5 Days Thrilling Safari in Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Overview

5 days / 4 nights -from US$700pp sharing.

This safari covers the magical Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Great Rift Valley lakes of Naivasha and Nakuru. Maasai Mara is globally famous for its exceptional population of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephant, rhino (big five), and the annual migration of Wildebeest, Zebra, Thomson’s gazelle to and from the Serengeti every year from July to October, known as the Great Migration.Lake Nakuru attracts the vast quantity of flamingos that famously line the shore. Other birds also flourish in the area, as do warthogs, baboons, and other large mammals. Black and white rhinos have also been introduced. Lake Naivasha offers more than enough attractions from boat riding, bird watching, crater lake, and Hell’s Gate National Park. Walking is permitted in this park, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and rock climbing.

Key information

• This is a group safari. Private Safari available on request at an extra cost.
• Safari starts and ends in Nairobi.
• Group size: maximum 8 persons van with pop up roof.
• Children below 12 years old are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
• English speaking driver /guide.
• Park fees are are included.

Highlights

• 6 exciting game drives
• See the Big Five, nocturnal animals, and other wildlife
• Explore Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park, and Lake Nakuru
• Transportation in a private seven-seater minivan with pop up roof.
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 4 nights’ accommodation
• Return airport transfers
• 1 night budget hotel accommodation in Nairobi.

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in a budget camping facilities / hotel in Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Nakuru.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara National Reserve is the most famous and most visited reserve in Kenya. Covering an area of 1510 square kilometers, the Maasai Mara reserve is, in fact, the extension in Kenyan territory of the vast Serengeti Park in Tanzania. Together, they constitute a huge ecosystem in which animals move freely.

All large African animals are present. Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, impala, Kirk’s dik-dik, bushbuck, topi, buffalo, ellipsen waterbuck, eland, and giraffe, all are there. Famous for its rich wildlife, the Maasai Mara is home to not only the Big 5 (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard) but also many birds (over 500 species of birds have been recorded). Along the rivers, crocodiles and hippos lie in wait.

Composed of vast rolling plains and hills, the Maasai Mara is dotted with umbrella thorn acacias and thorny thickets. In the Maa language, Mara means ‘spotted’ and may refer to the colorful landscapes

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is the furthest south of the lakes in the Rift Valley. It is derived from the Maasai name ‘Nai’posha’, meaning ‘rough water’ in reference to the sudden storms that may come up over the lake. Lake Naivasha covers nearly 139 square kilometers and is surrounded by a marsh of 64 square kilometers.

Spread around the lake are rich green plains supporting zebra, hartebeest, waterbuck, buffalo, impala, giraffes, monkeys, and, at night, hippos. There is also an important bird population (over 300 species of birds) including African fish eagle, osprey, jacana, and black rail. Later, you shall return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru is a soda lake whose waters are often covered by a living carpet of thousands of flamingos and plains that are home to the lion, rhino, leopards, and large herds of waterbuck. Created in 1961 to protect the alkaline lake of the same name, the park offers typical plains vegetation.

Lake Nakuru derives its name from the Maasai word ‘Enakuro’ which means cloud of dust. It is home to many herbivores including Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, hippo, gazelle, and nearly 55 mammals including lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, rock hyraxes, and reedbuck. Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for hosting both white and black rhinoceros which reintroduced after many years’ absences.

Lake Nakuru further renowned for the dwarf flamingos that congregate by the thousands on the shores of the lake. The park also hosts over 400 species of birds such as herons, ospreys, cormorant. Many birds are migratory birds from the northern hemisphere.

Food

During this safari vacation, you will enjoy daily delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will also be provided with one bottle of water every day.

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

• Regular (typically includes meat and fish)

If you have special dietary requirements it’s a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

Hot air balloon ride

You can be taken to the skies with a hot air balloon safari that will see you soar above all of the action. You can ask your safari expert about adding a hot air balloon adventure to your safari.

Maasai village visit

You can also experience how the Maasai people live in the middle of the bush with zebras grazing and lions roaring just outside their homes. You will get to know their culture and customs on a visit to the traditional Maasai village.

Other activities

• Biking
• Hiking
• Rock climbing

What’s included

• Game drives in Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru.
• Game walk / drive in Hell’s Gate National Park.
• Professional English speaking driver / guide.
• Government taxes.
• Luggage portage.
• Return airport transfers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
• Daily transportation in a private seven-seater minivan with an open roof.
• Daily delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 1 bottle of water provided every day
• 4 nights’ budget accommodation
• 1 night budget hotel in Nairobi.

What’s not included

• Airfare
• Park Entrance Fees
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Balloon safari trip in Maasai Mara
• Visit to a Maasai Mara village
• Boat ride in Lake Naivasha
• Personal expenses
• Tips
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees

Cancellation Policy

• A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
• The deposit is fully refundable if the booking is cancelled up to 18 days before the arrival date.
• The rest of the payment should be paid 18 days before arrival.