Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari

Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru

Experience the best of Kenya with a 5-day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari. Enjoy 3 nights in the Mara and 1 night at Lake Nakuru for rhinos, lions, and more.

By spending 3 nights in the Masai Mara and 1 night at Lake Nakuru, you give yourself enough time to settle into the rhythm of the bush without feeling rushed, while ensuring your species “checklist” is well-rounded.

PEAK SEASON

JULY – OCT

IDEAL TRIP LENGTH

5 DAYS

Trip Highlights

The Special Five of Samburu: Encounter rare species found only north of the equator, including the Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy’s Zebra.
The Pink Horizon of Lake Nakuru: Marvel at the spectacular sight of thousands of flamingos fringe the lake’s shores.
Rhino Sanctuary Success: Enjoy guaranteed sightings of both black and white rhinos in one of Kenya’s most successful conservation parks.
The Iconic Masai Mara: Spend two nights in the world’s most famous wildlife reserve, home to the Big Five.
Big Cat Tracking: Witness the legendary lions, elusive leopards, and lightning-fast cheetahs of the Mara plains.

Ewaso Ng’iro River Life: Watch herds of elephants gather at the riverbanks in Samburu for a drink under the scorching sun.
The Great Rift Valley Views: Stop at the breathtaking viewpoints of the world’s largest valley system during your drive.
Cultural Immersion: Engage with the vibrant Samburu and Maasai people to learn about their ancient traditions and harmony with nature.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Spot over 450 avian species, from the massive Somali Ostrich to the elegant Fish Eagle

Kenya Wilderness Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to the Magnificent Masai Mara

Your Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari begins with a warm welcome in Nairobi. We depart early, heading toward the floor of the Great Rift Valley. The drive is a spectacle in itself, with a stop at the viewpoint to marvel at the sheer scale of the landscape.

We arrive at your chosen camp or lodge in the Masai Mara in time for a late lunch. After refreshing, we head out for your first introductory game drive. As the afternoon heat fades, the predators begin to stir. Keep your eyes peeled for prides of lions lounging in the tall grass before their evening hunt.
Day 2-3: Deep Exploration of the Mara Plains

After breakfast, you’ll head toward the Great Rift Valley for the next leg of your safari. Lake Nakuru National Park is a stark contrast to Samburu. Known primarily for its soda lake, it was once famous for millions of flamingos that turned the water pink. While water levels fluctuate, the park remains a premier destination for birding and rhino sightings.

This is one of the best places in Kenya to see the endangered White and Black Rhino. The park is compact, meaning game viewing is often intense and highly rewarding. You might also spot the rare Rothschild’s Giraffe or a leopard resting in the yellow-barked acacia trees that fringe the lake. It is a shorter stay, but a vital chapter in the story of your 6-Day Kenya Wilderness Safari.
Day 4: From Savannah to the Shores of Lake Nakuru

After a final early morning “sun-up” game drive and a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to the Mara and head north to Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours, passing through Narok and the central highlands.

Arrive at Lake Nakuru in time for an evening game drive. This park is a fenced sanctuary, making it incredibly easy to spot the resident white rhinos grazing near the water’s edge. The acacia forest is also the perfect habitat for the leopard, though you’ll need a sharp eye to spot them draped over the branches of the yellow-barked trees.
Day 5: Birding Bliss and Return to Nairobi

The final morning of your Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari is dedicated to the birds and the rare Rothschild Giraffe. Lake Nakuru is an ornithologist’s dream, home to over 400 species of birds. We take a slow drive along the lakeshore, observing the flamingos and pelicans before ascending to Baboon Cliff for a final bird’s-eye view of the park.

After lunch, we begin the drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon. Whether you are heading to the airport or your hotel, you’ll carry with you the sights and sounds of the wild that only a Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari can provide.

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Trip Highlights

Each journey is tailored to your specific needs and desires, and so our prices vary depending on the number of people
traveling, level of accommodations desired, and activities included, among other factors.

Our travel designers will curate a journey specifically for you. If you have a budget you want us to work with, please let
us know, and we will do our best to achieve it.