7-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary: The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure

7-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary: The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure

This carefully crafted week-long journey through Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations combines iconic safari experiences with authentic cultural encounters, creating the perfect introduction to East African wildlife viewing.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Morning:

  • Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
  • Private transfer to your hotel in Nairobi
  • Check-in and brief orientation with your dedicated safari guide

Afternoon:

  • Visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage during the public viewing hour (11am-12pm)
  • Lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant featuring traditional Kenyan nyama choma (grilled meats)

Evening:

  • Welcome dinner at Tamambo Karen Blixen Coffee Garden
  • Overnight at Hemingways Nairobi or similar

Day 2: Amboseli National Park

Morning:

  • Early breakfast at hotel
  • Scenic drive to Amboseli National Park (4-5 hours)
  • Game viewing en route to your lodge with first opportunities to spot wildlife against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at your lodge followed by leisure time
  • Late afternoon game drive focusing on elephant herds and predators
  • Sundowner drinks at a scenic viewpoint with Kilimanjaro as backdrop

Evening:

  • Dinner and overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge or similar
  • Optional night game drive (additional cost)

Day 3: Amboseli National Park

Morning:

  • Early morning game drive when Mount Kilimanjaro is most visible
  • Bush breakfast in the wild
  • Visit to a local Maasai village to learn about traditional culture and daily life

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at the lodge
  • Afternoon game drive focusing on Amboseli’s renowned elephant populations
  • Bird watching around the lodge’s wetland areas

Evening:

  • Dinner and overnight at Ol Tukai Lodge or similar
  • Evening presentation by a local conservation expert

Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park

Morning:

  • Early breakfast
  • Scenic flight from Amboseli to Naivasha airstrip (alternative: full-day drive)
  • Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park (1.5 hours)

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge
  • Afternoon game drive focusing on rhino sanctuary and lakeshore
  • Flamingo viewing (seasonal) along the alkaline lake shores

Evening:

  • Dinner and overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or similar
  • Star-gazing session with night sky interpretation

Day 5: Masai Mara National Reserve

Morning:

  • Breakfast at the lodge
  • Drive to Naivasha airstrip
  • Scheduled flight to Masai Mara (1 hour)
  • Transfer to your luxury tented camp

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at the camp
  • Afternoon game drive introducing you to the Mara ecosystem
  • First encounters with the resident big cats

Evening:

  • Dinner at camp
  • Overnight at Governors’ Camp or similar
  • Evening presentation on the Great Migration

Day 6: Masai Mara National Reserve

Morning:

  • Optional hot air balloon safari at dawn followed by champagne breakfast (additional cost)
  • Morning game drive focusing on predator activity

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at camp
  • Afternoon game drive extending to the Mara River (migration crossing point)
  • Sundowner drinks in the savanna

Evening:

  • Special bush dinner under the stars
  • Traditional Maasai dance performance
  • Overnight at Governors’ Camp or similar

Day 7: Departure

Morning:

  • Final early morning game drive
  • Breakfast at camp
  • Flight from Masai Mara to Wilson Airport, Nairobi

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Utamaduni Craft Centre
  • Optional visit to Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum (time permitting)
  • Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for departure

Inclusions:

  • All accommodation as specified
  • All meals as noted in the itinerary
  • Park entry fees and government taxes
  • Safari activities and game drives in 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Domestic flights as specified
  • Airport transfers
  • Bottled water during game drives
  • Conservation fees

Optional Add-ons:

  • Hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara ($450 per person)
  • Night game drives where permitted ($75 per person)
  • Professional photography guide ($150 per day)
  • Spa treatments at select properties
  • Exclusive vehicle use ($200 per day)
  • Extended stays at each destination

Practical Information:

  • Best Season: July to October (migration season) and January to February (dry season)
  • Visa Requirements: Most nationalities require a visa for Kenya (available online or on arrival)
  • Health: Yellow fever vaccination recommended; malaria prophylaxis advised
  • Packing: Neutral-colored clothing, layers for morning chill and afternoon heat, sun protection, binoculars
  • Photography: Bring adequate memory cards, spare batteries, and a zoom lens (minimum 200mm recommended)
  • Currency: Kenya Shilling (KES), though USD widely accepted at tourist establishments
  • Gratuities: Recommended $10-15 per day for your guide and $5-10 per day for camp/lodge staff

This itinerary combines Kenya’s most spectacular wildlife destinations with comfortable accommodations and authentic cultural experiences, creating a comprehensive safari adventure that showcases the diverse ecosystems of this remarkable country.