A 7-day safari through Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Sweetwaters, and Amboseli offers an incredible mix of Kenya’s finest wildlife destinations, from the Great Migration in Masai Mara to the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli. Here's a detailed itinerary for your adventure:
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to Masai Mara
Morning: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi). Meet your safari guide and depart for Masai Mara National Reserve (about 5-6 hours drive, or you can opt for a 45-minute flight from Nairobi to the Mara).
- Midday: Arrive in Masai Mara and check into your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy lunch at your lodge or camp.
Afternoon: Head out for your first game drive in the Masai Mara. This famous reserve is home to the Big Five and offers incredible wildlife viewing, especially if you’re visiting during the Great Migration (June to October) when you can witness massive herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River.
- Evening: Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay. Options include Mara Serena Safari Lodge or Mara Intrepids Tented Camp.
Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara
- Morning: Early morning game drive to see the wildlife at its most active. The Mara is renowned for its predators, so this is a great opportunity to spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards hunting or resting.
- Breakfast: Return to your accommodation for breakfast.
- Midday: Enjoy a hot lunch at your lodge or camp and relax during the heat of the day.
- Afternoon: Afternoon game drive or, if you're interested, a cultural visit to a Maasai village to learn about their traditions, lifestyle, and history. The Maasai people live in the region and are an integral part of the Mara experience.
- Evening: Return for dinner and overnight at your accommodation.
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park (approximately 5-6 hours drive). This park is famous for its flamingo populations (especially during migration), rhinos, and diverse birdlife.
- Lunch: Arrive at Lake Nakuru in time for lunch at your accommodation, such as Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or Sarova Lion Hill Lodge.
- Afternoon: Embark on your game drive in Lake Nakuru. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered black and white rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, and many species of birds, including pelicans and flamingos.
- Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Enjoy the serene environment by the lake.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Sweetwaters (Ol Pejeta Conservancy)
- Morning: After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and drive to Sweetwaters in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy (approximately 3.5-4 hours drive). Sweetwaters is known for its conservation efforts, especially for the endangered species like the northern white rhino.
- Lunch: Arrive at Sweetwaters Serena Camp or Ol Pejeta Bush Camp for lunch.
- Afternoon: Visit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and embark on a game drive. You can see the Big Five here, but the conservancy is particularly famous for its work with rhino conservation. The conservancy also offers the chance to see the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to orphaned chimps rescued from the illegal pet trade.
- Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. The camp provides great views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
Day 5: Sweetwaters to Amboseli National Park
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Amboseli National Park (approximately 5-6 hours drive). Amboseli is renowned for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest peak in Africa) and large elephant herds.
- Lunch: Arrive at your Amboseli accommodation in time for lunch, such as Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge or Kibo Safari Camp.
- Afternoon: Head out for your first game drive in Amboseli, where you can spot large herds of elephants, buffaloes, lions, and giraffes against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is also home to diverse bird species and other wildlife.
- Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Enjoy views of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro from your lodge.
Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli
- Early Morning: Depart for an early morning game drive to catch the wildlife at its most active. Early morning is often the best time to see predators and large herds of elephants.
- Breakfast: Return to the lodge for breakfast.
- Midday: Relax and enjoy lunch at your lodge.
- Afternoon: Take an afternoon game drive, possibly visiting the Amboseli swamps, which attract large numbers of elephants, hippos, and various bird species. Another option is visiting a Maasai village to learn about the local Maasai culture.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Amboseli to Nairobi
- Morning: After an early breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in Amboseli. This is your chance to see any wildlife you may have missed during your earlier drives, or perhaps capture the iconic photo of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
- Late Morning: Begin your journey back to Nairobi (approximately 4-5 hours drive).
- Lunch: Depending on your arrival time, you can stop for lunch at a local restaurant or back in Nairobi.
- Afternoon: If time permits, you can visit Giraffe Centre or David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (for elephants) in Nairobi before heading to the airport for your departure flight.
Accommodation Suggestions:
Masai Mara:
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Mara Intrepids Tented Camp
Lake Nakuru:
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
- Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Sweetwaters (Ol Pejeta):
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Amboseli:
- Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
- Kibo Safari Camp
Travel Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, especially for predators. If you're visiting Masai Mara, the Great Migration typically occurs between July and October.
- Packing: Bring light clothing for the day, but also a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.
- Safari Vehicle: Ensure you're in a 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal viewing and photography.
- Cultural Experiences: Visiting Maasai villages adds a rich cultural dimension to your safari, offering a deeper understanding of the region.
This 7-day safari itinerary covers four of Kenya’s top destinations, offering you a well-rounded experience of wildlife, culture, and stunning landscapes. Would you like more information on any of the parks or help with bookings?