Kenya · Safari

4-Day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari with Big Five Game Drives

4 Days Round trip from Kenya Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve on morning and afternoon game drives
02 Search for the Big Five across the vast savannah plains
03 Experience picnic lunches within the wildlife-rich reserve
04 Visit Lake Nakuru National Park, a protected rhino sanctuary
05 Observe flamingos and diverse birdlife along the lake shores

Experience a 4-day safari from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park, two of Kenya's premier wildlife destinations. Travel through the Great Rift Valley before exploring the Masai Mara's vast plains on immersive game drives in search of the Big Five and abundant wildlife. Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, a renowned rhino sanctuary famous for its flamingos and rich birdlife. Enjoy scenic game drives across diverse landscapes while staying in comfortable camps and hotels for a memorable introduction to Kenya's iconic safari experience.

Travel through the Great Rift Valley before exploring the Masai Mara's vast plains on immersive game drives in search of the Big Five and abundant wildlife.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

Receive pick-up from your hotel in Nairobi at 7:00 AM.
Meet your driver-guide for a briefing before departure.
Drive southwest toward the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint and enjoy panoramic views of the valley floor.
Continue the journey to the Masai Mara.
Arrive at the camp for check-in and a hot lunch.
Spend time relaxing at the camp.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Mara Ntulele Camp.

Day 02

Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara National Reserve

Take an early breakfast at the camp.
Depart for morning and afternoon game viewing drives in the reserve.
Search for the Big Five and other wildlife species across the plains.
Enjoy a picnic lunch served within the reserve while viewing the landscape.
Continue exploring different sections of the Masai Mara.
Return to the camp in the evening.

Have dinner and an overnight stay at Mara Ntulele Camp.

Day 03

Masai Mara to Nakuru with Optional Maasai Village Visit

Take breakfast at the camp and check out.
Opt to visit a Maasai village and interact with the local Maa community at an additional cost of USD 30 per person.
Drive toward Nakuru with lunch en route.
Arrive in Nakuru in the evening.
Check in at the hotel, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at Buraha Zenoni Hotel and Resort.

Day 04

Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive to Nairobi

Take an early breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed for a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Observe flamingos and rhinos within the park.
Exit the park with a picnic lunch.
Drive back to Nairobi.
Arrive and drop off at Nairobi Central Business District.

Where this trip takes you

Great Rift Valley viewpoints, Masai Mara plains, Lake Nakuru National Park shores

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kenya 3 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Full-board accommodation at the hotels of stay
All park entrance fees
Transportation in a shared safari Land Cruiser vehicle driven by an English-speaking driver-guide (maximum 8 passengers)
Pick-up and drop-off at your Nairobi hotel in the CBD (Central Business District)
Water is provided while on safari

What's Not Included

Visa fee for Kenya
International flights
Personal items
Drinks at the hotels
Optional Maasai village visit for USD 30 per person

What to bring

Clothing layers: Essential for the contrast between chilly mornings and the intense midday sun. Neutral colors (khaki, tan, olive) are best for the bush.
Electronics: A power bank is highly recommended, as charging ports in budget camps can be limited. Don't forget extra memory cards for your camera.
High-zoom optics: While many animals get close to the vehicle, a pair of binoculars is vital for spotting leopards in trees or observing birdlife on the lake.
Sun and bug preparation: Biodegradable sunscreen, a hat with a chin strap (for the pop-up roof wind), and insect repellent containing DEET.
Personal toiletries: While camps provide basic items, bringing your own preferred soap, shampoo, and a small quick-dry towel is always a good idea for budget stays.

Know before you go

The eTA requirement: Since 2024, Kenya has replaced the traditional visa with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). You must apply at least three days before travel.
Flamingo update: Due to rising water levels in 2026, flamingo populations are highly migratory. While they still visit Nakuru, they often "lake-hop" across the Rift Valley; your guide will help spot the currently active clusters.
Shared experience: This is a shared safari with a maximum of eight passengers per vehicle. It's a social way to travel, though it involves a fixed group itinerary.
Road conditions: The journey involves some "African massage" (bumpy dirt roads), particularly as you approach the Oloolaimutia Gate of the Masai Mara.
Cash for extras: Carry small USD bills (post-2013) or Kenyan Shillings for the Maasai village visit ($30 USD), drinks at the lodge, and customary tips for your driver-guide.

Logistics