Overview

In this tour we will cover the 3 most popular destinations in Kenya – Masai Mara National Reserve (5 nights), Lake Nakuru National Park (1 night), & Lake Naivasha (1 night). Masai Mara is home for “Big Five” (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo) & also zebras, antelope, hyenas, giraffes, African lions including black-maned lion. Lake Nakuru National Park’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly its huge flamingo population, which can swell to more than 1.5 million at times. Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake in Kenya which lies just north-west of Nairobi.

Highlights

Masai Mara National Reserve (5 nights): Famous for its rich wildlife, Masai Mara is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard), as well as other species such as zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, and giraffes. The Mara is also renowned for its black-maned lions and offers some of the best game-viewing experiences, with opportunities to witness predator-prey interactions and the Great Migration (if visiting between July and October).
Lake Nakuru National Park (1 night): A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lake Nakuru is known for its huge flamingo populations (which can number over 1.5 million), black and white rhinos, and a wide variety of other wildlife. The park is also famous for its birdlife, making it a haven for bird watchers.
Lake Naivasha (1 night): A stunning freshwater lake, Lake Naivasha offers a more tranquil experience. You can enjoy boat rides to see hippos, birdwatching, and visit Crescent Island, where you can take a walking safari to get close to giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.

Day 01 :

Nairobi to Masai Mara

Your tour starts with pick up at 7:30 AM from your Nairobi hotel or Airport and drive to Masai Mara. This drive will take about 5 to 6.5 hours with a scenic stopover at Great Rift Valley. Arrive in Masai Mara shortly after noon and check into your lodge/camp, have hot lunch and then depart for an afternoon game drive.

After the game drive, we head back to lodge/camp to reach by around 5:30 or 6:00 PM, freshen up and enjoy a freshly prepared Dinner. Overnight at your lodge.

Overnight in a Midrange or a Luxury Camp/Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast

Note: The last 1-hour drive to Masai Mara is on the corrugated and bumpy road and may not be comfortable for clients with back problems. Clients with back problems can consider flying directly to (and out of) Masai Mara. Flight takes Approx. 45 minutes and lands in an airstrip near your lodge/camp

Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 & Day 5 :

Masai Mara

Today’s itinerary is flexible, and you can discuss with your guide on the previous evening and plan for today’s schedule.

You can either have a relaxed breakfast and depart for full day game drives around 9:00 AM with packed lunch and return back to lodge late afternoon around 6:00 PM. Or you can depart at 6:00 AM on an early morning game drive (This is the best time to see the animals and a good chance to witness hunt/kill). Later return to accommodation for breakfast and relax for a bit and depart on an afternoon game drive with packed lunch. you will stop at a picnic spot for having packed lunch and later depart on a game drive till the park is closed. Around 6:00 PM return to lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight in a Midrange or a Luxury Camp/Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 06 :

Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

Wake up early in the morning and have a short morning game drive in Masai Mara. Return to Camp/Lodge for Breakfast and around 10:00 AM checkout and Depart to Lake Nakuru National Park which is about 6.5 hours drive. Upon reaching Nakuru lodge check in, have dinner and relax for the day.

Overnight in a Midrange or a Luxury Camp/Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 07 :

Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

After early breakfast, proceed to Nakuru for morning game drives and continue till around noon. Post lunch, proceed to Lake Naivasha accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Overnight in a Midrange or a Luxury Camp/Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 08 :

Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

After breakfast, proceed to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride to Crescent Island where you will be doing a nature walk next to zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, waterbucks, antelopes and many types of birds. Return by boat to Naivasha for lunch at your lodge and then proceed to Nairobi.

Optional Add-on Tours: You can choose to go to Hell’s gate national park near Naivasha where you can do hiking, bicycle riding and other activities at additional cost.

No accommodation pre-booked for you on this day

Meal Plan: Breakfast and farewell lunch time permitting

FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
- Yes, most visitors will need a visa. You can apply for an eVisa online before your trip or obtain a visa upon arrival in Kenya, depending on your nationality.
What is the best time to visit Kenya for this safari?
- This safari can be done year-round, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from June to October. This is also the best time to witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara (between July and October). For birdwatching at Lake Nakuru, the wet season (November to April) is ideal.
What animals can I expect to see?
- Masai Mara offers sightings of the Big Five, along with cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, zebras, and many antelope species. Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos and rhinos. Lake Naivasha is known for its hippos, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species.
How physically demanding is the safari?
- The safari involves game drives, which are relatively easy and comfortable. The walking safari at Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha is optional and can be an easy, leisurely walk for most participants. There are no strenuous activities, so this safari is suitable for travelers of all ages.
What should I pack for the safari?
- Light, comfortable clothing (preferably neutral colors like khaki or brown), a warm jacket for cooler evenings, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, and a small backpack for personal items. It’s also advisable to bring a swimsuit if your lodge has a pool.
Is there a malaria risk during the safari?
- Yes, malaria is a risk in some areas, including Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Naivasha. It is recommended to take malaria prophylaxis and use insect repellent during the safari.
Is this safari family-friendly?
- Yes, this safari is family-friendly. However, children should be at least 6 years old to fully enjoy the experience. Some lodges may have age restrictions on certain activities, like walking safaris.
What is the group size?
- Typically, safari groups range from 4 to 12 people, ensuring a more personalized and comfortable experience. However, group sizes can vary.
What can I do at Lake Naivasha?
- At Lake Naivasha, you can enjoy boat rides to see hippos and a variety of birds, including the African fish eagle and pelicans. You can also visit Crescent Island for a walking safari, where you can get up close to giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Can I see the Great Migration in Masai Mara?

If you visit during the July to October period, you may witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara, where over a million wildebeest and zebras cross from the Serengeti in search of greener pastures.