Overview
The 5 Days Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha Safari is a classic Kenya circuit beginning in Nairobi and exploring the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations within the Great Rift Valley. This itinerary combines Big Five game viewing, scenic freshwater lakes, and diverse ecosystems, offering a balanced safari experience across savannah plains and bird-rich wetlands.
The world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its Big Five wildlife, vast open plains, and exceptional predator sightings. It is also home to the Great Migration (seasonal), where wildebeest and zebra cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Kenya.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a compact yet wildlife-rich park known for its protected black and white rhinoceros populations, tree-climbing lions, and seasonal flamingos along the alkaline lake shores.
Lake Naivasha offers a peaceful freshwater setting where visitors can enjoy boat rides among hippos and abundant birdlife, as well as walking safaris on Crescent Island.
Together, these destinations provide a dynamic combination of classic savannah safari, rhino sanctuary experience, and lakeside relaxation before returning to Nairobi.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five safari in Maasai Mara
- Full-day game drive across open savannah plains
- Rhino sightings in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Tree-climbing lions and Rothschild giraffes
- Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
- Optional walking safari on Crescent Island
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley
Itinerary
This 5-day safari explores the Maasai Mara’s Big Five plains, the rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru, and the tranquil freshwater ecosystem of Lake Naivasha. Enjoy extensive game drives, dramatic Great Rift Valley scenery, optional boat excursions, and comfortable lodge or camp accommodation throughout.
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: 5 – 6 hours
07:00 a.m. | Pick-Up from Nairobi Hotel or Airport
Depart Nairobi and descend into the Great Rift Valley, stopping briefly at a scenic viewpoint for photographs.
Continue via Narok town toward the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival, Lunch and Check-in
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp for lunch and relaxation.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Begin exploring the Maasai Mara plains in search of elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and cheetahs. The reserve supports an exceptional concentration of predators.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the accommodation 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
06:30 a.m. | Early Breakfast or Picnic Breakfast Option
07:00 a.m. – 04:00 p.m. | Full-Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch
Spend the day exploring different sectors of the reserve. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its remarkable predator density. Lions, cheetahs and leopards are regularly sighted, while large elephant herds roam the plains.
Visit the Mara River, where hippos and crocodiles reside year-round. During migration season, dramatic wildebeest crossings may occur.
Return to camp in the late afternoon.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the accommodation 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
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
-Hot air balloon safari at sunrise
-Maasai village cultural visit
Distance: Approx. 215 km
Drive Time: 4 – 5 hours
07:00 a.m. | Breakfast and Departure
Depart Maasai Mara after breakfast and drive toward Lake Nakuru.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at lodge for lunch.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Lake Nakuru is a renowned rhino sanctuary, offering high chances of seeing both black and white rhinos. Flamingos gather seasonally along the alkaline lake shores. Tree-climbing lions and Rothschild giraffes may also be spotted.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and 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. – 08:30 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Enjoy a final sunrise game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Morning hours offer excellent wildlife viewing as animals are most active before temperatures rise. Look out for both black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, buffalo, zebra, and if fortunate, lion or leopard. The shimmering lake and acacia woodland provide beautiful photographic scenery.
09:00 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
Return to your lodge for a relaxed breakfast while enjoying views of the park’s landscapes and birdlife.
10:30 a.m. | Departure for Lake Naivasha
After check-out, depart for Lake Naivasha, a scenic freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. The drive south offers sweeping views of escarpments, farmlands, and volcanic formations.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your Naivasha lodge or camp in time for lunch. Many properties are set along the lakeshore, where you may spot grazing giraffes, waterbuck, and monkeys within the grounds.
03:30 p.m. | Optional Activities at Lake Naivasha (At Extra Cost)
Lake Naivasha offers a variety of nature and adventure experiences:
Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha - Glide across calm waters among hippos and abundant birdlife including African fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, and kingfishers.
Guided Walking Safari on Crescent Island – Take a boat to Crescent Island for a unique walking experience among giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and antelope (no predators present).
Cycling or Hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park – Explore dramatic gorges, cliffs, geothermal features, and free-roaming wildlife at Hell's Gate National Park. This is one of the few parks in Kenya where cycling is permitted.
Visit Olkaria Geothermal Spa – Relax in naturally heated mineral pools near the geothermal fields.
Birdwatching Experience – With over 400 bird species recorded, Lake Naivasha is a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
These activities allow for a more interactive and scenic experience compared to traditional game drives.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere as hippos graze along the shoreline under the cover of darkness at the accommodation options below.
Options 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Options 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Options 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Distance: Approx. 95 km
Drive Time: 2 hours
07:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge.
09:30 a.m. | Departure for Nairobi
Drive back to Nairobi via the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
12:00 p.m. – 01:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your safari.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- 4 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities listed
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off are provided at Nairobi hotels or the airport.
The migration is seasonal (July–October) and wildlife movement depends on rainfall patterns.
The Maasai Mara supports all Big Five species, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Lake Nakuru offers one of Kenya’s best chances to see both black and white rhinos.
A 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for optimal viewing.
No. It is optional and conducted in the Maasai Mara at an additional cost.
Yes. Family-friendly, though balloon safaris may have age restrictions.
Year-round. Dry seasons offer easier wildlife viewing.
Neutral-coloured clothing, warm jacket, comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and soft-sided luggage.
