Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha Safari

Masai Mara & Lake Naivasha Trip

Duration: 5 Days | Route: Nairobi -> Masaai Mara -> Lake Naivasha -> Nairobi

Itinerary Outline

  • Day 1: Nairobi and Masai Mara Arrival
  • Day 2: Morning Safari Delights
  • Day 3: Full Day Safari Experience
  • Day 4: Morning Masai Mara Safari and Lake Naivasha Adventure
  • Day 5: Farewell to Kenya

Tour Overview

This 5-day Kenya safari brings together the rich wildlife of the Masai Mara and the peaceful beauty of Lake Naivasha. The Masai Mara is known for its open plains, big cats, large elephant herds, and classic safari scenery. Game drives offer close wildlife viewing, and the soft morning and evening light makes every moment feel special. From lions resting in the grass to giraffes moving against the horizon, the landscape always has something to watch.

Lake Naivasha adds a different side to the experience. The calm waters, birdlife, and open walking areas create a relaxed change of pace. A boat ride brings you close to hippos and offers great views of pelicans, fish eagles, and other lake species. Walking on Crescent Island lets you see wildlife at eye level in a quiet, open setting.

What Our Guides Say: “Lake Naivasha’s hippo pods average 40-60 individuals, and early morning boat rides get you within 10 meters safely. Combined with Mara’s lions, this trip covers Kenya’s best wildlife contrasts in just a few days.”

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the heart of Masai Mara with exhilarating game drives, where you’ll witness the majestic Big Five, elusive cheetahs, graceful giraffes, and vast herds of wildebeests roaming freely in the wild.
  • Start your mornings with magical sunrise safaris as the savanna awakens, offering incredible sights of lions on the prowl, grazing herbivores, and vibrant birds soaring across the golden sky.
  • Cruise the shimmering waters of Lake Naivasha on an exciting boat safari, where you’ll spot playful hippos surfacing and a variety of waterbirds in their serene aquatic habitat.
  • Marvel at the vibrant birdlife of Lake Naivasha, where colorful kingfishers, majestic fish eagles, and flocks of waterbirds create a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
  • Take a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, getting astonishingly close to free-roaming giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in a safe and intimate wildlife experience like no other.

Masai Mara & Lake Naivasha Safari – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi and Masai Mara Arrival


Your incredible Kenyan safari begins with a warm welcome in Nairobi. Your driver will collect you from your hotel or JMO Airport, treating you to breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley along the way. The journey is an adventure in itself, with stunning landscapes unfolding before your eyes. As you approach the legendary Masai Mara, excitement builds with every mile. Upon arrival at your lodge, you’ll enjoy a refreshing breakfast before embarking on your first afternoon game drive. The Masai Mara reveals its magic as you encounter an incredible array of wildlife in their natural habitat. As the day winds down, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and reflect on the day’s amazing experiences.

Day 2: Morning Safari Delights


Early risers are rewarded in the Masai Mara! Wake up before the sun and head out on a morning safari drive. Wildlife enthusiasts know that early morning and late afternoon are the prime times for wildlife viewing. The savanna comes alive with activity as predators and prey begin their daily dance. Between morning and afternoon drives, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the lodge, giving you time to rest and recharge. The afternoon drive offers another opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife of this iconic national reserve.

Day 3: Full Day Safari Experience


The day begins with early morning excitement as you venture into the vast Masai Mara savanna. After a hearty breakfast, your game drive reveals the incredible wildlife of this iconic ecosystem. Lions bask in the morning sun, herds of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains, and if you’re lucky, you might witness a dramatic predator hunt or spot elusive cheetahs and leopards.

As the day progresses, the landscape comes alive with diverse wildlife. Elephants move gracefully in the distance, giraffes stretch their long necks to reach acacia leaves, and colorful birds dart between trees and grasslands. A picnic lunch at a scenic camp site becomes a magical moment, surrounded by the sounds and sights of wild Africa. The afternoon continues to offer remarkable wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities.

The day culminates with a breathtaking sunset painting the savanna in golden hues. As night falls, return to the lodge with memories of incredible wildlife sightings. Share stories of your adventures over dinner, reliving the magical moments of your full-day safari in one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife destinations.

Day 4: Morning Masai Mara Safari and Lake Naivasha Adventure


Start your day with an early morning safari in the Masai Mara, where the golden sunrise bathes the savannah in warmth. This is the best time to witness wildlife at its most active. Spot predators returning from a night hunt, observe grazing herbivores in the fresh morning light, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Mara’s endless plains. It’s a thrilling way to say goodbye to this iconic reserve.

After a hearty breakfast back at the lodge, you’ll embark on a scenic journey to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater haven that offers a contrasting yet equally captivating wildlife experience. Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy a relaxing lunch while soaking in the serene views of the lake.

The afternoon begins with a boat safari across Lake Naivasha’s shimmering waters. Watch hippos emerge playfully from the depths and marvel at the lush aquatic ecosystem. The adventure doesn’t stop there; step onto Crescent Island for a unique walking safari. Here, you’ll stroll among free-roaming giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, getting surprisingly close to these gentle creatures in their natural habitat.

As the day winds down, turn your gaze skyward to witness Lake Naivasha’s incredible birdlife. From majestic fish eagles to vibrant kingfishers and a kaleidoscope of waterbirds, the lake is a birdwatcher’s paradise. A vivid sunset paints the sky, casting a golden glow over the tranquil waters—a perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

Head to your accommodation for a well-deserved dinner, reliving the memories of the morning’s safari and the peaceful charm of Lake Naivasha.

Day 5: Farewell to Kenya


Wake up, enjoy a final breakfast, and prepare for your transfer to Nairobi Airport. Your incredible Kenyan wildlife adventure concludes, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Want day wise plan with every details?


Download the detailed day wise itinerary for this tour & start planning your journey with Big Cats Safari. To explore more routes and wildlife experiences, check our all Kenyan Safaris.

Where You’ll Stay

Travel Information

Inclusion

  • Lodging in Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha including all meals and safari.
  • Your fees for entrance, safari and guide in Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha.
  • 1 evening safari on day 1 and full day game drive on day 2 & 3 in Popup Roof Land Cruiser in Masai Mara.
  • Lake Naivasha Safari and Transfer.
  • Safari in Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru.
  • Nairobi to Nairobi transfer in Land Cruiser
  • Airport and hotel assistance pre and post-trip.

Exclusion

  • Personal expenses like laundry, international phone calls, liquor, à la carte food, etc.
  • International or domestic airfares and rail tickets.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Tips and Gratuities.
  • Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion section.

Customization options

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Cancellation Policy

  • If cancellation requested before 120 days (or more) prior to departure, Full refund.
  • If cancellation requested before 60 days (or more) prior to departure – 75% of the tour cost will be refunded.
  • If cancellation requested before 45 to 59 days prior to departure – 50% of the tour cost will be refunded.
  • If cancellation requested before 30 to 44 days prior to departure – 25% of the tour cost will be refunded.
  • If cancellation requested before 15 to 29 days prior to departure – 10% of the tour cost will be refunded.
  • If cancellation requested less than 15 days prior to departure, No Show – No Refund.

Further Information

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Similar Tours

More Places to Explore

Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration

Kenya

Five Zebra in Tanzania ngorongoro crater

Tanzania

rwanda gorilla

Rwanda

African Elephant in Zambia

Zambia

Guest Testimonials

saptarshi bagchi
They have arranged quite a lot of trip for me in india and abroad, the most recent being in Masai Mara. You get the best wildlife experience with value for ...
read more
saptarshi bagchi
India
They have arranged quite a lot of trip for me in india and abroad, the most recent being in Masai Mara. You get the best wildlife experience with value for every dime you spend. Always at your service even in case of any confusion. In short your one stop solution for wildlife tour in India and abroad.
saptarshi bagchi
saptarshi bagchi
India
Arjun Varadraj
Had amazing time with Krunal and big cats , the stay and food was extremely good , the drivers were professional and got to witness Masai Mara at its best
Arjun Varadraj
India
Had amazing time with Krunal and big cats , the stay and food was extremely good , the drivers were professional and got to witness Masai Mara at its best
Arjun Varadraj
Arjun Varadraj
India
Rahul Sasvehalli
I've been travelling to several wildlife destinations in India via Big Cats Safari and every trip so far has been memorable. This time around, I got to visit Masaimara, Amboseli ...
read more
Rahul Sasvehalli
India
I've been travelling to several wildlife destinations in India via Big Cats Safari and every trip so far has been memorable. This time around, I got to visit Masaimara, Amboseli and Nairobi National Parks in Africa. Krunal came up with a good itinerary, which included a group of 9 people, at a very reasonable cost. It was a dream come true for me and the African safari was one of the best wilderness experiences in my life. Thanks Krunal for organizing this trip and making it a great success.
Rahul Sasvehalli
Rahul Sasvehalli
India
Sreya Pal
This is my second travel with BigCats and I don't think it could have been any better than this. Wonderful planning and execution by Krunal, taking care of every end ...
read more
Sreya Pal
India
This is my second travel with BigCats and I don't think it could have been any better than this. Wonderful planning and execution by Krunal, taking care of every end to end with details and ensuring our comfort first. Always available on the phone whenever needed and taking feedbacks after every Safari with precision. The Safaris are well managed and executed. I saw 7 unique tigers this time and it was a thrilling experience. BigCats is my permanent travel buddy hereon, looking forward for the next destination.
Sreya Pal
Sreya Pal
India
Apeksha Tiwari
We had an excellent safari experience at Pench National Park. The arrangements, right from hotel stay to safari bookings were extremely well curated through personal indulgence by Krunal.Highly recommended ...
read more
Apeksha Tiwari
India
We had an excellent safari experience at Pench National Park. The arrangements, right from hotel stay to safari bookings were extremely well curated through personal indulgence by Krunal.Highly recommended from our side for a hassle free safari experience.
Apeksha Tiwari
Apeksha Tiwari
India