7 Days Best of Kenya Wildlife Safari: Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Experience the very best of Kenya’s Western Circuit on this comprehensive 7 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari in Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara National Reserve from Nairobi, offered by Serengeti Masai Mara Experts. This 7 day Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha safari combines three of Kenya’s most remarkable wildlife destinations, each offering unique ecosystems, exceptional game viewing, and unforgettable safari experiences. The 7 days Kenya safari holiday through the Great Valley and the outstanding ecosystems of Kenya, all along the western circuit, is the reason this trip is excellent.
So, this is because of their unique endowments; say, for Lake Naivasha, strategically situated at the highest elevation of the Great Rift Valley at about 1,884 meters. Additionally, it has fresh water all year. Then, we look at Lake Nakuru, which is an iconic bird-watching paradise in Kenya, as its algae attracts even the migratory birds like the ruffs and black-winged stilts to its shorelines. However, its most captivating attraction is the pink flamingos that create a breathtaking scene for the observers, most especially at the sunsets.
Lastly, the Masai Mara, where the drama of the wild is intense, most especially in the months from July to October. In this season, massive wildebeest herds in Masai Mara alongside zebras and gazelles cross the thrilling Mara River waters. Additionally, these waters are between Serengeti and Masai Mara and are hunted by lions, cheetahs, and leopards on land, and the Nile crocodiles in the waters. With all these contrasting adventures in each of the parks, take the 7 days Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara tour to directly immerse yourself in these Kenya national parks.
Why Choose This 7 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari?
- As we have seen in the introduction, each of these three habitats, i.e., Masai Mara, Naivasha, and Lake Nakuru National Park, gives a distinct perspective about wildlife because of their uniqueness from each other. Therefore, rather than staying in just one park for a day like the Masai Mara, the time is split between 3 wildlife habitats with varied ecosystems.
- Secondly, this affordable 7 days best of Kenya safari in the parks of Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara offers one a second chance to have a better game observation that they might have missed out on in the other park. For example, if one does not observe the rhinos properly in Lake Naivasha, when they go to Lake Nakuru, they are likely to have an optimal observation of these species in their designated pods exclusively.
- By exploring the 3 top national parks in Kenya, you have a chance at a variety of not only safari activities but also fun activities to do in Kenya with friends, family, and couples. Some of the things to do in this 7 day Kenya trip include boating safaris at Lake Naivasha, walking safaris at Lake Nakuru, and then the Maasai cultural meet-ups at the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- The added advantage is that all three national parks are along the Western circuit in Kenya. So, one can save costs and also enjoy the astounding scenery along the route of the Great Rift Valley. By choosing to come from Nairobi, it’s the easiest access center to this circuit compared to Mombasa.
1 Week Kenya Safari Itinerary Summary
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Route: Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, and then to Nairobi
Style: Western Circuit Safari with diverse ecosystems
- Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha, enjoy a Boat Safari and Sweet Lake Resort experience
- Day 2: Hell’s Gate National Park for a Walking & Cycling Safari
- Day 3: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru. Evening Game Drive and check-in at Cliff Nakuru Lodge
- Day 4: Full Day Lake Nakuru. See Flamingos, Rhinos & birdwatching.
- Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara. Scenic Transfer and Mara Topi Lodge check-in
- Day 6: Masai Mara Big Five & Wildebeest Migration Day
- Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi
This 7 day Masai Mara, Naivasha and Nakuru tour perfectly balances freshwater lake experiences, birdwatching & walking adventures, and classic Big Five in Kenya & Migration action.
Inclusions
- Transportation: Private 4×4 safari vehicle in Kenya with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- Accommodation: 6 nights in comfortable lodges (2 nights Sweet Lake Resort – Naivasha, 2 nights Cliff Nakuru Lodge, 2 nights Mara Topi Lodge)
- Meals: Full board – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including bush meals and packed lunches)
- Activities: All game drives, boat safaris, Hell’s Gate walking & cycling, sundowners, and Maasai cultural experiences
- Kenya National Park Entrance Fees: All entrance fees for Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara National Reserve
- Transfers: Airport/hotel transfers in Nairobi (Wilson or city hotel)
- Drinks: Mineral water during game drives and welcome drinks at lodges
- Services: 24/7 support from Serengeti Masai Mara Tour Company team
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights from Nairobi
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks (except those included in sundowners)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, spa services, etc.)
- Kenya Visa fees
- Any optional activities to do in this 7 day trip to Kenya not mentioned in the itinerary
1 Week Kenya Safari Experiences in Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Nakuru
This 7-day Kenya wildlife tour offers an exceptional variety of activities to do across three iconic parks:
- Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha among hippos and abundant birdlife
- Walking & Cycling Safari in predator-free Hell’s Gate National Park (gorges, cliffs, hot springs)
- World-Class Birdwatching and pink flamingo spectacles at Lake Nakuru National Park
- Black & White Rhino Sightings in their natural habitat
- Big Five Game Drives in Masai Mara (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos)
- Dramatic wildebeest migration Mara River crossings in the reserve (peak July–October)
- Predator-Prey Action, including lion hunts and leopard sightings
- Maasai Cultural Immersion in Kenya with warrior stories and traditional welcomes
- Sundowners & Bush Meals in stunning wilderness settings
- Scenic Great Rift Valley Viewpoints throughout the journey
This 1-week Kenya trip is ideal for photographers, families, couples, and first-time safari travelers seeking comprehensive Kenyan wildlife highlights.
3 Days Masai Mara Balloon Safari Detailed Safari Package
Day 1: Travel from Nairobi to Governors’ Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve
The pick up point as you start your 3 day balloon safari in Masai Mara is from Galleria Mall in Nairobi at around 10 AM. So, meet up with your safari guide and be driven onto the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, where the first scenic immersion is the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. Additionally, its floor has farmlands and plantations, but the Longonot and Suswa mountains form an awe-inspiring backdrop. You can stop by here for about 10-15 minutes before you continue your journey towards Narok town. Stop at the Artcaffè for lunch.
Leave behind the thriving town of Narok, then go off into a rough gravel road with some bumpy sections, and as you look out the window, you pass by a few wheat plantations. But also, view the Maasai communal settings en route for your Masai Mara balloon safari, which is normally referred to as the manyattas. Reach the Musiara gate, and after the permit presentation and the checkups, continue through a muddy dirt road; that’s if it rained, and you can see lion prides in the marshlands.
Also, you might spot an olive baboon in the riverine forest that is on the side of the journey. Lastly, from Galleria Mall in Nairobi, this trip takes about 7 hours, covering over 260 kilometers. But from Musiara Gate to the Governor’s camp, it takes about 30 minutes. Normally, on arrival, you are escorted to the ensuite canvas tent where you are supposed to stay after checking in. The Masai Mara camp prices start from around $600 per person, and in the evening, enjoy a bush dinner.
Day 2: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon tour and Full Day Game Drive Experiences
By 5 AM, prepare yourself and then meet up with your tour guide for a briefing before you embark on your Masai Mara balloon safari. Also, the luckiest part of staying at the Governor’s camp is that the hot air balloon is launched in the proximity, so there is no need to move around. Observe as the captain and his team inflate the hot air balloon, and then receive instructions to follow for your safety. Get help as you hop onto the basket, and as the sun comes to life above the horizon, the balloon finally moves in this park’s air.
So, you see giraffes browsing on the leaves of the acacia tree, and families of elephants roam freely in the plains as a pride of lions engulf an impala and devour it. Also, observe the massive wildebeest herds’ migration moves simultaneously in lines but still in a chaotic way toward the Mara River. After the balloon ride, have a pre-arranged bush buffet in Masai Mara with champagne as you reminisce about this beautiful experience.
In the afternoon, have a game drive and see more of the animals this time up close. So, see the hippos and huge Nile crocodiles in the Mara River, plus see the smaller species like the mongoose, the dik-dik, and even the bush babies, usually hiding in the thickets. Have a sundowner meal alongside wine at the Siri’s escarpment, where you will take in the astonishing beauty of the sunset. And after, be driven back to the governor’s camp.
Day 3: Second Balloon Flight in Masai Mara & Departure
This will be the last day of our 3 days safari, which makes it more exciting. So, wake up as early as 5 AM. Head to the launching site at the Governor’s camp, and this time you will be familiar with the process. This time, be more observant as you reach mid-air by looking at the trails left behind by the great migration.
You might see the black rhino browsing in the plains while the birds, like the martial eagles, leave their nests as the hippos head back to their waterholes. After the ride, have another celebratory meal in the reserve with champagne. Later, check out of your Masai Mara Lodge and board the safari vehicle this time to the Wilson International Airport for your flight back home. The journey from the Masai Mara to this airport in Nairobi takes about 5-6 hours.
This 3 day hot air balloon holiday is great for everyone, but for the honeymooners, this would be the ultimate adventure to strengthen the bond between the two people on a luxury trip to Kenya.
Best Time to go for a 3 day Masai Mara Balloon Hot Air Balloon Safari
The hot air balloon flight in this reserve is best done when there are calm winds, which is not the case for the wet months from March to May. So, this is when heavy downpours come in with the winds; hence, the 2 days hot air balloon flight would be cancelled. However, the best time to visit Masai Mara for the balloon safari is from July to October. Additionally, it is the dry season, where the winds are calmer; hence, it’s easier for the captain to stabilize the hot air balloon in the air as it is driven by the winds.
During this time tourists also witness the great migration in this 3 day Masai Mara safari, as this is the season alongside optimal wildlife viewing. So, most of the animals are gathered at the water holes; thus, it’s easier for the people to spot them even above the air.
