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

Early morning departure.

• Meet your guide in Nairobi for a warm welcome and a brief overview of the itinerary.
• Begin your drive toward Maasai Mara, passing through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. You will stop at a scenic viewpoint for photos and a brief stretch, capturing panoramic views over the valley.

Arrival in Maasai Mara for check-in and lunch.

• Arrive at your safari lodge or tented camp in Maasai Mara in time for lunch. Settle in, enjoy a hearty meal, and soak in the stunning natural surroundings as you prepare for your first game drive.

Afternoon game drive.

• Embark on an afternoon game drive in Maasai Mara. This is your first chance to witness the famous wildlife of the Mara, from the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino - to giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and a wealth of bird species.
• As the sun begins to set over the Mara, experience the landscape bathed in golden light, perfect for photos and a memorable start to your safari.

Dinner and overnight stay.

• Return to the lodge or camp for a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening. Surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness, you will be ready for an exciting full-day adventure in Maasai Mara tomorrow.

Early morning game drive.

• Start the day with an early morning game drive, one of the best times to spot wildlife as animals are most active. Witness the Maasai Mara waking up to a new day, with lions prowling, hyenas finishing their night hunts, and herds of elephants moving across the plains.
• You will also have excellent chances of spotting leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of antelope species as they roam the golden savanna.

Bush breakfast or return to the lodge.

• Depending on your preference, enjoy a bush breakfast amidst the scenic surroundings or return to the lodge for breakfast. This is a unique opportunity to savour the early morning ambiance of the Mara.

Full-day game drive with picnic lunch.

• Continue exploring Maasai Mara's vast landscapes with a full-day game drive. You will take a picnic lunch with you to maximize your time in the park, allowing for more wildlife encounters in different areas of the reserve.
• Venture into the Mara River region to observe hippos and crocodiles, and if it is migration season, you may witness the thrilling spectacle of wildebeests crossing the river.
• Enjoy spotting a variety of wildlife species and take in the beauty of Maasai Mara's rolling plains, acacia trees, and diverse ecosystems.

Optional visit to a Maasai village.

• After a rewarding day of game drives, you have the option to visit a Maasai village. Here, you can learn about Maasai culture, traditions, and lifestyle, gaining insights into one of Africa's most famous tribes. Enjoy traditional dances, and if you like, purchase handcrafted souvenirs.

Dinner and overnight stay.

• Return to your lodge or camp for a delicious dinner and relaxation. Gather around a campfire, if available, to share stories and photos from the day with fellow travellers, or simply unwind under the starlit African sky.

Early morning game drive in Maasai Mara.

• Begin your day with one last game drive in Maasai Mara, giving you a final opportunity to spot any animals you may have missed or to see your favourites once again.
• Early mornings often offer a great chance to see predators on the move or hear the morning calls of the bush, making this drive a perfect wrap-up to your Mara adventure.

Breakfast and departure from Maasai Mara.

• Return to the lodge for breakfast, check out, and bid farewell to the Mara as you set off toward Lake Nakuru. The drive is scenic and enjoyable, taking you through Kenyan highlands and landscapes dotted with traditional villages.

Arrival at Lake Nakuru and check-in.

• Arrive at your lodge or camp near Lake Nakuru in time for lunch, allowing you to recharge and prepare for an afternoon in the park.

Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

• Head out for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its population of both black and white rhinos, as well as tree-climbing lions and Rothschild giraffes.
• Lake Nakuru is also a paradise for bird lovers, home to diverse species including flamingos, when water levels permit, pelicans, and cormorants.
• You will also have the chance to explore the beautiful cliffs and waterfalls within the park, all framed by the lake's tranquil blue waters.

Dinner and overnight stay.

• Return to your lodge for a relaxing dinner and a peaceful night. Lake Nakuru's serene atmosphere provides a nice contrast to the Mara's vast plains, giving you a chance to unwind as you look forward to exploring Lake Naivasha the next day.

Early morning bird watching or game drive in Lake Nakuru.

• Begin with an early morning bird-watching session or a final game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Spot the iconic flamingos, seasonal, pelicans, and other waterbirds as they gather along the lake's edge. Rhinos, buffaloes, and other wildlife are also commonly sighted.

Breakfast and departure from Lake Nakuru.

• Return to the lodge for breakfast, check out, and prepare for your journey to Lake Naivasha, which lies just a short drive away.

Arrival at Lake Naivasha and check-in.

• Arrive at Lake Naivasha by late morning or early afternoon. After checking in at your lodge or camp, enjoy lunch with serene lake views as you prepare for an exciting afternoon on the water.

Afternoon boat ride on Lake Naivasha.

• Head out on a guided boat ride, gliding across the calm waters of Lake Naivasha. This boat safari offers close-up views of hippos wallowing in the shallows and an impressive variety of bird species, such as African fish eagles, cormorants, and herons.
• Your guide will help spot and identify the local birdlife while you take in the natural beauty of the lake.

Walking safari on Crescent Island (optional).

• Disembark on Crescent Island, a protected sanctuary within Lake Naivasha, for a unique walking safari. Stroll among zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and antelopes in a predator-free environment, providing an up-close experience with these gentle animals and a rare chance to walk through Kenya's wild scenery.

Dinner and overnight stay.

• Return to your lodge or camp near Lake Naivasha for a relaxing dinner. The tranquil surroundings of Lake Naivasha offer a peaceful atmosphere for your last evening on the tour, with a perfect opportunity to reflect on the diverse experiences of the past days.

Morning relaxation or optional activity at Lake Naivasha.

• Start your day with a leisurely breakfast by the lake, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and reflecting on your safari adventure.
• For those seeking a final bit of adventure, there is an option for a nature walk or a bike ride around Hell's Gate National Park, famous for its dramatic cliffs, gorges, and geothermal springs. It is one of the few parks in Kenya where you can walk or cycle among the wildlife, including zebras, antelopes, and baboons.

Depart for Nairobi.

• Check out from your lodge and begin your drive back to Nairobi. Along the way, you will pass through the lush highlands and scenic landscapes, with the Great Rift Valley as your backdrop.

Arrival in Nairobi and drop-off.

• Arrive in Nairobi by early afternoon. Your guide will drop you off at your preferred location - hotel, residence, or the airport if you are catching a flight.
• Say goodbye to your guide and reflect on the incredible memories of Maasai Mara's sweeping plains, Lake Nakuru's vibrant wildlife, and Lake Naivasha's serene waters.