A classic Big Five safari combining Kenya’s most iconic savannah wilderness with one of its premier rhino sanctuaries.
Overview
This 5-day safari combines Kenya’s most iconic savannah wilderness with one of its premier rhino sanctuaries — the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve and the scenic Lake Nakuru National Park.
The Maasai Mara is globally renowned for its vast golden plains, high concentration of predators, and the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal, July–October). Lake Nakuru, set within the dramatic Great Rift Valley, is famous for its thriving populations of black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and diverse birdlife.
This safari offers exceptional Big Five game viewing, breathtaking landscapes, comfortable lodge or tented camp accommodation, and unforgettable African wildlife experiences — ideal for both first-time and seasoned safari travellers.
Trip Highlights
- Multiple extensive game drives in Maasai Mara
- Big Five wildlife viewing
- Rhino sanctuary experience at Lake Nakuru
- Scenic Great Rift Valley escarpment views
- Opportunity to witness the Great Migration (seasonal)
- Optional hot air balloon safari in Maasai Mara
- Excellent photography opportunities at sunrise and sunset
itinerary
This 5-day safari begins with two nights in the Maasai Mara, where you will enjoy multiple game drives across vast open plains in search of the Big Five and, seasonally, the Great Migration. The journey then continues to Lake Nakuru National Park for exceptional rhino viewing, scenic Rift Valley landscapes, and diverse birdlife before returning to Nairobi.
Distance: 265 km
Drive Time: 5 – 6 hours
07:30 a.m. | Pick-Up from Nairobi
Your safari adventure begins with a pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or airport. After a short briefing by your professional driver-guide, depart westwards toward the Maasai Mara.
09:30 a.m. | Great Rift Valley Viewpoint Stop
Pause briefly at the escarpment viewpoint to admire panoramic views of the vast Great Rift Valley — a perfect introduction to Kenya’s dramatic landscapes.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival, Check-In and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch. Relax and settle in while enjoying views over the surrounding plains.
04:00 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Embark on your first safari across the sweeping savannah of the Maasai Mara. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and various antelope species. With luck, you may encounter lions, cheetahs, or leopards preparing for their evening hunt.
The open plains and acacia-dotted landscape create exceptional photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Return to camp for dinner and overnight stay 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
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
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
-Hot Air Balloon Ride (early morning)
-Maasai cultural village visit
Distance: Approx. 215–250 km
Drive Time: 4 – 5 hours
07:00 a.m. | Breakfast and Check-Out
08:00 a.m. | Departure for Lake Nakuru
Begin your journey north through the Great Rift Valley, passing rural settlements, farmlands, and scenic escarpments.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Nakuru and enjoy lunch.
04:00 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned as one of Kenya’s leading rhino sanctuaries. Search for both black and white rhinos grazing in open grasslands. You may also encounter Rothschild giraffes, lions, buffalo, and large flocks of flamingos.
The park’s acacia forests and lakeshore scenery create a beautiful contrast to the open plains of the Mara.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at your chosen Lake Nakuru accommodation 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,
06:15 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Set out at sunrise for optimal wildlife viewing. The cool morning hours offer excellent chances to observe rhinos and other herbivores before they retreat to shaded areas.
09:00 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
10:30 a.m. – 01:00 p.m. | Mid-Morning Exploration
Drive toward Baboon Cliff and scenic viewpoints overlooking the lake. Continue exploring wooded areas where leopards are occasionally spotted.
01:00 p.m. | Lunch at the Lodge
04:00 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Enjoy your final extended game drive in Lake Nakuru, focusing on areas not yet explored.
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
-Guided nature walk (outside park areas where permitted)
-Sundowner experience at the lodge
07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay at your chosen Lake Nakuru accommodation 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,
Distance: Approx. 160 km
Drive Time: 3 – 4 hours
06:30 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Enjoy a final sunrise drive through Lake Nakuru National Park. Capture your last wildlife photographs as the park awakens to a new day.
09:00 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
10:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Begin your return journey to Nairobi, descending from the Rift Valley escarpment toward the capital.
01:00 p.m. – 02:00 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel, Nairobi CBD or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari adventure.
Inclusions / Exclusion
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- 4 nights’ accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round. The Great Migration occurs between July and October.
Yes, the Maasai Mara offers excellent chances of spotting lion, elephant, buffalo, and often leopard. Rhino sightings are possible but not guaranteed. Your guide will actively track wildlife to maximize your opportunities.
Game drives typically last 2–3 hours, depending on wildlife activity and guest preference.
In the Maasai Mara, you have very high chances of seeing lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, and various antelope species. Cheetahs are regularly sighted, while leopards are more elusive but possible. Rhinos are present but less commonly seen than in dedicated rhino parks. At Lake Naivasha, you will typically see hippos, giraffes, zebras, waterbuck, impala, and abundant birdlife. Crescent Island offers close walking encounters with giraffes and plains game.
Wildlife viewing in the Maasai Mara is excellent year-round. The Great Wildebeest Migration usually occurs between July and October. Lake Naivasha is enjoyable throughout the year, with birdlife particularly abundant after the rains.
Yes, this is one of the best introductory safari combinations. The Maasai Mara delivers classic African wildlife scenes, while Lake Naivasha offers relaxed, interactive experiences.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation is strongly recommended.
Pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive), a warm jacket or fleece for early morning drives, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal toiletries, binoculars, camera with extra batteries, and any personal medications. A soft duffel bag is preferable to hard suitcases.
