7 Days Safari to Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha and Amboseli

Planning a safari in Kenya is exciting but can feel overwhelming with so many options. This 7-day tour, offered by Kenya Safari Bookings, promises a comprehensive adventure across some of Kenya’s most iconic national parks, with the chance to see the Big Five, wildebeest migration, and Mount Kilimanjaro looming in the background. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, we’ve reviewed detailed itineraries, traveler reviews, and the unique features it offers to paint an honest picture.

What makes this safari appealing? First, it’s incredibly well-rounded—covering Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Amboseli. Second, the inclusion of park fees, meals, and accommodation offers great value, especially considering the premium wildlife experiences. Third, the reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and stunning vistas. That said, a potential consideration is the group size, which tops out at 15 travelers, meaning it’s lively but not overly crowded. This tour suits those looking for a structured, all-inclusive experience with a good mix of wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package covers meals, park fees, accommodation, and transport, offering convenience and transparency.
• Expert guides and well-maintained vehicles enhance wildlife spotting and overall comfort.
• Iconic stops like Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Amboseli showcase Kenya’s diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife.
• Focus on authentic experiences such as game drives in search of the Big Five and wildebeest migration.
• Group size capped at 15, balancing intimacy with social vibe.
• Good value for the price, given the variety and inclusiveness of the tour.

The Experience Breakdown

Starting with Maasai Mara: The Heart of Kenya’s Wildlife

The safari kicks off in Maasai Mara, arguably Kenya’s most famous reserve. The journey begins with a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, where you’ll get your first glimpse of Kenya’s sweeping landscapes. Travelers have appreciated the short stop here for photos and a dose of geography—an ideal start that sets the tone for the trip.

Once in Maasai Mara, your accommodation at camps like Miti Mingi or similar provides tents with basic amenities—shower, toilet, mosquito nets, and electricity in the evenings. The evenings are perfect for unwinding after game drives, with buffet dinners under the stars.

The afternoon game drive at Maasai Mara is a highlight, especially if you’re lucky enough to spot the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. Reviewers have praised the guides for their knowledge, with one noting how the guides “taught us so much about the jungle,” making the experience both fun and educational. Game drives are scheduled in the late afternoon to catch animals at their most active, and the sunset views over the savannah are unforgettable.

Full Day in Maasai Mara: The Iconic Migration and Big Five

The second day is dedicated to a full-day exploration of Maasai Mara. This is when most travelers get to see the wildebeest migration—over 1.5 million animals that cross the Mara River annually, creating one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife spectacles. The tour’s inclusion of a picnic lunch in the wild means you can stay out longer without rushing back to camp.

Many reviews emphasize the guides’ ability to locate the Big Five, with one reviewer mentioning how “the guides really knew where to find the animals.” This level of expertise makes a big difference when trying to tick off these iconic species. Visitors also get to see crocodiles and hippos along the Mara River, adding to the photographic opportunities.

Transition to Nakuru: Flamingos and White Rhinos

On Day 3, the tour heads to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its flamingo colonies and white rhinos. The drive offers a change of scenery from the open plains to the alkaline lake habitat, and the park’s diverse birdlife is a major draw.

The evening game drive here is a chance to spot Nakuru’s famed white rhinos, which form part of the Big Five. A reviewer highlighted how “the park has magnificent, rare white rhinos,” making this stretch of the trip not just about big game but also conservation success stories. The park’s landscape is lush compared to Maasai Mara, offering a different visual experience.

Naivasha: Birds, Lake, and Hells Gate

Day 4 shifts focus to Lake Naivasha, a smaller but equally scenic spot. The morning game drive at Nakuru is followed by a drive to Naivasha for lunch at the Astorian Grand Hotel. This is a relaxing break before the adventure continues.

The highlight here is a visit to Hells Gate National Park, where you can bike or drive through the dramatic landscape. The reviewer who visited the park noted that if you’re tired, a vehicle is available for the game drive. The boat ride on Lake Naivasha offers excellent bird-watching and hippo sightings, enriching the experience with more wildlife interaction.

Amboseli: Kilimanjaro and Elephant Encounters

From Naivasha, the tour moves to Amboseli, famous for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey takes about 6 hours, so expect a full travel day. The first game drive here, after lunch, introduces you to iconic Amboseli wildlife—massive elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalo, often with Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak in the background, which makes for breathtaking photos.

Reviewers have shared that the guides “made sure we saw all big 5,” emphasizing their local knowledge and tracking skills. The lodge, such as AA Lodge, provides a comfortable base to watch the sunset over the plains before nighttime.

Two Days in Amboseli: Wildlife and Scenery

The second day in Amboseli offers a full-day game drive with a packed lunch, giving ample opportunity to explore the park’s different habitats. Many travelers find Amboseli’s scenery with Kilimanjaro in view to be a highlight, and guides’ expertise enhances animal sightings.

Final Day: Returning to Nairobi

On Day 7, after an early breakfast and a short game drive, the tour heads back to Nairobi, completing a full circle of Kenya’s most famous parks. The journey back is a chance to reflect on a week filled with incredible sights and wildlife encounters.

The Logistics and Value

This safari’s all-inclusive approach means that lodging, park fees, meals, and transport are covered, removing the hassle of extra expenses or planning. The vehicles used feature pop-up roofs, ideal for wildlife photography—something many reviews appreciated, noting how guides often stopped for excellent photo opportunities.

While the group size maxes out at 15, this strikes a good balance—small enough to keep things intimate and manageable, but large enough for social vibes. The tour starts early, with pickup at 7:00 am, designed to maximize time in the parks and avoid midday heat.

Price-wise, at $1,550 per person, the tour offers substantial value given the comprehensive itinerary, comfortable accommodations, and experienced guides. It’s ideal for those wanting a well-rounded, worry-free safari that encapsulates Kenya’s top wildlife and scenic highlights.

What the Reviews Say

The positive feedback underscores the professionalism of guides and the quality of the wildlife sightings. One reviewer shared, “Our guide Geoffrey was amazing, ensuring we saw all the Big Five,” illustrating the importance of knowledgeable leadership. Another mentioned that “the guides taught us so much about the jungle,” highlighting how the tour isn’t just about spotting animals but also learning from experts.

Many travelers also appreciated the variety—from the vast savannahs of Maasai Mara to the flamingos of Nakuru and the landscapes of Naivasha. The emphasis on authentic experiences, combined with well-organized logistics, makes this tour stand out.

The Sum Up

This 7-day Kenyan safari offers a solid mix of wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural insights—all wrapped in an all-inclusive package. The focus on expert guiding, comfortable accommodation, and a well-paced itinerary makes it suitable for first-timers and seasoned safari lovers alike.

If you’re after a trip that covers Kenya’s wildlife icons, provides great value, and includes the convenience of everything taken care of, this tour could be an excellent choice. Expect stunning views, memorable animal sightings, and friendly guides who know how to make your adventure both fun and educational.

For anyone wanting a balanced introduction to Kenya’s wilderness, combined with manageable group sizes and reliable logistics, this safari will likely check all your boxes.

FAQ

What is included in this safari?
All park fees, accommodation, meals, transport, and activities like bicycle rentals at Hell’s Gate are covered, making it a hassle-free experience.

How many days does the tour last?
It spans 7 days, with the most intense days being full-day game drives and scenic drives between parks.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
Comfortable tents with amenities like toilets, showers, mosquito nets, and electricity are included in the lodges or campsites.

Can I expect to see the Big Five?
Yes, the guides are experienced in locating the Big Five, and reviews confirm successful sightings of lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards.

What is the best time to book this safari?
Most travelers book around 68 days in advance, but the tour is available year-round, with the wildebeest migration occurring from July to November.

Is this tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
With a maximum group size of 15, it’s flexible enough for solo travelers or small groups, and the inclusive nature makes it family-friendly as well.

This safari offers a genuine taste of Kenya’s wilderness without the fuss—perfect for travelers seeking a guided, immersive, and memorable adventure across the country’s most renowned parks.