Overview
This 5 days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari combines wildlife viewing and cultural encounters in Kenya. The safari starts from Nairobi to the 45 km Lake Nakuru before heading to the 1,510 km2 Masai Mara National Reserve. Masai Mara houses 90 mammal species encompassing the iconic Big 5 of buffaloes, lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Besides viewing wildlife in their natural homes, a cultural encounter with the Masai tribe will be done. The guided safari ends in Nairobi.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park. Afternoon Game Drive
We shall pick you up from Nairobi for a transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park, situated 157 km by road northwestwards. The lunch will be provided to you enroute. Arrive and check in at your lodge. Later in the afternoon, go for a game drive to see the rare black rhinos and other big mammals. There is still plenty to see as Lake Nakuru has a wide range of mammals, birds, and physical features. The latter comprise the lake, hills, swamps, woodland and grassland among others. Nevertheless, lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras and many antelope species will be spotted. Return to your lodge and enjoy dinner, and sleep.
Day 2: Full day Game Drive
You will need a morning breakfast before embarking on a full day game drive in the various habitats within the park. Wildlife views include leopards, lions, stripped hyenas, impalas, bushbucks, black rhinos, zebras, buffaloes, side-striped jackals and serval cats. During the game drive you will see landmark hills such as Lion Ridge, Enasoit and Honeymoon. There are also plenty of iconic bird species to see on Lake Nakuru including the flamingoes and great white pelicans. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Masai Mara. Evening Game Drive
Today you will be transferred to Masai Mara National Reserve, 221 km to the southwest. After your morning breakfast check out and start this scenic trip with lunch enroute. Arrival in Masai Mara National Reserve will be greeted by plenty of animals including the iconic Big 5. Drive to your accommodation and check in. relax and go for an evening game drive in Masai Mara plains. Besides the Big 5, wildebeests, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, aardwolves, bushbucks, hartebeests, Thompson’s gazelles and side striped jackals etc. are common.
From July to October, you will witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara National Reserve. It is the period when a million wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras move across the Mara River from Serengeti National Park. They always look for better pasture and water. This experience is so unique and witnessing it during a game drive is satisfying. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Full day game drive in Masai Mara.
In the morning, take breakfast to feel energized for the thrilling game drive across the plains of Masai Mara National Reserve. This 2-3-hour game viewing opportunity promises the Big 5 and other iconic mammal and bird species. Hippos, cheetahs, zebras, side-stripped hyenas, common elands, klipspringers and impalas etc. can be spotted. The activity also comes with a picnic lunch and a chance to meet the Masai community adjacent to the reserve. The tribe offers wonderful stories including how they co-existed with the wild animals of the reserve.
The Masai people will happily share aspects of their way of life including pastoralism. They will also educate you about why they chose to be pastoralists and why the cattle are very precious in their lives. Enjoy their dancing and singing as they showcase their unique dressing style. Explore their Bomas to learn more about their unique architecture and building style. Return to your lodge as you view more animals along the game tracks. Arrive and freshen up while you wait for dinner. After dinner kindly get some sleep.
Day 5: Return to Nairobi. End of Safari
Start with breakfast and check out, then return to Nairobi city, 230 km away. The scenic drive to Nairobi also includes en route lunch. Drop-off will be at any point you find convenient. If you are planning to depart Kenya, drop-off will be at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This marks the end of your 5 days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari.