7 Days Classic Kenya Big Five Safari

Overview

The 7 Days Classic Kenya Big Five Safari is a perfectly balanced introduction to East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Designed for first-time safari travelers as well as seasoned explorers seeking a comprehensive yet relaxed itinerary, this journey showcases Kenya’s most celebrated national parks and landscapes while offering excellent opportunities to encounter the legendary Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.

This classic circuit combines diverse ecosystems, from the open plains of the Maasai Mara to the dramatic Rift Valley lakes and the elephant-rich foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli. Traveling at an unhurried pace, guests enjoy expertly guided game drives, carefully selected accommodations, and seamless logistics throughout. The safari can be delivered as a budget camping, mid-range lodge, or luxury tented camp experience, making it one of Kenya’s most versatile and popular safari packages.

Ideal for couples, small groups, and families, this tour offers exceptional wildlife density, scenic variety, and cultural depth — all within a single, well-crafted week.

Safari Highlights

• Explore Kenya’s top wildlife parks in one seamless itinerary
• High probability of seeing all members of the Big Five
• Iconic game drives in the world-famous Maasai Mara
• Flamingos, rhinos, and birdlife at Lake Nakuru
• Close encounters with large elephant herds in Amboseli
• Spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting)
• Flexible accommodation options to suit different budgets

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by a professional safari guide from Safari Continents Travel and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a brief city orientation or simply relax after your international journey.

Your guide will provide a full safari briefing, covering the week’s itinerary, wildlife expectations, and travel logistics. Overnight in Nairobi.

Accommodation: City hotel or safari lodge

Day 2: Nairobi – Amboseli National Park

After an early breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel south through open plains and traditional Maasai settlements toward Amboseli National Park. Arriving in time for lunch, you will enjoy your first taste of the African wilderness before heading out for an afternoon game drive.

Amboseli is renowned for its vast elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Wildlife sightings commonly include elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species.

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Amboseli

Day 3: Amboseli National Park – Full Day Safari

Spend a full day exploring Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives. The park’s open terrain allows excellent visibility, making it ideal for photography and relaxed wildlife viewing. Between drives, return to your lodge for meals and leisure time.

Amboseli’s swamps attract wildlife year-round, offering close-up encounters with elephants and other plains game. Clear mornings often reward guests with iconic Kilimanjaro views rising dramatically above the savannah.

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Amboseli

Day 4: Amboseli – Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, depart Amboseli and journey north through the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.

Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos (seasonal), diverse birdlife, and as one of Kenya’s best places to see both black and white rhinoceros. The park is also home to lions, leopards, buffalo, and Rothschild’s giraffes.

Accommodation: Lodge overlooking Lake Nakuru

Day 5: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, continue west toward the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, traveling through rolling hills and fertile farmland. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your camp before embarking on an afternoon game drive.

The Maasai Mara offers one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Expect sightings of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and vast herds of plains game.

Accommodation: Tented camp or lodge in the Maasai Mara

Day 6: Maasai Mara – Full Day Game Drives

Spend a full day on safari in the Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives, or opt for a full-day excursion with a picnic lunch. Your guide will track wildlife movements to maximize sightings.

The Mara is particularly famous for its big cat population and, seasonally, the Great Wildebeest Migration. Optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari or a Maasai village visit can be arranged at an additional cost.

Accommodation: Tented camp or lodge in the Maasai Mara

Day 7: Maasai Mara – Return to Nairobi & Departure

After an early breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and return to Nairobi by road or optional scheduled flight. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport or your onward accommodation, marking the end of your Kenyan safari adventure.

Wildlife & Safari Experience

This itinerary offers outstanding opportunities to encounter the Big Five, along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. The combination of Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara ensures varied habitats and consistently excellent game viewing.

Accommodation Options

This tour is highly flexible and can be customized across different comfort levels:

• Budget Camping: Comfortable dome tents with shared facilities
• Mid-Range Lodges & Camps: Ensuite rooms, excellent locations
• Luxury Tented Camps: Premium service, prime wildlife areas

Specific properties can be selected based on availability and preference.

What’s Included

• Airport transfers in Nairobi
• Transport in a custom safari vehicle
• Services of a professional driver-guide
• Park entry fees
• Accommodation on full-board basis during safari
• Game drives as specified

What’s Not Included

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses and gratuities

Best Time to Travel

This safari operates year-round. The dry seasons (June–October and January–March) offer excellent wildlife viewing, while the green seasons provide lush scenery and fewer crowds.

Who This Safari Is Perfect For

• First-time safari travelers
• Couples and small groups
• Families with older children
• Travelers seeking classic Big Five experiences

Customization Options

This itinerary can be tailored with:

• Additional nights in Maasai Mara
• Luxury lodge upgrades
• Hot air balloon safari
• Beach extensions to Diani or Zanzibar

This classic Kenya safari can be customized to match your travel style, dates, and budget. Contact Safari Continents Travel to begin planning your unforgettable African journey.

Categories Mapping

• Big 5 Safaris
• Family Safaris
• Budget Camping Safaris (variant)
• Luxury Safaris (variant)