7 Day Masai Mara River Crossing Safari with Amboseli

This 7 day Masai Mara river crossing safari combines Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and three nights in the Masai Mara for the Great Migration, travelling by private 4×4 from Nairobi.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

Safari Map

FAQs

Overview

This 7 day Masai Mara river crossing safari is a private road safari from Nairobi timed for the Great Migration. You spend 2 nights in Amboseli National Park, 1 night at Lake Nakuru and 3 nights in the Masai Mara, with a Lake Naivasha boat ride and a Maasai village visit included. The best season is July to September, and the price starts from USD 2,850 per adult.

It suits first-time visitors, couples, families and photographers who want three of Kenya’s best parks in one week, travelling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and staying in 4-star lodges and camps on full board.

Why choose a 7 day Masai Mara river crossing safari?

The Masai Mara is where the wildebeest and zebra herds of the Great Migration cross the Mara River each dry season, watched by crocodiles and big cats. Three nights in the reserve give you two full days to wait at the river and follow the herds, which matters because crossings happen on the animals’ schedule, not ours.

Before the Mara, you see Amboseli’s big elephant herds below Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Nakuru’s rhinos, giraffes and flamingos, so the trip is a full Kenya safari rather than the migration alone.

Migration seekers: two full days in the Masai Mara in the crossing season.
First-time visitors: Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and the Mara in one week.
Photographers: a pop-up roof 4×4 and unlimited game drives on the itinerary.

What to expect on the 7 day Masai Mara river crossing safari

Day 1 starts with a meet-and-greet in Nairobi and a drive of about 4 hours to Amboseli National Park, with an afternoon game drive. Day 2 is a full day in Amboseli for elephants, views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the climb up Observation Hill.

On day 3 you drive about 5 hours to Lake Naivasha, stopping at a Great Rift Valley viewpoint, then take a boat safari before continuing to Lake Nakuru. Day 4 begins with a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, looking for rhinos, giraffes, lions and flamingos, followed by a drive of about 5 hours to the Masai Mara.

Days 5 and 6 are full days in the Masai Mara National Reserve, with picnic lunches on the plains and time at the Mara River. On day 7 you visit a Maasai village after breakfast and drive about 5 hours back to Nairobi for your hotel or flight.

When is the best time for Mara River crossings?

The best season for this safari is July to September, when the herds are usually in the Masai Mara. River crossings are never guaranteed, because the herds decide when to cross, but more days in the reserve give you better chances. Read our Great Migration month by month guide to see where the herds usually are.

What is included in this Kenya migration safari?

The price includes all transport in a 4WD Land Cruiser, 6 nights of accommodation, all park entry and conservation fees, full board meals, an English or bilingual driver guide, unlimited game drives on the itinerary and drinking water. The Lake Naivasha boat ride and Maasai village visit are included at no extra cost.

Not included are the optional Masai Mara hot air balloon safari (USD 480 per person), travel insurance, visas, international flights, tips (about USD 10 per person per day is suggested), drinks and personal items. Compare camps in our Masai Mara camps by budget guide and see what drives the price in our Kenya safari cost guide.

How much does the 7 day Masai Mara river crossing safari cost?

From USD 2,850 per adult (regular price USD 3,310). The final price depends on your travel dates, group size and the lodges available, and we confirm every lodge in your written quote.

WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or request a free tailor-made quote, and we will reply with dates and availability.

Safari Highlights

3 nights in the Masai Mara in the Mara River crossing season
Elephants below Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli
Rhinos, giraffes and flamingos at Lake Nakuru
Lake Naivasha boat ride and Maasai village visit included
4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and full board throughout

Day 01 :

Nairobi - Amboseli National Park

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by Divulge Adventures representative for meet, greet and safari briefing. Afterward, you will depart Nairobi for Amboseli National Park, approximately 4 hours. drive. Arriving at around lunchtime for check-in and lunch, followed by afternoon siesta.

Later in the evening set out for afternoon game drive at Amboseli National Park, and later return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at Praro Amboseli Safari Camp

Day 02 :

Full Day Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive into the home of large herds of elephants and the Kilimanjaro royal court. The game drive takes you to Kenya's premium park, which is rich in wildlife, from up close free-ranging African Elephants to experiencing the epic view of the tallest mountain in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro.

You will also visit Observation hill, where you can view the entire park in 360 degrees from the top. Lunch will be served as you proceed with the game drive and later return for dinner, and overnight at Praro Amboseli Safari Camp

Day 03 :

Amboseli National Park - Lake Naivasha - Lake Nakuru National Park

After a steamy hot delicious breakfast depart Amboseli for Lake Naivasha, which is approximately 5 hours away. There will be a stop to view the great rift valley scenery as you proceed to Lake Naivasha. You will arrive in time for lunch. After lunch, proceed for boat safari at Lake Naivasha, before heading to Nakuru for check in at the Hotel, dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Day 04 :

Lake Nakuru National park - Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari

After an early and steamy breakfast, set out for Lake Nakuru National Park morning game drive. As the sun rises, the park comes alive with the sights and sounds of wildlife. Visitors can spot diverse animals, including rhinos, giraffes, lions, and flamingos.

The park's stunning landscapes, ranging from lush forests to expansive grasslands and the picturesque lake itself, create a serene backdrop for an adventurous evening exploring Kenya's rich biodiversity. Later in the afternoon exit for Masai Mara Reserve, approximately 5 hours drive arriving late in the evening. Check-in at camp/ lodge, followed by relaxing moments. No evening game drive.

Dinner and overnight at Zebra River Luxury Camp

Day 05 & 06 :

Two Full Days at Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari

You will have a two full days at Masai Mara National Reserve mara wildebeest migration safari game viewing during your stay. Stay on the lookout for the big cats with magical scenes when hunting, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, hippos, lion prides, thousands of impalas, topi, grants and Thomson's gazelles, and different bird species could all be seen.

If lucky you will get to witness wildebeests cross the famous Mara River to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania from Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

During this moment, be ready for the epic scenery of the dangerous giant Mara River Nile crocodiles feeding on the wildebeests, and zebras as they cross the river of death (Mara River). So, make sure to carry your amazing phone or camera to capture these wonderful moments.

You will have picnic lunch served in the vast plains of Masai Mara National Reserve. And continue with evening game drive for the better part of the day culminating the game drive with a sundowner. Later, return to the camp for dinner and overnight at Zebra River Luxury Camp

Day 07 :

Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi

After breakfast at your camp, you will check out and head for Masai Village Visit; Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Masai people by visiting a traditional village. Learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life, witness their intricate beadwork and warrior dances, and perhaps even purchase a handcrafted souvenir to support their community.

Afterwards, exit Masai Mara for Nairobi approximately 5 hours’ drive. Upon arrival, drop off at the hotel or at the airport for your outbound flight.

End of Safari & Service (kwaheri)!

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When is the best time for the 7 day Masai Mara river crossing safari?

The best time for this 7 day Masai Mara river crossing safari is July to September, when the Great Migration herds are usually in the Masai Mara. Crossings of the Mara River depend on the herds, so they are never guaranteed, but two full days in the reserve give you good chances.

What is included in the 7 day Masai Mara river crossing safari?

The safari includes a 4WD Land Cruiser with a driver guide, 6 nights of accommodation on full board, all park and conservation fees, unlimited game drives on the itinerary, drinking water, a Lake Naivasha boat ride and a Maasai village visit. Flights, visas, insurance, tips, drinks and the balloon safari are extra.

Where do you stay on this Masai Mara river crossing safari?

You stay 2 nights in Amboseli, 1 night at Lake Nakuru and 3 nights in the Masai Mara in 4-star lodges and camps, such as Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge and Zebra River Luxury Camp. We confirm each lodge in your quote, based on availability for your dates.

Is the 7 day Masai Mara river crossing safari suitable for children?

Yes, families are welcome on this 7 day Masai Mara river crossing safari. It is a private road safari, so the pace can suit you, but some drives take about 5 hours. Tell us the ages of your children and we will suggest family rooms and the best seating.

How do I book the 7 day Masai Mara river crossing safari?

To book, send the enquiry form on this page, WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888 or email [email protected] with your dates and group size. We reply with a written quote and lodge availability, and book early for July to September, the busiest migration months.