Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi & Transfer to Lake Naivasha
Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, your guide will meet you and assist you with your luggage. You’ll then begin your journey with a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley. Known for its tranquil waters, lush surroundings, and rich birdlife, Lake Naivasha is the perfect starting point for your safari.
After checking into your resort, you can take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful environment. In the afternoon, you may opt for a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, which offers the chance to view hippos, a variety of bird species, and perhaps even giraffes grazing along the shore.
Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Meal: Full Board
Day 2: Explore Hells Gate National Park & Transfer to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Hells Gate National Park, located just 30 minutes from Lake Naivasha. Known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs and geysers, the park offers a unique experience where you can enjoy walking safaris or cycle through the park. The landscape is characterized by dramatic cliffs and vast savannahs, home to zebras, giraffes, buffalo, and warthogs.
Next, you’ll visit Ol Njorowa Gorge, which offers stunning views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area on foot.
Afterward, you’ll drive to Lake Nakuru National Park (approximately 1.5 hours away). Upon arrival, check in to your lodge. In the late afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, which is known for its flamingos, rhinos, and a wide variety of wildlife. You’ll likely spot giraffes, buffaloes, and perhaps even a lion or leopard in the park’s picturesque landscapes.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meal: Full Board
Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
After an early breakfast, you’ll check out of your lodge and begin your drive to Masai Mara National Reserve (approximately 5-6 hours). The route takes you through scenic landscapes, small Maasai villages, and the Great Rift Valley.
Upon arrival at Masai Mara, check in at your lodge After lunch, enjoy your first game drive in the Masai Mara, one of the world’s most famous safari destinations. The Mara is known for its large populations of wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos), cheetahs, giraffes, and wildebeests. The vast savannahs and dramatic landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for exciting wildlife viewing.
After your game drive, return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: Mara Chui Resort
Meal: Full Board
Day 4: Full Day in Masai Mara
Enjoy an early breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in the Mara. This is the best time to see the animals at their most active, and you’ll have the chance to witness predators hunting and other wildlife behavior.
After the game drive, return to your lodge for lunch. The afternoon is free for relaxation, or you can opt for an optional activity such as a hot air balloon safari (at additional cost), offering a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
In the late afternoon, embark on another game drive, visiting areas of the reserve known for their high concentrations of wildlife. The Mara is famous for its dramatic predator-prey interactions and, depending on the season, you may even witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River.
Return to your lodge for dinner and another relaxing evening under the stars.
Overnight: Mara Chui Resort
Meal: Full Board
Day 5: Return to Nairobi
On the final day of your safari, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge. After breakfast, you will check out and begin your drive back to Nairobi, taking approximately 5-6 hours. The drive offers a final opportunity to enjoy Kenya’s beautiful countryside as you make your way back to the city.
You’ll arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon or early evening, where you will be dropped off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your return flight or at your Nairobi hotel, depending on your travel plans.