Majestic Kenya Safaris

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5 Days Kenya Safari - Masai Mara & L. Nakuru NP

  • Visit: L. Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR
  • 5 days
  • Private
  • Luxury
Hot Air Balloon safari over the Masai Mara in Kenya
Birdlife spotted in Lake Nakuru National Park. The lake has many bird species.
Elephants spotted in Lake Naivasha during a boat ride
Lion spotted in Masai Mara during a game drive
Starts from

$1,500 pp (USD)

Overview

4.6 (34) Reviews
Rated 4.6 out of 5

This five-day safari works well for travellers with limited time who want to see different ecosystems. You’ll visit Lake Nakuru for rhinos and flamingos, Lake Naivasha for a boat safari and walking opportunities, then finish in the Masai Mara for classic Big Five viewing.

The route follows a logical progression through the Rift Valley, minimizing backtracking. Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s best parks for spotting both black and white rhinos. Lake Naivasha offers a different experience with boat trips among hippos and a walk on Crescent Island where you can get close to grazers without a vehicle. The Mara delivers what most people picture when they think African safari.

This itinerary uses road transport rather than flights, which keeps costs down and lets you see the changing landscape as you travel. The drives are manageable, mostly 3-4 hours between destinations. For Australian travellers on a tighter schedule or budget, it covers Kenya’s highlights efficiently.

Accommodations:

  • Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru Lodge or Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
  • Lake Naivasha: Great Rift Valley Lodge
  • Masai Mara: Governors’ Camp or Ashnil Mara Camp

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

    Drive Time: Approximately 3-4 hours

    Meals: Lunch & Dinner

    Morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, usually around 7:30-8:00 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 Lake Nakuru Lodge or Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge around midday. Both sit inside the park, so wildlife moves through the grounds. After check-in and lunch, afternoon game drive around the lake.

    Lake Nakuru is compact at 188 square kilometres. The park is fenced, which has helped rhino populations recover. Good chances of seeing both black and white rhinos. Flamingo numbers fluctuate based on the lake's alkalinity, sometimes thousands, other times just scattered groups. Leopards are present and sightings are fairly regular. Also look for Rothschild's giraffe, waterbuck, and buffalo.

    Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge or Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge.

  • Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

    Drive Time: Approximately 1.5 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Morning game drive in Lake Nakuru before breakfast, best time for spotting predators. Return to lodge, check out, then short drive to Lake Naivasha arriving late morning.

    Great Rift Valley Lodge sits on a hillside overlooking Lake Naivasha with views across the water. After check-in and lunch, afternoon boat safari on the lake. Naivasha is a freshwater lake, different from the alkaline soda lakes in the Rift Valley. Large hippo populations in the water, various water birds including fish eagles, cormorants, and pelicans along the shore.

    The boat takes you close to hippos (keeping safe distance) and around the papyrus edges where birds concentrate. Later, optional visit to Crescent Island for a walking safari among zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, and antelope. No predators on the island, so you can walk freely with a guide.

    Dinner and overnight at Great Rift Valley Lodge.

  • Day 3: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve

    Drive Time: Approximately 5-6 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Early breakfast, then drive to the Masai Mara. The route takes you through the town of Narok, then onto rougher roads as you approach the reserve. The landscape changes from farmland to open Maasai grazing areas.

    Arrive at Governors' Camp or Ashnil Mara Camp in time for lunch. Governors' Camp sits on the Mara River in ancient riverine forest. Ashnil Mara Camp is in the Ol Seki Conservancy bordering the main reserve with fewer vehicles and good wildlife.

    After lunch and rest, late afternoon game drive. The Mara's wildlife density is immediately noticeable. Lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and various antelope within the first couple of hours. Your guide knows the area and will position you for good viewing and photos.

    Dinner and overnight at Governors' Camp or Ashnil Mara Camp.

  • Day 4: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Full day exploring the Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Early start around 6:30 AM when animals are most active. Lions, often in large prides, are almost guaranteed. Leopards require patience but sightings happen regularly, especially near riverine areas. Cheetahs use the open plains for hunting. Buffalo in massive herds, rhinos less common but present.

    If visiting July to October, the wildebeest migration dominates. Over a million animals from the Serengeti, creating dramatic river crossings. Unpredictable timing but guides stay in radio contact. Outside migration season, resident wildlife provides excellent viewing year-round.

    Optional Maasai village visit to learn about local culture. Optional hot air balloon safari at extra cost (approximately USD $450 per person).

    Dinner and overnight at Governors' Camp or Ashnil Mara Camp.

  • Day 5: Masai Mara to Nairobi - Departure

    Drive Time: Approximately 5-6 hours

    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

    Final early morning game drive before breakfast. Last chance for wildlife viewing at dawn when predators are often active. Return to camp for breakfast and check out.

    Drive back to Nairobi, arriving mid to late afternoon. Drop off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport depending on your onward plans. Most evening flights to Australia via Dubai, Doha, or Bangkok work well with this timing.

    If your international flight departs very late at night, time for last-minute shopping at the Maasai Market, though this depends on your schedule. Day rooms near the airport can be arranged if needed between safari and flight departure.

Accommodation

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in Lake Nakuru
Sarova Lion Hill
Rooms in the Great Riftvalley Lodge in Naivasha
The Great Riftvalley Lodge
Ashnil Mara Camp
Ashnil Mara Camp
Governor's Camp
Governor's Camp

Rates

Season2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5 Pax6 Pax
Jan - Jun$2,100$1,800$1,650$1,550$1,500
Jul - Dec$2,250$2,000$1,850$1,750$1,700

Includes & Excludes

  • Park entry fees
  • Accommodation (4 nights)
  • All meals from lunch Day 1 through lunch Day 5
  • Game drives per itinerary
  • The services of a professional tour guide
  • Pick up and drop off from your hotel/Airport
  • Transportation in a customised Landcruiser
  • All government levies and taxes
  • Crescent Island walking safari
  • Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
  • Kenya eVisa (Australians require eVisas)
  • International airfares and flights
  • Optional activities: Hot air balloon safari (USD $450 per person), Maasai village visit
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Single room supplement
  • Tips and other expenses of personal nature
  • Travel insurance

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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