Kenya · Safari

5-Day Masai Mara Safari with Lake Nakuru, Naivasha and Hell's Gate

5 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

Water Buffalo herd seen on safari in Kenya

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enjoy an exhilarating afternoon game drive in the Mara Reserve, spotting the Big Five
02 Explore Masai Mara in search of the Big Five and picnic near the Mara River
03 Visit Lake Nakuru National Park for magnificent rare white rhinos and possible pink flamingos
04 Enjoy an hour-long boat ride on Lake Naivasha for bird watching and hippo viewing
05 Experience Hell's Gate National Park with a unique biking safari
06 Pass by the Lion King's "Pride Rock" before returning to Nairobi

This five-day, four-night safari combines classic wildlife viewing with active exploration across some of Kenya's best-known parks. Search for the Big Five in Masai Mara, see endangered rhinos and possible pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru, and enjoy bird watching and hippo viewing on Lake Naivasha. The journey also includes a biking safari in Hell's Gate National Park, where you can spot geysers and geothermal activity. With scenic stops at the Great Rift Valley and a visit past the Lion King's "Pride Rock," this itinerary offers a varied safari experience from Nairobi.

Search for the Big Five in Masai Mara, see endangered rhinos and possible pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru, and enjoy bird watching and hippo viewing on Lake Naivasha.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

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

Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

At 8 o'clock, you will be picked up from your hotel or airport and commence the drive to Mara via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, where you will have a breathtaking view of the floor of the Rift Valley. Arrive at Masai Mara in time for lunch.
After check-in, depart for a game-viewing drive in the Mara Reserve. Return to the camp for dinner at Miti Mingi Camp or Rhino Camp.

Day 02

Full-Day Big Five Safari in Masai Mara

After breakfast, spend the full day exploring Mara in search of the Big Five. You will have picnic lunch in the reserve as you take in the beauty of Mara at the banks of the Mara River. Overnight stay at Miti Mingi Camp or Rhino Camp with dinner.
Optional: In the evening, visit the Maasai village for a Maasai cultural tour. Learn about the Maasai community and interact with the local Maasai people. An overnight stay at the Maasai village can be organized upon request. A balloon safari can also be organized early in the morning on this day, after which you will proceed with the normal program.

Day 03

Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Lake Nakuru

Early breakfast is followed by a final early morning game drive in the Mara Reserve as you leave Mara.
Thereafter, commence the drive to Nakuru with lunch en route. Overnight stay and dinner at Lanet Matfam Guest Resort or similar in Nakuru.

Day 04

Lake Nakuru Safari and Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha

You will have an early breakfast and depart by 7 am to go straight to the park. It is a small park with magnificent, rare white rhinos, which form part of the Big Five animals. There is also a possibility of seeing the pink flamingos. The game drive lasts 3 hours, after which you depart on a 3-hour drive to Naivasha to arrive in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, go for an hour-long boat ride on Lake Naivasha for bird watching and hippo viewing. Later, depart for dinner and an overnight stay at Astorian Grand Resort or similar.

Day 05

Hell's Gate Biking Safari and Return to Nairobi

After breakfast, depart and head to Hell's Gate National Park. This is the only place in Kenya where you can have a biking safari. You also have the option of using a car.
While here, you will see Pride Rock, where the theme of the Lion King movie was derived. We will provide a simple complimentary snack lunch on the way to Travelers Motel. Later, depart for Nairobi with drop-off at your hotel or airport.