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Kenya
5 Days Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Price
- From $2,949 pp
- Difficulty
- Easy
Overview
The 5 Days Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru Journey is thoughtfully structured to deliver a high-impact Kenyan safari experience, seamlessly integrating iconic wildlife destinations with smooth and efficient logistics. The journey begins in Nairobi, followed by a scenic overland drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. Renowned for its alkaline lake, exceptional birdlife, and significant populations of both black and white rhino, Lake Nakuru introduces rich ecological diversity to the itinerary. Its forested landscapes and lakeside scenery provide a striking contrast to the open plains that follow. The safari then continues to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated conservation areas. During this 5 Days Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru, you will enjoy expertly guided game drives across vast savannahs, maximizing opportunities to encounter the Big Five and witness authentic predator–prey interactions in their natural environment. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its high wildlife density, dramatic landscapes, and consistently rewarding safari experiences.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1
Transfer from Nairobi – Lake Nakuru
Begin your safari with a scenic overland transfer from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park. Upon arrival, embark on a rewarding game drive around the lake, internationally renowned for its striking flocks of flamingos and exceptionally rich birdlife. The park also offers excellent opportunities to encounter a wide range of wildlife, including both black and white rhinos, as well as lions, leopards, buffaloes, and other plains game. Set against a backdrop of forested escarpments and shimmering lakeshore, this first safari experience provides a strong introduction to Kenya’s remarkable biodiversity and conservation success.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Lake Nakuru Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or Cliff Nakuru Lodge
- Meals:
- Lunch, Dinner.
- Day 2
Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara
Depart Lake Nakuru National Park and proceed on a scenic drive to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s flagship safari destination. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive across the expansive savannahs, where wildlife viewing is both diverse and abundant. As you explore the rolling plains, expect strong opportunities to encounter elephants, cheetahs, wildebeests, and a wide range of plains game, set against dramatic landscapes that define the Maasai Mara. This afternoon safari marks a powerful transition into one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife ecosystems.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- AA Lodge Mara
- Luxury Accommodation
- Sarova Mara Camp
- High-End Accommodation
- Governors Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 3
Full day game drive in Maasai Mara
Spend the entire day immersed in an exhilarating game drive within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich ecosystems. This full-day safari maximizes your exposure to the reserve’s remarkable biodiversity, with strong opportunities to encounter the iconic Big Five like lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos, alongside a wide variety of plains game and birdlife. As you traverse the vast savannahs and rolling landscapes, you will witness the raw dynamics of the wild, from predator activity to large grazing herds. The dramatic scenery and ever-changing light create exceptional conditions for photography, ensuring a collection of memorable moments that define a truly authentic Maasai Mara safari experience.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- AA Lodge Mara
- Luxury Accommodation
- Sarova Mara Camp
- High-End Accommodation
- Governors Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Day 4
Full game drive in Maasai Mara
Enjoy another full day of game viewing in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, further deepening your safari experience in this exceptional ecosystem. This extended exploration significantly enhances your chances of encountering the iconic Big Five like lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos, while also observing large herds of plains game and a rich diversity of birdlife. With more time on the savannah, you can follow wildlife movements, witness natural interactions, and explore different sectors of the reserve at an unhurried pace. The day offers outstanding opportunities for photography and wildlife observation, reinforcing why the Maasai Mara remains one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- AA Lodge Mara
- Luxury Accommodation
- Sarova Mara Camp
- High-End Accommodation
- Governors Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- Day 5
Transfer from Maasai Mara to Nairobi for departure
Conclude your safari with a morning game drive in the Maasai Mara. Afterward, return to Nairobi. Depending on your departure schedule, you might have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Nairobi before heading to the airport for your onward journey.
- Meals:
- Breakfast and lunch
What Is Included
Included
- Return transfers from JKIA + meet and greet service
- Full board accommodation (B, L, D) while on safari, Bed and Breakfast (BB) while in city hotels
- Private transport and game drives in a customized 4 x 4WD safari customized land cruiser jeeps with a pop-up roof and sliding windows for optimized game viewing and photography
- Services of a professional, experienced English-speaking safari driver guide (French and Spanish speaking guides also available on request basis)
- Park entrance and conservancy fees to the listed parks and national reserves
- All Activities and meals as listed in the itineraries
- Quality binoculars and wildlife referral books provided in the safari vehicle (shared with safari guide and for use during game drives only)
- Enrolment on the AMREF Flying Doctor emergency medical evacuation cover (provided guests have valid travel insurance)
- Complementary bottled mineral water during the safari.
- Applicable Government taxes on tour services
Not Included
- Additional sightseeing or deviation from the itinerary
- All International and domestic flights,
- All items of personal nature such as tobacco; laundry; phone calls, drinks during meals, etc
- Tip for driver guide, porters, and waiters while on safari.
- Drinks/beverages during the safari and at the hotels
- Any other Items not mentioned above
- Medical/Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the 5 Days Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru cost?
- This safari starts from $2,949 per person. The final price depends on your travel dates, lodge tier, and group size, and every quote is itemized before you commit.
- How long is this safari?
- It runs 5 days. Because every trip is private, we can lengthen, shorten, or add a Zanzibar or gorilla extension to fit your plans.
- Can I customize this itinerary?
- Yes. This itinerary is a starting point. Swap lodges, change the pace, adjust the route, or combine countries, and your planner reshapes it with you before you book.
- When is the best time for this trip?
- July to October, when the migration herds are in the Mara and the river crossings happen. January to February is the other strong window: dry, green, and far quieter. The long rains fall from March to May.
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Where you might stay
Lodges and camps on this itinerary
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