Tour Overview
This is our answer for travellers who want a bit of everything without a long drive schedule. On top of the Mara and Nakuru, we add a stop at Lake Naivasha for a boat ride among hippos and fish eagles - a slower, more scenic day that breaks up the game drives. It also works well if you're travelling with people who want a mix of wildlife and gentler activities.
FamiliesMixed-interest groupsFirst Kenya trip
Safari Highlights
Full day of Masai Mara game drives
Rhino sanctuary and lakeshore birdlife at Lake Nakuru
Boat ride on Lake Naivasha among hippos and fish eagles
Shorter driving days than a straight Mara-Nakuru itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
D1
Nairobi to Masai Mara
Nairobi → Masai Mara National Reserve
Drive from Nairobi to the Mara, arriving for lunch, then an afternoon game drive.
D2
Full Day in the Masai Mara
Masai Mara National Reserve
Morning and afternoon game drives across the reserve's main game-viewing circuits.
D3
Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
Masai Mara National Reserve → Lake Nakuru National Park
Morning departure from the Mara and afternoon game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park on arrival.
D4
Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Lake Nakuru National Park → Lake Naivasha
A short morning game drive before breakfast, then a relatively short transfer to Lake Naivasha. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the lake to see hippo pods, fish eagles and waterbirds at close range.
D5
Lake Naivasha to Nairobi
Lake Naivasha → Nairobi
A relaxed morning at your lodge before the short drive back to Nairobi, arriving around midday.
What's Included
- Transport in a 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- English-speaking driver-guide
- 4 nights' accommodation on the basis stated
- All game drives and park/reserve entry fees
- Lake Naivasha boat ride
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
What's Excluded
- International or domestic flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Tips for your driver-guide and lodge/camp staff
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Items of a personal nature
Accommodation & Safari Vehicle
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge and tented camp (upgradeable to luxury)
Vehicle: 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Best Time to Visit
The Mara has resident wildlife throughout the year. For the wildebeest migration and river crossings, July to October is the classic window, though exact timing shifts year to year with rainfall. The calving season further south in the Serengeti (January-March) means fewer wildebeest in the Mara itself during those months, though resident game viewing remains good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Naivasha inside a national park?
The lake itself sits outside the main reserves, so the boat ride does not require a park entry fee - it's a good lower-cost addition to a longer circuit.
Can we swap Lake Naivasha for more time in the Mara instead?
Yes, the itinerary is a starting point. If you'd rather spend the extra day inside the Mara, we can rearrange the route when you send us your enquiry.
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