7-Day Lakes and Plains of Kenya Safari

Today is dedicated to immersing yourself in Amboseli’s wildlife and dramatic scenery. Rise early for a golden sunrise over Kilimanjaro—a sight best savored before morning clouds descend. Embark on game drives led by experienced guides who will help you spot Amboseli’s large elephant herds, graceful giraffes, and an abundance of birdlife thriving around seasonal marshes. Take a midday break at your lodge or enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, then continue your exploration until late afternoon. As dusk falls, return to your accommodation to dine and swap stories around the campfire before a restful night’s sleep.

After breakfast, depart Amboseli, traversing open plains dotted with acacia trees and watching local life unfold in small towns along the way. Upon arriving at Lake Naivasha, check in and pause for lunch before setting off on a leisurely boat ride. Cruise across the calm waters where hippos bob on the surface and waterfowl skim overhead. You’ll land at Crescent Island, a tranquil haven where zebras, impalas, and giraffes roam freely, offering a rare chance to walk among wildlife. Return to your lakeside lodge or camp by late afternoon to relax over dinner, soaking up the serene atmosphere of this freshwater gem.

Begin your morning with a cycling adventure in Hell’s Gate National Park, where you can pedal through dramatic gorges and past grazing wildlife—an exhilarating way to appreciate Kenya’s landscape up close. Wrap up by mid-morning and drive onward to Lake Nakuru, arriving at your accommodation in time for lunch. This afternoon, you’ll simply relax at your lodge or camp, soaking in the tranquil environment around Lake Nakuru. No game drives are scheduled today, saving the excitement for tomorrow’s early morning safari. Enjoy dinner on-site and take the evening to recharge for the journey ahead.

Rise before dawn for an early game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, where you may spot flamingos, rhinos, and the famous Rothschild’s giraffes in the soft glow of sunrise. Return to your lodge for breakfast, then depart for the Masai Mara. En route, stop for lunch and travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon, allowing time to settle into your accommodation and unwind. As dusk falls, immerse yourself in Maasai culture where you will dive into the local culture with a guided visit to a Maasai village, where you can learn about centuries-old customs, witness traditional dances, and even join a short guided nature walk with a Maasai warrior. Round out the day with dinner under the African sky, reflecting on new experiences and friendships formed.

Vast and teeming with life, the Masai Mara beckons you for a full-day safari. Start before sunrise if you wish, capturing the wilderness as it awakens—lions returning from a night’s hunt, herds of wildebeests grazing, and elephants meandering across the plains. Depending on the season, you might witness the Great Migration’s breathtaking river crossings, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras brave the crocodile-filled waters. A picnic lunch out in the bush is the perfect moment to soak up the unending horizon. By late afternoon, return to your lodge or camp for dinner, recounting the day’s sightings beneath a canopy of stars.

Start your final day in the Masai Mara with a leisurely breakfast and a relaxed morning at your lodge or camp. There’s no rush today, giving you time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and reflect on the incredible safari experience. By mid-morning, begin your journey back to Nairobi. Along the way, there will be stops for enroute lunch and a chance to shop for souvenirs at local markets, perfect for picking up a keepsake of your trip. Arrive in Nairobi in the evening, just in time to prepare for your international flight, bringing an end to a memorable adventure through Kenya.