Majestic Kenya Safaris

5-Day Kenya Safari: Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, and Lake Naivasha

Starts from

$1,400 pp (USD)

Overview

4.5 (180) Reviews
4.5/5

This 5-day safari takes you through some of Kenya’s most diverse and wildlife-rich destinations. Starting in Nairobi, you’ll explore Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its flamingos and rhinos. Then you’ll head to the world-famous Masai Mara for incredible game viewing, including chances to spot the Big Five. The trip concludes with a serene visit to Lake Naivasha before returning to Nairobi.

Throughout the journey, you’ll stay in mid-range accommodations, offering comfort and value for a comprehensive Kenyan safari experience. You’ll travel in a 7-seater safari van with a pop-up roof, perfect for game viewing and photography.

Accommodations:

  • Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or similar (1 night)
  • Masai Mara: AA Lodge Mara or similar (2 nights)
  • Lake Naivasha: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort or similar (1 night)

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

    Travel Time: 4-5 Hours

    Meals: Lunch & Dinner

    Your safari adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Meet your experienced guide and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. As you leave the city behind, watch the landscape transform from urban sprawl to rural villages and finally to the stunning vistas of the Great Rift Valley.

    En route, you'll make a stop at a viewpoint overlooking the vast Rift Valley, where your guide will explain the geological significance of this massive fault line. It's a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and capture some memorable photos.

    Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch at your lodge. After a short rest, set out for an afternoon game drive in the park. Lake Nakuru is famous for its population of flamingos that fringe the shores, creating a stunning pink haze over the water. However, the number of flamingos varies depending on water and food conditions, and the best viewing times are during the dry seasons.

    Besides the flamingos, keep your eyes peeled for white and black rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, waterbucks, and the elusive leopard. The park is also home to lion prides, and if you're lucky, you might spot the unique tree-climbing lions of Lake Nakuru.

    As the day winds down, your guide will find a scenic spot for you to enjoy the sunset over the lake before returning to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

    Overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or similar.

  • Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

    Travel Time: 5-6 Hour Drive

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge. Check out and begin your journey to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes you through the picturesque Rift Valley and Maasai country, offering glimpses of traditional Maasai villages and herds of cattle along the way.

    You’ll pass through the town of Narok, the gateway to the Masai Mara, where you can see the blend of modern life and Maasai culture. Your guide will share insights into the Maasai way of life and their significance to the region's ecosystem.

    Arrive at your lodge in the Masai Mara in time for lunch. After settling in, embark on your first game drive in this iconic reserve. The Masai Mara is famous for its exceptional population of big cats, abundant herbivores, and spectacular landscapes.

    During your afternoon game drive, you might encounter lions lounging in the grass, herds of elephants browsing among the scattered acacia trees, or graceful giraffes moving slowly across the savanna. Your guide will help you spot and identify the various species and share interesting facts about their behaviors and ecosystems.

    As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in vibrant hues, return to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay. Fall asleep to the distant sounds of the African wilderness.

    Overnight: AA Lodge Mara or similar.

  • Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of the Masai Mara. Start with an early morning game drive, departing just as the sun begins to peek over the horizon. This is one of the best times to spot wildlife, as many animals are active in the cooler morning hours.

    Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. The Mara is also home to cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and an abundance of herbivores including wildebeest, zebras, antelopes, and gazelles. Your guide will help you track animal movements and position the vehicle for the best viewing and photo opportunities.

    Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and some time to relax by the pool or on your private veranda. After lunch at the lodge, head out for another game drive in a different area of the reserve.

    In the afternoon, you might choose to take an optional visit to a local Maasai village (extra cost). This is a chance to learn about the traditions and daily life of these iconic pastoralists who have lived alongside wildlife for centuries.

    As the day draws to a close, your guide will find a prime spot for a sundowner. Watch the sun sink below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the savanna, while enjoying a refreshing drink. This is a quintessential safari experience and a moment to savor.

    Return to the lodge for dinner and another night surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

    Overnight: AA Lodge Mara or similar.

  • Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha

    Travel Time: 4-5 Hour Drive

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Begin your day with an early morning game drive in the Masai Mara. This final drive in the reserve gives you one last chance to spot any wildlife you might have missed and to soak in the beauty of the Mara as it awakens.

    Return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out. Bid farewell to the Masai Mara as you begin your journey to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley. The drive offers more chances to see rural Kenyan life and changing landscapes.

    Arrive at your lodge on the shores of Lake Naivasha in time for lunch. After some time to relax and freshen up, embark on an afternoon boat ride on the lake. Lake Naivasha is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 400 species of birds including African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers.

    During your boat ride, you'll likely spot hippos surfacing in the water and perhaps some buffalo or waterbuck grazing by the shore. Your boat captain will also take you close to Crescent Island, a partially submerged volcanic crater rim where you might see giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes.

    For those interested, there's an optional walking safari on Crescent Island (extra cost). This unique experience allows you to walk among free-roaming wildlife, offering a different perspective from the vehicle safaris.

    As the sun sets over the lake, return to your lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

    Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort or similar.

  • Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

    Travel Time: 2-3 Hour Drive

    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

    On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. You might choose to take a morning nature walk around the lodge grounds, where you can often spot colobus monkeys in the acacia trees and various bird species.

    After checking out, begin your journey back to Nairobi. The drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley, offering last views of this spectacular landscape. Your guide will be happy to answer any final questions you might have about the wildlife, landscapes, or cultures you've encountered during your safari.

    Arrive in Nairobi in the early afternoon. Depending on your onward plans, you might have time for some souvenir shopping at a local craft market before being dropped off at your Nairobi hotel or the airport.

    As your safari concludes, you'll take with you unforgettable memories of Kenya's incredible wildlife, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Accommodation

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
AA Lodge Masai Mara
AA Lodge Mara
The Great Rift Valley Lodge
The Great Rift Valley Lodge
The Great Rift Valley Lodge

Rates

Season2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5 Pax6 Pax
Jan - Jun$1800$1700$1600$1500$1400
Jul - Dec$2200$2100$2000$1900$1800

Includes & Excludes

A Family Safari to Remember

Our Kenya safari exceeded expectations! Expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable wildlife sightings. Highly recommend!

Kenya safari testimonial - The smiths

The Smiths

USA

An Unforgettable Solo Adventure

Solo traveler, felt safe and well-cared for. Guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Mark Davis testimonial of our Kenya safaris

Mark Davis

Australia

Honeymoon Paradise in Kenya

Honeymoon was a dream come true! Luxurious accommodations, personalized service, and romantic atmosphere. Perfect!

The Harris Testimonial

David & Emily Harris

UK

Budget-Friendly Safari Adventure

Budget-friendly safari with incredible wildlife sightings. Knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations. Highly satisfied!

Family-Safari-Review (1)

Théo Martin

France

A Luxury Safari Experience

Best safari experience ever! Saw the Big Five, learned about Maasai culture, and enjoyed delicious food. Amazing!

Jennifer Lee Testimonial

Jennifer Lee

Canada

Luxury Honeymoon in the Wild

Our Kenya safari was unforgettable! Expert guides, luxurious accommodations, and incredible wildlife sightings. Highly recommend!

Testimonial by David and Emily Johnson

David and Emily Johnson

United States

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