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

4 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Game drives in Masai Mara to spot Africa's famous Big Five
  • 02 Visit a local Masai village during your stay in the reserve
  • 03 Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint on the journey from Nairobi
  • 04 See flamingos and other birdlife around Lake Nakuru
  • 05 Look out for endangered white and black rhinos and Rothschild giraffes

Embark on a classic 4-day safari to Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve from Nairobi. Look out for Africa's famous Big Five in Masai Mara, along with cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, zebras, and notable birdlife. At Lake Nakuru, visit a unique sanctuary for endangered white and black rhinos and Rothschild giraffes, and see flamingos and other birds around the lake. This budget safari also includes a stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint and a visit to a local Masai village.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Narok, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

  • After breakfast, depart from Nairobi for the Masai Mara Game Reserve, with a stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint.

  • After a few minutes for photography, board the safari vehicle and descend into the Rift Valley.

  • Arrive in Narok for lunch.

  • Later, continue towards Masai Mara.

  • Upon arrival at Masai Mara National Park, check in to the camp or lodge.

  • Leave for a late afternoon game drive immediately after arrival.

  • Proceed on a late afternoon game drive for about 2 hours.

  • Enjoy the beautiful sunset on the way back.

Dinner and overnight at Miti Mingi eco-camp.

2
Day 02

Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara

  • After breakfast, go on a full-day game drive within the reserve. The famous Big Five - lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo - as well as cheetah, giraffe, hippo, zebra, and notable birds, are commonly found in Masai Mara.

  • Meet the local Masai people in a Masai village.

Dinner and overnight stay at Miti Mingi eco-camp.

3
Day 03

Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Proceed for an early morning game drive at 06:30 AM. Return to camp for breakfast and check out of the camp.

  • Drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park, the next stop.

  • Upon arrival, go for a short game drive before heading to the lake guesthouse or budget hotel.

Dinner and overnight are at a budget hotel.

4
Day 04

Lake Nakuru Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

  • After breakfast, go for a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

  • Visit the unique sanctuary that is home to a sizable number of endangered white and black rhinos, as well as the Rothschild giraffe. Waterbucks and predators such as lion and leopard are also very commonly spotted in this park.

  • See different varieties of birds around the lake, especially flamingos.

  • At noon, drive back to Nairobi.

  • Upon arrival in the evening, get transferred to the airport or hotel. The tour ends here.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 4 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transport in a safari van with a hatch roof

  • Airport transfers

  • Accommodation with all meals

  • Professional English-speaking Kenyan guide

  • All entrance fees

  • Game drives

What's Not Included

  • Personal insurance

  • Personal expenses

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks

  • Gratuity for your professional driver-guide

What to bring

  • Comfortable neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive, grey)

  • Warm jacket/fleece for early mornings and cool evenings

  • Comfortable walking shoes and sandals

  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

  • Camera and binoculars

  • Small daypack, power bank, and travel adapter

  • Insect repellent and personal medication

  • Passport, travel documents, and insurance details

Know before you go

  • Safari days are relaxed, dusty, and outdoors. Bring layers because mornings can be cold and afternoons hot

Logistics

Meeting & route

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

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.

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