5-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha Safari

5-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Shared Safari

Experience three of Kenya’s most rewarding wildlife destinations on this shared
five-day safari from Nairobi. Explore the Masai Mara, search for rhinos in Lake Nakuru
National Park, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha and walk among wildlife on Crescent
Island.

Travel in a shared safari-equipped 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional
English-speaking driver-guide. This scheduled safari can be booked by
one traveller, making it suitable for solo travellers, couples,
friends and small groups.

The safari vehicle may be shared with other independently booked guests. Departure
times, comfort stops, game-drive routes and daily schedules must therefore accommodate
the interests and requirements of the entire group.

Safari Highlights

Day 1: Nairobi to the Masai Mara – Shared Afternoon Game Drive

Day 2: Full-Day Shared Masai Mara Game Drive

Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

Day 4: Shared Lake Nakuru Game Drive, Lake Naivasha Boat Ride and Crescent Island

Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to the Masai Mara – Shared Afternoon Game Drive

Your five-day safari begins with an early-morning pickup from selected Nairobi hotels
or an agreed meeting point. The recommended departure time is between 6:30 AM and
7:00 AM, although your exact pickup time will be confirmed before travel.

Because this is a shared safari, the vehicle may collect other confirmed guests from
different locations before leaving Nairobi. All travellers must be ready at the
confirmed time to avoid delaying the group.

Leave Nairobi and travel towards the Great Rift Valley. A short stop may be made at a
suitable viewpoint, weather, traffic and time permitting. From the escarpment, you
can enjoy panoramic views across the Rift Valley and take photographs before
continuing with the journey.

Proceed through the Kenyan countryside and the town of Narok towards the Masai Mara.
The journey offers changing views of farmland, local settlements and open rangelands.
Comfort stops will be made at suitable locations when required.

Arrival at the Masai Mara camp or lodge is normally expected around lunchtime,
depending on traffic, weather and road conditions. Check in, enjoy lunch and have a
short rest before the afternoon game drive.

Later in the afternoon, enter the Masai Mara National Reserve for your first shared
game drive. The reserve’s open grasslands, riverine woodland and seasonal water
sources support an exceptional variety of wildlife.

Possible sightings include lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras,
wildebeest, topis, elands, impalas, gazelles, warthogs and spotted hyenas. Cheetahs
may be seen scanning the open plains, while leopards are sometimes encountered near
riverine woodland or resting in trees.

Predators and herbivores may become more active as the afternoon temperature falls.
Your driver-guide will use recent wildlife reports and local knowledge to select
suitable viewing areas while balancing the interests of everyone sharing the vehicle.

Return to the camp or lodge before or around sunset for dinner and your first
overnight stay in the Masai Mara.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mid-range tented camp or lodge in the Masai Mara area

Day 2: Full-Day Shared Masai Mara Game Drive

After an early breakfast, collect your packed picnic lunch and depart for an extended
shared game drive in the Masai Mara. The cooler morning hours can be particularly
rewarding because many animals are more active before the heat of the day.

The driver-guide will select the day’s route according to seasonal wildlife movements,
recent sightings, weather and road conditions. Because this is a shared safari, the
guide must balance the viewing interests, comfort and photographic requirements of
all guests travelling in the vehicle.

The Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife areas and is particularly
known for its population of large predators. Possible sightings include lions,
cheetahs, leopards, spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals and, occasionally,
bat-eared foxes.

The grasslands also support elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest,
elands, topis, hartebeests, impalas and Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles. Black rhinos
are present in the wider ecosystem but are less frequently encountered.

Depending on the selected route, the group may visit areas close to the Mara or Talek
rivers, where hippos and Nile crocodiles may be seen. Riverine woodland can also
provide habitat for leopards, elephants, monkeys and numerous bird species.

Birdlife may include secretary birds, kori bustards, crowned cranes, southern ground
hornbills, ostriches, vultures, eagles, storks and many smaller grassland and woodland
species.

A picnic lunch will be served at a designated and safe location in the reserve.
Guests must follow the driver-guide’s safety instructions and should not approach or
feed wildlife.

Continue exploring during the afternoon, stopping at wildlife sightings whenever it
is safe and practical. The group may spend more time in productive viewing areas,
although the final programme must accommodate everyone in the shared vehicle.

Return to the camp or lodge during the late afternoon or around sunset. Enjoy dinner
and your second overnight stay in the Masai Mara.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mid-range tented camp or lodge in the Masai Mara area

Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

Enjoy breakfast at the camp or lodge before checking out and beginning the journey
to the Lake Nakuru area. All guests must have their luggage ready at the confirmed
departure time.

Unless an additional morning game drive has been specifically confirmed, the group
will leave the Masai Mara after breakfast. An extra game drive may affect the arrival
time at Lake Nakuru and cannot be added independently when other travellers are
sharing the vehicle.

Travel through the Great Rift Valley, passing open rangelands, rural settlements,
agricultural areas and highland scenery. The journey between the Masai Mara and Lake
Nakuru is relatively long, and travelling time depends on weather, traffic and road
conditions.

Comfort stops will be made at suitable locations when required. Lunch will be served
at the camp, lodge or an appropriate restaurant during the journey, depending on the
final accommodation and operational schedule.

Arrive at the Lake Nakuru lodge or hotel during the late afternoon or early evening.
Check in and relax after the journey before dinner.

The main Lake Nakuru National Park game drive is scheduled for the following morning.
A game drive on Day 3 is not guaranteed and will only be possible if sufficient time
is available and the arrangement has been confirmed for the entire group.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge or hotel in the Lake Nakuru area

Day 4: Lake Nakuru Game Drive, Lake Naivasha Boat Ride and Crescent Island

After breakfast, depart for a shared game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The park
is one of Kenya’s important rhino conservation areas and offers opportunities to
search for both white and black rhinos.

White rhinos are sometimes seen grazing in open areas, while black rhinos generally
prefer thicker vegetation and can be more difficult to locate. All rhino and wildlife
sightings depend on natural movements and cannot be guaranteed.

Other possible sightings include Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, impalas,
waterbucks, warthogs, olive baboons and vervet monkeys. Lions and leopards are also
present, although they may be difficult to find.

Lake Nakuru is an important bird habitat. Depending on the season, water levels and
feeding conditions, you may see pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets, fish eagles,
storks and flamingos.

Flamingo numbers at Lake Nakuru vary considerably and large concentrations cannot be
guaranteed. Birds move between Rift Valley lakes according to water depth, salinity
and food availability.

When road and weather conditions permit, the game drive may include selected
lakeshore areas and viewpoints such as Baboon Cliff. Your driver-guide will determine
the most appropriate route according to wildlife reports and the available time.

After the Lake Nakuru game drive, leave the national park and continue to Lake
Naivasha. Lunch and check-in arrangements will depend on the confirmed lodge and
activity schedule.

Proceed to the lakeshore for a guided boat ride on Lake Naivasha. During the excursion,
you may encounter pods of hippos and observe African fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants,
herons, kingfishers and other waterbirds.

The boat captain will maintain a safe distance from hippos and other wildlife.
Travellers must follow all safety instructions and wear the provided life jackets.
The boat ride remains subject to weather, wind and lake conditions.

Continue to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari. The sanctuary supports
giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, waterbucks, impalas, gazelles and other plains animals.

Crescent Island does not have the large predators normally associated with the Masai
Mara, allowing guests to observe wildlife on foot with a local guide. However, all
wildlife must be treated with caution, and guests must follow the guide’s instructions.

After the walking safari, transfer to the Lake Naivasha lodge or hotel for dinner and
your final overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge or hotel in the Lake Naivasha area

Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge and a relaxed morning before checking out. The departure
time will be confirmed by the driver-guide and must accommodate the requirements of
everyone travelling in the shared vehicle.

Unless an additional activity has been arranged for the entire group, no boat ride,
walking safari or national park visit is scheduled on the final morning.

Begin the return journey to Nairobi, travelling through the Great Rift Valley and
back towards the capital. A comfort stop may be made along the way when required.

Arrival in Nairobi is normally expected around midday or during the early afternoon.
The exact time depends on traffic, weather, road conditions and the order in which
guests are dropped off.

Drop-off is provided at selected Nairobi hotels or an agreed central location.
Airport drop-off must be requested before booking and is subject to the shared
vehicle’s schedule and route.

Guests travelling by air on the same day should provide their flight details before
booking and allow sufficient time for possible traffic delays and airport check-in.
A tight same-day flight connection is not recommended.

Meals: Breakfast

Seasonal Wildlife Information

The Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha offer rewarding wildlife and scenery
throughout the year. All sightings occur in natural environments and cannot be
guaranteed.

• January to March: Generally drier conditions can provide good
  wildlife visibility, productive predator viewing and warm daytime temperatures.
• April to June: The green season offers lush landscapes, dramatic
  skies, excellent birdlife and fewer vehicles in some areas. Rain may affect roads
  and activity schedules.
• July to October: This period is generally associated with the Great
  Migration in the Masai Mara. Accommodation and safari seats should be reserved well
  in advance.
• November to December: The short rains often create greener scenery,
  active birdlife and opportunities to observe young animals.

Great Migration movements and river crossings depend on rainfall, grazing conditions,
river levels and other natural factors. River crossings cannot be scheduled or
guaranteed.

Shared Safari Arrangements

This is a scheduled shared safari. Guests may travel with other independently booked
travellers in the same safari-equipped 4×4 Land Cruiser. The exact number of
passengers depends on confirmed bookings for the selected departure.

The driver-guide will select game-drive routes according to wildlife movements, road
conditions, recent sightings and the interests of the group. Guests must observe the
confirmed departure times so that the safari operates smoothly for everyone.

Seating positions cannot be guaranteed and may be rotated fairly during the safari
to give guests reasonable access to the viewing windows and photographic positions.

Safari Transport

Transport is provided in a shared safari-equipped 4×4 Land Cruiser with a viewing
roof and a professional English-speaking driver-guide.

The vehicle is shared with other confirmed travellers. Pickup locations, comfort
stops, game-drive routes and Nairobi drop-offs must accommodate the complete group.

An infant travelling on a parent’s or guardian’s lap is not charged for a separate
transport seat. If a separate seat or child safety seat is required, it must be
requested when booking and the applicable charge will be confirmed.

Included

• Pickup and drop-off at selected Nairobi hotels or an agreed meeting point
• Shared transport in a safari-equipped 4×4 Land Cruiser
• Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Four nights’ mid-range accommodation
• Meals specified in the itinerary
• Shared game drives specified in the itinerary
• Masai Mara National Reserve entrance fees for the scheduled itinerary
• Lake Nakuru National Park entrance fees for the scheduled itinerary
• Lake Naivasha boat ride
• Crescent Island entrance fee and guided walking safari
• Driver-guide’s accommodation, meals and park-entry charges
• Vehicle fuel and applicable transport costs
• Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
• Emergency assistance throughout the safari

Not Included

• International and domestic flights
• Airport transfers unless specifically confirmed
• Kenya visa and other entry requirements
• Travel, medical and evacuation insurance
• Tips and gratuities for the driver-guide, local guides and accommodation staff
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and beverages not specifically included
• Optional hot-air balloon safari
• Optional Maasai village or cultural visit
• Additional or private game drives not specified in the shared itinerary
• Private use of the safari vehicle
• Single-room supplement, where applicable
• Early check-in or late check-out charges
• Telephone calls, laundry, souvenirs and other personal expenses
• Any service or activity not specifically listed under “Included”

Price and Booking Information

Safari price: From USD 1,495 per adult.

Minimum booking: One traveller.

Solo travellers are welcome to book this scheduled shared safari. The advertised
price is based on the specified accommodation arrangement. A single-room supplement
may apply when one traveller requires a private room.

The price includes the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru park entrance fees required for the
scheduled itinerary, the Lake Naivasha boat ride and the Crescent Island guided
walking safari.

The starting rate applies to selected 2027 travel dates and remains subject to
accommodation and shared-departure availability. July to October, Easter, Christmas,
New Year and other high-demand periods may attract seasonal supplements. Any
applicable supplement will be disclosed before payment.

Important Information

• This is a shared safari with other independently booked travellers.
• The minimum booking is one paying traveller.
• Solo travellers are welcome to join a confirmed shared departure.
• A single-room supplement may apply to a traveller requiring a private room.
• Guests must observe the confirmed pickup and departure times.
• Game-drive routes and stops must accommodate the entire group.
• Private use of the safari vehicle is not included.
• Guests aged 12 years and above are generally charged as adults by accommodation providers.
• Park entrance fees for the scheduled itinerary are included.
• The Lake Naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island walking safari are included.
• Government taxes and park fees may be revised without prior notice.
• Wildlife sightings and Great Migration river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
• Flamingo numbers at Lake Nakuru vary according to water and feeding conditions.
• Driving and arrival times may change because of traffic, weather or road conditions.
• The order of activities may be adjusted for operational, weather or safety reasons.
• Final accommodation is confirmed according to availability.
• Booking, amendment and cancellation conditions apply to all reservations.