Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara

A six-day loop through three of Kenya’s most rewarding wildlife areas — rhino country at Lake Nakuru, a boat safari on Lake Naivasha, and two full days chasing big cats in the Masai Mara. Each leg is a short drive from the last, so more of your time is spent on safari than on the road.

Day by day

Day 1 — Nairobi to Lake Nakuru. A morning departure from Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley, with a stop at an escarpment viewpoint, then on to Lake Nakuru National Park — famous for its rhino sanctuary. After lunch, an afternoon game drive tracking white and black rhino, Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, zebra, waterbuck and lion, with flamingos on the lake when conditions are right. Dinner and overnight at the camp/lodge.

Day 2 — Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha. An early game drive while wildlife is most active, then breakfast, check out and drive to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake fringed by lush landscapes. After lunch, a boat safari brings you close to hippos and the lake’s birdlife, including African fish eagles. An optional walking safari at Crescent Island lets you stroll among giraffe, zebra and antelope. Dinner and overnight at the camp/lodge.

Day 3 — Lake Naivasha to the Masai Mara. After breakfast, depart for the Masai Mara through the Kenyan countryside, arriving around lunchtime to settle in. An afternoon game drive across the open savannah brings your first sightings — elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and, with luck, big cats — before a Mara sunset back at camp. Overnight at the camp/lodge.

Day 4 — Full day in the Masai Mara. A full day exploring the reserve with a picnic lunch, covering different areas to maximise your chances with the Mara’s lions, leopards, cheetahs and large elephant herds, alongside vast plains game. In season, you may witness the Great Migration as wildebeest and zebra move through the ecosystem. Overnight at the camp/lodge.

Day 5 — Masai Mara. Another full day in the Mara to explore areas you haven’t yet covered, following the wildlife as the savannah comes alive. Choose an optional Maasai cultural visit — traditional dance, crafts and daily life — or a second full day of game drives with a picnic lunch, closing with a final evening drive. Overnight at the camp/lodge.

Day 6 — Masai Mara to Nairobi. Breakfast, then check out and the drive back to Nairobi through Kenya’s changing scenery, arriving in the afternoon or evening.

What’s included

Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, English-speaking driver-guide, park and reserve fees, accommodation on the itinerary, meals as specified, and the Lake Naivasha boat safari.

Optional add-ons

A Crescent Island walking safari at Lake Naivasha and a Maasai cultural visit in the Mara are both available at additional cost.