous for its incredible wildlife concentrations and the Great Migration (seasonal).
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids Camp, Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri, &Beyond Bateleur Camp, or similar.
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Full Day: Enjoy full-day game drives in the Maasai Mara with packed lunches. This allows for extensive exploration of the reserve and maximizes your chances of seeing the "Big Five" and other iconic African wildlife. You could focus on specific areas of the Mara, such as the Mara River (during migration season) or the plains where predators are often found. Consider a hot air balloon safari for a unique perspective of the Mara (pre-booking essential).
- Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Maasai Mara to Nairobi (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and depart for Nairobi.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your departure flight or to a hotel for onward travel.
Important Notes:
- This is a sample itinerary and can be customized to suit your preferences, budget, and travel dates.
- Driving times are estimates and depend on road conditions.
- It is highly recommended to book your safari well in advance, especially during peak season (July-October for the Great Migration).
- Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather, including warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is 7 days enough time for this Amboseli Lakes Mara itinerary? This itinerary is designed to efficiently capture key highlights within a week. While the pace is faster than a longer trip, it remains rewarding. To maximize your enjoyment, we strongly recommend considering the optional light aircraft transfers, especially for travel between Amboseli and the Rift Valley region.
2. What are the chances of seeing Mount Kilimanjaro clearly from Amboseli? Clear views are most common during the early mornings, particularly in the dry seasons (June October, January February). However, weather patterns vary, and cloud cover can obscure the peak at any time. Amboseli offers spectacular wildlife viewing regardless.
3. What is the difference between visiting Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru? Lake Naivasha offers a more relaxed, almost serene experience. A boat safari on Naivasha provides opportunities to see hippos, diverse birdlife, and a unique visit to Crescent Island. Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its large numbers of flamingos (though population numbers fluctuate) and its excellent rhino sanctuary, making it a different, but equally compelling, stop.
4. How does this 7 day Amboseli Lakes Mara itinerary compare to the 8 day version? The 8 day version typically allows for a slightly slower pace and potentially more in depth exploration of one or two locations. The 7 day itinerary concentrates on delivering the core highlights within a shorter timeframe, making it attractive for travellers with limited time.
5. Can this itinerary be customized, especially for wildlife photography? Absolutely. As a bespoke operator, we can tailor the itinerary to prioritize your specific interests. We can adjust the amount of time spent in each location, select lodges known for photographic opportunities, incorporate specialized photographic guides, or even adjust the season of travel to match specific wildlife events.