5-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara & Nakuru Experience
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Relax & Prepare for Adventure
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a warm welcome from your safari representative sets the tone for an unforgettable journey. A comfortable transfer (approximately 18 km, 30 minutes) takes you to Sarova Panafric Hotel or a similar midrange accommodation, where you can unwind in a tranquil setting near the city center.
If arriving early, Nairobi offers exciting excursions. Visit the Giraffe Centre to hand-feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes (15 km, 30 minutes), or witness rescued baby elephants being nurtured at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (18 km, 35 minutes). History enthusiasts can explore the Karen Blixen Museum (20 km, 40 minutes), the former home of the famous Out of Africa author, nestled in lush gardens.
As evening falls, savor a delicious welcome dinner at your hotel’s restaurant or choose a dining experience at one of Nairobi’s renowned eateries. Whether you opt for authentic Kenyan flavors at Carnivore Restaurant (9 km, 20 minutes) or an elegant fine-dining option, this first night is the perfect time to relax and prepare for the thrilling safari ahead. Rest in comfort, ready for an early morning departure to Masai Mara.
Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: 15 km, approximately 30 minutes from JKIA to hotel
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Journey into the Wild
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve (approx. 280 km, 5–6 hours). Along the way, stop at a Great Rift Valley viewpoint (60 km from Nairobi, 1 hour) to admire panoramic vistas of rolling hills, volcanic formations, and shimmering lakes. Passing Maasai villages and open plains, the journey offers a glimpse into Kenya’s rich cultural and natural diversity.
Arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge or a similar midrange lodge in time for a hearty lunch. Nestled amidst the Mara’s rolling hills, the lodge offers stunning views and an authentic safari ambiance. After a short rest, set out on your first thrilling afternoon game drive. The vast savannah teems with wildlife—elephants roam in family herds, lions bask under acacia trees, and cheetahs scan the horizon for prey. If luck is on your side, you may spot an elusive leopard camouflaged in the tall grass.
As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a delightful dinner. Gather around the bonfire to share stories of the day’s adventures before retreating to your cozy room, lulled to sleep by the distant calls of the wild.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: 280 km, approximately 5-6 hours
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara – Big Five & Endless Plains
Rise with the sun for an early morning game drive, the best time to witness predator activity. You may see lions on the prowl, cheetahs in high-speed pursuit, or leopards returning to their tree perches after a night of hunting. The golden light of dawn creates perfect photography moments as the wilderness comes to life.
Return to the lodge for a relaxed breakfast before venturing out for a full-day safari. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration (July–October), a breathtaking natural event where thousands of wildebeests and zebras brave the crocodile-infested Mara River in search of fresh grazing lands.
For a cultural experience, visit a Maasai village in the afternoon (approx. 20 km, 45 minutes), where you can engage with the Maasai people, learn about their traditions, and witness traditional dances. Alternatively, an optional hot air balloon safari offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, soaring above the Mara’s endless plains at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast.
As the day ends, enjoy another game drive before returning to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner under the stars. Relax on your private veranda, soaking in the sounds of the African night.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Flamingos, Rhinos & Scenic Beauty
Wake up to the peaceful sounds of nature and savor a final breakfast in the Mara before embarking on a scenic journey to Lake Nakuru National Park (approx. 300 km, 5–6 hours). The drive offers a changing landscape, transitioning from the open savannahs of the Mara to the lush highlands and acacia forests surrounding Nakuru. Along the way, pass through charming towns and witness the daily life of local communities.
Arriving at Lake Nakuru Lodge or a similar midrange lodge in time for lunch, settle into your comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. After a short rest, set off on an afternoon game drive to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. Lake Nakuru is world-renowned for its vibrant birdlife, with thousands of flamingos creating a mesmerizing pink shoreline. The alkaline lake also attracts pelicans, storks, and other waterbirds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Beyond its avian wonders, the park is a sanctuary for endangered black and white rhinos, often spotted grazing along the open plains or near the lake’s edge. Other notable wildlife includes Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalos, and elusive leopards hidden in the acacia forests. The park’s diverse terrain—ranging from dense woodlands to rocky escarpments—offers breathtaking views, especially from Baboon Cliff, a stunning vantage point overlooking the shimmering lake.
As the sun sets over the horizon, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a delicious dinner while reflecting on the day’s incredible wildlife sightings. The night air, filled with the sounds of nature, provides the perfect setting for a restful sleep before your final safari day.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: 300 km, approximately 5-6 hours
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Wake up to a serene morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge. Before departing, embark on one last game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park, taking in the peaceful beauty of the landscape as the morning sun casts golden hues over the lake. This final safari moment allows you to spot any wildlife you may have missed the previous day, from rhinos grazing near the lake to tree-climbing lions resting in the branches.
After the game drive, bid farewell to the wilderness and begin your journey back to Nairobi (approx. 160 km, 3–4 hours). The scenic drive takes you through the picturesque Rift Valley and bustling Kenyan towns, providing a final glimpse of the country’s diverse landscapes. Arriving in Nairobi by early afternoon, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight or to your preferred location if extending your stay.
For those with extra time before their flight, optional excursions such as a visit to the Bomas of Kenya (15 km, 30 minutes) offer a fascinating cultural experience with traditional music, dance, and folklore from Kenya’s diverse ethnic communities. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of Nairobi’s top restaurants before heading to the airport.
As your adventure comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of Kenya’s majestic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. This safari is more than a journey—it’s an experience that will stay with you forever.
Meals: Breakfast
Distance & Travel Time: 160 km, approximately 3–4 hours
Inclusions
✔ Accommodation: Midrange lodges and hotels on a shared or private basis, including Sarova Panafric Hotel (Nairobi), Mara Sopa Lodge (Masai Mara), and Lake Nakuru Lodge (Lake Nakuru).
✔ Meals: Full-board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as per the itinerary.
✔ Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography.
✔ Game Drives & Activities: Unlimited game drives in Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru.
✔ Park Entry Fees: All entrance fees to Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park.
✔ Professional Guide: English-speaking driver-guide with extensive knowledge of Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes (other language options available upon request).
✔ Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water during game drives.
✔ Airport Transfers: Pick-up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and drop-off at the airport or preferred location in Nairobi.
✔ Government Taxes & Levies: VAT, conservation fees, and all mandatory government charges.
✔ Cultural Experience: Optional visit to a Maasai Village for an immersive cultural experience (at an extra cost).
Exclusions
✘ International Flights: Airfare to and from Kenya is not included.
✘ Visa Fees: Travelers are responsible for obtaining and paying for their visas.
✘ Personal Expenses: Costs such as souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, extra snacks, and laundry services.
✘ Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara, Maasai village visit, and any other optional excursions not mentioned in the inclusions.
✘ Travel & Medical Insurance: Highly recommended but not included in the package.
✘ Tips & Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (at guests’ discretion).
✘ Additional Meals & Drinks: Any meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
✘ Additional Accommodation: Extra hotel nights before or after the safari unless requested.
