This 7-day Kenya safari tours itinerary combines some of Kenya’s most distinctive wildlife destinations, from the arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve in the north to the grasslands of the Masai Mara in southwestern Kenya. The route also includes a visit to Lake Nakuru National Park and an overnight stay at Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley.
The itinerary is designed to balance wildlife viewing with scenic drives and time to relax at your accommodation. Samburu is particularly known for several northern specialist species, while Lake Nakuru offers opportunities to see rhinos and other Rift Valley wildlife. The Masai Mara provides extended game-viewing time across classic savannah landscapes.
Airport pickup is included at the start of the safari. If you arrive in Nairobi before the safari begins, additional accommodation can be arranged at an extra cost.
Itinerary
Experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya on this 7-day Kenya safari tours itinerary covering Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara. Enjoy scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley, morning and afternoon game drives, and opportunities to see iconic wildlife including elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. The safari combines northern Kenya’s unique wildlife with the classic savannah landscapes of the Masai Mara, offering a well-rounded adventure for travelers seeking authentic wildlife experiences and unforgettable scenery.
Day 1
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Your safari begins with a morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or another agreed location. You will travel north toward Samburu National Reserve, passing through the changing landscapes of central Kenya. The journey provides an opportunity to see agricultural areas where tea, coffee and other crops are cultivated before the scenery becomes drier as you approach northern Kenya.
A stop near the equator provides time to stretch your legs, take photographs and learn about the geographical significance of the Equator. Afterward, continue toward Samburu, arriving around lunchtime depending on road and traffic conditions.
After lunch and a short rest, head out for your first game drive in Samburu National Reserve. The reserve’s semi-arid environment supports wildlife species that are less commonly encountered in many of Kenya’s southern safari destinations. Among the animals you may look for are Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx. Elephants are also regularly encountered in the reserve.
Your driver-guide will help identify animals and explain their behavior, habitat and adaptations to the dry northern environment. Depending on wildlife movements and the season, you may also encounter lions, leopards, buffaloes and other species.
Return to the lodge around sunset for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Gold Samburu Simba Lodge
Day 2
Full-Day Samburu National Reserve
Start the morning with an early game drive when temperatures are cooler and many animals are active. Your driver-guide will take you through different sections of Samburu National Reserve in search of wildlife.
Samburu’s dry landscape and riverine habitats create a distinctive safari environment. The reserve is especially recognized for its northern specialist species, often referred to collectively as the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but spending a full day in the reserve gives you more time to explore different habitats and follow recent wildlife activity. Elephants may be encountered close to the Ewaso Nyiro River, while predators such as lions and leopards may be seen depending on the day’s conditions.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and some downtime during the warmer part of the day. This is also an opportunity to enjoy the lodge facilities or simply rest before the afternoon activity.
Around 4:00 pm, head out for another game drive. The afternoon session provides a different perspective as temperatures begin to fall and wildlife becomes more active again.
Return to Samburu Simba Lodge around sunset for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Gold Samburu Simba Lodge
Day 3
Samburu to Lake Naivasha via Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, depart Samburu and travel south toward Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. This is one of the longer driving days of the safari, so an early departure is recommended.
Along the way, stop at a suitable viewpoint overlooking the Great Rift Valley. From the escarpment, you may be able to see the expansive valley landscape and, depending on visibility, landmarks such as Mount Longonot and Mount Suswa.
Continue toward Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving around lunchtime. After lunch, enter the park for an afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru is an important rhino conservation area and offers opportunities to see both black and white rhinoceros. Other wildlife that may be encountered includes buffalo, lion, leopard, Rothschild’s giraffe, zebra and several antelope species.
The park’s landscape varies from woodland and grassland to rocky escarpments and lake environments. Birdlife is also an important part of the ecosystem, although flamingo numbers can fluctuate significantly depending on water conditions and food availability.
After the game drive, leave Lake Nakuru and continue to Lake Naivasha. Arrive at the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Gold Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
Day 4
Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, leave Lake Naivasha and continue southwest toward the Masai Mara. The route takes you through sections of the Great Rift Valley before reaching the open grasslands associated with the Mara ecosystem.
Upon arrival, check in and have lunch before beginning your first game drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Masai Mara is renowned for its large concentrations of plains wildlife and predators. Depending on the season and location, you may encounter lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas and numerous antelope species.
Leopards are also present but can be more difficult to locate because of their elusive behavior and preference for areas with thicker vegetation. Your guide will use experience and recent wildlife information to improve your chances of finding different species.
The Mara is also an important birding destination, with numerous resident and migratory species recorded across the ecosystem.
Return to your lodge around sunset for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Gold Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Day 5
Full-Day Masai Mara Game Drive
Today is dedicated to exploring the Masai Mara. After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch.
The Mara’s open grasslands provide excellent opportunities for observing grazing herbivores and predators. Your driver-guide will determine the day’s route based on wildlife movements, road conditions, seasonal factors and recent sightings.
Possible sightings include lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas and other plains game. Predators may be particularly interesting during early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and wildlife activity often increases.
A picnic lunch can be enjoyed at an approved picnic location, subject to park regulations and your guide’s advice. Eating in the bush offers a memorable safari experience, but guests should remain within designated areas and follow wildlife-safety instructions.
After lunch, continue exploring different parts of the reserve before returning to the lodge later in the afternoon.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Gold Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
Day 6
Masai Mara – Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Masai Mara. Early hours can provide good opportunities to observe wildlife before temperatures rise, although sightings depend on animal movements and the season.
You may encounter grazing herbivores, active predators and a variety of bird species. Your guide will adjust the route according to the conditions and wildlife activity.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and lunch, followed by time to relax during the warmer part of the day. You can use this period to rest, enjoy the lodge facilities or reflect on the safari experience.
In the afternoon, return to the reserve for another game drive. The changing light can create excellent photographic conditions across the grasslands, while some animals become more active as temperatures begin to fall.
Alternatively, you can arrange a full-day game drive with a packed lunch. This option allows you to spend more time in the reserve and explore areas farther from the lodge before returning in the evening.
Return to Masai Mara Sopa Lodge for dinner and your final overnight stay in the Mara.
Activities:
Accommodations:
- Gold Masai Mara Sopa lodge
Day 7
Masai Mara to Nairobi
After breakfast, check out and begin the drive back to Nairobi.
Depending on your departure time, you may stop in Narok for refreshments or a short break. Narok is an important commercial center serving communities and travelers along the route between Nairobi and the Mara.
Continue to Nairobi, with the journey typically taking several hours depending on traffic, road conditions and the final drop-off location.
You will arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, subject to road conditions and the timing of your departure from the Mara. The safari ends with a drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or airport.
If you have a late international flight, discuss the timing with your safari operator in advance so that the road transfer can be planned around your flight schedule.
For travelers with additional time, the safari can be extended with a beach holiday in Kenya’s coastal destinations, such as Mombasa or Diani Beach.
