7 Day Classic Kenya Lodge Safari – Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli
Price Per Person (USD)
Overview
7 Day Classic Kenya Lodge Safari
This classic Kenyan safari offers an unforgettable journey through some of East Africa’s most celebrated landscapes and wildlife regions. From the vibrant capital of Nairobi to the rolling plains of the Masai Mara, the acacia-lined shores of Lake Nakuru, and the elephant-rich savannah of Amboseli beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, the itinerary showcases the country’s greatest natural treasures.
Travellers seeking a well-paced safari with comfortable lodge stays, diverse wildlife encounters, and scenic overland journeys will find this experience especially rewarding. Each destination reveals a different side of Kenya—from the predator-dense grasslands of the Masai Mara to the rhino sanctuaries of Lake Nakuru and the dramatic mountain vistas of Amboseli. Cultural experiences, peaceful lakeside moments, and spectacular sunsets add depth and contrast throughout the adventure.
Ideal for first-time visitors, couples, families, and nature enthusiasts, this safari offers a wonderfully balanced introduction to Kenya’s premier national parks and their remarkable biodiversity.
Key Highlights
- Classic lodge-based safari through Kenya’s iconic national parks
- Extensive game viewing in the famous Masai Mara National Reserve
- Scenic landscapes and rhino sightings in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Close-up encounters with elephants in Amboseli, set against Mount Kilimanjaro
- Comfortable and welcoming lodge accommodation throughout
- Cultural insights and varied ecosystems across the Rift Valley and Maasai lands
- Ideal pace for first-time safari travellers, families, and adventure lovers
Included/Excluded
- Prices quoted in USD per person twin share
- Meet and greet on arrival
- Airport transfers in safari minibus or mini coach on shared basis in hotel shuttle
- All transport and game drives on safari will be in a 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof (maximum 7 passengers) with an English / Bilingual (French, German, Italian or Spanish) speaking driver-guide on shared basis
- Guaranteed window seat
- Meals and accommodation as specified
- All park fees and government taxes
- ½ litre bottle water per person per day on game drives
- Enquire for group pricing
- Visas and international flights
- Airport taxes (clients pay direct)
- Driver-guide gratuities
- Drinks, dining rooms tips, porterage
- Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance
- Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
- Balloon Safari
Tour Plan
Day 1
Day 1 – Welcome to Nairobi
Karibu Kenya – welcome to Nairobi! Upon arrival, guests are warmly met by an airport representative and transferred to the hotel, marking the start of an exciting journey through East Africa. The afternoon is left open for relaxation at the hotel or optional exploration of the city’s vibrant surroundings. This easy first day allows time to unwind and settle in after international travel.
Important Note:
Hotel check-in time is strictly 14:00hrs. Guests arriving very early in the morning must pre-book a pre-night, as waiting in the lobby until standard check-in time is not permitted.
For early morning arrivals, a transfer to Eka Hotel is arranged on touchdown (breakfast at own cost), followed by optional sightseeing.
Suggested Optional Nairobi Excursions (for early arrivals)
- Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Trust & Karen Blixen Museum Tour
Featuring rescued baby elephants and the historic farmhouse of Karen Blixen.
Meals:
Breakfast (early arrivals at own arrangements)
Accommodation:
Eka Hotel – Bed & Breakfast
Day 2
Day 2 – Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast in Nairobi, the journey heads toward Kenya’s fertile highlands before descending the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment along a historic road constructed by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. At the base of the escarpment, a small stone chapel—also built by the prisoners—stands as a charming landmark along the route.
The drive continues past the impressive Longonot satellite earth station, then onward across the expansive valley toward Narok, the last major town before entering Maasai country. Rolling fields of wheat and barley stretch across the landscape as the route approaches the famed Masai Mara National Reserve.
Arrival at the lodge is in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive—an exciting introduction to the abundant wildlife of the Mara. The day concludes with a return to the lodge as the sun sets over the savannah.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge – Full Board
Travel Time: Nairobi to Masai Mara: Approx. 5–6 hours depending on road conditions
Day 3
Day 3 – Masai Mara National Reserve
An early breakfast is followed by a morning game drive across the Masai Mara’s rolling plains, returning to the lodge mid-morning for time to relax. After lunch, the afternoon is spent exploring new areas of the reserve on another game drive, offering further opportunities to spot the Mara’s remarkable wildlife.
A visit to a traditional Maasai village adds a cultural highlight to the day, offering insight into Maasai life, traditions, and craftsmanship. The day concludes with a return to the lodge as the sun sets over the savannah.
For those seeking an exceptional experience, an optional early-morning Hot Air Balloon Safari may be pre-booked at an additional cost, providing breathtaking aerial views of the Mara at sunrise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge – Full Board
Travel Time: Game drives within the Masai Mara
Day 4
Day 4 – Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, the journey departs from the Masai Mara and travels across Kenya’s fertile “breadbasket,” where sweeping fields of wheat and barley dominate the landscape. The route continues north toward Narok, the bustling district headquarters of Maasailand, before crossing the vast plains on the floor of the Great Rift Valley.
Keep watch across the open savannah for herds of gazelle and giraffe as the road climbs the scenic Mai-Mahiu escarpment. Arrival at Lake Nakuru National Park is around midday, with game viewing en route to the lodge. After lunch and a short rest, an afternoon game drive follows, offering a chance to explore the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning lakeshore scenery.
Lake Nakuru is renowned for its rich birdlife, including the possibility of spotting flamingos along the shoreline. The park is also an important sanctuary for Black and White Rhinos and one of the best places to observe the endangered Rothschild’s Giraffe.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge – Full Board
Travel Time: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru: Approx. 5–6 hours depending on road conditions and wildlife sightings
Day 5
Day 5 – Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park
After an early breakfast, the journey continues to Lake Naivasha for a refreshing morning boat ride on the calm waters of this beautiful freshwater lake. Hippos, diverse birdlife, and the tranquil surroundings create a peaceful start to the day.
Leaving the Rift Valley behind, the route proceeds toward Nairobi for an early lunch (or a picnic lunch, depending on road conditions). After lunch, the journey heads south across the open plains toward Amboseli National Park, with arrival at the lodge expected in the late afternoon.
Amboseli is famous for its striking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its impressive elephant herds, offering an exciting change of scenery as the safari continues.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge – Full Board
Travel Time: Lake Nakuru to Amboseli: Approx. 6–7 hours depending on stops and road conditions
Day 6
Day 6 – Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring Amboseli National Park on a full-day game drive. Wide open plains, impressive elephant herds, and dramatic views of Mount Kilimanjaro create the perfect backdrop for wildlife viewing throughout the day.
A picnic lunch is enjoyed within the park, allowing more time to discover Amboseli’s varied habitats, from wetlands and woodlands to seasonal lakes and dusty savannah.
Return to the lodge by around 1600hrs, offering time to relax in the room, unwind in the lounge, or take a refreshing dip in the pool before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge – Full Board
Travel Time: Game drives within Amboseli National Park
Day 7
Day 7 – Amboseli to Nairobi
An early breakfast is followed by a final chance to admire the impressive silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the plains of Amboseli. The journey then heads north across the wide, sweeping Athi Plains, where open landscapes stretch toward the horizon.
Arrival in Nairobi is around midday. Once in the city, guests are dropped off either at the central drop-off point in the city centre or at the airport for onward travel arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: End of safari (no accommodation included)
Travel Time: Amboseli to Nairobi: Approx. 4–5 hours depending on road conditions
