Kenya · Safari

5-Day Kenya Safari through Naivasha, Nakuru and Maasai Mara

5 Days Round trip from Lake Naivasha Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha with chances to spot hippos and rich birdlife
02 Walk among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes on Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
03 Search for black and white rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and giraffes in Lake Nakuru National Park
04 Spend a full day exploring Maasai Mara's vast plains in search of abundant wildlife
05 Visit a traditional Maasai village and learn about local homes, customs, and way of life

Experience a 5-day Kenya safari through Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara, combining wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, a guided walk on Crescent Island, game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the chance to witness the Great Migration depending on the season. Along the way, spot hippos, rhinos, lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife. The journey ends with a visit to a traditional Maasai village, offering insight into local homes, customs, and community life.

Experience a 5-day Kenya safari through Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara, combining wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters.

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 Yes

Cities Naivasha, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Nairobi and Lake Naivasha Safari Experience

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and receive a warm welcome from the Norine Forbes Safaris team.
Attend a short briefing before departing Nairobi towards the Great Rift Valley.
Enjoy a scenic drive and arrive at Lake Naivasha in time for lunch at your lodge.
Take a one-hour boat ride on the lake with opportunities to spot hippos and a variety of birdlife.
Continue with a guided walking safari at Crescent Island Game Sanctuary among giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and other plains wildlife.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay at Naivasha Kongoni Lodge on full board.

Day 02

Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive

Depart after breakfast for Lake Nakuru National Park, approximately a one-hour drive away.
Arrive and enjoy a guided game drive en route to your lodge.
Check in around noon and have lunch at the lodge.
Head out for an afternoon game drive from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Spot wildlife including black and white rhinos, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and diverse birdlife within the park.
Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge on full board.

Day 03

Journey to Maasai Mara and Afternoon Safari

Depart after breakfast for Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Kenya's most renowned safari destinations.
Drive through scenic landscapes and local settlements, offering glimpses of rural life.
Arrive in time for lunch at your camp or lodge and complete check-in.
Head out for an afternoon game drive from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM across the vast plains.
Experience your first wildlife sightings in the Mara, known for its abundant animals and rewarding encounters.
Return to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay at Zebra Plains Mara Camp on full board.

Day 04

Full-Day Wildlife Exploration in Maasai Mara

Spend the entire day exploring Maasai Mara National Reserve with a full-day game drive.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch, allowing flexibility to venture deeper into the reserve in search of wildlife.
Spot a high concentration of animals including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and large herds of herbivores.
Witness the Great Migration, depending on the season, across the vast plains.
Follow your guide's plan based on wildlife movement to maximize sightings and the overall experience.
Return to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay at Zebra Plains Mara Camp on full board.

Day 05

Maasai Village Visit and Return to Nairobi

Visit a local Maasai village after breakfast and spend time learning about traditional culture, homes, customs, and way of life.
Begin your journey back to Nairobi after the cultural experience.
Enjoy lunch en route during the return journey.
Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.
Conclude your safari with memorable experiences and cultural insights.

Where this trip takes you

Lake Naivasha shores, Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara plains

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Lake Naivasha 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation: All accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as outlined.
Transport: 4x4 Land Cruisers with guaranteed window seating, each with a professional, KPSGA-certified driver-guide.
Game drives: Guided game drives in Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru.
Activities: Maasai village visit, boat ride at Lake Naivasha, and Crescent Island walk.
Park fees: Entry fees for all parks and reserves included in the itinerary.
AMREF Flying Doctors cover: Emergency medical evacuation coverage.
Water: Bottled water provided in the vehicle during safaris.

What's Not Included

International flights: Flights to and from Kenya.
Visas: Visa fees for Kenya, if required.
Personal expenses: Laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, and extra meals.
Travel insurance: Medical and trip cancellation insurance.
Alcoholic drinks: Drinks not specified in the itinerary.
Gratuities: Tips for safari guides, hotel staff, and drivers.

What to bring

Lightweight clothing (neutral colours: khaki, beige, green)
Long-sleeved shirts (sun & insect protection)
T-shirts / comfortable tops
Light jacket or fleece (mornings & evenings can be cool)
Comfortable trousers / shorts
Closed, comfortable walking shoes
Hat or cap
Swimwear
Camera or smartphone
Extra batteries / power bank
Small backpack / daypack
Reusable water bottle
Travel adapter
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Insect repellent
Personal medication
Hand sanitizer / wet wipes
Passport (valid for 6 months)
Visa / ETA (where applicable)
Travel insurance
Yellow Fever certificate (if required)
Sunglasses
Scarf / buff (for dust)
Cash (USD recommended for tips & small purchases)

Know before you go

Luggage: Soft bags or duffel bags are recommended; hard suitcases are not ideal for safari vehicles.
Weather: Early mornings and evenings can be cold, while afternoons are warm, so layering is key.
Health: Anti-malaria precautions are recommended; consult your doctor before travel.
Currency: USD is widely accepted, and small denominations are useful for tips.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most lodges but may be limited in remote areas.
Power: 240V with UK-type plugs, so carry an adapter.
Plastic bags: Banned in countries like Kenya, so avoid packing them.
Drones: Not allowed without prior permits.
Safety: Always follow your guide's instructions during game drives and walks.
Wildlife: Animals roam freely, so do not feed or approach them.
Cultural visits: Dress modestly when visiting local communities, such as Maasai villages.
Tipping: Optional but appreciated for guides and lodge staff.