The experience
Safari Overview
Book the 5 Days Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Group Joining Safari and experience Kenya's wildlife, landscapes, and lakeside attractions in one journey. Begin with exciting game drives across the Maasai Mara's vast savannahs, searching for lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and other wildlife. Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park to explore its rhino habitats, woodland scenery, and diverse birdlife before heading to Lake Naivasha for a relaxing lakeside experience. Optional boat rides and guided nature walks provide additional ways to discover the area's natural beauty, subject to availability and separate charges. With shared safari transport, professional driver-guide services, and four nights of accommodation, this five-day adventure combines classic wildlife viewing with scenic exploration across three remarkable destinations.
The journey
Route and starting point
Nairobi → Maasai Mara National Reserve → Lake Nakuru National Park → Lake Naivasha → 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 expansive savannah plains of the Maasai Mara, known for its remarkable wildlife diversity and classic African scenery.
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Search for the Big Five during guided game drives, with opportunities to encounter lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos.
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Discover Lake Nakuru National Park, home to protected black and white rhinos, diverse birdlife, and beautiful woodland habitats.
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Enjoy scenic views of the Great Rift Valley as you travel between Kenya's renowned wildlife destinations.
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Experience the peaceful lakeside setting of Lake Naivasha, with opportunities to spot hippos and waterbirds along its shores.
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Choose an optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha to explore its freshwater ecosystem and observe aquatic wildlife.
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Enjoy an optional guided nature walk at an approved location such as Crescent Island, subject to availability and additional fees.
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Combine wildlife viewing, scenic road journeys, and lakeside experiences while sharing the adventure with fellow travellers.
Your journey, day by day
Safari itinerary
Day 1
Nairobi to the Maasai Mara – Journey into Big Five Country
Depart Nairobi in the morning and travel towards the Maasai Mara, stopping at a suitable Rift Valley viewpoint if time allows. Continue to the Mara area, arrive for lunch and check in. Enjoy an afternoon game drive, exploring the open plains and searching for wildlife with your driver-guide. Return to camp as the light softens over the savannah.
Accommodation
Budget, standard or luxury camp/lodge in the Maasai Mara area, as confirmed
Meals:
Lunch and dinner
Day 2
Maasai Mara – Full-Day Game Drive
Spend a full day exploring the Maasai Mara. Set out after breakfast with a packed lunch, allowing more time to explore different habitats and follow wildlife activity. Search for elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and other plains game. Your guide will select routes based on conditions and recent sightings. Return to camp in the evening.
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 – The Great Rift Valley
After breakfast, depart the Mara for Lake Nakuru. The road transfer takes a significant part of the day, so the group leaves early. Travel through changing landscapes towards the Rift Valley and arrive at the Lake Nakuru area later in the day. Check in and enjoy time to relax. The main park visit is scheduled for the following morning rather than promising a rushed late-afternoon game drive.
Accommodation
Budget, standard or luxury lodge/hotel near Lake Nakuru, as confirmed
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Lake Nakuru Safari and Transfer to Lake Naivasha
Enjoy an early game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Explore its woodland, grassland and lakeside habitats while looking for black and white rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes and birdlife. After the game drive, exit the park and continue south to the Lake Naivasha area. Check in at your lakeside or nearby accommodation. Optional afternoon activities may be arranged if time and conditions permit.
Accommodation
Budget, standard or luxury lodge/camp in the Lake Naivasha area, as confirmed
Meals:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Lake Naivasha Experience and Return to Nairobi
After breakfast, enjoy free time by the lake or take a pre-booked optional boat ride to look for hippos and waterbirds. A guided nature walk at an approved location may also be available at an additional cost. Activities depend on water conditions, safety advice and operator availability. After the activity or a relaxed breakfast, depart for Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon subject to traffic.
Accommodation
None – safari ends in Nairobi
Meals:
Breakfast and lunch
Know what's covered
What's included and excluded
Included
- Four Nights' Accommodation
- All Applicable Park Entry Fees
- Shared Game Drives
- Safari Vehicle with a Pop-Up Roof
- English-Speaking Driver-Guide
- Meals as Specified in the Itinerary
- Bottled Drinking Water
- Nairobi Hotel or Airport Transfers
Not included
- Optional Lake Naivasha Boat Rides
- Crescent Island Visits and Guided Walks
- International Flights
- Kenya eTA and Travel Documents
- Travel Insurance and Personal Expenses
- Tips and Gratuities
- Government-Imposed Fee Increases
- Extra Accommodation and Supplements
Plan your visit
Best time to travel
The best time to book and visit the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Naivasha is during the drier months, particularly from July to October and January to March. Between July and October, the Maasai Mara attracts large herds of wildebeest and zebras during the Great Wildebeest Migration, creating excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. January to March also offers favourable conditions for game drives, with generally drier weather and good visibility across the parks. Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha remain attractive throughout the year, offering opportunities to observe rhinos, hippos, and diverse birdlife. Although the destinations can be explored in every season, the rainy months may affect road conditions, travel schedules, and optional outdoor activities.
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 depend on minimum passenger numbers, availability, and confirmation of supplier arrangements. Your booking confirmation should specify travel dates, selected accommodation category, payment terms, and whether park entry fees and optional activities are included. 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 wildlife viewing in the Mara, followed by visits to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. The final day includes an optional lakeside activity before returning to Nairobi. Departure and arrival times may vary depending on road conditions, park schedules, activity arrangements, and accommodation locations.
3
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
The three destinations offer different opportunities to observe Kenya's wildlife and natural habitats. Look for lions, elephants, leopards, and other plains wildlife in the Maasai Mara, followed by rhinos and birdlife in Lake Nakuru. Lake Naivasha provides opportunities to observe hippos and waterbirds. Carry a camera, binoculars, and spare batteries to capture your experiences. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and animal movements.
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 during cool mornings and evenings, while insect repellent and personal medication can make the journey more comfortable. Bring a camera, binoculars, toiletries, and necessary travel documents. Keep your luggage manageable because the safari involves shared vehicle space and transfers between three destinations.
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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 and avoid approaching or feeding wildlife. For optional boat rides and nature walks, follow the safety instructions provided by approved local operators. Inform the tour operator about dietary requirements, mobility needs, or medical concerns before departure.
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Group Safari Arrangements and Flexibility
This group joining safari involves sharing transport and scheduled activities with other travellers. Accommodation covers four nights across the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Naivasha areas. Budget, standard, and luxury options may be available depending on your selection and supplier availability. Boat rides and guided nature walks are optional and payable separately unless included in your quotation. The route and activity schedule may be adjusted to accommodate operational conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Does this safari visit three destinations?
Yes. The itinerary includes the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and the Lake Naivasha area.
Is a Lake Naivasha boat ride included?
It is optional unless your written quotation specifically includes it.
Can I visit Crescent Island?
A guided visit may be arranged subject to access, conditions and availability, usually at an additional cost.
Will we see rhinos?
Lake Nakuru is a recognised black and white rhino sanctuary, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Are park fees included?
Only if expressly stated in the final quotation. The quotation will identify the applicable fees.
Can solo travellers join?
Yes. Solo travellers can request a seat on a scheduled group departure, subject to confirmation of minimum numbers.
Which accommodation level can I choose?
Budget, standard or luxury options may be quoted where suitable properties are available.
