7 Days Kenya Great Migration Safari, Masai Mara and Amboseli

This 7-day Kenya Great Migration safari combines the famous Masai Mara migration experience with Lake Nakuru and Amboseli National Park. The itinerary begins in Masai Mara National Reserve, where you explore the plains, Mara River areas and migration routes during the right season. You then continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for rhinos, birdlife and Rift Valley scenery, before ending in Amboseli National Park, famous for large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This safari is ideal for travellers who want a Kenya wildlife experience with migration viewing opportunities, Big Five game drives, scenic landscapes and strong photography moments.

Safari Highlights

• Day 1, Pick-up in Nairobi and drive to Masai Mara National Reserve
• Day 1, Great Rift Valley views and afternoon Masai Mara game drive
• Day 2, Full day Masai Mara migration safari around Mara River areas
• Day 3, Morning and afternoon Masai Mara game drives
• Day 4, Transfer from Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
• Day 4, Lake Nakuru game drive, rhinos and birdlife
• Day 5, Drive from Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park
• Day 6, Amboseli game drives, elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro views
• Day 7, Return to Nairobi for hotel or airport drop-off

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

You will be picked up by your safari guide in Nairobi for a short briefing before starting your journey to Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours depending on road conditions, passing through the scenic Great Rift Valley and Narok town, one of the main gateways to the Mara region. Arrive at your lodge or camp for check-in and lunch. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in the Masai Mara. The reserve is known for wide savannah plains, big cats and rich wildlife viewing. You may see elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, hyenas and, with luck, leopards or cheetahs. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Accomodation: Luxury Ashnil Mara Camp or JW Marriott Mara Lodge,  Mid-range Mara Maisha Camp or Mara Sopa Lodge, Budget Miti Mingi Tented Camp, Mara Sentrim Lodge, AA Mara Lodge, Rhino Tourist Camp

Day 2, Masai Mara Migration Safari and Mara River Areas

After an early breakfast, head out for a full day of game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve, focusing on migration routes and Mara River areas. During the migration season, wildebeest and zebra herds may move through the reserve and gather near the Mara River. River crossings are dramatic but unpredictable, so sightings depend on timing, weather and herd movement. Your guide will explore areas where wildlife activity is strongest. You may see wildebeest herds, zebras, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, gazelles, hyenas, cheetahs and lions across the plains. Around the river, hippos and crocodiles are commonly seen. Enjoy lunch in the reserve or return to the lodge, depending on your safari arrangement. Continue with afternoon game viewing before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3, Masai Mara Game Drives and Big Cats

Spend another day exploring the vast plains of Masai Mara National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. The morning drive gives you another chance to search for predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas while they are more active. You may also see elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and antelopes across the open plains. Your guide will choose routes based on recent sightings, wildlife movement and weather conditions. This flexibility improves your chances of seeing different species and behaviours across the reserve. After lunch and a short rest at the lodge, return for an afternoon game drive as animals become active again in the cooler hours. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4, Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast at your lodge in Masai Mara National Reserve, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes and offers another chance to enjoy views of the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at Lake Nakuru and proceed for an afternoon game drive, depending on arrival time. Lake Nakuru is known for rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, buffalo, zebras, waterbucks, baboons, lions and many bird species. The lake shore is also famous for flamingos, although numbers vary depending on water levels and season. After the game drive, drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation: Luxury The Cliff Lodge or Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Midrange Lake Nakuru Lodge, Budget Punda Milia Lodge

Day 5, Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park

After an early breakfast at your lodge in Lake Nakuru National Park, begin the journey towards Amboseli National Park. This is a long transfer day, usually passing through Nairobi with lunch en route. The drive connects the Rift Valley region with southern Kenya near the Tanzania border. Arrive in Amboseli in the evening and check in at your lodge. If the weather is clear, you may catch views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the plains. Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge before dinner and an overnight stay. Accomodation: Luxury Amboseli Serena Lodge or Tawi Lodge, Mid-range Ambokili Lodge or Kaliwa Lodge, Budget AA Amboseli Camp, Amboseli Eco Camp, Wild Amboseli Ndovu Cottages

Day 6, Full Day Amboseli Safari and Kilimanjaro Views

After an early breakfast, enjoy a full day of game viewing in Amboseli National Park. Begin with a morning game drive across the savannah plains and wetland areas. Amboseli is famous for large elephant herds, often seen moving across the open plains with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background on clear days. During the game drive, look out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, wildebeest, antelopes, hyenas and many bird species. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation during the midday heat. In the afternoon, continue with another game drive as wildlife becomes active again. Explore different parts of the park, including wetlands, open plains and acacia woodland. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7, Return to Nairobi

After breakfast at your lodge in Amboseli National Park, check out and begin your drive back to Nairobi. Enjoy the final views of rural Kenya along the way, with stops depending on your schedule. Upon arrival in Nairobi, your guide will drop you off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your hotel or your preferred location in the city. This marks the end of your 7-day Kenya Great Migration safari.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

• Pick-up in Nairobi
• Drop-off in Nairobi or at the airport
• Transport in a safari vehicle
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• Accommodation during the safari
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during the safari
• Park entry fees

Exclusions

• International flights
• Kenya visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry and shopping
• Extra accommodation before or after the safari