A 5-Day Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru Safari offers a well-rounded Rift Valley adventure, pairing the world-famous wildlife of the Maasai Mara with the birdlife, boat rides, and rhino sanctuaries of two of Kenya’s most beautiful lakes.
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara Depart Nairobi in the morning for the scenic drive southwest, descending into the Great Rift Valley en route to the Maasai Mara (roughly 5–6 hours). Arrive at your camp or lodge in time for lunch, then head out for an afternoon game drive across the open savannah, where lions, elephants, giraffes, and grazing herds are commonly seen. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Day 2: Full Day in the Maasai Mara Spend a full day exploring the reserve with morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Big Five and the Mara’s renowned big cats. In season (roughly July to October), you may witness the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration. Enjoy a bush picnic lunch to maximize your time among the wildlife, or add an optional visit to a Maasai village. Overnight at camp.
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha After an early morning game drive and breakfast, depart the Mara and drive northeast to Lake Naivasha (roughly 5–6 hours), arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the freshwater lake to see hippos and a remarkable variety of birds, or visit Crescent Island for a walking safari among zebras, giraffes, and antelope. Dinner and overnight near the lake.
Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park After breakfast, take the short drive north to Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy game drives in this compact, wildlife-rich park, famous for both black and white rhino, flocks of flamingos and pelicans, tree-climbing lions, leopards, buffalo, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Dinner and overnight near the park.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi Enjoy a final morning game drive, then return for breakfast. Check out and begin the scenic drive back to Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley, arriving in the afternoon.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers wanting a richer, more varied experience — combining the Mara’s iconic predators and migration with the scenery, birdlife, and rhinos of the Rift Valley lakes at a comfortable, unhurried pace.