Kenya · Wildlife

5-Day Kenya Safari to Lake Naivasha, Nakuru and Masai Mara

5 Days Round trip from Nairobi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos and waterbirds
  • 02 Spot flamingos, rhinos, lions, and leopards during a full-day game drive at Lake Nakuru
  • 03 Experience thrilling game drives in the Masai Mara to find the Big Five
  • 04 Visit a Maasai village to learn about local culture (optional)

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Kenya safari exploring Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Witness stunning landscapes as you travel through the Great Rift Valley, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Naivasha, and walk among wildlife on Crescent Island. Experience thrilling game drives in Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara, where you can spot flamingos, rhinos, elephants, lions, and other members of the Big Five.

Embark on an afternoon boat ride to spot hippos and waterbirds.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Naivasha, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park
Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Drive Through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha

  • Begin with a morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or airport.
  • Drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley and stop for photos at viewpoints.

  • Arrive at Lake Naivasha in time for lunch at a lakeside lodge.

  • Embark on an afternoon boat ride to spot hippos and waterbirds.

  • Choose to take an optional guided walk on Crescent Island among giraffes and antelopes.

Enjoy dinner and spend the night at a lodge by the lake.

2
Day 02

Full-Day Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Take an early breakfast at the lodge.
  • Depart for Lake Nakuru National Park (approximately 1.5-hour drive).

  • Embark on a full-day game drive in the park.

  • Look out for flamingos, white and black rhinos, lions, leopards, and Rothschild's giraffes.

  • Have a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the park.

Enjoy dinner and overnight at a lodge near Lake Nakuru.

3
Day 03

Journey to the Masai Mara and Afternoon Game Drive

  • Take an early breakfast before checking out.
  • Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve (approximately 5-6 hours).

  • Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge or tented camp.

  • Embark on an afternoon game drive across the expansive Mara plains.

  • Spot elephants, zebras, gazelles, and possibly lions, leopards, or cheetahs.

Enjoy dinner and spend the night at your lodge or camp in the Masai Mara.

4
Day 04

Full-Day Wildlife Safari in the Masai Mara

  • Begin with an early breakfast at your accommodation.
  • Spend the full day on game drives within the reserve.

  • Search for the Big Five and observe wildlife interactions in their natural habitat.

  • Choose between a picnic lunch in the bush or a return to camp for a hot lunch.

  • Visit a traditional Maasai village in the afternoon to learn about local culture (optional, at extra cost).

  • Return for dinner and overnight at your Mara lodge or camp.

5
Day 05

Final Wildlife Sightings and Return to Nairobi

  • Opt for an early morning game drive for final wildlife sightings.
  • Have breakfast and check out from your lodge or camp.

  • Begin the return journey to Nairobi with a lunch stop en route.

  • Arrive in the afternoon for drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or the airport.

End of safari.

Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara plains

Where this trip takes you

Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara plains

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi (hotel or airport)
  • Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

  • Professional, English-speaking driver-guide

  • 4 nights' accommodation in lodges/camps (Naivasha, Nakuru, Masai Mara)

  • All meals on safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Park entry fees for Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara

  • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha

  • Guided walk on Crescent Island

  • Game drives as per itinerary

  • Bottled drinking water during game drives

  • Government taxes and park levies

What's Not Included

  • International flights and Kenya visa fees
  • Travel insurance

  • Tips and gratuities for the driver-guide and lodge staff

  • Optional Maasai village visit and any other optional activities

  • Drinks, laundry, and other personal expenses

  • Extra accommodation or meals in Nairobi before or after the safari

  • Items not specifically listed under "Inclusions"

What to bring

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors
  • Warm jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings

  • Comfortable walking shoes or trainers

  • Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen

  • Insect repellent (especially for lake areas)

  • Binoculars for birding and wildlife spotting

  • Camera with extra batteries/memory cards

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Personal toiletries and any medications

  • Small daypack for excursions

  • Travel documents (passport, insurance, visa)

  • Power bank and universal travel adapter

Know before you go

  • Travel times: Expect long drives between destinations; roads may be rough in some areas.
  • Luggage: Soft bags are recommended for ease of packing in safari vehicles.

  • Weather: Mornings can be cool, especially near the lakes; days are typically warm - dress in layers.

  • Wildlife: Animal sightings are not guaranteed but are highly likely in all parks visited.

  • Health: Use insect repellent and consider malaria prophylaxis; bring any personal medications.

  • Connectivity: Limited or no mobile network and Wi-Fi in some areas - enjoy the digital detox!

  • Etiquette: Respect local cultures and wildlife; always follow your guide's instructions.

  • Park rules: Stay in the vehicle during game drives unless your guide says otherwise.

  • Travel insurance: Strongly recommended for peace of mind.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Nairobi, Kenya - client preference
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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