Iconic savannah drama meets lakeside adventure in the Great Rift Valley.
Overview
This 5-day safari combines the world-famous plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve with the scenic freshwater beauty of Lake Naivasha. The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destination, known for its high concentration of predators and the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal). Lake Naivasha offers a refreshing contrast with boat safaris among hippos, walking adventures alongside giraffes, and dramatic Rift Valley landscapes.
This itinerary delivers classic Big Five safari experiences combined with interactive nature activities, making it ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned safari travellers alike.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities
- Extensive game drives in Maasai Mara
- Optional hot air balloon safari over the Mara
- Scenic Great Rift Valley escarpment views
- Boat safari among hippos on Lake Naivasha
- Guided walking safari on Crescent Island
- Optional cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park
- Excellent photography opportunities at sunrise and sunset
Itinerary
Enjoy two full days exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the Maasai Mara with multiple game drives in search of predators and plains game. Continue to Lake Naivasha for lakeside relaxation, boat excursions, guided walks, and optional adventure activities before returning to Nairobi.
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 from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After a short briefing by your professional driver-guide, depart westward toward the Maasai Mara.
09:30 a.m. | Great Rift Valley Viewpoint Stop
Enjoy a brief stop at the escarpment viewpoint for panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley — a perfect photography opportunity.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival, Check-In and Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch. Relax and take in views of the surrounding savannah.
04:00 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Embark on your first game drive across the rolling plains. You may encounter elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelope species. Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are frequently seen, while leopards require a bit more luck.
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
06:15 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. | Early Morning Game Drive
Depart at sunrise when wildlife is most active. Early mornings offer the best chance to spot predators before the heat of the day. The golden light across the plains provides outstanding photographic conditions.
09:00 a.m. | Breakfast at the Camp
10:30 a.m. – 01:00 p.m. | Extended Game Drive
Explore different sectors of the reserve, including riverine areas near the Mara River where hippos and crocodiles are commonly seen.
01:00 p.m. | Picnic Lunch in the Reserve
Enjoy a bush picnic at a designated scenic location within the park.
02:30 p.m. – 04:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Viewing
Continue tracking wildlife across the vast savannah. During migration season (July–October), massive herds of wildebeest and zebra dominate the landscape.
Optional Activities (At Extra Cost)
-Hot Air Balloon Ride
-Maasai cultural village visit
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
Distance: Approx. 235–260 km
Drive Time: 4 – 5 hours
07:00 a.m. | Breakfast and Check-Out
08:00 a.m. | Departure for Lake Naivasha
Drive north through the Great Rift Valley, passing rural settlements and scenic escarpments.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival and Lunch
Arrive at your lakeside lodge in time for 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 take a short guided nature walk within the property grounds.
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: Short local transfers depending on activities
06:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
08:00 a.m. | Morning Activity Options (at extra cost)
Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha – Cruise across calm waters among hippos and abundant birdlife including African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers.
Guided Walking Safari on Crescent Island – Walk freely among giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and antelope in a predator-free sanctuary.
Cycling or Hiking in Hell's Gate National Park – Explore dramatic gorges, cliffs, geothermal features, and free-roaming wildlife. One of the few parks in Kenya where cycling is permitted.
Visit to Olkaria Geothermal Spa – Relax in naturally heated mineral pools within the geothermal fields.
01:00 p.m. | Lunch at the Lodge
03:30 p.m. | Afternoon Leisure or Additional Activity
Enjoy further optional activities or relax by the lakeshore as hippos emerge in the late afternoon.
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: 1.5 – 2 hours
07:30 a.m. | Breakfast at the Lodge
09:00 a.m. | Check-Out and Departure
Begin your return journey to Nairobi, ascending the escarpment with scenic Rift Valley views.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of your Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha safari adventure.
Inclusions / Exclusions
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
In the Maasai Mara, expect lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, and various antelope species. Cheetahs are commonly sighted; leopards are more elusive but possible. At Lake Naivasha, you will typically see hippos, giraffes, waterbuck, zebras, and abundant birdlife.
Yes, the Maasai Mara offers strong chances of seeing lion, elephant, buffalo, and often leopard. Rhino sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
The safari operates year-round. The Great Migration typically occurs between July and October.
Yes, this is one of the best introductory safari combinations in Kenya.
Yes, all park entrance fees are included in the package price.
Neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera, personal toiletries, and medications. A soft duffel bag is recommended.
