Kenya · Safari

5-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari from Nairobi with Masai Mara and Rift Valley

5 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Cycle or walk through the dramatic landscapes of Hell's Gate near Lake Naivasha
  • 02 Take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha and explore Crescent Island's renowned birdlife
  • 03 Spot over 400 bird species, flamingos, rhinos, and Rothschild giraffes at Lake Nakuru
  • 04 Enjoy game drives in the iconic Masai Mara, home to the Big Five and vast Great Plains

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Kenyan safari from Nairobi through Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve. Experience cycling or walking safaris, a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, exceptional birdwatching in the Great Rift Valley, and thrilling game drives across wildlife-rich plains. Along the way, encounter flamingos, rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and the Big Five while staying in carefully selected wilderness accommodations. This journey blends diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and classic safari moments into one remarkable adventure.

Float gracefully in a hot air balloon over the mesmerizing Masai Mara.

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 Not applicable
Cities Naivasha, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Hell's Gate National Park
Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate Adventure

  • Start your thrilling Kenyan safari with an early pick-up in Nairobi from your hotel, residence, or the airport. We'll head northbound to Lake Naivasha, and along the way, you'll be mesmerized by the stunning terrain, with picturesque ridges, rocky outcrops, and volcanic remnants surrounding you. Adjacent to Lake Naivasha lies Hell's Gate National Park, a unique destination for cycling safaris.
  • Gear up with your helmet and hop on a bicycle to embark on a 7-kilometre route, passing herbivore herds against impressive rock formations. Alternatively, you can enjoy a walking safari, providing an even closer encounter with this remarkable landscape's diverse wildlife, plants, and flowers.
  • Drive to your chosen accommodation within the national park, where a delicious lunch awaits and offers a moment of relaxation. The afternoon promises more excitement, with a delightful boat ride on Lake Naivasha, presenting opportunities to witness thousands of graceful flamingos flocking for feeding and mesmerizing mating rituals. Additionally, a walking safari on Crescent Island offers ornithologists a perfect chance to spot the lake's renowned birdlife.
  • As evening sets in, return to your camp or lodge for a satisfying dinner, indulging in the enchanting ambience of Lake Naivasha.

Overnight stay inside Lake Naivasha National Park.

Delectable lunch and dinner (no breakfast provided).

Ample drinking water (additional beverages available at extra cost).

2
Day 02

Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast, gearing up for an exciting journey to Lake Nakuru. If yesterday's avian spectacle was a delight, get ready for an even greater treat, as this destination is renowned as one of the world's best spots for birdwatching. Nestled deep within the Great African Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru boasts an astonishing array of over 400 bird species, some of which you can spot on your initial game drive en route to your accommodation, where a delightful lunch awaits.
  • Prepare to be captivated by the millions of flamingos and abundant other birdlife that grace the lake's shores. The surrounding lands are also home to fascinating black and white rhinos and graceful Rothschild giraffes, ensuring an unforgettable wildlife encounter for everyone.
  • Continuing the adventure, embark on another walking safari along the lake's tranquil banks, delving into the intricacies of the wetlands' rich plant and animal life.
  • After such an active and rewarding day, indulge in a hearty dinner at your chosen camp or lodge, allowing you to unwind and rejuvenate from the day's escapades.

Overnight stay inside Lake Nakuru National Park.

Delectable breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Ample drinking water (additional beverages available at extra cost).

3
Day 03

Lake Nakuru to the Iconic Masai Mara

  • After a delightful breakfast at your accommodation, prepare for an exhilarating journey to one of Africa's most renowned safari destinations - the iconic Masai Mara. As you venture forth, you'll traverse the captivating Great African Rift Valley, where the Earth's crust continuously evolves, creating new land with each passing day. The transition from the Rift Valley's dry grasslands to the enchanting Masai Mara offers a remarkable contrast that sets the stage for an extraordinary experience.
  • Embrace the vastness of the Great Plains, which extend across the border into Tanzania and merge with the Serengeti. Within this magnificent national reserve, you'll encounter some of the continent's highest concentrations of wild animals. The Big Five of African safari - buffalo, rhinos, lions, leopards, and elephants - grace this land, accompanied by many other captivating species that your knowledgeable guide will expertly spot and identify. Your safari experience commences as soon as you pass through the park gates, embarking on a thrilling game drive en route to your chosen camp or lodge, where a delectable lunch awaits.
  • The adventure continues in the afternoon as you head back onto the plains for another game drive, exploring the majestic landscape and seeking captivating wildlife encounters. Upon your return to your accommodation, savour a delicious dinner and take a moment to relax, preparing yourself for the exciting day ahead.

Overnight stay inside the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Ample drinking water (additional beverages available at extra cost).

4
Day 04

Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara National Reserve

  • Float gracefully in a hot air balloon over the mesmerizing Masai Mara. Rise before daybreak and ascend above the plains, accompanied by the serene ambience of the night transitioning into the dawn chorus, softly echoing up in the balloon basket. From this vantage point, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of the vast landscape and spot the areas you plan to explore later in the day.
  • Upon returning to solid ground, you'll be treated to a delightful champagne breakfast, savouring the views over the expansive grasslands as you indulge in your meal. The balloon trip is an optional extra priced at $560 per person, but a morning game drive is available for those who prefer an alternative.
  • In the afternoon, your adventure continues with another thrilling game drive through the picturesque landscape of the Masai Mara. Be prepared to encounter the Big Five and an array of fascinating mammals and birds, fulfilling your daily aspirations. Share your wildlife interests with your guide, and they will collaborate with other guides in the park to maximize your chances of witnessing your dream sightings.
  • As the day draws to a close, return to your comfortable accommodation, where you'll enjoy a final dinner in the dining room, relishing the magnificent views over the sweeping grasslands.

Overnight stay inside the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Delectable breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Ample drinking water (additional beverages available at extra cost).

5
Day 05

Masai Mara to Nairobi

  • Begin your day with a delightful breakfast, cherishing the last moments in the enchanting Masai Mara. As you bid farewell to this breathtaking wilderness, take advantage of a final game drive, capturing lingering glimpses of the wildlife and picturesque landscapes that have left a lasting impression on your heart.
  • Embark on the scenic journey back to Nairobi, cruising along the highways of Kenya. Embrace the captivating sights of life unfolding around you as you approach the vibrant capital city.
  • Upon arriving in Nairobi during lunchtime, savour a delightful meal at your choice of restaurants across the city, celebrating the memories of your unforgettable safari adventure. As you say goodbye to your dedicated guide, enjoy your Nairobi dining experience to the fullest.
  • Following the meal, you will be conveniently transferred to your hotel, residence, or the international airport, according to your onward plans.

No accommodation; this marks the end of the safari.

Delicious breakfast and lunch; no dinner provided.

Refreshing drinking water, with additional beverages available at extra cost.

Masai Mara grasslands, Great Rift Valley escarpments, Lake Naivasha shoreline, Crescent Island birdlife

Where this trip takes you

Masai Mara grasslands, Great Rift Valley escarpments, Lake Naivasha shoreline, Crescent Island birdlife

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All transfers
  • All accommodations during the tour
  • All meals and drinking water during the tour
  • Emergency and rescue cover
  • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha and cycling in Hell's Gate
  • All game drives and activities, as noted in the itinerary
  • Walking safari on Crescent Island
  • Transport in a private 4x4 safari land cruiser
  • Well-experienced, English-speaking tour guides/driver
  • All applicable government taxes, levies, and entry fees
  • Bottled safari water
  • Personalized private service

What's Not Included

  • International flights and taxes
  • Passports and visa applications and processing
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities for drivers/guides
  • Personal laundry
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Entrance fees for activities noted

What to bring

Clothing:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothes for warm days
  • Long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection
  • Sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
  • Swimsuit for lodge pools
  • Hat and scarf for sun and dust protection

Personal Items:

  • High SPF sunscreen
  • Sunglasses and binoculars
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Personal toiletries and medication

Documents and Essentials:

  • Passport, visa, and travel insurance
  • Itinerary and contact details
  • Local currency and cards

Miscellaneous:

  • A good book or journal

Know before you go

  • Standard options:
    • Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
      • Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge is an enchanting setting where contemporary comfort blends stylishly with nature to offer an environment where guests can refresh their senses, rekindle their love of travel, and reconnect with the world around them.
      • Each room is blissfully private; you can sit on your balcony, watch the resident wildlife, nap, and wake up to stunning bush views. Cocoon yourself in this exclusive hideaway and let your heart start to beat to the rhythm of Africa.
    • Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp
      • Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp is located on the shores of Lake Naivasha, in the heart of the Kenyan Rift Valley, only a 90-minute drive from Nairobi.
      • The camp is constructed using canvas and has a capacity of 20 luxury tents. The tents are well furnished, with wooden floors and generous space created to allow free movement inside and outside for guests' comfort.
  • Luxury options
    • Lake Naivasha Resort
      • Lake Naivasha Resort is an excellent escape on Moi South Lake Road, just steps from beautiful Lake Naivasha, Kenya. It boasts lush gardens with a state-of-the-art conferencing facility, luxurious cottages, dining options, swimming, fitness, spa, boating, birdwatching, and an unmatched concierge service. No matter how you define your great escape, this makes it a unique destination.
    • Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
      • Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge is set on 150 acres of grassland studded with acacia bushes and trees. The resort is not only home to resident giraffe, waterbuck, and both Vervet and Colobus monkeys, but it is also a night stop for hippos when they leave the lake every night to trim the grass on the expansive lawns.
      • With Sopa's traditional and conscientious care for the environment, all the buildings on the property were carefully positioned so that none of the many trees had to be felled. As a result, the lodge developed a radically innovative and artistic design for the main public area building, which now snakes its way between the trees with long and graceful curves.
    • Enashipai Resort and Spa
      • Enashipai is a Maasai word meaning "A Place of Happiness!" Located within the splendour of the Great Rift Valley and by the shores of Lake Naivasha, Enashipai Resort and Spa is a multi-award-winning leisure and conference destination offering authentic African hospitality focused on wellness. The resort prides itself on curating unique and memorable experiences for its guests.
  • Standard options:
    • Basecamp Masai Mara
      • Basecamp Masai Mara is not just a travel destination; it is a place that becomes your home away from home. When you stay here, you become more than just a visitor - you become an integral part of the Maasai community.
      • Gather around the cosy fireplace for captivating storytelling sessions and mesmerizing stargazing experiences. The camp holds a deep significance as it represents the very birthplace of humanity, where our remarkable journey began.
      • Situated just across the river, the Masai Mara National Reserve awaits, boasting the highest concentration of wildlife in the world. Here, you will be able to encounter the iconic Big Five and witness the awe-inspiring wonder of the world, the Wildebeest Migration.
    • Zebra Plains Mara Camp
      • Experience the epitome of luxury at Zebra Plains Mara Camp, where exquisite tented rooms are meticulously designed to provide all the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay during your visit to the Maasai Mara.
      • The versatile rooms can be easily configured to accommodate singles, doubles, or triples, catering to your specific booking needs. The spacious family tent is ideal for families or larger groups, offering ample space to accommodate between 4 and 6 guests comfortably.
      • Situated in a prime area of the Maasai Mara, Zebra Plains Mara Camp grants easy access to exhilarating safaris amidst Africa's awe-inspiring wildlife. Immerse yourself in the captivating wonders of the Maasai Mara as you embark on unforgettable safari adventures from this remarkable location.
  • Luxury options:
    • Mara Sopa Lodge
      • Perched atop the Oloolaimutia Hills, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge is one of the pioneering safari lodges within the Masai Mara National Reserve. This distinction is reflected in the lodge's beautifully landscaped gardens and thriving, well-established trees.
      • The lodge's architecture pays homage to traditional African round houses featuring characteristic conical roofs. Stretching along the hillside, the buildings create a harmonious line, with the expansive public areas and the central swimming pool leaving a lasting impression at the heart of the property.
    • Ashnil Mara Camp
      • Ashnil Mara Camp is superbly situated within the Masai Mara National Reserve, near the renowned Mara River, celebrated for its spectacular wildebeest migration.
      • This luxurious camp in the Masai Mara offers a prime location for exceptional game viewing, ensuring unforgettable wildlife encounters. At the end of an exhilarating day of game drives, the camp provides an idyllic setting to unwind and rejuvenate. Whether observing nature's wonders or simply relishing moments of tranquillity, Ashnil Mara Camp promises an extraordinary experience.
      • Reaching Ashnil Mara Camp is convenient, with multiple transportation options available. It is approximately a 4-5 hour scenic drive from Nairobi. Alternatively, there are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, with a quick 45-minute flight duration. For guests from the Mombasa Coast, a direct flight to the luxury tented camp takes just 2 hours, allowing for effortless access to this remarkable destination.
    • Ilkeliani Camp
      • Ilkeliani is an elegant oasis in the centre of the world-famous Maasai Mara. The redesigned camp overlooking game-filled plains has stylish new tented suites, a selection of viewing decks, and a wealth of enticing activities. Dedicated to privacy and personal service, the team offers a sophisticated safari experience. The camp is small and intimate, with a maximum of 12 ensuite guest tents.
    • Sarova Mara Game Camp
      • Sarova Mara Game Camp is ideally located in the heart of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya and offers a unique African safari experience for game viewing. The luxury safari camp includes 12 Club Tents, 8 Superior Deluxe Tents, 52 Deluxe Tents, with upgrades on some tents currently in progress, and 3- and 2-bedroom Family Tents. All tented accommodation is master ensuite, while some Club Tents offer spectacular views of the rolling savannah plains, mini golf, sport fishing, and a unique insight into Maasai culture at the adjoining Maasai village. The organic garden provides the freshest ingredients for exceptional cuisine, with bush dining options available.
  • Standards/Budget options:
    • Flamingo Hill Camp
      • Flamingo Hill Camp, located within the renowned Lake Nakuru National Park in the stunning Great Rift Valley of Kenya, offers exceptional tented accommodation. Situated amidst the captivating "honeymoon hills," the camp can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by air or 2 hours by road from Nairobi.
      • Immersed in the natural beauty of its surroundings, Flamingo Hill Camp boasts landscaped grounds adorned with indigenous African plants and flowers, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. The camp takes pride in its eco-friendly practices, utilizing a portion of its earnings for environmental restoration and the preservation of endangered species.
      • With its cosy and inviting ambience, Flamingo Hill Camp provides a personalized touch, ensuring every traveller feels at home. It offers a sanctuary away from the ordinary, bringing guests warmth and comfort during their stay.
    • Lake Nakuru Lodge
      • Located in the southeastern part of Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru Lodge is a sanctuary of comfort and exceptional hospitality. From its vantage point, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the lesser flamingo mingling with the renowned greater flamingo, a sight that has made Lake Nakuru famous worldwide.
      • The lodge seamlessly blends into the environment and is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. As a result, it is not uncommon to witness wild animals peacefully grazing close to the lodge, providing guests with a captivating and awe-inspiring experience. The serenity and beauty of the lodge's surroundings create an unparalleled sense of relaxation, making it an irresistible destination that should not be missed.
  • Luxury options:
    • Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
      • Nestled along Lion Hill, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge offers a picturesque setting overlooking breathtaking Lake Nakuru with its iconic flamingo-pink rim. This prime location provides guests with panoramic views of the lake and the stunning Lake Nakuru National Park. Whether you choose to drive from Nairobi, enjoying a scenic two-hour journey on well-maintained tarmac roads, or opt for a private charter to the Naishi airstrip followed by a short 30-minute drive through the park, the lodge's accessibility makes it a popular choice for both residents and visitors to Kenya.
      • The design of Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is carefully planned to maximize the captivating views of the lake and park from most of its rooms and sitting areas. The lodge seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, incorporating elements of the landscape such as tall acacia trees, meandering walkways, and lush greenery adorned with bird feeders. This thoughtful integration of natural landscaping creates a serene and harmonious ambience for guests.
    • Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
      • Situated on a series of hills that mark the western boundary of the Great Rift Valley in Africa, the lodge provides breathtaking panoramic vistas across the expansive African landscape. From this vantage point, guests can marvel at the captivating sight of Lake Nakuru and its encompassing national park. This park is a haven for bird and wildlife enthusiasts, offering diverse ecological features. Lake Nakuru National Park showcases a varied landscape, ranging from wooded areas to bushy grasslands, with distinct habitats encompassing the lake and surrounding escarpments and ridges.

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 5 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,030.00 — $2,385.00
Double Sharing $2,030.00

When

Travellers

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