This 7-day safari offers a comprehensive tour of Kenya’s most iconic national parks, showcasing diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique ecosystems. From the vast plains of Tsavo to the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Nakuru, this itinerary provides an unforgettable Kenya safari experience.

Day 1: Tsavo East National Park
1. Early morning departure from Mombasa or Nairobi
2. Drive to Tsavo East National Park (3-4 hours from Mombasa, 5-6 hours from Nairobi)
3. Afternoon game drive in Tsavo East
4. Dinner and overnight at a Tsavo East lodge

Day 2: Tsavo East to Tsavo West
1. Early morning game drive in Tsavo East
2. Breakfast at the lodge
3. Drive to Tsavo West National Park (2-3 hours)
4. Afternoon game drive in Tsavo West, including a visit to Mzima Springs
5. Dinner and overnight at a Tsavo West lodge

Day 3: Tsavo West to Amboseli
1. Morning game drive in Tsavo West
2. Breakfast at the lodge
3. Drive to Amboseli National Park (3-4 hours)
4. Afternoon game drive in Amboseli with views of Mount Kilimanjaro
5. Dinner and overnight at an Amboseli lodge

Day 4: Amboseli to Masai Mara
1. Early morning game drive in Amboseli
2. Breakfast at the lodge
3. Drive or fly to Masai Mara (Driving: 7-8 hours, Flying: 1-hour flight from Nairobi)
4. Evening game drive in Masai Mara (if time permits)
5. Dinner and overnight at a Masai Mara lodge/camp

Day 5: Masai Mara National Reserve
1. Full day of game drives in Masai Mara with packed lunch
2. Optional visit to a Maasai village
3. Dinner and overnight at your Masai Mara lodge/camp

Day 6: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
1. Morning game drive in Masai Mara
2. Breakfast at the lodge
3. Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park (5-6 hours)
4. Afternoon game drive around Lake Nakuru
5. Dinner and overnight at a Lake Nakuru lodge

Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi
1. Early morning game drive at Lake Nakuru
2. Breakfast at the lodge
3. Drive back to Nairobi (3-4 hours)
4. Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon for departure

Key Locations

Tsavo East National Park
– One of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks
– Known for its large elephant herds and the “red elephants” covered in red dust
– Flat, semi-arid landscape with the Galana River as a key feature

Tsavo West National Park
– More mountainous and wetter than Tsavo East, with scenic volcanic hills
– Features Mzima Springs, a series of natural springs with underwater viewing chambers
– Home to diverse wildlife, including black rhinos in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary

Amboseli National Park
– Famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro
– Diverse landscape including dried-up lake bed, wetlands, savannah, and woodlands
– Excellent for wildlife photography, especially with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop

Masai Mara National Reserve
– Part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and host to the Great Wildebeest Migration (July to October)
– Known for its exceptional population of big cats, especially lions
– Open grasslands with scattered acacia trees, providing perfect safari landscapes

Lake Nakuru National Park
– Known for its huge flocks of flamingos (numbers vary seasonally)
– One of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos (both black and white)
– Beautiful lake surrounded by grasslands, woodlands, and rocky cliffs

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
– “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) in multiple parks
– Large herds of elephants in Tsavo and Amboseli
– Big cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs) especially in Masai Mara
– Diverse birdlife, including flamingos at Lake Nakuru
– Hippos and crocodiles in the Mara River
– Various antelope species, zebras, giraffes across all parks

Key Attractions
1. Galana River (Tsavo East): Excellent for wildlife viewing
2. Mzima Springs (Tsavo West): Underwater hippo and fish viewing
3. Mount Kilimanjaro views (Amboseli): Best seen at dawn and dusk
4. Mara River (Masai Mara): Famous for wildebeest crossings during the migration
5. Lake Nakuru: Large numbers of flamingos and other water birds

Best Time to Visit
– June to October: Dry season, best for general wildlife viewing
– July to October: Ideal for witnessing the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara
– November to May: Green season, good for bird watching and photography

What to Pack
– Light, neutral-colored clothing
– Warm layers for early morning and evening game drives
– Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
– Insect repellent
– Camera and binoculars
– Comfortable, closed shoes for walking

Important Notes
– This itinerary involves significant travel time between parks. Be prepared for long drives or consider flight options for longer distances (e.g., Amboseli to Masai Mara).
– Always follow park rules and your guide’s instructions for safety and to minimize impact on wildlife and ecosystems.
– Consider adding an extra day in Masai Mara or Amboseli if you want a more relaxed pace.