Majestic Kenya Safaris

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

  • Visit: Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara NR
  • 5 Days
  • Private
  • Luxury
Lionesses at the Mara
Interacting with Giraffe at Crescent Island
Flock of flamingoes at Lake Nakuru
Herd of zebras seen at Masai Mara during 5 day kenya safari
Cheetah spotted in Masai Mara National Reserve
Starts from

$1,900 pp (USD)

Overview

4.4 (60)Reviews
★★★★★ 4.4/5

Overview

Experience the best of Kenya’s wildlife on this 5-day safari combining the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park, serene Lake Naivasha with Crescent Island, and the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. This adventure offers thrilling game drives, stunning landscapes, and the chance to see a wide variety of animals including the Big Five, flamingos, and rare white rhinos. You’ll travel by comfortable safari vehicle, allowing for game viewing opportunities en route between destinations.

Accommodation

Choose from a range of comfortable lodges and tented camps in each location. Options include:

  1. Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, or similar
  2. Lake Naivasha: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Enashipai Resort & Spa, or similar
  3. Masai Mara: Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge, or similar

All accommodations offer en-suite rooms or tents, restaurant facilities, and often additional amenities such as swimming pools and spa services.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

    Travel Time: 3-4 Hour Drive

    Meals: Lunch & Dinner

    Your safari adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Board your comfortable safari vehicle and set off for Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley, offering breathtaking views of the vast landscape. Your driver-guide will make stops at scenic viewpoints, allowing you to stretch your legs and capture photos of the dramatic escarpments and valleys.

    Arrive at your chosen lodge in time for lunch, where you'll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and a brief orientation. After settling into your accommodations, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring both international and local cuisines.

    In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive into Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is renowned for its population of flamingos that often ring the lake shore in a sea of pink. It's also one of the best places in Kenya to spot both black and white rhinos. Keep an eye out for the park's famous tree-climbing lions, a behavior not commonly seen in many other areas. Your guide will navigate around the lake and through acacia forests, pointing out buffalo, leopards, zebras, and numerous bird species.

    As the sun begins to set, stop at a picturesque spot to enjoy sundowner drinks and snacks, taking in the beauty of the African sunset. Return to the lodge for a gourmet dinner, followed by an optional briefing about the next day's activities.

  • Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

    Travel Time: 2 Hour Game Drive + 1-2 Hour Drive to Lake Naivasha

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Rise early for a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The soft morning light is ideal for photography, and wildlife is often active near the lake shore. This is a great time to spot animals coming to drink or predators making their last pursuits before the heat of the day sets in. Return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out.

    After breakfast, begin the short journey to Lake Naivasha. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch with views of the lake. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, known for its abundant birdlife and hippo populations.

    In the afternoon, take a boat ride to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. This unique wildlife sanctuary is actually a peninsula, formed by a crescent-shaped piece of land connected to the mainland. The island is home to a variety of wildlife including zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and numerous bird species. The absence of predators allows for a rare walking safari experience, where you can get up close to the animals in their natural habitat.

    As the day winds down, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening. You might hear the calls of fish eagles or the grunts of hippos as you fall asleep.

  • Day 3: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara

    Travel Time: 5-6 Hour Drive

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    After an early breakfast, depart for the Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes you through the heart of rural Kenya, offering glimpses into local life and ever-changing landscapes. Your driver-guide will provide commentary on the regions you pass through, from small towns to agricultural areas.

    As you approach the Masai Mara, the landscape transforms into rolling grasslands dotted with acacia trees - the classic East African savanna. Arrive at your chosen lodge in time for lunch, where you'll be welcomed and given time to settle into your new surroundings.

    In the late afternoon, set out on your first game drive in the Masai Mara. As the day cools, animals become more active, increasing your chances of exciting sightings. Your expert guide will navigate the park's tracks, sharing insights about the ecosystem and tracking wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for lions lounging in the grass, herds of elephants moving majestically across the savanna, or perhaps a leopard hiding in an acacia tree.

    As the sun begins to set, enjoy sundowner drinks at a picturesque spot in the bush before returning to the lodge for a gourmet dinner under the stars.

  • Day 4: Full Day in Masai Mara

    Travel Time: Game Drives (6-7 hours total)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Rise early to the sounds of the bush awakening. After a quick coffee or tea, set off on an early morning game drive when the wildlife is most active. Watch as the rising sun paints the savanna in golden hues, providing perfect lighting for photography. Your guide will seek out predators returning from their nightly hunts or herbivores grazing in the cool morning air. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some time to relax by the pool or on your private veranda.

    After lunch at the lodge, head out for an afternoon game drive, exploring a different area of the reserve. Visit the Mara River, famous for dramatic wildebeest crossings during the Great Migration (seasonal). Your guide will explain the intricacies of the ecosystem and point out smaller creatures often overlooked, from colorful birds to curious mongooses. As the afternoon progresses, search for cheetahs scanning the plains from termite mounds or giraffes browsing on acacia trees.

    For those seeking extra adventure, optional activities (additional cost) include a visit to a local Maasai village to learn about their traditional way of life, or a dawn hot air balloon safari offering a bird's eye view of the Mara (must be booked in advance).

    Return to the lodge as the sun sets for dinner and an evening of relaxation. Fall asleep to the distant sounds of lions roaring and hyenas whooping - a true African lullaby.

  • Day 5: Masai Mara to Nairobi

    Travel Time: 2-3 Hour Game Drive + 5-6 Hour Drive to Nairobi

    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

    Rise early for your final Masai Mara game drive. The early morning offers your last chance to spot any wildlife you might have missed and to soak in the beauty of the African savanna one last time. Your guide will make the most of this last excursion, perhaps seeking out a pride of lions or tracking one of the Mara's famous leopards. Take time to simply pause and absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of the bush - memories that will last a lifetime.

    Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast and time to pack. Bid farewell to the Masai Mara as you begin the drive back to Nairobi. The journey provides time for reflection on your safari experiences and a last look at rural Kenyan life. Your guide will be happy to answer any final questions about the wildlife, cultures, or landscapes you've encountered.

    Enjoy a packed lunch or stop at a local restaurant en route. As you approach Nairobi, the landscape gradually shifts from rural to urban. Arrive in the city in the late afternoon, where you'll be dropped off at your Nairobi hotel or the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable safari adventure.

Accommodation

Bed at Sarova Lion Hill in Nakuru
Sarova Lion Hill
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Dining at Mara Sopa Lodge in Masai Mara
Mara Sopa Lodge
Accommodation unit at Muthu Keekorok Lodge
Muthu Keekorok Lodge

Rates

Season2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5 Pax6 Pax
Jan - Jun$2300$2200$2100$2000$1900
Jul - Dec$2500$2400$2300$2200$2100

Includes & Excludes

  • Park entry fees
  • All meals
  • Comprehensive game drives
  • The services of a professional tour guide
  • Pick up and drop off from your hotel/Airport
  • Transportation in a customized Landcruiser
  • All government levies and taxes
  • International airfares and flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Single room supplement
  • Tips and other expenses of personal nature
  • Visa fees

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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