Seven days is the most popular length for a Kenya trip from India. It fits into one week of leave, works well with school holidays and covers Kenya's three big safari experiences: elephants under Kilimanjaro, the Rift Valley lakes and the Masai Mara.
This itinerary is built for first-timers. It balances game drives with rest, and it keeps the long drives in the first half of the trip so you end up in the Mara with time to enjoy it.
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Base | Highlight |
| 1 | Nairobi | Arrive, rest, giraffe and elephant orphanage visits |
| 2 | Amboseli | Drive south, afternoon game drive |
| 3 | Amboseli | Full day with elephants and Kilimanjaro views |
| 4 | Lake Naivasha | Boat ride among hippos, Crescent Island walk |
| 5 | Masai Mara | Morning at Lake Nakuru, drive to the Mara |
| 6 | Masai Mara | Full-day game drive |
| 7 | Nairobi | Optional balloon ride, fly back to Nairobi, evening flight home |
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi
Most flights from India land in Nairobi in the morning or early afternoon. Check in, rest, and take it easy. Nairobi sits at about 1,800 metres, so the air is cool and a little thin.
If you have energy left, visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes from a raised platform. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's elephant orphanage opens to visitors for a short window in the late morning, when keepers bring baby elephants out for feeding. Book ahead, as slots fill up. Kids love both.
Have an early dinner. Nairobi has excellent Indian restaurants, so the whole family will eat well on night one.
Day 2: Nairobi to Amboseli
Leave after breakfast for Amboseli, about four to five hours by road. The drive takes you through Maasai country, and your guide will point out roadside wildlife once you get close.
After lunch at your lodge, head out for your first game drive. Amboseli's open plains make it easy to spot elephants, zebras, wildebeest and giraffes. Light is best in the late afternoon, and on clear evenings Kilimanjaro appears pink above the clouds.
Day 3: Full Day in Amboseli
Start early. Kilimanjaro is most often visible at sunrise, before clouds roll in. This is the photo most people come to Amboseli for: a line of elephants walking with Africa's highest mountain behind them.
Spend the day exploring the swamps, where elephants wade and feed, and the viewpoint at Observation Hill, which gives you a sweeping view of the park. Return to the lodge for lunch and a rest, then go back out in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha
Today is a long travel day, around six hours with a stop in Nairobi for lunch. It's worth it. Lake Naivasha is green, peaceful and a nice change from the dry plains.
In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the lake. You'll pass pods of hippos and see fish eagles swoop down to catch fish. If time allows, do a guided walk on Crescent Island, where you can walk among giraffes, zebras and antelope on foot. There are no big predators there, so it's safe for children.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru, Then On to the Masai Mara
Leave early for Lake Nakuru National Park, about 90 minutes away. Nakuru is one of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos, both black and white. Watch the acacia trees carefully, as leopards rest on the branches. Depending on water levels, you may also see flamingos along the shore.
After a morning game drive, continue to the Masai Mara, about five hours by road. You'll arrive in time for dinner, often to the sound of lions calling in the distance.
Day 6: Full Day in the Masai Mara
This is the day most travellers remember. Take a packed breakfast and lunch and spend the whole day in the reserve.
The Mara has some of the highest concentrations of lions, cheetahs and leopards in Africa. Between July and October, head towards the Mara River to look for wildebeest crossings. Crossings can't be predicted, so patience helps. Your guide will keep in touch with other drivers to find the action.
In the evening, ask about a Maasai village visit. It's a short, simple look at local homes, songs and traditions.
Day 7: Balloon Ride and Fly Back to Nairobi
For a once-in-a-lifetime start to your last day, book a hot-air balloon safari at sunrise. You'll float over the plains for about an hour, then land for a bush breakfast.
Later in the morning, take a short flight from a Mara airstrip back to Nairobi. Flying instead of driving saves you five to six hours on your last day and leaves you rested for your evening flight to India.
Road vs Fly-In: Which Should You Choose?
| Road safari | Fly-in safari | |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time | Long drives between parks | About an hour per flight |
| Luggage | Flexible | Soft bags, around 15 kg per person |
| Best for | Budget travellers, people who enjoy the scenery | Families, seniors, short trips |
Many travellers mix both: drive between Nairobi, Amboseli and the lakes, then fly out of the Mara.
Variations on the 7-Day Plan
• Mara-focused trip: Fly straight to the Masai Mara and spend four nights there, with one night in Nairobi at each end. This gives you the most wildlife time with the least driving.
• Family-friendly version: Drop Lake Nakuru and spend two nights at Naivasha. Fewer long drives make a big difference with kids or grandparents.
• Honeymoon version: Spend three nights in the Mara, then fly to Diani Beach for three nights of rest on the Indian Ocean.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Seven Days
• Book early for July to October. The best camps fill up months ahead during migration season.
• Start game drives early. Animals are most active at dawn and dusk.
• Carry binoculars. One pair per person avoids arguments in the vehicle.
• Pack light. Soft duffel bags fit better in safari vehicles and small planes.
• Keep a snack bag. Long drives can stretch lunch; theplas and roasted snacks travel well.
Let Gantu Build Your Kenya Week
Every family travels differently. A Gantu trip manager can tweak this itinerary for your season, budget and pace, and pick lodges that cater well to Indian food preferences. Talk to a Gantu trip manager and plan your 7-day Kenya safari.
