A 7-day Kenya Rift Valley safari from the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru to the vast wilderness of Tsavo East and West, with private 4x4 game drives and comfortable mid-range camps and lodges.
This 7-day Kenya Rift Valley safari travels from the world-famous Maasai Mara through Lake Nakuru to the vast, untamed wilderness of Tsavo East and Tsavo West. It is a Kenyan safari (not Tanzania), travelling privately in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and a professional English-speaking driver-guide, with comfortable mid-range camps and lodges on a full-board basis throughout.
The journey opens with three unhurried nights in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem renowned for its black-maned lions and, in season, the great migration across the Mara River, with an optional early-morning balloon safari. It then descends the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its flamingos, its black and white rhino, and the rare Rothschild giraffe.
The safari finishes in Tsavo, one of Africa’s great strongholds of biodiversity: Tsavo East with its dry plains, the Galana River, the Yatta Plateau, and Lugard Falls, and Tsavo West with the Shetani lava flow and the crystal-clear Mzima Springs, home to hippos and crocodiles. Between them, the two parks offer the full cast of the Big Five and a truly wild finale before the return to Nairobi.
Depart Nairobi and drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas. Arrive in time for lunch at camp, relax through the heat of the day, then head out on an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Ashnil Mara Camp.
Spend a full day exploring the reserve in search of the Big Five, with a picnic lunch in the bush. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives across the Mara, known for its black-maned lions and, in season, the great migration with wildebeest crossing the Mara River. An optional early-morning hot-air balloon safari and an optional visit to a Maasai community are available at extra cost. Dinner and overnight at Ashnil Mara Camp.
After breakfast, drive across the scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its flamingos, its black and white rhino, and the rare Rothschild giraffe. Check in for lunch and a rest, then head out on an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge.
After breakfast, drive to Tsavo East National Park, one of the world’s great strongholds of biodiversity. Check in at Voi Safari Lodge for lunch and a short rest, then set out on an afternoon game drive across dry plains crossed by the Galana River, with the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls among the park’s features. Look for the Big Five and abundant birdlife. Dinner and overnight at Voi Safari Lodge.
After an early breakfast, drive to Tsavo West National Park, stopping at the Shetani lava flow and the Mzima Springs to see hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife, with a game drive en route. An afternoon game drive searches for leopard and the occasional wild dog, before dinner and overnight at Ngulia Safari Lodge.
Rise early for a final morning game drive before exiting the park and driving back to Nairobi for a drop-off or transfer to the airport for your onward flight home. This marks the end of the safari services.
Every day of this itinerary is tailor-made and can be shaped around your dates, pace and budget. When you are ready, our team handles every detail - you simply arrive and enjoy.
Yes – unless stated otherwise, our safaris are private departures for your party only, with your own driver-guide and 4×4 vehicle. You set the pace and can adjust game-drive times with your guide each day.
Your quote covers park and conservation fees, accommodation on the stated board basis, a professional English-speaking driver-guide, a private safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, game drives per the itinerary, and drinking water in the vehicle. International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips and personal expenses are excluded.
Tanzania is a year-round destination. June to October offers classic dry-season game viewing; the green season (November to May) brings lush scenery, newborn animals and fewer crowds. The Great Migration moves through the Serengeti all year – tell us your dates and we will advise where the herds are likely to be.
Absolutely. Every itinerary is a starting point – we tailor the parks, pace, lodges and length to your interests and budget. Just let us know what you have in mind and we will build it around you.
Once you are happy with the plan we confirm availability and send a booking form and invoice. A deposit secures your dates, with the balance due before travel. We confirm exact amounts and payment options when you enquire.
Most visitors need a tourist visa for Tanzania (available online or on arrival) and a yellow-fever certificate if arriving from a risk country. We recommend consulting a travel clinic about malaria prevention and routine vaccinations well before departure.
Tell us your dates and what matters most - our team designs every journey by hand and replies within 24 hours, seven days a week.