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5 Days Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara Kenya Safari Itinerary

From $765.00 USD* / 5 days

Price per person include guide, safari vehicle, accommodation & park entrance. International fees are excluded.

5 Days Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara Kenya Safari Itinerary

This 5-day Kenya safari brings together three different destinations, giving you a taste of Kenya’s scenery, wildlife, and unforgettable safari experiences without requiring a long holiday.

Your adventure begins in Nairobi, where you will set off towards the peaceful surroundings of Lake Naivasha. As you leave the busy city behind, the landscapes gradually change, and you will enter the Great Rift Valley. The journey itself is part of the experience, with opportunities to stop at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint and appreciate the dramatic landscapes that make this part of Kenya special.

On arrival, you will notice the pace slowing down, the freshwater lake offering a refreshing contrast to the usual game drive experience. Depending on your Kenya safari package, you can take an optional boat ride across the lake, look out for hippos and waterbirds, or simply relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery. It is also a chance to breathe, take in the views, and settle into the rhythm of your safari.

From Naivasha, the journey continues to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. The park is popularly known for its rhino population, but there is much more to look out for. During your game drive, you may encounter buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, and numerous bird species, making it the best combination of wildlife and the lake’s scenery.

You will then proceed to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s iconic safari destination famous for its expansive grasslands and abundant wildlife. The Mara is where you will have more time to see the elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs, hyenas, and many other species.

What makes this itinerary special is the variety. You will not be spending 5 days doing the same thing. You will experience a peaceful freshwater lake, a wildlife-rich national park, and the open savannah of the Masai Mara, all connected by scenic journeys through Kenya.

Also, this itinerary is designed to suit different travelers. Whether you are a first-timer, a couple looking for an adventure, a family exploring Kenya together, or a solo traveler wanting to see more, giving you a taste of Kenya you will live to remember long after you return home.

 

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha
  • Day 2: Day 2: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru
  • Day 3: Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Day 4: Day 4: Full-Day Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Day 5: Day 5: Masai Mara National Reserve to Nairobi

Day 1

Nairobi to Naivasha

Your 5-day Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara safari begins in Nairobi. This day is a gentle introduction to Kenya, taking you from the busy capital, Nairobi, into the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, settling beside the peaceful waters of Lake Naivasha.

Your day starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel, residence, the airport, or another agreed location in Nairobi. Your safari guide will meet you, help you load your luggage into the safari vehicle, and give you a brief overview of the journey ahead.

If possible, have breakfast before departure or arrange an early breakfast with your hotel. Also, before settling in the safari vehicle, keep a small day bag with essentials such as water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, binoculars, and any medication you may need during the day.

Once everything is set, you will leave Nairobi and begin the drive towards Nairobi.

As you leave the city, the scenery gradually changes from Nairobi’s busy streets to open countryside. You will pass through towns, farmlands, and rural settlements before approaching the Great Rift Valley.

This is always a great opportunity to simply enjoy the journey. Your guide can tell you more about the landscapes and communities you are passing through, giving you a glimpse of Kenya beyond its famous safari destinations.

Along the way, you will make a stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, step out, stretch your legs, and take in the dramatic scenery below. The expansive valley provides excellent opportunities for photography.

After the viewpoint stop, the journey continues towards Lake Naivasha, to your accommodation, and have lunch.

After lunch and some time to settle in, you can choose an optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha. The boat ride offers a completely different experience from the usual game drive. Instead of searching the savannah, you will be slowly moving across the lake and enjoying the scenery around you. However, if you prefer not to take the boat ride, you can just relax in your accommodation and enjoy the surroundings.

In the evening, you will return to your accommodation, enjoy dinner, and unwind.

 

 

 

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Day 2

Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park

Day 2 will take you from the peaceful surroundings of Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park, where the safari becomes more wildlife-focused. You will have time for a game drive, scenic viewing, and a chance to look for some of Kenya’s endangered species.

You will start your day with an early morning breakfast at your accommodation before checking out.

Afterwards, you will meet your guide, load your luggage, and begin the short journey towards Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive will take you through the Great Rift Valley landscape.

On arrival, you will begin your game drive in search of wildlife and diverse birdlife, particularly around the lake and its surrounding habitats. Your guide will help in positioning the safari vehicle appropriately for wildlife viewing while ensuring you follow the park’s regulations.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy lunch at your accommodation or an appropriate location before continuing with the afternoon activities.

Later in the afternoon, you will continue exploring the park, giving you another opportunity to look for wild animals that you may have missed earlier.

In the evening, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation.

 

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Day 3

Lake Nakuru National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve

This day will take you from the wildlife-rich Lake Nakuru National Park to the wide-open savannahs of the Masai Mara. It is a travel day, but the changing scenery and game drives in the Mara make it an exciting part of your safari experience.

You will start your day with an early breakfast at your accommodation before checking out.

You will then leave Lake Nakuru National Park and begin the journey towards the Masai Mara.

The scenery gradually changes as you travel from the Great Rift Valley towards Narok, the main gateway to the Mara. You will make a stop in Narok for a comfort break, refreshments, and lunch before continuing with the journey.

As you approach the reserve, the anticipation builds. You are entering one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. You will head straight to your accommodation, check in, and have lunch before heading out for your first game drive in the Masai Mara.

You will then go for an afternoon game drive till evening, then return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation after the long journey.

 

 

 

 

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Day 4

Full Day Masai Mara National Reserve

This day is your main wildlife day in the Masai Mara with no long-distance transfers. You will spend the entire day exploring the reserve at a comfortable pace, following wildlife and enjoying the spectacular savannah scenery.

Your day will start with breakfast at your accommodation before heading into the reserve. The morning is one of the best times for wildlife viewing because temperatures are cooler and many wild animals are active.

During the drive, you will start spotting wildlife as your guide explains animal behaviour, tracks, feeding patterns, and the relationship between predators and prey.

Depending on the day’s route and wildlife activity, you may visit the Mara River. The river provides the opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration only when you visit during the migration season.

Rather than returning to your accommodation for lunch, enjoy a packed picnic lunch during the day’s game drive at an approved location. This allows you to spend more time inside the reserve and explore areas farther from your accommodation.

After the picnic lunch, continue exploring the Mara. Your guide will take you through different areas of the morning route and follow new wildlife sightings.

In the evening, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and your final evening in the Mara. Take some time to appreciate the experience since it was your last day before travelling back to Nairobi.

 

 

 

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Day 5

Masai Mara to Nairobi

Day 5 marks the end of your 5-day Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara safari.

For travelers who want one last wildlife experience, you can start your day with an optional early morning drive. The drive is optional because some travelers may prefer a slower final morning, especially after the previous day.

For travelers who do not want the morning drive, you will check out after your breakfast and begin the journey back to Nairobi.

Your guide will make suitable comfort stops along the way, giving you opportunities to stretch your legs and purchase refreshments before continuing with the journey. This is also your final opportunity to pick up locally made souvenirs or gifts if you have not already done so.

On arrival, you will be dropped off at your Nairobi hotel, residence, airport, or another agreed location.