This 4-day safari takes you to two of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Lake Nakuru National Park and the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Expect stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the chance to witness the Great Migration (seasonal). The safari includes game drives, scenic views, and cultural experiences.
Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
- 7:30 AM: Depart from Nairobi
- After an early breakfast at your hotel, your driver-guide will pick you up and depart Nairobi, driving through the scenic Great Rift Valley with a stop at a viewpoint to admire the expansive view.
- Travel time: Approximately 3-4 hours (160 km).
- 10:30 AM: Arrival at Lake Nakuru National Park
- Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park and check in at your lodge or camp.
- 11:00 AM: Mid-Morning Game Drive
- Begin your first game drive in the park. Lake Nakuru is famous for its large population of flamingos and other bird species. Keep an eye out for endangered species like white and black rhinos, as well as lions, leopards, giraffes, and buffaloes.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the Lodge/Camp
- After the morning drive, head back to the lodge or camp for a delicious lunch.
- 3:30 PM: Afternoon Game Drive & Baboon Cliff Visit
- Continue your exploration with an afternoon game drive. Visit Baboon Cliff for panoramic views of the park and the lake. This drive gives you a chance to spot more animals and enjoy the serene surroundings.
- 6:00 PM: Return to the Lodge/Camp
- Relax and unwind at your accommodation. You may opt for a nature walk within the property, depending on the location.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner and Overnight Stay
- Enjoy a hearty dinner followed by a relaxing evening at your lodge.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge or Flamingo Hill Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
- 7:00 AM: Early Breakfast & Check-Out
- Enjoy a filling breakfast before starting the journey to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
- 8:00 AM: Drive to Masai Mara
- Depart for Masai Mara, a drive of approximately 5-6 hours (290 km). You’ll travel through the scenic landscapes of the Rift Valley and the rural towns of Narok, arriving in the Masai Mara in time for lunch.
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Masai Mara & Check-In
- Arrive at your camp or lodge, and after checking in, enjoy lunch with stunning views of the vast Mara plains.
- 3:30 PM: Afternoon Game Drive
- After a brief rest, set out on your first game drive in the Masai Mara. This reserve is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), and its endless savannahs dotted with acacia trees.
- 6:30 PM: Return to the Lodge/Camp
- Head back to your lodge for some relaxation before dinner.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner and Overnight
- Enjoy dinner under the stars, listening to the sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge or Ashnil Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
- 6:30 AM: Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari (Additional Cost)
- Experience a magical sunrise balloon ride over the Mara plains, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. This is an unforgettable experience, especially during the Great Migration season.
- 7:30 AM: Full-Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch
- After breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive to explore deeper into the reserve. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in search of greener pastures. Even outside migration, the Mara boasts an incredible variety of wildlife including cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and numerous bird species.
- 1:00 PM: Picnic Lunch in the Bush
- Enjoy a packed lunch in the heart of the reserve, possibly near a hippo pool or along the river where you can observe wildlife up close.
- 2:00 PM: Afternoon Game Drive
- Continue your exploration of the Mara. Visit popular areas like the Mara River or the Musiara Marsh. Keep your camera ready for some fantastic wildlife photo opportunities.
- 5:00 PM: Cultural Visit to a Masai Village (Optional)
- After the afternoon game drive, visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about their way of life. Engage with the Maasai people and witness their traditional dances, crafts, and homes made from natural materials.
- 6:30 PM: Return to Lodge/Camp
- Relax after a rewarding day and freshen up before dinner.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner and Overnight
- Enjoy your final evening in the wilderness with another sumptuous dinner and a night under the African skies.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge or Ashnil Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Masai Mara to Nairobi
- 6:30 AM: Early Morning Game Drive
- Your final morning offers another game drive at sunrise, the best time to spot predators on the prowl before they retreat during the heat of the day. Catch any wildlife you may have missed, such as the elusive leopard or packs of hyenas.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast and Check-Out
- After breakfast, check out of your lodge and prepare for the drive back to Nairobi.
- 9:00 AM: Return Journey to Nairobi
- Begin the scenic drive back to Nairobi, with optional stops along the way for souvenirs or rest.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch in Narok Town (Optional)
- Stop in Narok for lunch or refreshments before continuing your journey to Nairobi.
- 4:00 PM: Arrival in Nairobi
- Arrive in Nairobi, where your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Inclusions:
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
- Professional, English-speaking driver/guide.
- Park entry fees for Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara.
- Accommodation on a full-board basis.
- Daily game drives as per the itinerary.
- Bottled water during game drives.
- Maasai village visit (optional).
Safari Exclusions:
- International and domestic flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Optional activities like the hot air balloon ride.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Tips for guides and staff.
This itinerary provides a comprehensive safari experience, combining the birdlife of Lake Nakuru with the wildlife spectacle of Maasai Mara. You’ll experience Kenya’s incredible biodiversity, local culture, and the magic of the African wilderness.