Kenya · Safari

5-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Naivasha Safari with Big Five

5 Days Round trip from Kenya Easy pace
Rhinoceros
Lion
Bush Elephant
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover the Big Five on thrilling game drives across the Masai Mara's golden plains
  • 02 Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration at the Mara River during the migration season
  • 03 Explore Lake Nakuru's flamingo-lined shores and thriving rhino sanctuary
  • 04 Enjoy Lake Naivasha's birdlife and adventure at Hell's Gate National Park

Embark on a 5-day private Kenya safari through the legendary Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Naivasha. Experience thrilling Big Five game drives, witness the Great Wildebeest Migration at the Mara River in season, and spot flamingos and rhinos in world-famous reserves. Explore Hell's Gate's dramatic landscapes, enjoy an optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha, and discover Maasai culture. Stay in hand-picked safari lodges for a comfortable and authentic journey that blends wildlife, scenery, and culture.

Experience thrilling Big Five game drives, witness the Great Wildebeest Migration at the Mara River in season, and spot flamingos and rhinos in world-famous reserves.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Naivasha, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Hell's Gate National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara and First Big Five Game Drive

  • Begin your journey with a 7:00 AM pick-up from Nairobi and travel through the picturesque Great Rift Valley.

  • Enjoy scenic views and stop for photos at the escarpment before continuing towards the Masai Mara.

  • Arrive by midday and check in at AA Lodge Mara, renowned for its comfort and proximity to the park.

  • After lunch, set out on your first afternoon game drive from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Track the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino - along with cheetahs, giraffes, and wildebeests.

  • Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

2
Day 02

Full-Day Masai Mara Safari and Mara River Experience

  • After an early breakfast, head out for a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in the wild.

  • Explore the heart of the Masai Mara, home to vast herds and Africa's top predators.

  • During July to October, witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration at the Mara River, where crocodiles and wildebeests battle for survival.

  • Visit the Mara River viewpoint and enjoy incredible photographic moments.

  • Return to AA Lodge Mara in the evening to unwind and enjoy dinner.

  • Optional visit: Maasai cultural village for an authentic cultural encounter.

3
Day 03

Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru and Rhino Country

  • After breakfast, depart from the Mara and travel towards Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO-listed wildlife haven.

  • Enjoy lunch en route and arrive in the late afternoon at Hillcourt Resort and Spa.

  • Relax before dinner and prepare for the next day's adventure.

4
Day 04

Lake Nakuru Game Drive and Lake Naivasha

  • After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

  • Spot endangered black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, and flamingos painting the lake pink.

  • Continue to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake famous for its hippos, pelicans, and fish eagles.

  • Optional activity: enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha for close encounters with hippos and waterbirds (payable directly).

  • Arrive at Chambai Safari Hotel for dinner and overnight.

5
Day 05

Hell's Gate National Park and Return to Nairobi

  • After breakfast, visit Hell's Gate National Park, one of Kenya's most scenic reserves where you can cycle or walk among zebras and giraffes.

  • Explore its dramatic gorges, cliffs, and geothermal formations.

  • Enjoy lunch en route before returning to Nairobi with a drop-off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Masai Mara plains, Mara River crossings, Lake Nakuru National Park shores, Lake Naivasha waters

Where this trip takes you

Masai Mara plains, Mara River crossings, Lake Nakuru National Park shores, Lake Naivasha waters

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kenya 5 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All airport transfers and ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle

  • Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide

  • Park entrance fees to all listed national parks and reserves

  • Full-board accommodation including breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Daily game drives and sightseeing as per the itinerary

  • Bottled drinking water during game drives

  • Government taxes and levies

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights

  • Visa fees and travel insurance

  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, beverages, and tips

  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary, such as balloon safaris or village visits

  • Meals or drinks outside the safari plan

  • Gratuities to the driver-guide and lodge staff

What to bring

  • Light and comfortable clothing in neutral colours

  • A warm jacket or sweater for early morning and evening game drives

  • A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection

  • Comfortable walking shoes or safari boots

  • A reusable water bottle

  • Personal toiletries and required medication

  • Insect repellent

  • Travel documents including passport, visa, and travel insurance

Know before you go

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Bring your passport or ID for park registration.

  • Some lodges may have limited Wi-Fi and mobile network coverage.

  • Carry cash for tips and personal purchases.

  • Inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions or health conditions.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour start
Kenya
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Kenya.

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Starting from

USD 1,290 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,290.00 — $2,580.00
Double Sharing $1,290.00

When

Travellers

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