This 7 day Kenya safari itinerary is the one we recommend most often to groups flying in from Europe. It fits neatly into a week’s holiday, starts the morning your overnight flight lands, and covers four completely different experiences: Nairobi’s baby elephants and giraffes, Amboseli’s elephants beneath Kilimanjaro, the hippos and birdlife of Lake Naivasha, and three nights in the Masai Mara for big cats.
We are a Nairobi-based safari company, and we have refined this route over many group trips. Below you will find the day-by-day plan, driving times, alternatives for different interests, costs and practical tips to make your week run smoothly.
✅ 7 Day Kenya Safari Itinerary: At a Glance
- Day 1: Nairobi – elephant orphanage, Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park
- Days 2–3: Amboseli – elephants with Kilimanjaro views
- Day 4: Lake Naivasha – boat ride and Crescent Island walk
- Days 5–6: Masai Mara – full days of game drives, optional balloon flight
- Day 7: Morning game drive, then fly or drive to Nairobi for evening flights to Europe
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7 Day Kenya Safari Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi
Most overnight flights from Europe land early in the morning. After a welcome at the airport, head to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage for the late-morning feeding, then feed Rothschild’s giraffes at the Giraffe Centre. In the afternoon, take a game drive in Nairobi National Park, where rhinos and lions roam against the city skyline. Our Big Five in 24 hours guide explains what the park holds.
Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli
Drive about 4–5 hours south to Amboseli, arriving for lunch. Your afternoon game drive brings huge elephant herds crossing the swamps with Kilimanjaro behind. Read about the Amboseli–Kilimanjaro elephant corridor.
Day 3: Full day in Amboseli
Head out at dawn, when Kilimanjaro is most often clear of cloud. Spend the day with elephants, buffalo, hippos and birdlife, perhaps climbing Observation Hill for a view across the park.
Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
A long but scenic travel day back through Nairobi and down into the Rift Valley. In the late afternoon, take a boat ride among hippos and fish eagles on Lake Naivasha. Groups who prefer shorter drives can fly instead; see our fly-in vs road guide.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to the Masai Mara
Walk among giraffes and zebras on Crescent Island in the morning, then drive about 5 hours to the Masai Mara, arriving for an afternoon game drive.
Day 6: Full day in the Masai Mara
The heart of the trip. Start with an optional sunrise balloon flight, then spend the day tracking lions, cheetahs and leopards. Between July and October, wait at the Mara River for crossings. End with sundowners as the sun sets over the plains. See our Great Migration Kenya guide.
Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi
A final early game drive, then breakfast. Fly back to Nairobi in about 45 minutes, or drive 5–6 hours, in time for evening flights to Europe. A day room in Nairobi lets everyone freshen up before the flight home.
Alternative 7 Day Kenya Safari Itineraries
| Version | Route | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Classic (above) | Nairobi, Amboseli, Naivasha, Mara | First-time groups wanting variety |
| Mara and beach | 4 nights Mara, fly to Diani for 3 nights | Groups wanting relaxation |
| Rhinos and lakes | Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha, Mara | Big Five and rhino lovers |
| Northern Kenya | Samburu, Laikipia, Ol Pejeta | Repeat visitors and photographers |
| Migration focus | Nairobi, then 5 nights in the Mara | July–October groups |
For a ready-made version, see our Family Luxury Safari (7 days) through Amboseli, Naivasha and the Mara, from USD $4,200 per adult. Shorter on time? Our 5 Days Masai Mara, Nakuru and Naivasha safari starts from USD $1,250.
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How Much Does a 7 Day Kenya Safari Cost?
The price of a 7 day Kenya safari itinerary depends mostly on the level of accommodation, the season and whether you drive or fly between parks. As a guide, our ready-made 7-day Family Luxury Safari through Amboseli, Naivasha and the Mara starts from about USD $4,200 per adult, and we can quote a mid-range version for your group on request. Masai Mara reserve fees are higher from July to December than from January to June. International flights from Europe are extra, often €400–€1,000 return.
Larger groups share vehicle and guide costs, so the price per person usually falls. Read our Kenya safari cost guide and our 2026 park fees guide for full details.
Tips for Your 7 Day Kenya Safari Itinerary
- Book overnight flights: a morning arrival lets Day 1 start straight away. See our Nairobi airport guide.
- Fly out of the Mara: it saves a long drive on your last day.
- Pack for bush flights: about 15 kg in soft bags. See our luggage limits guide.
- Book early for peak dates: 9–12 months ahead for July–October. See our group booking timeline.
- Get your eTAs: every traveller needs one from the official Kenya eTA portal.
- Use our checklist: our Kenya safari checklist covers everything else.
For more about each destination, visit Magical Kenya, the official tourism website.
7 Day Kenya Safari Itinerary FAQs
Is 7 days enough for a Kenya safari?
Yes. Seven days lets you visit three or four parks, including three nights in the Masai Mara, without feeling rushed.
Which parks should a 7 day Kenya safari include?
The classic combination is Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara. Rhino lovers can swap Amboseli for Ol Pejeta or Lake Nakuru.
Can we add a beach to a 7 day safari?
Yes. Spend four nights in the Mara and three at Diani, connected by a short flight.
Should we drive or fly between parks?
Driving is better value and keeps the group together. Flying saves time and suits older travellers or luxury trips.
What is the best month for this itinerary?
July to October for the migration, or January to March for green landscapes, newborn animals and lower fees.
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Call or WhatsApp: +254 799 160 081
Related Safari Guides
- ›Kenya Group Safari Packages Compared
- ›Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara
- ›Amboseli vs Ol Pejeta
- ›Combining a Safari With a Beach Holiday
- ›How Much Does a Kenya Safari Cost?
Official travel & park resource: Kenya Wildlife Service ↗
