An extraordinary journey through Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes and iconic savannahs – from the predator-rich plains of the Maasai Mara to flamingo-filled shores and geothermal landscapes, offering a safari rich in colour, wildlife and scenic drama.
Overview
This six-day safari delivers a dynamic and visually captivating exploration of Kenya’s most iconic ecosystems, combining the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve with the diverse lake systems of Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Bogoria.
Beginning and ending in Nairobi, the journey traverses the dramatic Great Rift Valley – a geological wonder defined by escarpments, alkaline lakes and geothermal features.
The Maasai Mara offers exceptional predator sightings and vast savannah landscapes, while Lake Nakuru provides a sanctuary for rhinos and abundant birdlife. Lake Bogoria introduces a more remote and dramatic setting, famous for its hot springs, geysers and large congregations of flamingos along its shimmering shoreline.
This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a blend of classic safari experiences and unique geological and birdlife encounters, all within a well-paced and richly rewarding journey.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five safari experience in Maasai Mara
- Full-day immersive game drives across expansive plains
- Rhino sanctuary and birdlife at Lake Nakuru
- Flamingo-lined shores and geothermal features at Lake Bogoria
- Scenic Rift Valley escarpments and viewpoints
- Diverse landscapes from savannah to alkaline lakes
Itinerary
This six-day safari unfolds as a progressive journey through Kenya’s most striking landscapes, offering seamless transitions between wildlife-rich savannahs and dramatic Rift Valley lakes.
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 scenic drive south-west from Nairobi, descending into the Great Rift Valley.
A stop at a panoramic viewpoint reveals sweeping vistas of the valley floor - a dramatic introduction to the landscapes that define this journey.
The drive continues through Maasai countryside, where traditional homesteads dot the landscape, before the terrain 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 peaceful natural setting.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Your first game drive introduces you to the Mara’s extraordinary wildlife density and sweeping savannah landscapes.
Wildlife commonly observed includes:
-Lions resting in prides
-Cheetahs scanning the plains
-Elephants and buffalo 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 enhances both sightings and photography.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast
Return to camp for a relaxed breakfast or enjoy a picnic breakfast in the bush depending on wildlife movement.
10:00 - 13:00 | Extended Game Viewing
Explore different regions of the reserve, including riverine areas where hippos and crocodiles thrive.
During migration season, large herds of wildebeest and zebra dominate the landscape in one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch under a shaded tree or return to the lodge for a hot meal.
15:30 - 18:30 | Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring new territories within the reserve, increasing your chances of spotting the Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino.
Your guide provides insights into wildlife behaviour and the Mara ecosystem.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner at the lodge followed by relaxation under the African night sky 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):
-Early morning Hot Air Balloon Safari
-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 wildlife moves through the early morning light.
08:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Drive through the Rift Valley
Depart the Mara and travel through rolling hills and rural landscapes, ascending into the Great Rift Valley with panoramic viewpoints along the way.
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 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 within the tranquil Rift Valley setting at the accommodation of your choice from 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,
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided nature walks
-Birdwatching excursions
Distance: Approx. 150 km
Drive Time: Approx. 3 - 4 hours
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast with Rift Valley Views
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the lake and surrounding escarpment.
08:00 - 11:30 | Scenic Drive to Lake Bogoria
Travel north through the Rift Valley, passing rural settlements and dramatic landscapes as you approach Lake Bogoria.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch in a peaceful setting near the lake.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Exploration of Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria offers a unique and dramatic landscape defined by geothermal activity and vibrant birdlife.
Highlights include:
-Flamingos lining the lake shores
-Hot springs and geysers releasing steam into the air
-Open, rugged terrain with fewer crowds
The surreal environment creates a striking contrast to traditional safari parks.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, surrounded by the quiet and remote beauty of the Rift Valley at the Lake Bogoria Spa Resort.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided lake walk
-Birdwatching experience
-Photography excursion
06:30 - 07:30 | Breakfast in a Remote Wilderness Setting
Enjoy breakfast with views of the surrounding landscape and the stillness of the Rift Valley morning.
08:00 - 12:30 | Morning Exploration and Scenic Drive
Spend the morning exploring Lake Bogoria further or begin a relaxed drive back towards the Nakuru region, enjoying the ever-changing scenery along the way.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch
Lunch at the lodge or en route, allowing time to unwind before the final leg of the journey.
03:30 - 06:30 | Leisure or Optional Exploration
Afternoon at leisure or optional activities such as guided walks or birdwatching experiences around the Rift Valley region.
19:30 - 21:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, providing a restful final evening at the accommodation of your choice from 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,
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Guided nature walk
-Birdwatching excursion
Distance: Approx. 160 km
Drive Time: Approx. 3 - 4 hours
07:00 - 08:30 | Breakfast with Scenic Views
Enjoy your final breakfast overlooking the Rift Valley landscape, reflecting on the journey through Kenya’s diverse ecosystems.
09:00 - 12:30 | Scenic Drive to Nairobi
Depart for Nairobi, ascending from the Rift Valley with sweeping views along the escarpment.
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 and excursions 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
Lake Bogoria is known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs and geysers, as well as large seasonal flocks of flamingos.
Yes, the combination of Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria makes it excellent for bird enthusiasts, with a wide variety of species.
Expect lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests and a wide range of birdlife.
Flamingo numbers vary depending on water conditions, but both lakes consistently offer excellent birdlife.
Yes, it provides a well-rounded introduction to Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes.
Drive times range between 3 to 6 hours, with scenic routes and breaks along the way.
Pack light clothing, a warm layer, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera.
Yes, accommodation levels and activities can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Yes, it is suitable for families, couples and small groups.
The safari is excellent year-round, with peak wildlife activity in the Maasai Mara during July to October.
