Tarec Gorilla Safaris - 7-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Kenya Safari

7-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Kenya Safari

Two of Kenya's most famous wildlife destinations in one unforgettable journey — the open grasslands of the Maasai Mara and the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.

Maasai Mara wildlife
Amboseli National Park
Elephant bull in front of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli
Amboseli National Park landscape
Elephants in Kenya

7-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Kenya Safari

From $2,150 / person sharing

This 7-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Kenya Safari combines two of Kenya's most famous wildlife destinations into one unforgettable journey. From the open grasslands of the Maasai Mara to the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli, the safari offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography and experiencing Kenya's diverse landscapes. The journey starts in Nairobi and continues to the Maasai Mara for several game drives before traveling south toward Amboseli National Park. In Amboseli, you will search for large elephant herds while enjoying spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro when weather conditions are clear. This itinerary is ideal for couples, families, small groups and first-time visitors looking for a comprehensive Kenya safari without rushing between too many destinations.

7 Days / 6 Nights Private Safari Nairobi Start & End Mara + Amboseli
Safari Highlights
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Kenya's most famous wildlife destination
Amboseli National Park
Elephant herds & wetlands
Mount Kilimanjaro Views
Weather permitting — best in the morning
Big Five Wildlife
Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos
Great Migration Region
July–October — herds unpredictable
Full-Day Game Drives
Mara & Amboseli
Big Cats
Lions, cheetahs & leopards in the Mara
Elephant Photography
Amboseli's signature species
Mid-Range Lodges & Tented Camps
Comfortable accommodation in both parks
Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle
Pop-up roof for game viewing
Safari at a Glance
Destinations
Maasai Mara National Reserve & Amboseli National Park
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting & Ending Point
Nairobi
Safari Type
Private Wildlife Safari
Transport
Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Accommodation
Mid-range lodges & tented camps
Main Activities
Game drives & wildlife viewing
Best For
Couples · families · small groups · first-time visitors
Why Combine Maasai Mara and Amboseli?

The two destinations offer very different safari experiences. The Maasai Mara is famous for its predators, open grasslands and seasonal Great Migration. Amboseli is particularly well known for its elephants and views toward Mount Kilimanjaro.

Combining them allows travelers to experience two of Kenya's most iconic safari landscapes during one trip.

Best Time for the Safari

The safari can be enjoyed throughout the year. For the Maasai Mara, July to October is particularly popular with travelers interested in the Great Migration. However, the exact timing and location of the wildebeest herds vary each year.

Amboseli is also rewarding year-round. Dry periods can make wildlife easier to locate, while wetter months can provide greener landscapes and excellent photographic conditions. Mount Kilimanjaro visibility is weather-dependent, so clear mountain views cannot be guaranteed.

Recommended Accommodation
LocationProperty
Maasai MaraMara Sentrim Camp · Zebra Plains Mara Camp · Similar mid-range lodge or tented camp
AmboseliAmboseli Serena Safari Lodge · Amboseli Sopa Lodge · Similar mid-range lodge or tented camp
NairobiComfortable city hotel or airport-area hotel

Accommodation can be upgraded to luxury properties or adjusted to suit your budget.

7-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Kenya Safari itinerary

Detailed 7-Day Itinerary

7 Days / 6 Nights · A private Kenya wildlife safari

From Nairobi to the Maasai Mara, then south to Amboseli, and back to Nairobi. Follow the day-by-day timeline below.

7 Days Private Guide Game Drives 6 Nights Accommodation
Full 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Maasai Mara
Early pickup · Great Rift Valley scenic stop · Afternoon game drive in the Mara

Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel, residence or airport in Nairobi. Drive through Kenya's Great Rift Valley, with a scenic stop along the way before continuing toward the Maasai Mara.

After lunch, enter the Maasai Mara National Reserve for your first game drive. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife as you explore the reserve.

Continue to your lodge or tented camp in the evening.

Afternoon game drive in the Maasai Mara - Day 1
Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Activities: Scenic drive · Afternoon game drive
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge or tented camp in Maasai Mara
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Maasai Mara Game Drive
Big cats · Picnic lunch option · Full day in the reserve

After an early breakfast, spend the entire day exploring the Maasai Mara. The reserve is famous for its large populations of big cats and abundant plains wildlife.

Your guide will search for: Lions · Leopards · Cheetahs · Elephants · Buffaloes · Giraffes · Zebras · Wildebeest · Hippos · Hyenas · Gazelles · Numerous bird species.

A picnic lunch can be arranged inside the reserve so that you can spend more time in the wildlife areas. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Full-day Maasai Mara game drive - Day 2
Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Activities: Full-day game drive · Picnic lunch option
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge or tented camp in Maasai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Maasai Mara – Nairobi
Early morning game drive · Breakfast & check-out · Return drive to Nairobi

Enjoy an early morning game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, check out and begin the journey toward Nairobi. Lunch will be taken along the way.

Arrive in Nairobi later in the afternoon or evening and check into your hotel. The evening is free to relax.

Return journey to Nairobi - Day 3
Main Destination: Nairobi
Activities: Early morning game drive · Return drive to Nairobi
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 4: Nairobi – Amboseli National Park
Travel south · Afternoon game drive in Amboseli · Kilimanjaro views (weather permitting)

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel south toward Amboseli National Park. Arrive around midday and enjoy lunch before heading out for your first Amboseli game drive.

Amboseli is particularly famous for its large elephant herds and dramatic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. During the afternoon, look for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and other wildlife.

Return to your lodge in the evening.

First Amboseli game drive - Day 4
Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
Activities: Scenic drive · Afternoon game drive
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge or tented camp in Amboseli
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Full-Day Amboseli Safari
Morning & afternoon game drives · Elephant herds · Kilimanjaro photography

Wake early for breakfast before heading into Amboseli for a full-day game drive. The early morning is an excellent time for photography and wildlife viewing, especially around the park's wetlands and open plains.

Your guide will look for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and numerous bird species. When skies are clear, Mount Kilimanjaro provides an impressive backdrop for photography.

Enjoy a picnic lunch or return to the lodge depending on the day's game-drive plan. Continue exploring Amboseli during the afternoon before returning to your accommodation.

Full-day Amboseli game drive - Day 5
Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
Activities: Morning & afternoon game drives · Photography
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge or tented camp in Amboseli
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Amboseli – Nairobi
Early morning game drive · Breakfast & check-out · Return drive to Nairobi

Enjoy an early morning game drive in Amboseli. This is another opportunity to photograph elephants and other wildlife, with the possibility of seeing Mount Kilimanjaro in the morning light when visibility is good.

Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out. Drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon.

Return drive to Nairobi - Day 6
Main Destination: Nairobi
Activities: Early morning game drive · Return drive to Nairobi
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 7: Nairobi – Departure
Breakfast · Optional Nairobi activity · Airport or agreed drop-off

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your departure time, you can have a relaxed morning or add an optional Nairobi activity.

Your safari guide will then transfer you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or another agreed location in Nairobi for your onward journey.

Departure from Nairobi - Day 7
Main Destination: Nairobi (End of Tour)
Activities: Airport transfer · Optional Nairobi city tour
Drop-off: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or agreed location
Meals: Breakfast
What Wildlife Can You See?

Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and animal movements. During the safari, you may encounter:

Lions
Both destinations — the Mara is especially known for predators
Leopards
Present in the Mara but elusive
Cheetahs
Open plains of the Maasai Mara
Elephants
Amboseli's signature species — large herds
Buffaloes
Large herds in both parks
Giraffes
Browsing on vegetation across suitable habitats
Zebras & Wildebeest
Important components of the Mara ecosystem
Hippos
Suitable water areas in both destinations
Gazelles & Hyenas
Common in both parks
Numerous Bird Species
Especially around Amboseli's wetlands
7-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari pricing

Rates & Pricing

From $2,150 / person sharing

Prices are indicative and can change depending on travel dates, accommodation category, park fees and availability. The final quotation will be confirmed against your travel dates and preferred accommodation level.

Private Safari Park Fees Included 6 Nights Accommodation Based on 2 Travelers
Suggested Price Per Person
Number of TravelersPrice Per Person
1 TravelerUS$3,100
2 TravelersUS$2,150
3 TravelersUS$1,900
4 TravelersUS$1,750
5 TravelersUS$1,650
6 TravelersUS$1,575

Important: These are indicative private mid-range prices and should be confirmed against your travel dates and accommodation availability.

Suggested Accommodation
LocationProperty
Maasai MaraMara Sentrim Camp · Zebra Plains Mara Camp · Similar mid-range lodge or tented camp
AmboseliAmboseli Serena Safari Lodge · Amboseli Sopa Lodge · Similar mid-range lodge or tented camp
NairobiComfortable city or airport-area hotel

Accommodation can be upgraded to luxury properties or adjusted to suit your budget.

Optional Add-Ons & Extensions
Maasai Cultural Experience
Visit a Maasai community — additional cost
Hot-Air Balloon Safari
Early morning flight over the Mara
Add Lake Nakuru
Extend the itinerary for flamingos & rhinos
Add Tsavo East or Tsavo West
Extend into more of Kenya
Additional Nights in the Mara or Amboseli
More game drives in either park
Combine with Uganda or Rwanda
Add gorilla trekking to your Kenya trip
Inclusions of 7-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Kenya Safari

What's Included in Your 7-Day Safari

Transparent Pricing · No hidden costs

We believe in full transparency. Below is exactly what is included in your 7-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Kenya Safari — and what is not.

Transport Park Fees Game Drives Accommodation
What's Included
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Nairobi pickup and drop-off
  • Fuel and transportation
  • Maasai Mara National Reserve entry fees
  • Amboseli National Park entry fees
  • Game drives as described
  • 6 nights accommodation
  • Meals as specified
  • Drinking water during the safari
  • Government taxes and applicable service charges
What's Excluded
  • International flights
  • Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Maasai cultural village visit
  • Hot-air balloon safari
  • Optional activities
  • Nairobi accommodation outside the itinerary
  • Any services not specifically mentioned
Getting There - 7-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Safari

Getting There

Nairobi · Start and end point

This 7-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Kenya Safari begins and ends in Nairobi. Most travelers are staying in Nairobi before the safari or arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from your hotel, residence, airport or another agreed location.

Nairobi Hotel / Airport Pickup Private 4×4 Vehicle
Travel Information
From Nairobi Hotel
Pickup from your hotel, residence or agreed location in Nairobi.
From Nairobi Airport
Pickup can be arranged from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport.
Destinations
Maasai Mara National Reserve & Amboseli National Park
Best Time — July to October
Popular with travelers interested in the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. Accommodation demand can be high.
Best Time — Year-Round
Amboseli is rewarding year-round. Dry periods make wildlife easier to locate; wetter months provide greener landscapes.
Mount Kilimanjaro Visibility
Weather-dependent — clear mountain views cannot be guaranteed. Early morning often offers the best chances.
What to Pack
Lightweight shirts · Long trousers · Comfortable walking shoes · Light jacket · Warm layer for early mornings · Hat · Sunglasses · Sunscreen · Insect repellent · Camera · Binoculars · Power bank · Reusable water bottle · Personal medication · Passport · Travel insurance documents
Is Seven Days Enough?

Yes. Seven days provide enough time for several game drives in both destinations without making the safari excessively rushed. The itinerary gives you:

2 Nights in Maasai Mara
2 Nights in Amboseli
2 Nights in Nairobi

Additional days can be added to Maasai Mara or Amboseli, or the itinerary can be expanded to include destinations such as Lake Nakuru, Tsavo East or Tsavo West.

Private 4×4 Safari

This package is designed as a private safari. Your group travels in a dedicated 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide. This gives you more flexibility during game drives and allows the itinerary to be adjusted around your interests. A shared safari can be quoted separately for travelers looking for a lower-cost option.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough for Maasai Mara and Amboseli?
Yes. Seven days provide enough time for several game drives in both destinations without making the safari excessively rushed.
Can I see the Big Five?
Both destinations support several Big Five species, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Can I see the Great Migration?
If you travel during the appropriate migration season, the Maasai Mara can offer opportunities to see migrating wildebeest and zebra. The exact location of the herds changes throughout the season.
Will I see Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen from parts of Amboseli when weather and visibility conditions are favorable. Mountain visibility cannot be guaranteed.
Can I add a Maasai cultural visit?
Yes. A Maasai community experience can be added to the itinerary at an additional cost.
Is this a private safari?
Yes. The standard itinerary is designed as a private safari, allowing the route and accommodation to be adjusted according to your interests and budget.
Can I start or end the safari at the airport?
Yes. Nairobi airport pickup and drop-off can be arranged around your international flight schedule.
Can this safari be extended?
Yes. Additional days can be added to Maasai Mara or Amboseli, or the itinerary can be expanded to include destinations such as Lake Nakuru, Tsavo East or Tsavo West.
Otaremwa Barack — Tarec Gorilla Safaris

Meet the Tarec Gorilla Safaris Team

Licensed Safari Operator · Uganda · Rwanda · Tanzania · Kenya

We are a locally owned and operated safari company based in Kampala, Uganda. Our team of experienced driver-guides, primate trackers, and travel planners is passionate about sharing the beauty of East Africa with travellers from around the world. Every safari we run is personally designed by someone who has walked the trails, tracked the gorillas, and knows the lodges by name.

Local Experts Licensed Guides Responsible Tourism 24/7 Support
Why Book This Safari With Us?

At Tarec Gorilla Safaris, we can organize private Kenya safari experiences alongside our Uganda and Rwanda safaris. Our cross-border safari planning allows travelers to combine destinations across East Africa rather than treating each country as a separate trip.

For this 7-Day Maasai Mara and Amboseli Kenya Safari, we focus on:

Private 4×4 Transportation
Experienced Driver-Guides
Comfortable Accommodation
Flexible Itineraries
Clear Pricing
Wildlife-Focused Game Drives
Nairobi Pickup & Drop-Off
Tailor-Made Extensions

The safari can also be extended into a longer Kenya itinerary or combined with Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania depending on your travel plans.

Company Details

Tarec Gorilla Safaris

Kampala, Uganda
info@tarecgorillasafaris.com
+1-602-727-3006 (US) · WhatsApp
tarecgorillasafaris.com

We are a full-service safari operator offering custom itineraries, group tours, and self-drive packages. Our fleet of well-maintained 4×4 vehicles and our network of trusted lodges ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable safari experience.

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