Nairobi in 7 Days for Friends - Full-board accommodation in lodges and tented camps
In Collaboration with Explorer Kenya Tours and Travel. Updated on March 6, 2026.
A 7 day safari visiting Kenya's top national parks: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli. The trip includes full-board accommodation at lodges/tented camps, daily game drives, 1L bottled water per person per day, an English-speaking driver/guide, park entrance fees and exclusive use of a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof. Confirmation and final pickup details will be provided after booking. (B
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Explorer Kenya Tours and Travel, inspired by the tour 7 Days Best of Kenya Safari. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Full-board accommodation in lodges and tented camps
- Daily game drives in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli
- All park entrance fees and services of an English-speaking driver/guide
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer to Masai Mara with an en-route lunch stop. Afternoon game drive on arrival.
Airport pickup and meet your driver/guide
Meet your English-speaking driver/guide at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Final passenger check and luggage stow before departing for Masai Mara.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your flight number and arrival terminal with the operator at least 24 hours before arrival.
- Keep passports and a printed or electronic voucher accessible for the pickup.
- Pack a light day bag with sunscreen, hat, and camera — main luggage stays secured in the vehicle.
Drive to Masai Mara (with lunch stop en route)
Scenic transfer from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve. Time includes a scheduled lunch break and short comfort stops.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive takes several hours; motion-sickness medication is recommended if you are prone to nausea.
- Bring snacks and refillable water bottle; 1L bottled water per person is provided daily by the operator.
- Keep cameras and binoculars ready; wildlife can appear near the vehicle when approaching the reserve.
Afternoon game drive in Masai Mara
First game drive in Masai Mara after check-in. Pop-up roof vehicles are used for visibility and photography.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear neutral-coloured clothing and avoid bright colours that can disturb wildlife.
- Keep noise to a minimum during drives; follow your guide's instructions for windows/roof use.
- Bring a charged camera and spare batteries — vehicles provide a stable platform but limited charging points.
Check-in at lodge/tented camp and dinner
Arrive at your selected lodge or tented camp inside/near Masai Mara for dinner and overnight on full board.
Tips from local experts:
- Most lodges provide basic toiletries and towels, but bring personal medications and preferred insect repellent.
- Confirm dietary requirements before arrival; vegetarian and other options are available if advised at booking.
- Rooms/camps vary in amenities; ask staff about charging locations for electronics.
Day 2
Full day of game drives in Masai Mara with time to relax at the lodge between drives.
Morning game drive (golden hours)
Early-morning game drive to maximise wildlife sightings when animals are most active.
Tips from local experts:
- Start layered clothing; mornings are cool but warm quickly after sunrise.
- Use a zoom lens (200–400mm) for better wildlife photos without disturbing animals.
- Carry a small sunscreen and sunglasses; sun is stronger at higher altitudes and open plains.
Midday rest and lunch at the lodge
Return to the lodge for a full lunch and downtime — good chance to rest, sort photos and recharge devices.
Tips from local experts:
- Most lodges have limited Wi‑Fi; use this time to back up photos to a portable drive or cloud if needed.
- Drink the provided bottled water and stay hydrated between drives.
- Ask the lodge staff about local short walks or birding near the camp if you want a gentle activity.
Afternoon game drive
Afternoon to early-evening game drive to view predators returning from daytime activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep your camera gear accessible; light levels change quickly as evening approaches.
- Follow radio instructions from your guide and respect other vehicles and wildlife.
- Carry a lightweight flashlight or headlamp for returns after sundown; lodges may be dimly lit at night.
Day 3
Morning game drive in Masai Mara then transfer to Lake Nakuru with an afternoon arrival and lodge check-in.
Early morning game drive and breakfast
Short early game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge before checkout.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm checkout luggage handling with the lodge to streamline departure.
- Carry a light jacket for early morning drives; temperatures can be cool before sunrise.
- Plug in batteries and charge devices during breakfast; charging opportunities may be limited en route.
Transfer to Lake Nakuru (with lunch stop)
Drive from Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park with scheduled comfort and lunch stops en route.
Tips from local experts:
- The transfer is medium to long; use rest stops to stretch and switch seats for comfort.
- Carry local currency for any small purchases at roadside stops.
- Store valuables in the vehicle safe or keep them with you during stops; watch personal items in busy areas.
Evening at lodge and short wildlife viewing
Arrive at your lodge/tented camp near Lake Nakuru for check-in and an optional short drive or walk if time permits.
Tips from local experts:
- Lake Nakuru is famous for birdlife — bring a binocular and a field guide if you enjoy birding.
- Lodges near the park may have limited mobile signal; coordinate pickup times carefully with the driver.
- Ask the lodge about recommended evening viewpoints for spotting hippos and flamingos from a distance.
Day 4
Morning game viewing at Lake Nakuru then a long transfer to Amboseli National Park with an evening arrival.
Morning game drive / birdwatching at Lake Nakuru
Guided morning drive focusing on the lake edge for birdlife and sightings of resident mammals.
Tips from local experts:
- Birdwatchers should bring a 8–10x binocular and a notepad for species logging.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; some short walks near viewpoints may have uneven surfaces.
- Respect park boundaries and observation points; do not attempt to approach wildlife on foot.
Transfer to Amboseli National Park (with lunch stop)
Long scenic transfer to Amboseli in the south; includes scheduled rest and lunch stops. Expect changing landscapes.
Tips from local experts:
- This is one of the longer drives; download maps or ensure the guide has clear directions and rest stops planned.
- Stretch regularly at rest stops to avoid stiffness; drivers schedule comfort stops for safety.
- Keep travel sickness remedies handy and remain hydrated throughout the transfer.
Check-in at Amboseli lodge/tented camp and dinner
Arrive at your lodge/tented camp in or near Amboseli for check-in and dinner on full board.
Tips from local experts:
- Amboseli nights can be cool — request extra blankets if needed.
- Ask staff about early wakeup arrangements for the following morning's game drive.
- Note that charging facilities can be limited; charge essential devices before the evening.
Day 5
Full day in Amboseli with morning and late-afternoon game drives offering views of Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Morning game drive in Amboseli
Early start for game viewing; Amboseli is known for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a warm layer for the morning; clear days still start cool before sunrise.
- If seeking photos of Kilimanjaro, ask your guide for locations with unobstructed views.
- Keep noise low and follow the guide's position instructions to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Midday rest and lunch at the lodge
Return to the lodge for lunch and downtime; good opportunity to rest, charge devices and prepare for the afternoon drive.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the midday break to reapply sunscreen and hydrate thoroughly.
- If you plan to nap, set an alarm or request a wake-up call for the afternoon departure.
- Check with lodge staff about local cultural practices and respectful photography guidelines around communities.
Afternoon/evening game drive
Late afternoon game drive when many animals are active again; return to the lodge at sunset.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring insect repellent for late-afternoon drives, especially during wetter months.
- Have small local notes ready for gratuities if you plan to tip lodge staff or guides.
- Keep a small dry bag or waterproof cover for cameras in case of sudden showers.
Day 6
Optional early game drive in Amboseli then transfer back to Nairobi for an overnight stay.
Optional early morning game drive and breakfast
Optional short dawn drive for final wildlife viewing before departure to Nairobi.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm with your guide the night before if you want the optional early drive to avoid delays at departure.
- Carry light snacks for the road; breakfasts can sometimes be packed if departing early.
- Keep a small daypack with essentials since main luggage may be loaded in the vehicle.
Transfer from Amboseli to Nairobi (with stops)
Drive back to Nairobi with scheduled comfort stops and arrival in the afternoon. Drop-off at a centrally located Nairobi hotel or agreed point.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred Nairobi drop-off point with the guide the evening before arrival.
- Expect varying traffic conditions approaching Nairobi; extra travel time is built into the schedule.
- Keep valuables and travel documents on you for the arrival into the city area.
Evening at Nairobi accommodation
Check-in at your Nairobi hotel; evening at leisure and final group dinner if arranged.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the hotel about secure luggage storage if you have a late-night flight on day 7.
- Nairobi has a range of dining options; request quieter dining areas if travelling as a group.
- Confirm airport transfer time for the next morning if you require a scheduled drop-off.
Day 7
Morning transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for onward travel. End of safari services.
Morning transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
After breakfast, the driver will transfer you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight. Times adjusted to match your flight departure time.
Tips from local experts:
- Provide your flight details to the operator at booking so pickup times can be scheduled appropriately.
- Allow extra time for Nairobi traffic when planning international flight departures.
- Confirm the terminal and preferred check-in time with your airline before departing the hotel.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 7 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 14 |
| Total Places | 20 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Hotel, Break |
