This 5-day Maasai Mara → Lake Nakuru → Lake Naivasha safari offers a powerful mix of Kenya’s most iconic landscapes. You’ll embark on upscale game drives in the Maasai Mara, with chances to see the Big Five and endless savannah vistas. Then, head to Lake Nakuru for awe-inspiring flamingo flocks and rhino encounters, followed by a tranquil boat ride on Lake Naivasha and a walking safari on Crescent Island. The tour includes expert guides, 4×4 transport, and comfortable accommodations — a seamless, nature-rich adventure for wildlife lovers.
Jambo and Welcome to Kenya! Upon your arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), your professional safari guide will be waiting to greet you. After a warm welcome, you’ll embark on a scenic 5-6 hour drive to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. The landscape along the way is breathtaking, transitioning from Nairobi’s urban sprawl to wide-open savannahs, setting the tone for your wildlife adventure.
Upon arrival at the Maasai Mara, check-in at your lodge, perched on a hilltop with sweeping views over the Mara plains. This lodge blends traditional Maasai architecture with modern comforts, offering you a truly unique experience. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the outdoor pool offers panoramic views of the surrounding savannah, where wildlife often roams.
After checking in, relax briefly before heading out for your first afternoon game drive. The Maasai Mara is home to a wealth of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and more. Your guide will take you on a thrilling safari as you explore the open plains and riverine areas. Expect close encounters with elephants, lions, and perhaps a cheetah chasing its prey.
After your exciting game drive, return for a hearty dinner at their restaurant. The view from the lodge is stunning, especially at sunset, with the golden light casting over the plains. After dinner, enjoy a relaxing evening by the firepit, with the sounds of the African bush as your backdrop.
Start your day with an early morning game drive. The early hours offer the best chance to spot predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as wildlife in their most active state. The Mara is famous for its predator-prey interactions, and you may witness thrilling scenes as lions hunt or elephants interact in family groups. The golden morning light makes for perfect photography opportunities.
Enjoy a delicious lunch on one of the picnic sites, in the African savannah where you can often spot zebras or gazelles grazing nearby.
Embark on a another game drive in the afternoon, this time exploring different parts of the reserve. Your guide will take you to key areas such as the Mara River, where you may witness crocodiles basking in the sun or hippos lounging in the water. If you’re visiting during the Great Migration (July to October), you may be lucky enough to witness the dramatic crossing of wildebeests and zebras.
Return to the lodge for a relaxed evening. Enjoy a sundowner drink on the terrace as you take in the view of the vast Mara plains, followed by a delicious dinner. The lodge offers a mix of local and international cuisine, ensuring a memorable dining experience to end your day.
After breakfast, it’s time to head to Lake Nakuru National Park, located about a 5-hour drive away. As you travel, enjoy scenic views of the Great Rift Valley, with its rolling hills and expansive landscapes. Your guide will make stops along the way for photo opportunities, allowing you to take in the incredible vistas of the Rift Valley.
Upon arrival in Lake Nakuru, check-in at your accommodation, a comfortable and charming lodge set within the park, offering stunning views of the lake. The lodge’s peaceful environment provides the perfect setting for relaxation after your drive. The rooms are cozy, and the lodge has a large outdoor pool with a view of the surrounding wildlife-filled savannah.
In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. This park is famous for its massive flocks of flamingos that congregate around the lake’s shores. In addition to flamingos, the park is a sanctuary for the endangered white and black rhinos, and you’ll likely encounter them as you explore the park. The park’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to open grasslands, make it an excellent location for spotting a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, buffaloes, and baboons.
After your game drive, return for dinner. The lodge’s restaurant offers a variety of delicious meals, and the peaceful surroundings make for a relaxing end to the day. You can also enjoy an evening walk along the lodge’s grounds, where you may spot more wildlife at dusk.
Begin your day with an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The early hours are perfect for spotting predators and for witnessing the park’s wildlife as they start their day. Keep an eye out for leopards hiding in the trees, lions near the rocky outcrops, and rhinos grazing in the tall grass.
After the morning game drive, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch or have the brunch at one of the scenic picnic points. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding park.
Afterwards, embark on another game drive in the park. This time, you can visit Baboon Cliff, which offers a panoramic view of the park and Lake Nakuru. The park’s diversity is one of its greatest assets, and you’ll have the chance to spot a wide range of wildlife, including buffalo, warthogs, and a variety of bird species. The park is also a great place for birdwatching, with over 450 bird species recorded.
After your game drive, check out and begin your drive to Lake Naivasha, a scenic 1.5-hour drive. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake surrounded by lush landscapes, making it a perfect place to unwind after your safari.
Check-in into one of the lakeside resorts offering beautiful views of the lake. The resorts feature spacious rooms, a large outdoor pool, and lush gardens, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. The resort is located right by the lake, where you may spot hippos and other wildlife from your room.
Enjoy a relaxed evening, where you can unwind after your travels. The resort’s restaurant offers a variety of delicious meals, and the peaceful lakeside setting is perfect for a sundowner as you take in the beautiful scenery.
Start your day with a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, one of Kenya’s most beautiful lakes. The boat ride is an excellent way to get up close to the lake’s wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds such as pelicans and kingfishers. You’ll also have the chance to visit Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary on the lake, where you can take a walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and other animals.
Return for lunch, and enjoy some time to relax in the resort’s serene environment before your departure. You can take a stroll around the gardens or enjoy the views of the lake one last time.
After your lunch and relaxation time, check-out from the resort and head back to Nairobi, which is about a 1.5-hour drive away. Your guide will drop you at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or your preferred location in Nairobi for your onward journey or return flight.
