5 Days Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru Safari

Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha, Great Rift Valley and Boat Safari

Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Nairobi as you travel towards Lake Naivasha through the spectacular landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, you will enjoy views of rolling hills, agricultural areas, escarpments and rural communities before reaching the Naivasha area. After arrival, you will have lunch at your lodge before beginning an afternoon experience around Lake Naivasha. A boat excursion on the freshwater lake provides an opportunity to appreciate the scenery from the water while observing hippos and a variety of waterbirds. You may also see fish eagles, herons, pelicans and other bird species around the lake and its shoreline. Depending on your interests and available time, the afternoon can also include a nature walk or a visit to a nearby attraction. You will then return to your accommodation to relax and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the wildlife experiences ahead.

Accommodation options around Lake Naivasha:

• Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
• Lake Naivasha Resort
• Sawela Lodges

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park and Wildlife Safari

After breakfast, you will leave Lake Naivasha and continue towards Lake Nakuru National Park, travelling through the scenic Great Rift Valley. The relatively short journey allows you to appreciate the changing landscapes and rural communities before reaching the park. After entering Lake Nakuru National Park, you will begin your wildlife exploration, with the park’s varied habitats providing opportunities to see a wide range of species. Lake Nakuru is particularly important for the conservation of black and white rhinos, while its grasslands and woodland habitats support giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, lions and other wildlife. You will enjoy an extended game drive around the lake and through suitable wildlife-viewing areas, with stops at scenic viewpoints where permitted. The park also supports approximately 450 bird species, making it an excellent destination for combining wildlife viewing with birdwatching. After the game drive, you will proceed to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation options around Lake Nakuru:

• Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
• Lake Nakuru Lodge
• Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve and Afternoon Game Drive

You will enjoy an early breakfast before departing Lake Nakuru for the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes you through Kenya’s picturesque countryside, passing small towns, farms and rural communities as you make your way towards the Mara ecosystem. Upon arrival, you will check into your accommodation and enjoy lunch before preparing for your first game drive in the reserve. The Maasai Mara is recognised for its exceptional wildlife viewing, iconic savannah landscapes, large populations of big cats and its connection to the wider Serengeti ecosystem. During the afternoon game drive, you will explore open grasslands, riverine areas and wildlife-rich plains while searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other species. With an experienced safari guide, you will learn more about the animals, their habitats and the ecological relationships that make the Mara such a remarkable wildlife destination. As the afternoon progresses, you will continue exploring the reserve before returning to your lodge or camp for dinner.

Accommodation options in Maasai Mara:

• Mara Serena Safari Lodge
• Sentrim Mara Camp
• Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Full-Day Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari and Cultural Experience

Today is dedicated to discovering the wildlife and landscapes of Maasai Mara through a full-day safari. You will begin with an early morning game drive when the temperatures are cooler and wildlife is often active across the savannah. Your guide will explore different sections of the reserve in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife. The Mara is particularly well known for its big cats and large-scale wildlife movements, making each game drive different depending on seasonal conditions and animal activity. You will enjoy breakfast and lunch either at the lodge or as part of a suitable picnic arrangement, allowing you to maximise your time in the reserve. In the afternoon, you can participate in a Maasai cultural experience, where you will learn about traditional customs, community life, crafts, music and local heritage. Later, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and your final overnight stay in the Mara.

Accommodation options in Maasai Mara:

• Mara Serena Safari Lodge
• Sentrim Mara Camp
• Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Maasai Mara to Nairobi and Departure

Your final day is reserved for departure from Kenya. After breakfast, you will have an opportunity for a short early morning game drive, depending on your flight schedule, giving you one final chance to experience the Mara’s beautiful savannah landscape and observe wildlife in the morning. You will then leave the reserve and begin your journey towards Nairobi, travelling through rural landscapes and local communities. Along the way, you can enjoy the changing scenery as the open grasslands gradually give way to the landscapes surrounding the capital. A lunch stop can be arranged depending on your departure time and flight schedule. Upon arrival in Nairobi, your Verdant Safaris representative will transfer you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or another agreed drop-off point. You will then continue with your onward journey, marking the end of your 5 Days Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru Safari.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)