A seamless journey through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes – from the untamed plains of the Maasai Mara to flamingo-fringed lakes and the tranquil beauty of Lake Naivasha, crafted for immersive wildlife encounters and scenic discovery.
Overview
This six-day safari presents a rich and immersive exploration of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife regions, combining the legendary plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve, the wildlife haven of Lake Nakuru National Park and the serene freshwater ecosystem of Lake Naivasha.
Starting and ending in Nairobi, the journey unfolds across the breathtaking Great Rift Valley, offering dramatic escarpments, rolling hills and expansive savannahs.
The Maasai Mara delivers exceptional predator sightings and Big Five encounters, Lake Nakuru provides one of the best locations in Kenya for rhinos and birdlife, while Lake Naivasha introduces a more intimate safari experience with boat rides, walking safaris and close encounters with hippos and bird species.
This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a well-rounded safari that blends iconic wildlife viewing with scenic diversity and relaxed lakeside experiences.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
- Expansive savannah game drives and predator sightings
- Flamingos and rhinos at Lake Nakuru
- Scenic Rift Valley landscapes and viewpoints
- Boat safaris and walking experiences at Lake Naivasha
- Close encounters with hippos and birdlife
Itinerary
This six-day safari is a seamless progression through Kenya’s most iconic ecosystems, offering continuous variation in scenery, wildlife and safari experiences.
Distance: Approx. 270 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
07:00 a.m. - 08:00 a.m. | Departure from Nairobi
Your safari begins with a drive south-west from Nairobi, descending into the Great Rift Valley.
Along the way, you stop at scenic viewpoints offering sweeping panoramas of the escarpment and valley floor - a dramatic introduction to Kenya’s landscapes.
The journey continues through rolling hills, Maasai villages and open countryside before the terrain gradually opens into the vast plains of the Mara.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or camp within or near Maasai Mara National Reserve and enjoy lunch in a serene setting surrounded by nature.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive introduces you to the Mara’s extraordinary wildlife density and open savannah landscapes.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions resting in prides
-Cheetahs scanning the plains
-Elephants and buffalo moving in herds
-Zebras and wildebeests grazing
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, with the sounds of the savannah creating a memorable first night in the wild at the accommodation of your choice from 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):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private guided game drive
06:30 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive
Set out at sunrise when wildlife is at its most active. This is prime time to witness predator behaviour - lions returning from night hunts, hyenas on patrol and cheetahs preparing for morning pursuits.
The golden light across the plains provides exceptional photographic opportunities.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to camp for a relaxed breakfast or enjoy a picnic breakfast in the bush depending on wildlife movement and location.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore different sections of the reserve, including riverine areas where hippos wallow and Nile crocodiles bask along riverbanks.
During migration season, vast herds of wildebeest and zebra move across the plains in one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch under a shaded tree or return to the lodge for a hot meal and rest.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring new territories within the reserve, maximising your chances of spotting the Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino.
Your guide provides valuable insights into animal behaviour and the ecosystem.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at the lodge followed by relaxation under the African night sky, reflecting on the day’s sightings.
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):
-Early morning Hot Air Balloon Safari (Subject to availability, Pre-booking required)
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Private sundowner experience
Distance: Approx. 230 km
Drive Time: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast with Savannah Views
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the plains as the morning light reveals wildlife in the distance.
08:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Drive through the Rift Valley
Depart the Mara and travel through rolling hills and rural landscapes before ascending into the Great Rift Valley region.
01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge near Lake Nakuru National Park and enjoy lunch overlooking the park.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore Lake Nakuru, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-White and black rhinos
-Flamingos and pelicans
-Lions and leopards
-Rothschild giraffes
-Buffalo and antelope
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge within the tranquil Rift Valley setting at the accommodation of your choice from thr 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,
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided nature walks
-Birdwatching excursions
Distance: Approx. 70 km
Drive Time: Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours
06:30 - 08:30 | Morning Game Drive and Breakfast
Begin the day with a morning game drive, capturing the park in its most active state before returning for breakfast.
10:00 - 12:00 | Transfer to Lake Naivasha
A short scenic drive takes you to Lake Naivasha, offering a gentle transition to a more relaxed environment.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lakeside lodge and enjoy lunch surrounded by acacia trees and birdlife.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Lake Experience
Lake Naivasha offers a tranquil yet wildlife-rich setting.
Expect to encounter:
-Hippos along the shoreline
-Fish eagles diving for prey
-Giraffes and zebras grazing nearby
-A wide variety of bird species
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, enjoying the peaceful lakeside atmosphere at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Option 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Option 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Sawela Lodge | Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort | Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
-Guided Walking Safari on Crescent Island
-Cycling or Hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park
-Visit Olkaria Geothermal Spa
-Birdwatching Experience
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast by the Lake
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking the calm waters, with birds calling and occasional hippos surfacing in the distance.
08:00 - 12:30 | Morning Activities and Exploration
Spend the morning exploring the Naivasha ecosystem through optional guided experiences.
A boat safari brings you close to hippos and water birds, while Crescent Island offers a unique walking safari among giraffes, zebras and antelope without predators.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch
Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Exploration or Leisure
Continue exploring nearby attractions such as Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its dramatic cliffs, geothermal features and opportunities for cycling or hiking.
Alternatively, relax at the lodge and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, with the serene lakeside setting at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Hotel Chambai Safari
Option 2 : Standard | Panorama Hotel
Option 3 : Luxury | Naivasha Crescent Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Sawela Lodge | Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort | Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
-Guided Walking Safari on Crescent Island
-Cycling or Hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park
-Visit Olkaria Geothermal Spa
-Birdwatching Experience
Distance: Approx. 90 km
Drive Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours
07:00 - 08:30 | Breakfast with Lake Views
Enjoy your final breakfast overlooking Lake Naivasha, reflecting on the journey through Kenya’s diverse landscapes.
09:00 - 12:00 | Scenic Drive to Nairobi
Depart for Nairobi, ascending from the Rift Valley back to the capital.
The journey offers final views of the escarpment and surrounding countryside.
12:30 p.m. - 01:30 p.m. | Arrival and Drop-off
Arrival in Nairobi with drop-off at your hotel, residence or airport, marking the end of your safari.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Souvenir shopping en-route
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for all parks and reserves
- Accommodation for 5 nights
- All meals as per itinerary
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Lunch on Day 6 (unless specified)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Expect lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and large herds of wildebeest, especially during the migration season.
Flamingo numbers vary with water conditions, but the park consistently offers excellent birdlife and reliable rhino sightings.
It offers a rare opportunity for walking safaris and boat rides, allowing close, non-vehicle-based wildlife encounters.
Yes, it is an ideal introduction to Kenya’s top wildlife destinations and ecosystems.
The safari is excellent year-round, with peak wildlife activity in the Maasai Mara during July to October.
Pack light clothing in neutral colours, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera.
Yes, the 4×4 Land Cruiser is designed for safari comfort with ample space and a pop-up roof for game viewing.
Yes, accommodation levels, activities and extensions can be tailored to your preferences.
