Big Cats, Flamingo Shores & Kenya’s Iconic Landscapes
Overview
This carefully designed safari combines the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve with the scenic beauty of Lake Nakuru National Park.
The Maasai Mara is world-famous for its Big Five habitat and remarkable predator sightings, while Lake Nakuru is renowned for its rhino conservation success, flamingo-lined shores and dramatic escarpment views. Together, they offer diverse ecosystems, varied wildlife and outstanding photographic opportunities.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five habitat in Maasai Mara
- Exceptional lion and cheetah sightings
- Mara River ecosystem
- Black and white rhino sanctuary at Lake Nakuru
- Flamingos and over 400 bird species
- Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes
Itinerary
Explore Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserve and a picturesque Rift Valley lake in one unforgettable four-day safari. From the predator-rich plains of the Maasai Mara to the rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru, this journey blends dramatic landscapes with exceptional wildlife encounters.
Distance: Approx. 260 km
Drive Time: 5 – 6 hours
07:00 a.m. | Pickup in Nairobi
Depart from your hotel, residence or airport after a short safari briefing. Travel via the Great Rift Valley escarpment, pausing briefly at a scenic viewpoint.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival & Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch and relaxation.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Begin exploring the Mara’s vast plains. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebras and large herds of antelope. Lions are commonly seen resting in the grasslands, while cheetahs scan the horizon for prey.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation as per the options below.
Option 1: Budget Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp
Option 2: Standard Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Aruba Mara Camp | Osero Camp | Enkorok Mara Camp | Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 3: Luxury Mara Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Maasai Mara | AA Lodge | Sekenani Camp
Option 4: Above Luxury Sarova Mara Game Camp | Ashnil Mara Camp | Muthu Keekorok Lodge | Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Mara Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
07:00 a.m. – 08:00 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge/Camp
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for a full day of wildlife exploration in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
08:00 a.m. – 04:00 p.m. | Full Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch
Spend the day traversing the reserve in search of the Big Five. Visit the Mara River, home to resident crocodiles and hippos, and the dramatic crossing point during the Great Wildebeest Migration season. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest migrate from the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara in search of fresh pasture, closely followed by predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals.
A picnic lunch is served within the park, allowing you to remain immersed in the wilderness throughout the day.
Return to your lodge or camp in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation as per the options below.
Option 1: Budget Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp
Option 2: Standard Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Aruba Mara Camp | Osero Camp | Enkorok Mara Camp | Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 3: Luxury Mara Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Maasai Mara | AA Lodge | Sekenani Camp
Option 4: Above Luxury Sarova Mara Game Camp | Ashnil Mara Camp | Muthu Keekorok Lodge | Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Mara Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Time: 5 – 6 hours
06:30 a.m. | Breakfast & Departure
Depart the Mara after breakfast and travel across the scenic Rift Valley floor toward Lake Nakuru.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival & Lunch
Check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Lake Nakuru National Park is a protected rhino sanctuary, offering excellent opportunities to spot both black and white rhinos. The park also supports lions, buffalo, giraffes and numerous antelope species.
The alkaline lake often attracts large flocks of flamingos and other water birds, creating striking pink hues along the shoreline. Scenic viewpoints such as Baboon Cliff provide panoramic views of the lake and surrounding escarpments.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at your designated lodge or camp as per the options below.
Option 1 : Standard | Lake Nakuru Lodge | Flamingo Hill Camp
Option 2 : Luxury | Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | Sarova Lion Hill
Option 3 : Above Luxury | The Cliff, Nakuru,
06:30 a.m. – 09:00 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart early for the best wildlife activity period. Morning drives increase your chances of spotting lions, leopards, and other predators before they retreat from the heat.
Visit scenic spots such as Baboon Cliff for elevated views over the lake and surrounding landscape.
Return to the lodge for breakfast.
09:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast while soaking in the final views of the park.
10:30 a.m. | Check-Out and En-Route Game Drive
Check out and enjoy a short final game drive as you exit the park.
02:00 p.m. – 03:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive back in Nairobi and drop off at your hotel/ accommodation or airport, concluding your memorable Lake Nakuru safari.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for Maasai Mara & Lake Nakuru
- 3 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities listed above
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 5 – 6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Typically from July to October, though timing depends on rainfall patterns.
Yes. Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s best locations for spotting both black and white rhinos.
Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, flamingos and numerous antelope species.
Light, breathable clothing in neutral tones, a warm jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Bring a camera, binoculars and personal essentials. Soft-sided luggage is recommended.
Yes. The itinerary can be tailored for families, honeymooners and private groups.
