5-Day Midrange Kenya Safari – Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Big Five Adventure
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Masai Mara Big Five Safari – Experience thrilling game drives in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, spotting lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos in their natural habitat.
Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October) – Witness over a million wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River, one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events.
Lake Nakuru Wildlife & Flamingos – Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO-listed sanctuary where pink flamingos, rare black and white rhinos, and Rothschild’s giraffes roam freely.
Seamless 5-Day Safari from Nairobi – Well-planned itinerary combining Masai Mara’s savannahs with the breathtaking Rift Valley lakes.
Handpicked Midrange Lodges – Comfortable, authentic lodges with excellent service and prime locations near wildlife hotspots.
Optional Upgrades – Hot air balloon safari over the Mara or immersive Maasai village experiences.
Perfect for Couples, Families & Small Groups – Adventure, comfort, and value with trusted guides and fully supported logistics.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Gateway to Kenya’s Wild Heart
Karibu Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), your Pita Safaris representative will greet you with a warm smile and private transfer to your hotel. Nairobi—East Africa’s safari capital—is the perfect launchpad for your adventure.
Check in at Sarova Panafric Hotel, a midrange retreat with ensuite rooms, leafy gardens, and a pool for post-flight relaxation. Depending on arrival time, explore Nairobi’s craft markets, sip Kenyan coffee, or simply unwind at the hotel.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at the Flame Tree Restaurant, sampling a fusion of local and international flavors.
Travel Tip: Arrive early to explore Nairobi’s gems such as the Giraffe Centre or Nairobi National Museum.
Distance: ~15 km | Drive Time: ~30 minutes
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Rift Valley Vistas & First Game Drive
After breakfast, depart westward on a scenic drive (~280 km | 5–6 hrs) across the Great Rift Valley, pausing at viewpoints for sweeping landscapes. Arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve for your first game drive. Herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam the plains, while lions, cheetahs, and leopards lie in wait.
Return to your lodge on the Oloolaimutia Hills for dinner and an evening of relaxation.
Photography Tip: Sunset in the Mara paints the sky in golden hues—perfect for acacia tree silhouettes and grazing wildlife.
Distance: ~280 km | Drive Time: ~5–6 hours
Day 3: Masai Mara – Full-Day Big Five Adventure
Rise early for a sunrise game drive, when predators are most active. After breakfast, set out on a full-day safari with a picnic lunch in the bush.
From July to October, witness the Great Wildebeest Migration—millions of wildebeest and zebras braving the Mara River in one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Year-round, the reserve teems with wildlife: cheetahs sprint across the plains, elephants gather by waterholes, and lions patrol their territories.
Optional add-ons include a hot air balloon safari at sunrise or a visit to a Maasai village for cultural insights.
Safari Moment: Drifting off to sleep to the roar of lions under a starlit African sky.
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Flamingos & Rhino Encounters
After breakfast, journey north (~300 km | ~6 hrs) toward the Great Rift Valley. Pause en route for a scenic picnic lunch overlooking dramatic escarpments.
On arrival, check in at Lake Nakuru Lodge, set inside the park with sweeping views of the lake. Depending on timing, enjoy a short afternoon nature walk or relax on the terrace with chances of spotting wildlife nearby.
Lake Nakuru is famed for its flamingo flocks, endangered black and white rhinos, and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe.
Did You Know? Lake Nakuru once hosted nearly 2 million flamingos, turning the shoreline pink—a spectacular natural wonder.
Distance: ~300 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Start your day with a sunrise game drive in Lake Nakuru. Spot rhinos grazing, buffalo along the shoreline, or a leopard retreating into the euphorbia forest.
After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi (~170 km | 3–4 hrs) with lunch en route. Your guide will drop you at JKIA for your onward flight—or arrange an optional extra night in Nairobi.
Safari Reflection: From predator-rich plains of the Masai Mara to the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Nakuru, you’ve experienced the essence of Kenya in just five days.
- Inspired by your safari? Book your next Kenya or East Africa adventure with Pita Safaris today.
Distance: ~170 km | Drive Time: ~3–4 hours
Inclusions
Accommodation • 4 nights in handpicked midrange lodges or tented camps with private ensuite bathrooms, located inside or near Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park for easy access to game drives. • Comfortable bedding, hot showers, mosquito nets, and optional Wi-Fi for convenience and connectivity. • Properties selected for prime wildlife locations, ensuring immersive safari experiences.
Meals • Daily full-board meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. • Scenic bush picnic lunches during full-day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru game drives. • Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) accommodated with advance notice.
Transport & Safari Vehicle • Return airport transfers in Nairobi. • All inter-park travel in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for unobstructed wildlife viewing. • Guided by a professional English-speaking driver-guide, providing expert wildlife knowledge, photography tips, and cultural insights.
Game Drives & Park Fees • Exciting daily game drives in Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru, including Big Five wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. • All park entry fees, conservation charges, and government taxes fully included. • Led by local safari experts, ensuring authentic encounters and enriched storytelling.
Extras & Peace of Mind • Complimentary bottled water during all game drives. • Scenic photography stops at iconic Rift Valley viewpoints. • Emergency medical evacuation cover within East Africa (if included in package terms).
Exclude
Flights & Visas • International flights to and from Kenya are not included. • Kenya visa fees and other travel documentation are the traveler’s responsibility.
Travel Insurance • Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all East Africa safaris.
Tips & Gratuities • Tips for driver-guides, lodge staff, and porters are not included. • Tipping is customary in Kenya but remains at your discretion.
Optional Experiences & Upgrades • Sunrise hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara. • Maasai cultural village visits, night game drives, or other personalized safari add-ons. • Custom safari upgrades available on request.
Personal Expenses • Alcoholic beverages, premium wines, and spirits. • Laundry, souvenirs, spa treatments, and other personal services at lodges.
Pre- & Post-Safari Stays • Extra hotel nights in Nairobi before or after your safari are not included. • Can be arranged easily with Pita Safaris, ensuring smooth travel and accommodations.
Minimum Age
3 years old
Includes
Water & Guide
Briefing
7:30 AM
Guaranteed Departures
2 Guests (MIN)
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