Luxury 5 Day Masai Mara and Naivasha Safari in Kenya
A 5 Day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari combines two of Kenya’s most spectacular wildlife destinations into one unforgettable trip. So, prepare to witness the legendary wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve and also explore the birdlife and rhino sanctuary of Lake Nakuru National Park. This luxury 5 day Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara tour offers the perfect balance of wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, cultural encounters, and photo opportunities in Kenya.
Masai Mara, the land that embraces both culture and the wilderness in its ecosystem, offers life to both humans and wild animals. Additionally, each is dependent on the other: humans get employment benefits and are hired as game rangers, safari guides, and even lodge/hotel staff members from around the park community. However, the most outstanding attraction in this reserve is the Masai Mara wildebeest migration especially in the African migration dates from July to October.
So, when it comes to captivating vistas and better game spotting, Lake Nakuru National Park stands out because of its unique geographical features like the lake itself. In addition, the latter has a striking verdant green that surrounds it and also the cliff points, but the ultimate activity to do in Lake Nakuru is bird watching.
Additionally, it’s an alkaline lake that has algae that attracts unique migratory bird species like the little stint, black-necked grebe, steppe eagle, and various others. The 5 days Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara safari package designed by Serengeti Masai Mara is all about these two parks. So, explore them and engage in different activities that make Mother Nature known to the common man.
Why Opt for a private 5-Day Kenya Safari to Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara?
- These two Kenya National Parks offer two completely different views about game spotting, whereby in Lake Nakuru, most of the wild animals are gathered around the Lake. Alternatively, unlike the Masai Mara, where tourists have to track down the animals because of its expansiveness, the Lake Nakuru is smaller in size.
- If one is on a mission to track down the big 5 animals in Kenya in this 5 day private safari, they will be very lucky, as both parks host most of the big five. However, Lake Nakuru lacks the elephants, while the Masai Mara has them in large groups.
- The transitioning backdrop as one moves from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve gives one an opportunity to capture memorable, unrivaled photography that other safaris in Kenya might not provide.
- The 5 days align well with this kind of luxury safari, since Lake Nakuru is near Nairobi, the primary access hub, and the Masai Mara is not too far, as these two are on the same circuit. Hence, more time is spent in the ecosystems than on the road trips, making this 5 day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park safari cost-effective.
5 Day lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Safari Holiday Itinerary Summary
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Day 1: Arrival at Wilson International Airport, Nairobi. Transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park; check in at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge. Later, an evening game drive spotting rhinos, leopards, and birdlife at Lake Nakuru National Park; and dinner at the lodge.
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Day 2: Morning game drive and birdwatching around Lake Nakuru; afternoon guided walk at Baboon Cliff; dinner at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge.
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Day 3: Breakfast and departure to Masai Mara National Reserve via Narok town; check-in at Mara Intrepids Camp; evening relaxation and dinner.
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Day 4: Early morning hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara; bush breakfast; full-day game drives including wildebeest migration river crossings and predator sightings. Lastly, bush dinner at Mara Intrepids Camp and Maasai storytelling.
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Day 5: Final morning game drive in Masai Mara; bush breakfast; check-out and transfer back to Nairobi for departure.
5 day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru private safari Inclusions
- 4 nights’ accommodation with all meals.
- Kenya Airport Transfers and transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Professional Serengeti Masai Mara Experts safari guides and Maasai cultural experiences.
- National Park entry fees in Kenya for Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara.
- Kenya Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara with a champagne breakfast.
- Game drives, birdwatching, and guided walks.
- Bottled water during the Kenya private safari excursions for 5 days.
5 day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru private safari Exclusions
- International and domestic flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses (tips, drinks, souvenirs).
- Kenya visa fees.
- Optional activities to do in Kenya, not in the itinerary.
- Additional transport or transfers outside the 5-day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Kenya private safari.
Key Safari Experiences
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration and dramatic river crossings in the Masai Mara National Park.
- Observe the Big Five animals in Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara, including elusive leopards and tree-climbing lions.
- Birdwatching diverse species, including flamingos, African fish eagles, and steppe eagles, at Lake Nakuru.
- Explore the scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes between parks.
- Enjoying a hot air balloon safari over the iconic African savannah.
- Cultural interactions with the Maasai people through stories and traditions.
Best 5 Day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari Tour - Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Wilson International Airport, Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
By 8:00 AM, meet up with your safari guide driver as he welcomes you and helps you with your luggage into the 4 x 4 safari vehicle. Before you set off on a 4 to 5 hour road trip from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru, be briefed about this 5-day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari. Set off from Wilson International Airport through the thriving urban centers in Nairobi, and continue your trip as you see bustling streets with markets and street vendors on the roadside. Stop by a fuel station with a supermarket to get some snacks and refreshments and continue your journey.
As you approach the Great Rift Valley view, stop over and have a glimpse of Mount Suswa or even the mountain Longonot. Later, continue towards the Mderit gate; that is your entry point to Lake Nakuru National Park. Move out of the vehicle, present your permit, and after all the checking is done, head towards the Lake Nakuru Sopa lodge, which is about a 17-minute drive from the Nderit gate. Usually, as soon as you meet the staff of this lodge, you are welcomed with a cold beverage with a warm greeting, and then taken to your suite.
Freshening up, have beautiful views from your private balcony, and then meet your tour guide at the Acacia restaurant of this lodge. So, eat as you catch a glimpse of the shimmering waters of Lake Nakuru. After the food, embark on an evening game drive to see the leopards and the tree-climbing lions roaming the ground. Also, see groups of baboons at the cliffs socializing as the famous black and white rhinoceroses feed on the shrubs. Later, head back to the Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge and have dinner at the Acacia restaurant before you head back to your ensuite room.
Day 2: Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching safari in Lake Nakuru
Enjoy your pre-arranged breakfast buffet at the Acacia restaurant before 8:30 AM before you go for your Lake Nakuru wildlife and birding safari in Kenya. Later, have a briefing from your tour guide driver, and then go for your morning game drive, where nocturnals like the leopards are seen feasting on their night kill. Also, spot herbivores like the black and white rhinos in the park grazing. By afternoon, you will be driven towards Lake Nakuru. So, because of the heat, buffalos are seen wallowing in the mud, and the rhinos submerge themselves in the waters of Lake Nakuru.
Additionally, spot the young baboons playing at the cliffs’ socializing edges. In the evening, take a walk around the Baboon cliff to track bird species like the African fish eagle, Augur buzzard, mocking cliff-chat, shining sunbird, etc. Also see the lesser and pink flamingos at the salt pans of Lake Nakuru eating algae. In the afternoon, have a break to eat the delicious packed lunch prepared by the chefs of the Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, and in the evening, dine at the Acacia restaurant.
Day 3: Transfer from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
After a breakfast buffet by 9:00 AM, set off to the Masai Mara National Park from Lake Nakuru and this time the highway will turn into a dirt road as soon as your leave the Narok town. So, the latter is your lunch stopover. Also, meet herds of cattle just crossing your pathway and after showing what is needed at the Talek gate, proceed towards the Mara Interpids Camp. So, this is your luxury Masai Mara accommodation while in this reserve.
Although the journey for this trip to this park is long, taking up to 6 hours from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara and since there’s a lunch stopover, you are likely to reach the reserve at around 4:40 PM. The traditional welcome at the Mara Interpids Camp makes everything worth it as the staff sing local Maasai songs, exhibiting culture. Also, receive a cold refreshment in hand before being taken to your tent. Since the journey is tiresome, your evening meal will be brought to your room so that you can have enough rest and rejuvenate for the experiences on the 4th day of your Masai Mara expedition.
Day 4: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari and Full-Day Game Drive
As your tour guide would have briefed you on the past day, wake up as early as 5 AM and be driven to the hot air balloon launching site. Hop into the basket after a briefing from your captain and get ready to view Masai Mara’s ecosystem from above. As the flames of the balloon illuminate, it gets to soar above the Masai Mara plains, whereas as the sun rises, it makes its way above the Oloololo escarpment. Watch the clouds produce vibrant colored layers, and watch the dark lines of the great migration below moving towards the Talek River and Mara River.
So, observe as the wildebeests in this park make vigorous waves on the surface, lifting off the dirt from the ground. Also, see the cheetah or leopard chase over the impala or gazelle, but the air becomes crisper as you ascend above the ground. After the 60-minute hot air balloon experience in Masai Mara, have a celebratory meal in the grasslands, accompanied by wine or champagne. Additionally, interact with the other tourists. After the meal, go for a Masai Mara holiday game drive.
Observe antelopes hiding in the bush thickets from the cheetah that’s at a distance. The Mara River is where you will have your packed lunch and have an up-close view of the chaotic wildebeest crossings. Lastly, head back to the Mara Interpids camp, where a bush dinner is prepared for you with one of the Maasai guides telling you about their culture through stories around the campfire.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive in Masai Mara National Reserve and Return to Nairobi
Wake up as early as 6 AM and join your driver for the last morning game drive in the Masai Mara National Park. Witness the elephants moving in herds, the giraffes browsing on the acacia leaves, and the buffaloes taking their morning graze. And zebras in the company of wildebeest also graze, while predators like leopards take rest in the acacia trees.
After the morning game drive, you will have a bush wilderness buffet and then check out of your tent. Lastly, embark on your trip back to Wilson International Airport in Nairobi from Masai Mara. So, this road trip takes approximately 7 hours on the road, but you will arrive in time for your night flight. Therefore, ending your 5 days private Masai Mara and Lake Nauru safari in Kenya.
Best Time to go on this 5 day Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara tour: High vs Low season
The best time to visit Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru for this 5 day best of Kenya big five and wildlife safari is in June, July, August, September, and October. Additionally, these are the high season months of the dry season, when the grasslands that surround Lake Nakuru are thinner, making it easy for the spectators to view the wildlife, like the pink flamingos and black and white rhinos that are usually congregated at the shorelines of the alkaline lake. This period is also great, as in the Masai Mara, it’s when the great animal migration in Africa occurs.
The plains also have shorter grasslands, hence the predator-prey activity is easily visible around areas like the Mara triangle. Nevertheless, since the algae become abundant at Lake Nakuru, attracting various bird species in these months, bird watching expeditions in Lake Nakuru are also optimum in these best months to visit Kenya. However, the less crowded or low season, which is also great for game viewing in both Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, is from January to February, when only a few tourists come in during these months, making the safaris there less affordable but exclusive.
