5-Day Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara Safari
Tour Description
This 5-day safari delivers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure starting with the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha before diving into the wildlife-packed plains of the Masai Mara. Ideal for travelers short on time but big on experiences, this journey combines boat safaris with hippos and fish eagles, classic savannah game drives, and the chance to witness the Great Migration (seasonal). From the Rift Valley’s freshwater lake to the endless grasslands of the Mara, this is Kenya’s best in five unforgettable days.
Safari Highlights
Day 1: Nairobi → Lake Naivasha: Boat safari, hippos & fish eagles
Day 2: Lake Naivasha → Masai Mara: Afternoon game drive
Day 3: Full day game drive in Masai Mara
Day 4: Full day Masai Mara Game Drive
Day 5: Final day game drive in Masai Mara then transfer to Nairobi for departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Nairobi to Lake Naivasha
Depart Nairobi in the morning and descend into the Great Rift Valley, where the escarpment opens to sweeping views of lakes and volcanic craters below. Arrive at Lake Naivasha in time for lunch at your lakeside lodge.
In the afternoon, step onto a boat for a guided safari across the freshwater lake. Hippos grunt and splash in the shallows, fish eagles dive for their catch, and the shoreline teems with birdlife from kingfishers to cormorants. The lake is also home to the odd giraffe or buffalo grazing along the water’s edge. Evening at leisure, with the sounds of the lake settling around you.
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Lodge/Camp
Day 2: Transfer from Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Naivasha and drive west through Kenya’s fertile farmlands and rolling hills toward the Masai Mara. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley, with views of the escarpment and distant volcanic peaks.
Arrive in the reserve in the afternoon, check in, and head straight out for your first Masai Mara game drive. The open plains stretch to the horizon, dotted with acacia trees and grazing herds. Lions rest in the shade, elephants move through the riverine forests, and giraffes stride across the golden grass. As the sun sets over the savannah, the Mara reveals its wild heart.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp/Lodge in Masai Mara
Day 3: Full-Day Masai Mara Game Drives
Spend the day exploring different sectors of the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Track lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras. If you’re visiting between July and October, keep your eyes on the Mara River wildebeest and zebra gather at the crossing points in one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
Your guide adjusts routes based on wildlife movement and predator activity, ensuring the best sightings possible. A picnic lunch inside the reserve allows uninterrupted wildlife viewing, with the endless plains as your backdrop.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp/Lodge in Masai Mara
Day 4: Masai Mara Exploration
Another full day dedicated to in-depth game viewing. Wake early for an optional sunrise drive the best time to catch big cats in action, hunting in the cool morning light. Cheetahs scan from termite mounds, leopards drape themselves across acacia branches, and lion prides stir from their nightly rest.
The afternoon offers more exploration: riverine forests, open plains, and kopjes where hyenas and jackals patrol. Every corner of the Mara holds something new. Return to camp as the sun drops, the sky blazing orange and red.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp/Lodge in Masai Mara
Day 5: Transfer from Masai Mara to Nairobi for Departure
Enjoy one final early morning game drive a last pass across the plains as dawn breaks. The wildlife is active, and the light is perfect for photography. Return to camp for breakfast, pack up, and depart the reserve.
The drive back to Nairobi takes you through the Rift Valley, offering one last panoramic view of Kenya’s diverse landscapes. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, where your safari ends with a drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Trip Includes
Roundtrip transfers from Nairobi
Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Lake Naivasha boat safari
Masai Mara park entry fees
Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
Trip Excludes
International flights and visas
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
Optional activities (Crescent Island walk, hot-air balloon safari)
Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, souvenirs)
Accommodation in Nairobi (per/post safari)
