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4-Day Masai Mara Luxury Safari Experience

Duration

4 days, 3 nights

Parks

Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara

Travel style

Private, luxury

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 four-day safari combines two of Kenya’s best wildlife destinations in a compact itinerary that works well for travelers with limited time. You’ll start at Lake Nakuru for rhinos and flamingos before moving to the Masai Mara for two full days of Big Five game viewing.

Lake Nakuru is compact and productive, with both black and white rhino populations recovered to healthy numbers. The park is fenced, which concentrates wildlife and makes for reliable sightings. Leopards are regularly spotted, often in trees around the lodge area. From Nakuru you head west to the Masai Mara for the main event.

Two full days in the Mara gives you solid game viewing time without the rush of shorter itineraries. Mara Serena sits in the Mara Triangle, the best-managed section of the reserve, with lower vehicle numbers and excellent wildlife density. Between July and October there’s a good chance of catching migration river crossings, though the resident wildlife delivers year-round.

The accommodation is truly luxurious. Sarova Lion Hill overlooks Lake Nakuru with wildlife visiting the waterhole below the terrace throughout the day. Mara Serena is the only lodge inside the Mara Triangle with views over the plains and Mara River.

Accommodations:

Lake Nakuru: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (1 night)
Masai Mara: Mara Serena Safari Lodge (2 nights)

Your route

Lake Nakuru 1 night · Masai Mara 2 nights. 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

Drive Time: 3-4 hours · Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport around 7:30 AM. Drive northwest through Nairobi’s outskirts, then climb the escarpment with views over the Rift Valley floor. Stop at the viewpoint for photos before descending into the valley.

Arrive at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge around midday. The lodge sits on raised ground inside the park with panoramic views over Lake Nakuru. After check-in and lunch, afternoon game drive around the lake.

Lake Nakuru is compact at 188 square kilometers and fully fenced. Both black and white rhino populations are healthy and sightings are reliable. Flamingo numbers vary with the lake’s alkalinity but can be spectacular. Leopards are frequently seen, often resting in trees near the lodge. Also look for Rothschild’s giraffe, waterbuck, buffalo, and lions. The waterhole at the lodge attracts wildlife throughout the afternoon and evening.

Dinner and overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge.

Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

Drive Time: 5 hours · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru before breakfast, best time for predators and rhino activity. Return to lodge for breakfast, check out, then drive west to the Masai Mara through Narok town. The scenery opens into Maasai grazing land as you approach the reserve.

Arrive at Mara Serena Safari Lodge in time for lunch. The lodge is the only property inside the Mara Triangle, perched on a hill 300 meters above the reserve floor with sweeping views over the savannah and Mara River. After settling in, late afternoon game drive into the Triangle.

The Mara Triangle is one of the best-managed sections of the reserve with lower vehicle numbers than the main reserve. Wildlife density is immediately noticeable. Lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and various plains game within the first couple of hours. The Mara River runs through this section with hippos and crocodiles year-round.

Dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge.

Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Full day exploring the Mara Triangle with morning and afternoon game drives. Early start around 6:30 AM. The Triangle’s Big Five populations are all healthy. Lions in large prides are almost guaranteed. Leopards require patience but sightings are regular near the riverine vegetation. Cheetahs hunt on the open plains. Buffalo in massive herds. Rhinos are present, particularly in the Triangle where conservation has been strong.

Between July and October the wildebeest migration dominates. Over a million animals from the Serengeti cross into the Mara, and the Triangle’s section of the Mara River sees dramatic crossings. Timing is unpredictable but your guide maintains radio contact and will position you when activity builds. Outside migration season the resident wildlife delivers excellent viewing year-round.

Optional hot air balloon safari in the morning (AUD $650 per person, booked in advance) or optional Maasai village visit.

Dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge.

Day 4: Masai Mara to Nairobi, Departure

Drive Time: 5 hours · Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Final early morning game drive before breakfast. Last chance for the Mara Triangle at dawn when predators are often active. Return to lodge for breakfast and check out, then drive back to Nairobi arriving mid to late afternoon.

Drop off at your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Most Australian travelers use Emirates via Dubai, Qatar via Doha, or Kenya Airways via Bangkok. Evening departures work well with morning drives from the Mara.

Where you'll stay

Swimming pool at Sarova Lion Hill in Lake Nakuru National Park — Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Lake Nakuru

Bed at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge — Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Lake Nakuru

Viewing deck at Mara Serena — Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Masai Mara

bed at Mara Serena Lodge — Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Masai Mara

“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	AUD $2,000	AUD $1,800	AUD $1,650	AUD $1,600	AUD $1,500
Jul to Dec	AUD $3,300	AUD $2,950	AUD $2,850	AUD $2,750	AUD $2,700

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

What's included

Included

Park entry fees
Accommodation (3 nights)
All meals from lunch Day 1 through lunch Day 4
Game drives with a professional guide
Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or the airport
Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser
Bottled water during game drives
All government levies and taxes

Not included

International flights
Premium drinks at lodges
Travel insurance
Optional activities: Hot air balloon safari (AUD $650 per person), Maasai village visit
Tips and personal expenses
Single supplement
Kenya eTA (electronic travel authorisation)

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!