# 7 Days lakes and plains safari: Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru & Mara > This 7-day lakes and plains safari is a private mid-range Kenya road safari from Nairobi City to Amboseli National Park, Lake naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve. It combines Kilimanjaro-view African Elephant country, a boat ride and Crescent Island walk, Flamingo, Black Rhinoceros, Big Five game drives and a Maasai village visit. - **Type:** trip - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//safaris/7-days-lakes-and-plains-safari - **Last updated:** 2026-06-22 ## Key facts - **Duration Days:** 7 - **Price From U S D:** 1971 - **Trip Type:** Safari - **Budget Level:** mid-range - **Best Months:** January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December - **Countries:** Kenya - **Destinations:** Nairobi City, Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake naivasha, Amboseli National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park - **Highlights:** Evening game drive in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views when skies are clear, Full private day in Amboseli National Park, known for large African Elephant herds, Complimentary boat ride on Lake naivasha plus a Crescent Island nature walk, Evening game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, a Flamingo and Black Rhinoceros stronghold, Great Rift Valley scenery between Lake naivasha and Lake Nakuru National Park, Curio shop stop en route to Masai Mara National Reserve, Maasai village visit with a Maasai moran-led nature walk or vehicle drop-off alternative, Full-day Masai Mara National Reserve game drives for African Lion, African Leopard, Cape Buffalo and migration-season herds - **Inclusions:** All transfers by safari pop-up roof Land Cruiser, All listed activities, Professional English-speaking safari guide, Meals as per itinerary, All national park entry fees, Government taxes and VAT, Drinking water throughout the safari, Non-alcoholic beverages in safari vehicle, Wi-Fi in safari vehicle, Charging ports in vehicle, RF radio communication system, First aid kit, Cooler box, Fire extinguisher, Safari gift pack for every guest, 24/7 emergency contact support, Amref Flying Doctors emergency evacuation insurance - **Exclusions:** International flights, Visa and travel documentation fees, Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.), Tips and gratuities (suggested $10+ per person per day), Activities or meals not specified in the itinerary ## Details This 7-day private road safari in [Kenya](/kenya) travels from Nairobi to [Amboseli National Park](/kenya/amboseli-national-park), Lake Naivasha, [Lake Nakuru](/kenya/lake-nakuru) National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve, combining Kilimanjaro views, Rift Valley lakes and classic big-cat country. The journey begins in Amboseli, one of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife areas, where open landscapes, marshes and savannah support very common [African elephant sightings](/african-travel-blog/amboseli-national-park-wildlife) and, when skies are clear, superb views of [Mount Kilimanjaro](/african-travel-blog/amboseli-national-park-mt-kilimanjaro-views). You have an evening game drive on arrival and a full private day in the park, with flexibility to shape timings around light, wildlife movement and your guide’s advice. From Amboseli, the route crosses into the Great Rift Valley for [Lake Naivasha](/kenya/lake-naivasha), a freshwater lake known for boat safaris, birdwatching, guided nature walks and close encounters with hippos and giraffes around Crescent Island. It then continues to [Lake Nakuru National Park](/kenya/lake-nakuru-national-park), a scenic Rift Valley reserve famous for flamingos, diverse birdlife and rhino populations, with an evening game drive in search of wildlife including buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe, lions and, with luck, black rhino. The safari finishes with two nights in the [Masai Mara National Reserve](/kenya/masai-mara-national-reserve), Kenya’s renowned savannah wildlife sanctuary, where full-day game drives focus on African lion, African leopard, Cape buffalo, plains zebra, hyena and other open-grassland species. Between game drives, there is a Maasai village visit with the option of a Maasai moran-led nature walk. Stays are in established safari camps, resorts and lodges including Kibo Safari Camp, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, [Sarova Lion Hill](/accommodations/sarova-lion-hill-game-lodge) and [Mara Kimana Camp](/accommodations/mara-kimana-camp). - Best for: first-time Kenya safari travellers wanting elephants, Rift Valley lakes and the Masai Mara in one week. - Good to know: this is a fully private safari, so daily timings can be discussed with your guide. - Best time: year-round; June to October and January to March are generally best for dry-season wildlife viewing. - Migration note: July to October is the most popular period for Great Migration herds in the Masai Mara. Related: [safari in Kenya](/african-travel-blog/what-to-expect-in-a-safari-in-kenya). Related: [Amboseli National Park](/kenya/amboseli). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is this lakes and plains safari available all year round? Yes, this private Kenya itinerary can run in any month. For the clearest Kilimanjaro views and strong wildlife viewing, Amboseli National Park is especially good in the dry seasons, while Masai Mara National Reserve offers excellent Big Five viewing year-round. ### When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Masai Mara National Reserve? The most popular Great Migration period in Masai Mara National Reserve is July to October, when large herds of Blue Wildebeest and Plains Zebra may be in the Mara ecosystem. The exact movement of herds is natural and cannot be guaranteed. ### What wildlife can I expect on this 7-day Kenya safari? Amboseli National Park is known for African Elephant herds, Lake Nakuru National Park is strong for Flamingo and Black Rhinoceros, and Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for African Lion, African Leopard, Cape Buffalo and other Big Five wildlife. Sightings depend on season, weather and daily animal movement. ### Is the safari suitable for children and families? Yes, the itinerary is private and has a minimum age of 0, making it suitable for families who are comfortable with road transfers and game-drive days. Flexible private timing helps families adjust starts, breaks and activity length with the guide. ### What vehicle is used for the game drives? The safari is operated in an open 4x4 Land Cruiser style safari vehicle, suitable for game viewing and photography. Long transfers and game drives are kept private, so the day’s rhythm can be discussed with your guide. ### Is the Lake naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island walk included? Yes, the Lake naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island nature walk are included as compliments of Imara Africa Safaris. They are scheduled on Day 3 after the drive from Amboseli National Park. ### Do I need to be very fit for this itinerary? No high fitness level is required for the main safari, as most wildlife viewing is by vehicle. The Maasai village nature walk can be replaced with a vehicle drop-off if you prefer not to walk. ### What should I pack for Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara? Pack neutral-coloured layers, a warm fleece for early starts, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars and camera gear. Also bring any personal medication and speak to your travel clinic about malaria precautions before travelling in Kenya. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.