This 5-day Masai Mara and Nakuru Safari takes you to two of Kenya’s most popular wildlife destinations — Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park. These parks offer amazing wildlife and cultural experiences.
During this safari, you will see animals such as wildebeests (best seen from July to September), lions, elephants, zebras, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos, and many antelope species.
5-Day Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari Highlights
- Visit two of Kenya’s most famous safari destinations – Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru
- Enjoy scenic drives through the Great Rift Valley with beautiful countryside views
- Spot the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos
- Witness the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara (July to September)
- See large herds of zebras, giraffes, and antelopes on the open savannah
- Watch colorful flamingos and other bird species at Lake Nakuru National Park
- Enjoy morning and evening game drives with experienced safari guides
- Stay in comfortable lodges or tented camps close to the wildlife action
- Capture memorable photos of wildlife and Kenya’s natural landscapes
- End your safari with a relaxing return journey to Nairobi
Brief Masai Mara & Nakuru Safari Itinerary
- Day 1: Safari from Nairobi to Masai Mara Reserve
- Day 2: Full-day game drive in Masai Mara (Big Five & wildebeests)
- Day 3: Transfer from Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
- Day 4: Full day exploring Lake Nakuru’s wildlife and birds
- Day 5: Morning game drive and return to Nairobi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Safari from Nairobi to Masai Mara Reserve
Your safari begins with a morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel by your driver guide. Drive southwest through the scenic Great Rift Valley toward Narok County, reaching Masai Mara in time for lunch at your lodge or tented camp.
In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive across the open plains. You may spot large cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with elephants, rhinos, and wildebeests. Return to your camp by 6:30 PM, watching wildlife as they return to their resting areas. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 2: Full Day with Masai Mara Wildlife (Big Five & Wildebeests)
After breakfast, spend the day exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve. Enjoy game drives across the wide plains in search of the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos — as well as many other animals.
If you visit between July and September, you may witness the wildebeest migration as thousands of animals cross the Mara River. It’s one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife events. Return to your camp in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a morning drive out of Masai Mara, spotting more wildlife along the way. Then head to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for lunch.
Lake Nakuru is famous for its colorful flamingos and rich wildlife. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge or enjoy a short evening drive. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru.
Day 4: Full Day with Lake Nakuru Wildlife & Birds
After breakfast, head out for a guided wildlife viewing experience with your safari guide. Look out for animals such as rhinos, giraffes, leopards, zebras, and buffaloes, as well as over 500 bird species.
You can return to the lodge for lunch or carry a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park. Continue with an afternoon game drive, exploring the park’s scenic viewpoints before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Depart for Nairobi City
Begin your last day with an early breakfast, followed by a short morning game drive as you exit Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy the drive back to Nairobi, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport, marking the end of your Masai Mara and Nakuru safari.
End of safari.