Discover three of Kenya’s most spectacular destinations on this 5 day Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara safari from Nairobi with Timken Tours Kenya.
This itinerary combines the tranquil beauty of Lake Naivasha, the wildlife-rich landscapes of Lake Nakuru National Park, and two unforgettable nights in the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Naivasha, search for rhinos and other wildlife in Lake Nakuru, and spend two nights exploring the Masai Mara’s vast savannah plains in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife.
Highlights
- 5 day private Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru safari
- Travel in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle
- Opportunity to see rhinos and flamingos
- Opportunity to see the Big Five
- Search for lions, buffaloes, giraffes and zebras
- 4 nights in a safari lodge or tented camp
- Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes
- Optional hot-air balloon safari in Masai Mara
Your 5-day Kenya safari begins with an early morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel, residence or airport.
Depart Nairobi and travel towards the Great Rift Valley. Enjoy beautiful views of the escarpment and surrounding landscapes as you make your way to Lake Naivasha.
Arrive at Lake Naivasha and proceed to your lodge for check-in.
Enjoy lunch before an afternoon boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
Cruise across the freshwater lake and enjoy the peaceful scenery while looking for hippos and a variety of waterbirds. The lake's surroundings also offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Optional Crescent Island Walking Safari
Depending on your schedule, you can add a visit to Crescent Island, where you can enjoy a guided walking experience among giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and other plains wildlife.
Return to your lodge in the evening.
Dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before departing for Lake Nakuru National Park.
The drive is relatively short, allowing you to reach the park with plenty of time for wildlife viewing.
Enter Lake Nakuru National Park and begin a game drive through the park.
Lake Nakuru is particularly known for its rhino conservation and diverse wildlife. Search for black and white rhinos, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks and other wildlife.
The park also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Flamingos may be present around the lake depending on water levels and seasonal conditions.
Enjoy lunch at your lodge or a suitable location before continuing your afternoon game drive.
Later, return to your accommodation for relaxation.
Dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before departing Lake Nakuru.
Drive through the scenic Kenyan countryside towards the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The journey takes you through rural landscapes and local communities before reaching the Mara region around lunchtime or early afternoon, depending on road conditions and your exact accommodation.
Check in at your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on your first Masai Mara game drive.
Explore the rolling savannah plains in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife.
Continue your game drive until late afternoon before returning to your lodge.
Dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up early for breakfast before setting out on a full-day game drive in Masai Mara National Reserve.
Spend the day exploring the Mara's famous grasslands and wildlife-rich areas with your experienced safari guide.
Search for the Big Five as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hippos and numerous bird species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve and continue your wildlife adventure throughout the afternoon.
The Masai Mara is also famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a seasonal event involving huge herds of wildebeest and other herbivores. If your safari dates coincide with the migration, you may have the opportunity to witness this remarkable natural spectacle. Timing and locations vary from year to year.
Optional Experiences
You may choose to add an early-morning hot-air balloon safari for an aerial view of the Mara.
Alternatively, visit a Maasai village to learn about local traditions, culture and daily life.
Return to your lodge in the evening.
Dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up early and enjoy your final morning game drive in the Masai Mara.
The early morning provides another opportunity to see wildlife before the day's temperatures rise.
Search for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, cheetahs and other animals as you make your way through the reserve.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out.
Begin your journey back to Nairobi.
Enjoy lunch en route before continuing towards the city.
Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon or early evening and transfer to your hotel, residence or airport.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
- Private safari in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Professional English-speaking safari driver/guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Nairobi hotel, residence or airport, where applicable
- 4 nights accommodation in a safari lodge/tented camp
- Full-board meals during the safari
- Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru national park & Masai Mara national reserve entry fees
- All applicable government taxes and levies
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and other premium drinks
- Tips and gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Nakuru National Park offers opportunities to see rhinos, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks and many other wildlife species. Wildlife sightings depend on animal movements and conditions on the day.
Yes. The safari can be operated as a private safari in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, allowing you to travel with your own group and enjoy greater flexibility during game drives.
Flamingos are associated with Lake Nakuru, but their numbers and location vary depending on water levels, food availability and other environmental conditions. Therefore, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
The Masai Mara offers opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hippos and many other species. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed because animals move freely throughout the reserve.
Yes. This safari can be a convenient family safari, particularly for travelers staying at Nairobi. Children's ages should be provided when booking so appropriate accommodation arrangements can be made.
Yes. A Masai Mara hot-air balloon safari can be arranged as an optional activity, normally starting very early in the morning.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a seasonal natural event. If your safari dates coincide with the migration period, your guide can help identify areas where wildlife activity is taking place. Migration timing and locations vary from year to year.
Yes. You can extend the itinerary to include Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru or Diani Beach.
Yes. A Crescent Island walking safari can be added as an optional experience, subject to availability and applicable charges.
The Lake Naivasha boat ride offers opportunities to see hippos and numerous waterbirds, while the surrounding area provides beautiful scenery and photographic opportunities.