How long are the drives between parks?

xpect several hours on the road (Nakuru → Naivasha ≈ 1–2 hrs; Naivasha → Mara ≈ 4–5 hrs depending on route). Domestic flights to Mara are available to shorten travel time.

Are flamingos guaranteed at Lake Nakuru?

Flamingo numbers vary with water chemistry and season; while spectacular when present, Lake Nakuru remains important for rhinos and diverse birdlife regardless.

Can I add a hot-air balloon to the Mara day?

Yes — balloon safaris operate from early morning and are a popular add-on. Book early as spaces are limited and flights are weather dependent.

Is this itinerary family-friendly?

Yes — the lodge-based pace and vehicle drives suit families; check lodge child-policy and bedding options when booking.

5-Day Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru Lodge Safari — Plains, birds & rhino

Overview

Itinerary

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FAQs

Map

Overview

A varied five-day lodge safari that pairs the predator-rich Maasai Mara with two Rift Valley lake highlights — Naivasha (boat trip) and Nakuru (flamingos & rhino). Comfortable lodges, daily game drives and a relaxed pace make this an excellent short circuit to sample Kenya’s wildlife diversity.

Highlights

Full days in the Maasai Mara viewing big cats, elephants, zebra and (seasonally) wildebeest migration crossings.
Lake Naivasha boat trip — hippo and waterbird viewing from a safe launch.
Lake Nakuru birding and rhino viewing — a highlight for birdwatchers and lovers of conservation stories.
Comfortable lodge accommodation throughout with lodge-based meals and expert local guides.
Optional Maasai Mara hot-air balloon on the full Mara day (pre-book and weather dependent).

Day 01 :

Nairobi → Lake Nakuru

08:00 — Depart Nairobi after pickup; stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint for photos. Arrive at Lake Nakuru by late morning.
Midday — Enter Lake Nakuru National Park for game viewing: look for white and black rhino, Rothschild’s giraffe, waterbuck and resident predators. Birdlife around the lake is prolific; flamingo flocks may be present seasonally. Picnic or lodge lunch; further afternoon game drive.
Evening — Dinner and overnight at a lodge near Lake Nakuru.

Day 02 :

Lake Nakuru → Lake Naivasha

Morning — Optional early morning viewpoint visit (Baboon Cliff) and second game drive inside Nakuru if desired. Depart mid-morning for Lake Naivasha.
Afternoon — Boat trip on Lake Naivasha to view hippos and a rich waterbird assemblage. Explore local wetlands and shoreline. Dinner and overnight at Naivasha lodge (example: Kongoni Lodge / Sopa Lodge or similar).

Day 03 :

Lake Naivasha → Maasai Mara (via Rift Valley floor)

Morning — After breakfast depart Naivasha and drive down the escarpment across the Great Rift Valley floor to Maasai Mara. Arrive for lunch and a midday rest.
Afternoon — First Mara afternoon game drive into the reserve. Dinner and overnight at a Mara lodge.

Day 04 :

Full day Maasai Mara

Full day of game drives across the Mara’s wildlife-rich plains. Expect to see plains grazers, predators and resident wildlife in high densities; if visiting during migration season, Mara River vantage points may offer dramatic crossings. Optional early-morning hot-air balloon and champagne breakfast (book in advance). Dinner and overnight at Mara lodge.

Day 05 :

Morning game drive → Return to Nairobi

Early morning game drive for last sightings, return to lodge for breakfast and check-out. Depart the Mara and return to Nairobi with drop-off at your hotel or the airport late afternoon.

5-Day Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru Lodge Safari — Plains, birds & rhino

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

FAQs

Lake Naivasha

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