
moderate
7 days
Suitable for travelers in average fitness: involves early mornings, short walks, and long vehicle transfers.
From sunrise game drives in Masai Mara to flamingo-streaked shores at Lake Nakuru, this seven‑day Kenya circuit pairs big‑game viewing with cultural stops, boat rides at Naivasha and Hell’s Gate hiking and biking. Read on for what to expect and how to prepare.
Dawn in the Masai Mara arrives like a slow exhale: a pale strip of light lifts over rolling grasslands, and a herd of impala melts into the tall grass as your guide eases the vehicle along a dirt track. The roar of a distant lion punctuates the quiet; a hippo yawns at a roadside pool while vultures wheel overhead. This itinerary stitches together Kenya’s most cinematic ecosystems—savannah, soda lake, freshwater inlet and volcanic gorge—so you move from wide-open game drives to intimate cultural encounters without changing the tempo.

Game viewing is best at first light—be ready for 5:00–6:00 AM departures and dress in warm layers.
Vehicles keep a respectful distance; optics let you get detailed shots without disturbing animals.
Small local fees, tips and optional Maasai village gifts are often cash-only—carry Kenyan shillings.
Days are hot and dry—pack a 1–2L water bottle and high-SPF sunscreen for long game drives.
This route follows parts of the Rift Valley, a tectonic scar that shaped ecosystems; Maasai communities have grazed and protected parts of these lands for generations.
Many parks operate community conservancies and anti-poaching units; support local guides and pay official fees to fund conservation efforts.
Essential for close-up wildlife viewing at distance from vehicles.
Mornings and evenings can be chilly; layers adjust to midday heat.
Sun can be intense on open plains and at high altitude; protect skin and eyes.
Comfortable shoes are useful for short walks at viewpoints and Hell's Gate trails.