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

Duration

5 days, 4 nights

Parks

Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha

Travel style

Private, mid-range

Vehicle

4×4 Land Cruiser

Best time

Jun to Oct, Jan to Feb

Overview Route Itinerary Lodges Prices What’s included Reviews FAQ

Trip overview

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. For more space and lodges inside the parks, the 5-day luxury version of this route uses Sarova Lion Hill at Lake Nakuru and a lodge inside the Masai Mara.

Accommodations:

Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or similar (1 night)
Masai Mara: AA Lodge Masai Mara or similar (2 nights)
Lake Naivasha: The Great Rift Valley Lodge or similar (1 night)

Your route

Lake Nakuru 1 night · Masai Mara 2 nights · Lake Naivasha 1 night. Starts and ends in Nairobi.

Long drive days? Ask about flying between parks instead. It can save most of a day.

Day-by-day 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 scenery 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 special 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 habitat.

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 excellent population of big cats, abundant herbivores, and spectacular scenery.

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 habitats.

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 Masai 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 cool 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 Masai 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 scenery.

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 special 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: The Great Rift Valley Lodge 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 scenery. Your guide will be happy to answer any final questions you might have about the wildlife, scenery, 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 scenery, and warm hospitality.

Where you'll stay

The Great Rift Valley Lodge accommodation — The Great Rift Valley Lodge, Lake Naivasha

The Great Rift Valley Lodge, Lake Naivasha

“Or similar” means we may swap a lodge of the same standard if one is full on your dates. We always tell you before you book.

Prices for 2026 and 2027

Season	2 people	3	4	5	6
Jan to Jun	$1,800	$1,700	$1,600	$1,500	$1,400
Jul to Dec	$2,200	$2,100	$2,000	$1,900	$1,800

Prices are per person sharing, in US dollars. Single supplements and child rates on request.

What's included

Included

Park entry fees
All accommodation as listed
All meals as indicated
Game drives with a professional guide
Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or the airport
Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser
All government levies and taxes

Not included

International flights
Spirits and premium wines (house wine and beer are included at most lodges)
Travel insurance
Single room supplement
Tips and personal expenses
Kenya eTA (electronic travel authorisation) and Kenya’s mandatory travel insurance

Deposit: 30% to confirm your lodges
Balance: due 60 days before travel
Cancellation: full refund if you cancel more than 60 days before travel. Full cancellation policy

Reviews from our guests

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cameron M 
 
 
 
 Verified A Couple in December 2025 - 5 Stars
We booked with Stanley and Majestic Safari for the 6-day luxury tour through Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli. The trip completely exceeded our expectations, even despite it not being ‘peak season’ we were able to tick off Africa’s Big 5 on the very first game drive. This was in no small part down to our guide, Bonnie, who was an essential part of tracking these animals - you have to request him if booking through Majestic. Each accommodation also exceeded our expectations in terms of location, comfort, quality and service of the staff. Being a first time safari for us, we weren’t sure what to expect - but selecting the luxury option was well worth it. All aspects of travel and organisation was seamless. Once booked, there was next to nothing for us to think about as we were in experienced hands - and we were glad to have partnered with Majestic as there was significantly more organisation required in the background than we originally realised. Stanley also went above and beyond the itinerary, picking us up from the airport late at night despite the tour not starting until a few days later and ensuring we had some food to take into the hotel. This was after providing us with in-depth packing lists and general guidance on exploring Nairobi. I couldn’t recommend Majestic enough and hope to arrange another trip with Stanley in the future.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Coastal66646927528 
 
 
 
 Verified A Beautiful Safari with an Excellent Guide – Just Check the Route First
Majestic Kenyan Safaris gave us a wonderful Kenya experience, and our guide was genuinely lovely. He was calm, kind, and extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, parks, and local environment, which made the safari both engaging and meaningful. One thing worth noting for future travellers is the itinerary structure. Over the six-day safari, the route involved long drives in a zig-zag pattern rather than a simple circular loop. This meant more transit time on some days. This was not the fault of the company or the guide, as the itinerary was clearly outlined, but something we wish we had paid closer attention to when booking. Overall, Majestic Kenyan Safaris were professional, warm, and well organised. With careful attention to route planning beforehand, they offer a truly memorable safari experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Anouchka905 
 
 
 
 Verified The most Unforgettable Safari
Stanley Gichuki crafted the journey of dreams Thanks to our incredible guide, Bonie whose fearless spirit turned every mile into magic. He welcomed us in Samburu National Park and led us off the beaten path with a deep, soulful knowledge of the land, its stories, its rhythms, its wild heart. Samburu was our favorite in terms of landscape. We stood in awe in Samburu as reticulated giraffes swept across the horizon, watched Grevy’s zebras stride with quiet elegance, and felt the earth tremble beneath African elephants. We held our breath as a cheetah emerged from the tall grass, and we followed Kamau Boniethrough wet, treacherous tracks to where lions rule their hidden kingdom. Our journey continued into Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a sanctuary of hope, where we encountered the gentle wisdom of chimpanzees at the Jane Goodall, Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and witnessed the immense beauty of both white and black rhinos, alongside more elephants, more lions… and countless unforgettable moments. Our journey ended in the Maasai Mara . Our last drive was unforgettabel as we watched a cheetah devouring a thompson gazelle, leaving the rest of the kill to a fight between two jackals and a flock of vultures. We had a brief encounter with a leopard walking down a river and watched more lions enjoying their buffalo lunch. Truly memorable experiences. Kenya, you are once in a lifetime. Thank you
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   goort g 
 
 
 
 Verified Safari with Majestick Kenya
We just returned from a 9 days safari, and we enjoyed it very much. Everything was arranged very well, our driver/guide Bonnie was outstanding. The tour company did everything to be helpfull in picking up from the airport, taking us with their jeep to all the place we visited, and we had very nice game drives. We went to Samburu, Oj Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. The lodges were great, good value for money and we were upgraded in 2 places. Thank you Majestick, and al your staff. We highly recommend you.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sam G 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing Safari Experience!
Just got back from an amazing 7-day safari with Majestic Kenya Safaris! Our guide Samuel was fantastic - incredible wildlife knowledge and spotted animals from miles away. We saw the Big Five, including a pride of lions with cubs in the Maasai Mara. Everything was perfectly organized from airport transfers to accommodations. The mix of lodges and tented camps was great, and falling asleep to African bush sounds was magical. Vehicle was comfortable for the longer drives between parks. One activity got cancelled due to weather, but they quickly arranged something even better. Would definitely recommend to anyone planning a Kenya safari - unforgettable experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tejl Kercova 
 
 
 
 Verified Best Safari experience!
Majestic Kenya Safaris in Nairobi exceeded all my expectations! From the moment we booked, their team was incredibly professional and attentive, ensuring every detail was taken care of. The safari itself was breathtaking—our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and knew the best spots for wildlife viewing. We saw the Big Five up close, along with stunning landscapes that felt like something out of a dream. The accommodations were luxurious yet blended seamlessly with nature. What stood out most was their genuine passion for conservation and community support. I highly recommend Majestic Kenya Safaris for an unforgettable, world-class experience in Kenya!