Kenya · Safari

3-Day Kenya Safari to Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara Big Five

3 Days Round trip from Lake Nakuru Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover over 400 bird species and flamingos at Lake Nakuru National Park
02 Witness the Big Five and migratory wildlife in the renowned Maasai Mara
03 Enjoy scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley and sweeping plains
04 Experience morning and afternoon game drives across two iconic safari parks

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day safari adventure from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara National Reserve. Explore the beauty of the Great Rift Valley, discover the Big Five, including lions, rhinos, and leopards, and witness breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy thrilling game drives, spot flamingos at Lake Nakuru, and experience the rich wildlife and vibrant ecosystems of Maasai Mara.

Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, home to the famous flamingos and over 425 bird species.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Lake Nakuru via the Great Rift Valley

Pick up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your preferred hotel.
Ascend the eastern wall of the Rift Valley with scenic views of lush coffee and tea plantations.
Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photos.
Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, home to the famous flamingos and over 425 bird species.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of the Big Five, including lions, rhinos, leopards, and cheetahs.

Accommodation: Lanet Matfam Resort

Day 02

Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara Safari Experience

After breakfast, drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya's most popular safari destination.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park, renowned for its big cats, including lions and cheetahs.
Experience the Serengeti plains and the Mara River, which sustain migratory animals such as wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes.

Accommodation: AA Lodge Mara

Day 03

Early Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Enjoy an early morning game drive followed by breakfast.
Check out from the lodge and drive back to Nairobi, with a stop for lunch.
Upon arrival, be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport for your departure.

Where this trip takes you

Lake Nakuru National Park, Great Rift Valley, Masai Mara

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Lake Nakuru 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
AMREF (travel insurance) Flying Doctors services in East Africa in case of emergency
All meals noted in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets consisting of both Western and local dishes)
Transportation in a standard game-viewing safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy viewing and photography
Every passenger is guaranteed a window seat
Driver-guide who speaks English, with in-depth knowledge of flora, fauna, landscape, and Kenyan culture
Minivan equipped with two-way, long-range high-frequency radio communication equipment
Each 4x4 Toyota HiAce minivan includes safari accessories: window sills, a first-aid kit, an ice chest, and a fire extinguisher
Bottled mineral water during game drives
Park entrance fees and game drives as noted in the itinerary
All government taxes, levies, and fees
Pick-up and drop-off transfers

What's Not Included

A minimum of US$10 per tourist per day for the driver-guide at the end of the safari
International airfares and departure taxes
Personal communication charges for telephone calls, faxes, emails, etc.
Tips and gratuities for your driver-guide
Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
Flight from Zanzibar to Nairobi
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (bottled mineral water is provided during game drives)
Laundry services
Between-meal snacks, parks, attractions, and events not included in your itinerary
Rain jackets and hand gloves
Balloon safari in Masai Mara (US$490 per ride)
Personal needs
Masai village visit (US$40)

What to bring

Rain jackets
Hand gloves

Know before you go

Yellow fever vaccination: It is recommended to have a yellow fever vaccination before traveling to Kenya. This is mandatory for travelers coming from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Kenya e-Visa: Ensure you apply for an e-Visa online before arriving in Kenya. The process is straightforward and can be completed through the official Kenyan government portal.
Travel necessary documents: Be sure to have a valid passport (with at least six months' validity), your e-Visa, and any other travel documents required for entry into Kenya. Keep a printed copy of your e-Visa for convenience during your trip.

Logistics