5-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha

Our 5-day Kenya safari combines the big cats of the Masai Mara with two very different Rift Valley lakes. You spend two nights in the Mara, then move on to Lake Nakuru National Park for rhinos and flamingos, and finish at Lake Naivasha with a boat ride among the hippos.

It is the ideal length for travellers who want more than a quick safari without committing a full week. You travel in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with your own driver guide throughout. Short on time? Try our 3-day Masai Mara safari. Want Amboseli too? See the 7-day Kenya safari.

Package Inclusions

  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • Professional English-speaking driver guide
  • 4 nights accommodation at your chosen camps and lodges
  • All meals during the safari (Full Board)
  • Entry fees for the Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
  • Game drives as per the itinerary
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
  • Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
  • Optional activities such as hot air balloon safaris and village visits

Choose Your Comfort Level

Every level includes your private vehicle, driver guide, park fees, the Naivasha boat ride and full board meals. Only the accommodation changes.

Prices are in US dollars, per person sharing a double or twin room, based on 2 guests travelling together. Ask us for group, child and single room rates.
LevelExample lodgesPer person sharingSingle room
ComfortMara Chui Camp, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Panorama Hotel NaivashaUSD [PRICE]USD [PRICE]
Mid-rangeMara Sopa Lodge, Sarova Woodlands, Lake Naivasha Crescent CampUSD [PRICE]USD [PRICE]
LuxuryAshnil Mara Camp, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Enashipai Resort and SpaUSD [PRICE]USD [PRICE]

Prices depend on your travel dates, group size and lodge choice. Send us your dates and we will send a tailored quote within 24 hours.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Nairobi to the Masai Mara

Morning pick-up in Nairobi and drive through the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara. Lunch at camp, then an afternoon game drive.

Accommodation: Masai Mara camp or lodge (Full Board)

Main Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 2: Full Day in the Masai Mara

A full day of game drives with a picnic lunch, including a visit to the Mara River. Add an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari.

Accommodation: Masai Mara camp or lodge (Full Board)

Main Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

An early morning game drive, then breakfast and a scenic drive north to Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in search of white and black rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes and tree-climbing lions.

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru lodge (Full Board)

Main Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

A morning game drive in Nakuru, then a short drive to Lake Naivasha. In the afternoon, take a boat ride to see hippos and fish eagles up close, with an optional guided walk on Crescent Island among zebras and giraffes.

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha hotel (Full Board)

Main Destination: Lake Naivasha

Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

A relaxed breakfast by the lake. Add an optional morning cycle through Hell's Gate National Park before driving back to Nairobi, with drop-off at your hotel or the airport.

Main Destination: Nairobi

Good to Know Before You Go

Why add the lakes?

The Mara gives you the big cats and the open plains. Lake Nakuru is one of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos, and Naivasha adds a peaceful lakeside finish with activities you can do outside a vehicle, such as boat rides and walking safaris.

Read more in our destinations guide.

Travel times

Expect around five to six hours on the road from Nairobi to the Mara, and a similar drive from the Mara to Nakuru. Nakuru to Naivasha is short, and Naivasha to Nairobi is about two hours. Your guide plans stops for breaks and photos along the way.

Browse real trips in our gallery.

5-Day Kenya Safari FAQs

Is the vehicle private or shared?

Your 4x4 Land Cruiser is private to your group, with the same driver guide for all five days.

Are park fees and the boat ride included?

Yes. Entry fees for the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park, and the boat ride on Lake Naivasha, are included in the package price.

Can I end the safari at the airport?

Yes. We can drop you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Day 5. Let us know your flight time so we can plan the return drive.

Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?

Most visitors need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel. Requirements depend on your nationality, so please check the official Kenya eTA portal before you book flights.

How do I pay and confirm my booking?

We confirm your safari with a deposit, with the balance due before your arrival. Payment details and terms are shared with your quote.

Safari guests at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint

Ready for Five Days in the Wild?

Send us your travel dates, number of guests and preferred comfort level, and our safari team will reply with a tailored quote within 24 hours.

Want to know who you're travelling with? Meet the Saafo Safaris team or read travel tips on our blog.

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5 Day Kenya Safari | Masai Mara, Nakuru and Naivasha