The experience
Safari Overview
Book the 4 Days Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru Group Joining Safari and explore two of Kenya's most celebrated wildlife destinations in one rewarding journey. Travel from Nairobi to the vast savannah plains of the Maasai Mara, where guided game drives offer opportunities to spot lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, and other iconic African wildlife. Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its protected black and white rhinos, diverse birdlife, and beautiful lakeside landscapes. With shared safari transport, professional driver-guide services, and three nights of accommodation, this four-day adventure combines exciting wildlife encounters with scenic exploration at two remarkable destinations.
The journey
Route and starting point
Nairobi → Maasai Mara National Reserve → Lake Nakuru National Park → Nairobi
Starts in
Nairobi
Ends in
Nairobi
Find your kind of adventure
Tour type and activities
Why travel with us
Tour highlights
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Explore the wildlife-rich savannah plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, home to diverse wildlife and iconic African landscapes.
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Look for the Big Five, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos during guided game drives.
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Enjoy a full-day game drive in the Maasai Mara, with opportunities to observe wildlife across the reserve's vast open plains.
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Visit Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its protected populations of black and white rhinos.
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Discover Lake Nakuru's diverse birdlife, scenic lakeside landscapes, and varied natural habitats.
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Experience two of Kenya's celebrated wildlife destinations while sharing safari transport and enjoying your selected accommodation category.
Your journey, day by day
Safari itinerary
Day 1
Nairobi to the Maasai Mara – Into the Savannah
Depart Nairobi in the morning and travel through the Great Rift Valley region towards the Maasai Mara, with a brief stop at a suitable viewpoint where time permits. Arrive at camp or lodge, check in and have lunch. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive across the reserve or conservancy area applicable to the confirmed accommodation. Search for elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators before returning to camp in the evening.
Accommodation
Budget, standard or luxury camp/lodge in the Maasai Mara area, as confirmed
Meals:
Lunch and dinner
Day 2
Maasai Mara – A Full Day of Wildlife Discovery
Spend the day exploring the Maasai Mara on morning and afternoon game drives, with a packed lunch or a return to camp depending on the final operating plan. Your guide will follow wildlife activity and suitable routes while looking for the Big Five and the reserve’s abundant plains game. The Mara is a natural ecosystem, and sightings vary with season, weather and animal movement. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
Budget, standard or luxury camp/lodge in the Maasai Mara area, as confirmed
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru – From Open Plains to the Rift Valley
After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and travel north towards Lake Nakuru. This is a substantial road-transfer day, so an early start is important. Arrive in the Lake Nakuru area later in the day, check in and relax. Depending on arrival time and park operating arrangements, an additional game drive is not assumed
the main Lake Nakuru game drive is planned for the following morning.
Accommodation
Budget, standard or luxury hotel/lodge near Lake Nakuru, as confirmed
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Lake Nakuru Safari and Return to Nairobi
After an early breakfast, enter Lake Nakuru National Park for a game drive among its varied habitats. Look for black and white rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, waterbuck and diverse birdlife. Lake Nakuru is a protected rhino sanctuary, although sightings are never guaranteed. After the game drive, exit the park and begin the return journey to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon or evening depending on road and traffic conditions.
Accommodation
None – safari ends in Nairobi
Meals:
Breakfast and lunch
Know what's covered
What's included and excluded
Included
- Three Nights' Accommodation
- Meals as Specified in the Safari Itinerary
- Guided Game Drives in the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru
- Professional English-Speaking Driver-Guide
- Shared Safari Vehicle with a Pop-Up Roof
- All Park Entry Fees for the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru
- Bottled Drinking Water During the Safari
- Nairobi Hotel or Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off at the Agreed Location
Not included
- International Flights to and from Kenya
- Kenya eTA (Where Applicable)
- Travel Insurance and Personal Medical Expenses
- Tips and Gratuities for the Driver-Guide and Accommodation Staff
- Alcoholic and Other Personal Beverages
- Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Maasai Mara
- Optional Maasai Village Visits
- Single-Room Supplements and Personal Expenses
Plan your visit
Best time to travel
The best time to book and visit the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru is during the dry seasons, particularly from July to October and January to March. Between July and October, the Maasai Mara experiences the Great Wildebeest Migration, when large herds of wildebeest and zebras move into the reserve from Tanzania's Serengeti. This period offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, although the timing of the migration and river crossings varies each year and is never guaranteed. January to March also provides favourable conditions for game drives across both destinations, with generally drier weather and good wildlife visibility. Both parks can be visited throughout the year, but the rainy seasons may bring muddy roads and occasionally affect travel and game drive conditions.
Before you go
Practical information
1
Booking and Confirmation
Book your safari in advance to allow sufficient time for arranging shared transport, accommodation, and park entry arrangements. Group departures are subject to minimum passenger numbers, availability, and confirmation of supplier arrangements. Your booking confirmation should specify the travel dates, selected accommodation category, payment terms, and whether park entry fees are included in the quoted price. A deposit secures your reservation according to the agreed booking conditions.
2
Departure Times and Safari Schedule
The safari starts in Nairobi, with an early morning departure towards the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The first two days focus on exploring the Mara, followed by a road transfer to the Lake Nakuru area on the third day. On the fourth day, enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park before returning to Nairobi. Departure and arrival times may vary depending on road conditions, park schedules, and the location of your accommodation.
3
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
The Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru offer different wildlife experiences throughout the safari. Look for lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and other plains wildlife in the Mara, followed by opportunities to spot black and white rhinos in Lake Nakuru. Bring a camera or smartphone, binoculars, and spare batteries to capture wildlife and scenery. Sightings depend on natural conditions, animal movements, and the time spent in different habitats.
4
What to Pack for Your Safari
Pack comfortable, lightweight clothing in neutral colours, suitable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A light jacket is useful for cool early mornings and evenings, while insect repellent and personal medication can make the journey more comfortable. Carry a camera, binoculars, personal toiletries, and any necessary travel documents. Keep your luggage manageable because the safari involves shared vehicle space and travel between two destinations.
5
Health, Safety, and Travel Requirements
Carry valid identification and all travel documents required for your safari and entry into Kenya's national parks. International visitors should confirm applicable visa and entry requirements before travelling. Follow your guide's instructions during game drives, remain inside the safari vehicle unless advised otherwise, and avoid approaching or feeding wildlife. Inform the tour operator about dietary requirements, mobility needs, or medical concerns before departure. Carry any personal medication and follow recommended health precautions throughout the journey.
6
Group Safari Arrangements and Flexibility
This group joining safari involves sharing transport and scheduled activities with other travellers. Accommodation covers three nights, with two nights in the Maasai Mara area and one night near Lake Nakuru. Budget, standard, and luxury options may be available depending on your selection and supplier availability. Confirm your accommodation category, room arrangements, vehicle details, and park entry fees before payment. Minor itinerary adjustments may be necessary due to road conditions, park schedules, or operational requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a group joining safari?
Yes. You share the safari vehicle and guiding service with other travellers on a scheduled departure, subject to availability and minimum numbers.
Where does the safari start and end?
The safari starts and ends in Nairobi at the pick-up and drop-off point confirmed before travel.
Will we see the Big Five?
The Maasai Mara supports the Big Five, but sightings are not guaranteed because animals move freely in their natural habitat.
Are park fees included?
They are included only when clearly stated in your written quotation. Always check the final inclusions before paying.
Can I choose my accommodation?
Budget, standard and luxury options may be available. The exact property is confirmed in the quotation and depends on availability.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Yes. Solo travellers can request a place on a scheduled departure. A departure operates once minimum numbers are met.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer, sun protection, a hat, comfortable shoes, personal medication and a camera.
