5 Days Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru
5 Days from $ 1,380 / person sharing
This 5 Days Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari is perfect for those who want to explore Kenya’s wildlife at a slower, more immersive pace without feeling rushed. With private game drives, flexible schedules, and mid-range accommodations in prime locations, it offers comfort, adventure, and value in one package. From the rolling plains of the Masai Mara to the flamingo-dotted shores of Lake Nakuru, every moment is designed to leave you with lasting memories of Africa’s natural wonders.
Safari Highlights
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Exclusive full-day game drives in the Masai Mara, one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserves.
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Opportunity to witness the Great Migration, nature’s greatest spectacle.
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Comfortable accommodation throughout the journey, located in prime spots near the parks.
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A scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha, with the chance to see hippos and diverse birdlife.
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Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for rhinos, lions, leopards, and birdlife.
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara – The Adventure Begins
Your adventure starts in Nairobi, where our professional driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or residence in a private safari vehicle. Soon after, you’ll set off on a scenic drive towards the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve.
The journey itself is an experience—driving through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. We will pause at the famous Rift Valley viewpoint to admire sweeping vistas of the world’s largest valley, a dramatic backdrop that sets the stage for your safari. Continuing onwards, the landscapes gradually shift from lush farmlands to the open plains that herald your arrival at Masai Mara.
By early afternoon, you’ll check in at your lodge or camp, where a warm welcome and a delicious lunch await. After some time to settle in and relax, your first game drive begins at 4:00 PM. This introductory safari experience gives you a taste of what lies ahead, with opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and possibly the big cats that make the Mara so famous. As the sun sets, return to your lodge to enjoy dinner and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Afternoon Game Drive
Day 2: Full Day Exploring Masai Mara
The second day of your safari is dedicated entirely to exploring the vast wilderness of Masai Mara. Known for its rolling savannahs, rich wildlife diversity, and the annual Great Migration, the reserve is a true gem of Africa.
Your day begins with an early morning game drive from 6:15 AM to 9:00 AM, the golden hours when predators are most active and the morning light makes the landscape especially photogenic. After breakfast, you may opt to rest or continue exploring until lunch. Later in the afternoon, another game drive awaits, running from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. These timings maximize your chances of encountering lions, cheetahs, elephants, and perhaps the elusive leopard.
Alternatively, you can choose to spend the entire day on an extended game drive with a packed picnic lunch. This full-day adventure allows you to cover greater distances in search of wildlife, perhaps even following the Mara River, where dramatic predator-prey interactions often unfold during the migration season.
As evening sets in, return to your camp for dinner and a restful night, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Morning & Afternoon Game Drive or Full-Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch
Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha – The Rift Valley’s Jewel
After breakfast, you bid farewell to the Mara and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Naivasha, one of the Great Rift Valley’s most tranquil and beautiful freshwater lakes. Known for its serene surroundings and abundance of birdlife, Naivasha provides a refreshing contrast to the savannahs of the Mara.
You will arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, followed by a leisurely afternoon. Enjoy the natural beauty of the lodge grounds, where you may spot waterbuck, giraffes, or even playful monkeys. The area is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with species such as fish eagles, kingfishers, and cormorants frequently seen.
For those seeking more adventure, you can book an optional one-hour boat safari on the lake (at extra cost). This unique experience gives you a close-up view of hippos wallowing in the shallows and offers sweeping views of the surrounding highlands. The boat ride also brings you close to colonies of water birds, making it a highlight for photographers and nature lovers alike.
As the day winds down, enjoy dinner and relax in the peaceful lakeside environment.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Leisure at Lodge, Optional Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha
Accommodation: Elsamere Lodge
Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru – Rhinos, Birds & Big Cats
After a leisurely breakfast, your journey continues to Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sanctuary for endangered species. Leaving Naivasha at around 9:00 AM, you’ll arrive at Lake Nakuru by midday, just in time for lunch at your lodge.
At 3:30 PM, set out for an afternoon game drive across this spectacular park. Known for its rhino sanctuary, Nakuru is one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos up close. The park is also home to lions, leopards, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species.
Lake Nakuru itself adds to the magic, often shimmering with thousands of flamingos and pelicans along its shores. The park’s viewpoints, such as Baboon Cliff, provide breathtaking panoramas ideal for photography.
As dusk approaches, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities: Afternoon Game Drive
Accommodation: Sarova Lionhill Camp
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Return to Nairobi
On your final day, rise early for a rewarding 6:30 AM game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. This early morning safari is your last opportunity to spot predators in action or enjoy the serenity of the park before it fully awakens.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and check out. You’ll then embark on your return journey to Nairobi, with a short stop at the Rift Valley Escarpment to stretch and soak in the panoramic views one last time.
By early afternoon, you’ll arrive in Nairobi, where we’ll drop you off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight or transfer you to your Nairobi hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Activities: Morning Game Drive
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Kenya Wild Parks Really Knows How to Create the Perfect Kenyan Holiday!
From the very first conversation with Erick, we knew a truly bespoke trip was being crafted for us. Within an hour of submitting our online booking form, I received a detailed draft itinerary filled with suggestions for destinations and activities tailored to our interests. We were traveling with our two grown children and their partners, each arriving from different parts of the country. Despite the complexity, everything went smoothly from the start. Upon arrival, we were warmly received by Erick and Collins for a meet and greet. Erick gave us a thorough briefing on what to expect during our journey. Our adventure began with a flight to Lewa, where we spent three incredible nights, an unforgettable experience. From there, we flew to Amboseli, staying at Angama Amboseli, which exceeded every expectation. The accommodation was truly 5-star in every sense; we only wished we could have stayed longer! Next, we flew to Angama Mara, another world-class stay. The Mara never disappoints, and this visit met our highest standards. Erick stayed in touch throughout our trip, checking in regularly to ensure everything was running perfectly—a gesture we greatly appreciated, especially as seasoned travelers. This was a bucket-list trip that far exceeded our greatest expectations. While it seemed expensive at first, we can confidently say it was worth every penny.
A well organized personal trip to Kenya
The service we received from Kenya Wild Parks was excellent. Working with Erick made everything completely stress-free, he carefully laid out each step, including the timing, to ensure smooth planning. He handled all our bookings, from the lodges (one recommended by friends and another he suggested) to flights, transfers, and even small details like extra day trips, immunizations, packing tips, and tipping guidelines. Their website is comprehensive and very user-friendly, making the process even easier. Whenever we had additional questions - especially as our departure neared - Erick responded promptly and thoroughly, no matter how minor our query was. We’ll definitely be using Kenya Wild Parks again in the future!
Lasting Memories – Safari in Kenya
Collins was absolutely wonderful to work with. From the very start of planning until the moment we returned home, he communicated with us every step of the way. All of our questions were answered quickly, and we felt well-prepared for everything. He also gave us great recommendations on some of the best places to shop during our downtime in Nairobi. Thanks to Collins, and all the team at Kenya Wild Parks our safari was seamless and truly unforgettable.
Holiday of a lifetime.
Holiday of a lifetime. We were in Kenya for just 4 full days, but Erick & the team at Kenya Wild parks ensured the agenda was full & extremely memorable: the team accompanied us through full planning of internal flights & transfers, camp booking, and final day in nairobi with excursions & restaurants included. The partner lodge, Entim Mara was spectacular. The lodge is located within the masai reserve, meaning wildlife (hippos, elephants, giraffes, monkeys …) at our doorstep, and the feeling that the safari never ended. Food, comfort & hospitality also all 5*. Game drives were fantastic: from the moment of getting off the plane & drive to the lodge, we were already met with such a variety of wildlife. What we appreciated most was that we had both a driver and a scout. Both very experienced and able to read the signals of wildlife rather than following vehicles, meaning that we were able to see some spectacular events such as a Lion kill, with no other cars around us. Thank you for a special holiday.
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I felt like Kenya Wild Parks was with me every step of the way. Erick prepared me so well for what to expect and took the time to understand what mattered most to me. Their detailed itinerary made me feel like I already ‘knew’ each place before I arrived. With seamless transportation and knowledgeable guides, everything was effortless. At first, I was a bit skeptical about direct booking and even considered going through a U.S. agency. But the expertise and personal touch from Kenya Wild Parks made all the difference. Erick’s availability and quick responses to all our questions gave me complete confidence. I’m already excited to book with them again!
Incredible first-time safari to Kenya!
Service from start to finish was amazing! Everyone along the way was so helpful and accommodating! Erick went above and beyond to create the trip of our dreams! Our guide for all of the game drives, Simon, was incredible! We are already dreaming about our next African adventure. We shall be back soon!
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