7-Day Luxury Kenya Safari Tour

Day 2-3: Full Day Masai Mara

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Spend two full days exploring the wonders of the Masai Mara. Each day will follow a similar pattern, but the experiences will vary as wildlife sightings are always unpredictable and exciting.

Start your days early with a morning game drive. The Mara is magical at dawn, with mist often hanging low over the grass and animals active in the cool morning air. Your guide will be on the lookout for predators that might have made a kill overnight. You might find lions still feasting on their prey or hear the excited whoops of hyenas.

Return to the lodge mid-morning for breakfast and some relaxation time. Both Mara Sopa and Keekorok offer swimming pools where you can cool off during the heat of the day.

Afternoon game drives often focus on finding the big cats as they become more active as the day cools. The Masai Mara is known for its large lion prides, and you're likely to encounter these magnificent predators during your stay. Keep your eyes peeled for the more elusive leopards and cheetahs as well.

In addition to the big cats, the Mara is home to vast herds of herbivores. You'll likely see large numbers of wildebeest, zebras, and various antelope species. If you're visiting between July and October, you might witness the spectacle of the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross from Tanzania's Serengeti into the Mara in search of fresh grazing.

Optional Activities:

During your stay in the Masai Mara, you have the opportunity to enhance your safari experience with two popular optional activities (at an additional cost):

Hot Air Balloon Safari: For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a dawn hot air balloon flight over the Masai Mara. You'll rise early, before sunrise, to travel to the launch site. As the sun peeks over the horizon, you'll drift silently over the plains, watching wildlife from a unique perspective. The flight lasts about an hour and is followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. This is an excellent opportunity for stunning photographs and a new appreciation of the vastness of the Mara ecosystem.

Masai Village Visit: For those interested in the cultural aspect of the region, a visit to a traditional Masai village can be arranged. You'll be welcomed by Masai warriors and invited to learn about their unique way of life. The visit typically includes a tour of the village, explanations of Masai customs and traditions, and the chance to see inside a traditional Masai home. You may also have the opportunity to watch traditional dances and purchase handmade Masai crafts. This experience offers valuable insights into the rich culture of the Masai people who have lived in harmony with wildlife in this region for centuries.

Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

Travel Time: About 2 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start with an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park to catch the animals at their most active. Return to the hotel for breakfast before departing for Lake Naivasha.

The drive to Lake Naivasha is relatively short, taking you through the heart of the Great Rift Valley. You'll arrive at the Great Rift Valley Lodge or similar in time for lunch. The lodge typically offers panoramic views over Lake Naivasha and the surrounding landscape.

In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. The lake is a freshwater oasis in the Rift Valley, home to a wealth of birdlife. Your boat guide will help spot and identify various species, from fish eagles to kingfishers. The boat ride also offers the chance to see hippos up close.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay. The evening might include a talk about the local ecology or a chance to stargaze, depending on the lodge's offerings.