The 7 Day Kenya Classic Circuit is a private Kenya safari covering Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Starting and ending in Nairobi, this 7-day Kenya safari combines four of Kenya's best-known wildlife and nature destinations in one road journey. The route starts in Amboseli, famous for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
From there, you travel through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride and guided walk on Crescent Island, continue to Lake Nakuru for rhino and bird watching, and finish in the Masai Mara for Big Five game viewing.
This is a private safari in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, not a shared group tour or safari van. Your vehicle, driver-guide and itinerary are reserved for your travelling party.
Safari Highlights
- 7 days / 6 nights in Kenya
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser safari
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Naivasha boat ride
- Crescent Island walking experience
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Big Five game viewing
- Mount Kilimanjaro views
- Elephant viewing in Amboseli
- Rhino and bird watching at Lake Nakuru
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Optional Maasai village visit
- Optional Masai Mara hot-air balloon safari
- Nairobi pickup and drop-off
The itinerary is particularly suitable for first-time visitors who want to experience several of Kenya's major safari destinations without extending their trip to 10 days or more.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
Your safari begins with pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Depart in the morning and drive south towards Amboseli National Park, passing through Kenya's countryside and local communities. Arrive in time for lunch before an afternoon game drive.
Amboseli is known for its large elephant herds and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Wildlife commonly seen includes elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and many bird species. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Full-Day Amboseli National Park
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives. The park's combination of open plains, wetlands and woodland provides excellent wildlife viewing. The Amboseli wetlands are particularly important for elephants and other wildlife during dry periods.
There is also time to enjoy views of Mount Kilimanjaro when weather conditions are clear. An optional Maasai cultural visit can be arranged for travellers interested in learning about the communities living around Amboseli. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, leave Amboseli and drive towards Lake Naivasha via Nairobi and the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at Lake Naivasha around lunchtime and check in at your lodge.
Later, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you can see hippos and water birds. Depending on conditions, the experience can be followed by a guided walk on Crescent Island, known for its walking safari experience and opportunities to see giraffes, zebras, gazelles, eland, waterbuck and numerous bird species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, drive from Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey is relatively short, allowing time for a game drive after arrival.
Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya's important rhino-viewing destinations. The park is home to both black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, lions and other wildlife. The lake and surrounding habitats also support a wide range of bird species. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and travel towards the Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley and Narok region before reaching the Mara. Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.
The Masai Mara is one of Africa's best-known wildlife areas and offers excellent opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, hippos and many other species. During the Great Migration season, usually from July to October, the Mara can also host large concentrations of wildebeest and zebra. Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.
Full-Day Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring the Masai Mara. An early morning game drive gives you the chance to search for predators and other wildlife when temperatures are cooler and animals are more active. Return to the lodge for breakfast or lunch depending on the day's game-drive plan, then continue with another game drive across the Mara plains.
Optional Add-Ons
An optional Maasai village visit or hot-air balloon safari can be added at an additional cost. Dinner and overnight at the lodge or camp.
Masai Mara to Nairobi
Start the day with an early morning game drive, subject to your departure schedule. Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out.
Drive back to Nairobi, arriving later in the afternoon or evening depending on road and traffic conditions. You can be dropped at your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight, provided your flight timing allows sufficient transfer time.
Get Free Quote ›Tour Cost & Pricing
The safari is operated as a private 4x4 Land Cruiser safari. Pricing varies according to travel season, number of travellers, accommodation and park fees.
Season Guide
- Low SeasonGenerally April–May and selected November periods
- High SeasonSelected dry-season and shoulder periods
- Peak SeasonMainly July–October and festive travel dates, subject to park and accommodation pricing
Recommended Mid-Range Private Safari Rates (Planning Guide)
| Season | 2 People | 4 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season | From $1,600 pp | From $1,450 pp | From $1,400 pp |
| High Season | From $1,950 pp | From $1,750 pp | From $1,650 pp |
| Peak Season | From $2,450 pp | From $2,200 pp | From $2,050 pp |
The final price depends on the exact travel dates, accommodation availability and current park fees.
Get a Live Quote for Your Dates ›What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
- Nairobi hotel or airport pickup and drop-off
- 6 nights accommodation
- Full-board accommodation during the safari
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified
- All scheduled game drives
- Park entry fees as stated in the final quotation
- Lake Naivasha boat ride
- Crescent Island walking experience
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International flights
- Kenya entry visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Laundry services
- Maasai village visit
- Masai Mara hot-air balloon safari
- Accommodation before or after the safari unless requested
- Items not specifically listed under inclusions
Getting There
The 7 Day Kenya Classic Circuit starts in Nairobi, making it easy to connect with international and regional flights. Pickup can be arranged from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi hotels, selected Nairobi residences, or Wilson Airport depending on the itinerary.
The safari then travels by road to Amboseli before continuing through Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru to the Masai Mara.
Route Map
Getting to the Masai Mara
The Masai Mara can be reached by road from Nairobi or by domestic flight. For this itinerary, the classic circuit is designed as a road safari, allowing you to experience Kenya's landscapes between destinations rather than flying between parks.
The road journey from Nairobi to the Masai Mara generally takes around 5–6 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and the location of your accommodation. Travellers arriving in Kenya from the coast can also connect through Nairobi before beginning the safari.
Get Free Quote ›
