6-day itinerary for an enchanting safari through Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementaita, and Lake Naivasha. This journey combines rich wildlife experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and unique ecosystems across Kenya’s renowned safari destinations.
Day 1: Arrival in Maasai Mara – Safari Adventure Begins
Morning
- Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to Maasai Mara
Arrive at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, meet your safari guide, and take a short charter flight to Maasai Mara. Enjoy panoramic views of the Rift Valley and Kenyan landscape en route. Upon arrival in the Mara, transfer to your safari lodge, such as Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Engai, or Kichwa Tembo. - Check-In and Camp Orientation
After a warm welcome and orientation at the lodge, you’ll have time to settle in, freshen up, and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Afternoon
- Lunch and Afternoon Game Drive
Enjoy a hearty lunch, followed by your first game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Known for its rich concentration of wildlife, Maasai Mara is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and more. Your guide will help spot and identify the fascinating wildlife while sharing insights into their behaviors and habitats.
Evening
- Sundowners and Dinner
End the game drive with a sundowner, a classic safari tradition of enjoying a drink while watching the sunset over the Mara plains. Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner under the stars, where you’ll be serenaded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Day 2: Full Day in Maasai Mara – Exploring Wildlife and Culture
Morning
- Sunrise Game Drive
Begin your day with an early morning game drive, a prime time for wildlife sightings as animals are most active. Keep an eye out for predators hunting and herds of grazers moving across the plains. The soft morning light also provides beautiful photography opportunities. - Optional: Hot Air Balloon Safari
For an unforgettable experience, start the day with a hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush (additional cost). The aerial view offers a unique perspective of the Mara’s vast landscape and its abundant wildlife.
Afternoon
- Lunch and Leisure Time
Return to the lodge for lunch and spend some time relaxing. Take a dip in the pool, unwind with a book, or simply enjoy the views from your private terrace. - Cultural Visit to a Maasai Village
In the afternoon, visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about the traditional way of life, customs, and craftsmanship of the Maasai people. Participate in a community-led tour that includes dance, beadwork, and an introduction to their cattle-herding practices.
Evening
- Evening Game Drive and Dinner
Head out for an evening game drive to see more of the Mara’s rich wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner, where you can share your safari stories around the campfire.
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park – Rhinos and Flamingos
Morning
- Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early breakfast, check out and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its rhinos and diverse birdlife. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, allowing you to see the changing landscapes from the Mara plains to the Rift Valley escarpment. - Check-In at Lake Nakuru Lodge
Arrive at Lake Nakuru, where you’ll check in to your lodge, such as Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge. Unwind after the journey, freshen up, and enjoy lunch with views of the lake.
Afternoon
- Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Set out for an afternoon game drive, focusing on spotting the park’s famed rhinos (both black and white) as well as the Rothschild giraffe. Lake Nakuru is also a birder’s paradise, with thousands of flamingos and pelicans creating a pink spectacle on the lake’s surface.
Evening
- Dinner with Lake Views
Return to the lodge for dinner, where you can enjoy the peaceful lakeside ambiance as the sun sets over Lake Nakuru.
Day 4: Explore Lake Elementaita – Birdwatching and Relaxation
Morning
- Drive to Lake Elementaita
After breakfast, depart for Lake Elementaita, a short drive from Lake Nakuru. This lesser-visited soda lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its tranquility, alkaline waters, and diverse bird species. Check in at a serene lodge, such as Lake Elementaita Serena Camp or Sunbird Lodge, which offers stunning views of the lake. - Birdwatching Walk at Lake Elementaita
Enjoy a guided birdwatching walk along the lakeshore. Spot flamingos, pelicans, herons, and the rare Great White Pelican, among other bird species that thrive in the alkaline environment.
Afternoon
- Lunch and Relaxation at the Lodge
Return to the lodge for lunch and take the afternoon to relax, swim in the pool, or explore the beautiful grounds. You can also arrange for optional activities like horseback riding or a visit to nearby hot springs.
Evening
- Dinner and Sunset Views
Relish a sunset dinner overlooking the peaceful lake. The serenity of Lake Elementaita provides a wonderful contrast to the bustling wildlife of Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru.
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Naivasha – Boat Safari and Crescent Island Walk
Morning
- Drive to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, a short drive away. Known for its freshwater ecosystem, Lake Naivasha is popular for its hippos and abundant birdlife, including African fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers. Check into a lakeside lodge such as Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort or Enashipai Resort & Spa. - Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
Enjoy a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, where you’ll glide past pods of hippos and see waterbirds up close. The boat safari offers unique wildlife viewing as you navigate among the floating papyrus.
Afternoon
- Lunch and Crescent Island Walking Safari
After lunch, visit Crescent Island for a guided walking safari. Crescent Island is a private sanctuary with zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and more. Walking among the animals in this serene environment is a rare and immersive experience that gives you a deeper connection to the landscape.
Evening
- Dinner at the Lodge
Return to the lodge for a relaxing dinner, sharing stories from the day’s experiences. Enjoy your final night in the Rift Valley surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Day 6: Return to Nairobi and Departure
Morning
- Breakfast and Leisure Time at Lake Naivasha
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with views of the lake and take a final stroll around the lodge grounds, soaking in the last moments of your safari adventure. - Drive Back to Nairobi
Check out and drive back to Nairobi, a journey of about 2-3 hours. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for a short visit to a local attraction like the Giraffe Centre or Kazuri Bead Factory for souvenirs.
Afternoon
- Lunch in Nairobi and Airport Transfer
Upon arrival in Nairobi, enjoy a farewell lunch at a city restaurant before being transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
This 6-day itinerary provides a varied and immersive experience through Kenya’s prime safari regions, combining the thrill of Maasai Mara’s wildlife with the peaceful lakes and birdlife of Nakuru, Elementaita, and Naivasha. It offers an ideal blend of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty, showcasing Kenya’s unique and diverse ecosystems.