7-Day Kenya Safari to Amboseli, Nakuru, Naivasha and Masai Mara

• Depart Nairobi and drive south through Masai country to the plains below Mt. Kilimanjaro, where Amboseli is situated. After a stopover lunch at the lodge or camp, proceed into the scenic Amboseli National Park for a game drive, returning to the lodge in the evening for a sundowner. Despite its small size (392 sq km), this fragile ecosystem supports a wide range of mammals, with well over 50 of the larger species, and more than 400 bird species. Waters from Mt. Kilimanjaro drain down the mountain under lava flows and surface in Amboseli, creating a green belt of swampland amidst dusty plains. Although Amboseli lacks the profusion of animal species found in the Mara, the landscape provides limited cover, giving better chances of seeing some of the larger predators. Elephants, buffaloes, lions, gazelles, cheetahs, wildebeest, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, Masai giraffes, zebra, baboons, and waterbuck are all present in the park. All meals and overnight at Kibo Safari Camp or similar.

• An early morning game drive can be taken in Amboseli, where Mt. Kilimanjaro usually appears from its mantle of clouds. Amboseli National Park not only offers great game viewing but is also the place to go for the best views of iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. The world's tallest free-standing mountain rises just across the border in Tanzania, but Amboseli has a postcard-perfect view of its snow-capped peaks, rising almost six vertical kilometres above the savannah. The best time to view 'Kili' is at dawn and sunset, when the clouds lift and the light is clear and soft. The game drive proceeds to the area of Lake Amboseli, a wide salt pan consisting of permanent swamps. This area has much game, large and small, including high concentrations of elephant, rhino, buffalo, Burchell's zebra, eland, Masai giraffe, and smaller antelope species such as the common waterbuck, klipspringer, Grant's gazelle, impala, topi, and the diminutive duiker, among others.

• Return to the camp for dinner and overnight.

• After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. There is a 'lookout' from where one can view this natural wonder. Here, the road descends into the Great Rift Valley.

• On the descent, one is surprised to see, just off the road, a panoramic view of Lake Elementaita. It should be mentioned here that this road from Nairobi to Nakuru was the first overland road to be surfaced with tarmac in Kenya. This park was once famous only as a bird sanctuary, especially for the lesser and greater flamingos. However, it is now also home to the white rhino and Rothschild giraffe, besides herbivores such as buck and antelope. Leopards can also be seen in this park. The vegetation is of the drier type, and the flat-topped acacia and candelabra cactus are notable features of the landscape.

• Arrive and check in at the lodge or camp for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive.

• After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley.

• Lunch on arrival at the resort, then proceed on your adventure to various attractive features and other optional activities undertaken in Lake Naivasha. Covered by ashes from the Longonot eruption, which occurred 100 years ago, Hell's Gate National Park is famous for its geothermal station, Lower Gorge, and spectacular scenery of cliffs, volcanoes, gorges, and geothermal steam. Hell's Gate National Park is characterized by diverse topography and geological scenery. The park is home to a profusion of plains game and bird life. Walking is permitted, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. These forests abound with bird life and are known as world-class birding areas.

Optional excursions in Lake Naivasha:

• 1-hour boat ride: USD 20 per person

• 2-hour walking safari on Crescent Island Sanctuary: USD 45 per person

• Walking or biking safari at Hell's Gate National Park: USD 45 per person

• After breakfast, depart for the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The Maasai Mara - Kenya's finest game reserve - features gentle rolling grasslands teeming with a plethora of animals and bird life.

• Arrive and check in at the lodge or camp for lunch. Meals are buffet-style, enjoyed either in the dining area or under the shade of indigenous trees. The culinary affair is indeed one to delight the senses. Have a few minutes to relax and enjoy the surroundings before departing for an afternoon game drive.

• Masai Mara Game Reserve offers wonderful scenery and plenty of game. It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where a visitor may still see animals in the same super-abundance as existed a century ago.

• See Thompson's and Grant's gazelles, topi, eland, zebra, waterbuck, giraffe, hippo, wildebeest, warthogs, crocodiles, and ostrich, as well as vultures and over 450 bird species, including more than 50 birds of prey. One thing is for sure in Maasai Mara: you will experience nature in its wild wonder.

• After breakfast, with a picnic lunch, enjoy yet another full day of game viewing as you explore this part of the Northern Serengeti Ecosystem, where the great wildebeest migration takes place from the end of July to September. The plains are literally covered with these animals. Grunts and other animal sounds are heard, and territorial fights are commonplace. Soak in the abundance of untamed wilderness and fresh, natural scenery filled with exotic wildlife during expertly guided game drives enjoyed in open vehicles.

• For those interested in a more intimate encounter, a safe and exciting walking safari can be arranged, giving you the chance to come face to face with nature's beauty in both flora and fauna.

Optional activities include:

• Maasai cultural visit: USD 20 per person

• You can visit a Maasai village to see their traditional life. Photography is NOT prohibited here. A Maasai guide at the village will escort you and explain their lives to you in English.

• Hot air balloon safari: USD 400 per person

• After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Masai Mara.

• Check out and drive back to Nairobi, arriving late in the afternoon.

• Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.