5-Day Lake Naivasha, Nakuru and Maasai Mara Safari

A five-day safari through Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara offers a rewarding introduction to Kenya’s varied landscapes and wildlife. In a relatively short trip, you can move from a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley to a protected rhino sanctuary, then finish on the vast grasslands of the Mara—one of East Africa’s best-known places for spotting big cats and other wildlife.
The journey involves long drives and early starts, but the variety appeals to first-time visitors and returning safari-goers alike. Here’s what to expect, how the itinerary usually works, and how to prepare.

Safari Highlights

  • Walking Safari on Crescent Island: stroll alongside giraffes, zebras, and antelope
  • Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha: spot hippos and enjoy the area’s diverse birdlife
  • Game Drives in Lake Nakuru: see rhinos, flamingos, and woodland wildlife
  • Big Five Experience in Masai Mara: encounter lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos
  • Scenic Journey through the Great Rift Valley: take in stunning viewpoints and landscapes
  • Comfortable Stays: relax in handpicked lodges and tented camps set in prime locations
Maasai Mara Safari

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Nairobi to Lake Naivasha
Day 2: Journey from Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru
Day 3: Head from Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara
Day 4: Enjoy a full day exploring Maasai Mara
Day 5: Return from Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Inclusions
Travel in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional safari guide
All park entry and conservation fees are included
Enjoy full-board accommodation throughout your safari
All activities listed in the itinerary are included
Unlimited drinking water is provided during game drives
All transfers are included, starting and ending in Nairobi
Exclusions
International flights are not included
Drinks at lodges and camps are not included
Tips and gratuities are not included
Optional activities, such as a balloon safari or Maasai village visit, are not included

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Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha

Traveling from Nairobi to Naivasha takes you down into the Great Rift Valley, a huge geological area that runs through East Africa. Most trips stop at a viewpoint to take in the scenery. Then you continue to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake surrounded by acacia trees, farms, and volcanic landscapes.
A boat trip is a popular way to explore the lake. Depending on conditions and the route, visitors may see hippos resting in the water and a range of waterbirds, such as African fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, and herons. Boat operators should keep a respectful distance from hippos, powerful wild animals that should never be approached on foot.
Some tours include a visit to Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary where you can walk with a guide among animals such as giraffes, zebras, and antelope. On walking safaris, follow your guide’s instructions and keep a safe distance from the animals at all times.
Naivasha is a good first stop after arriving in Nairobi because it offers a gentle introduction to the safari experience. The lake’s water level can change, which may affect the shoreline and boat routes.
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