Kenya · Safari

4-Day Kenya Safari to Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru with Big Five Viewing

4 Days Round trip from Lake Nakuru Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Maasai Mara National Reserve on thrilling game drives
02 Spot Africa's iconic wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and wildebeest
03 Admire the panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley
04 Discover Lake Nakuru National Park's rhinos, buffalos, and diverse birdlife
05 Observe millions of flamingos coloring Lake Nakuru pink
06 Learn from experienced guides about Kenya's wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts

Embark on a 4-day adventure through Kenya's most iconic wildlife destinations, including the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Parks. Enjoy thrilling game drives in the Maasai Mara, spotting lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and wildebeest across the expansive savannah. Witness the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, relax in comfortable lodges with full-board meals, and explore Lake Nakuru's unique ecosystem, home to rhinos, buffalos, and millions of flamingos. Experience Kenya's rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and cultural heritage on this unforgettable safari journey.

Embark on an afternoon game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve to spot wildlife and enjoy the scenic landscapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Journey to Maasai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

Depart Nairobi early in the morning and drive to the Maasai Mara.
Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views and take photographs.
Arrive at your lodge and check in.
Have lunch at the lodge.
Embark on an afternoon game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve to spot wildlife and enjoy the scenic landscapes.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 02

Full-Day Game Drive Across the Mara Plains

Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge.
Depart for a full-day game drive with a packed lunch to maximize wildlife viewing.
Explore the vast plains in search of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, zebra, wildebeest, and other wildlife.
Learn from your experienced guide about the Mara ecosystem and animal behavior.
Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 03

Scenic Transfer from Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru

Have breakfast at the lodge before checking out.
Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way (approx. 3-4 hours).
Check in at the lodge upon arrival and have lunch.
Spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoy an optional game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, home to rhinos, birdlife, and other wildlife.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Full Board

Day 04

Morning Wildlife Viewing at Lake Nakuru and Return

Embark on an early morning game drive to spot rhinos, buffalos, antelopes, and other wildlife.
Observe the lake, often colored pink by millions of flamingos.
Return to the lodge for breakfast.
Depart for Nairobi and arrive in the afternoon, concluding the safari.

Where this trip takes you

Masai Mara plains, Great Rift Valley viewpoint, Lake Nakuru flamingo shores

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Lake Nakuru 3 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees: All national park entrance fees for Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara.
Activities: All game drives as per the itinerary.
Accommodation: 3 nights of accommodation as specified.
Guide: A professional English-speaking driver-guide.
Transportation: All ground transportation in a safari vehicle.
Taxes: All government taxes and VAT.
Meals: Meals as specified in the day-by-day section.
Drinks: Bottled drinking water available during the safari.

What's Not Included

International flights: Flights to and from Nairobi.
Airport transfers: Round-trip airport transfers.
Accommodation: Any accommodation before or after the tour.
Tips: Gratuities for the guide and lodge staff.
Personal items: Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, and other personal expenses.
Drinks: All other drinks besides bottled water.
Taxes: Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees.

What to bring

Clothing: Pack comfortable, lightweight clothing in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive). A jacket or sweater is useful for cool mornings.
Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are best for the safari vehicle.
Sun protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential.
Electronics: A good camera with extra batteries and memory cards, binoculars, and a power bank are recommended.
Health: Any personal medication, a basic first-aid kit, and insect repellent are important.
Other: A small backpack for day trips and a copy of your passport should be included.

Know before you go

Transportation: The safari includes long-distance road travel. Transfers between parks can take several hours, but the views are rewarding.
Accommodation: The lodges are comfortable mid-range options that provide a great base for your safari adventure.
Tipping: Tipping your guide and lodge staff is customary and a good way to show appreciation for their service. A guideline of around US$10 per person per day is common.
Drinks: Only bottled drinking water is included in the tour price. Other beverages are at your own expense.
Pre-arrival: The tour does not include airport transfers or pre-/post-safari accommodation. You will be picked up and dropped off in Nairobi's CBD.

Logistics