Iconic savannah drama meets lakeside adventure in the Great Rift Valley.

Overview

This 5-day safari combines the world-renowned plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve with the tranquil freshwater beauty of Lake Naivasha. The Maasai Mara is famous for its high concentration of predators, Big Five sightings, and the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal, July–October). Lake Naivasha, set within the dramatic Great Rift Valley, offers a completely different experience with boat safaris, walking adventures, birdlife, and scenic landscapes. This safari blends classic game viewing with interactive nature experiences, offering diversity, adventure, and exceptional photography opportunities.

Trip Highlights

Extensive game drives in Maasai Mara
Big Five wildlife viewing
Boat safari among hippos on Lake Naivasha
Opportunity to witness the Great Migration (seasonal)
Optional boat safari among hippos on Lake Naivasha
Optional walking safari on Crescent Island
Optional hot air balloon safari in Maasai Mara
Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes

Day 01 :

Nairobi – Maasai Mara

Distance: Approx. 265 km
Drive Time: 5 – 6 hours

07:30 a.m. | Pick-Up from Nairobi
Your safari begins with a pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or airport. After a short briefing, depart westward toward the Maasai Mara via the scenic Great Rift Valley.

09:30 a.m. | Great Rift Valley Viewpoint Stop
Pause briefly at the escarpment viewpoint to admire panoramic views of the Rift Valley floor below.

01:00 p.m. | Arrival, Check-In and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch. Relax and enjoy views over the surrounding plains.

04:00 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out for your first game drive across the rolling savannah. You may encounter elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. With luck, you may spot lions, cheetahs, or leopards as they begin their evening movements.

07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight

Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation as per the options below.

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

Day 02 :

Full Day in Maasai Mara

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 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

Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
-Hot Air Balloon Ride
-Maasai cultural village visit

Day 03 :

Maasai Mara – Lake Naivasha

Distance: 235–260 km
Drive Time: 4 – 5 hours

07:00 a.m. | Breakfast and Check-Out

08:00 a.m. | Departure for Lake Naivasha
Begin your journey north through the Great Rift Valley, passing rural settlements and scenic escarpments.

01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your Naivasha lodge or lakeside camp and enjoy lunch. Many properties are set within wildlife-rich grounds where giraffes and waterbuck may roam freely.

03:30 p.m. | Leisure Time
Relax at the lodge, enjoy lakeside views, or explore the property before evening.

07:30 p.m. | Dinner and Overnight