Luxury 5 Day Masai Mara and Naivasha Safari in Kenya
A 5 Day Masai Mara and Naivasha Safari is one of the most rewarding safari experiences in Kenya, combining world-class wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara National Reserve with the scenic beauty, boat safaris, and outdoor adventures of Lake Naivasha. Offered by Serengeti Masai Mara Experts Tour Company, this Masai Mara and Naivasha safari is ideal for travelers seeking the perfect balance between game drives, cultural encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and relaxing lakeside experiences in Kenya.
This luxury 5 day best of Kenya safari itinerary means you don’t have to choose between Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, and one of its most beautiful freshwater lakes. The Masai Mara is famous for its abundance of wildlife, Kenya Big Five sightings and the Great Wildebeest Migration. Meanwhile, Lake Naivasha offers boat cruises, birdwatching, walking safaris, and visits to the spectacular Hell’s Gate National Park on this authentic high end 5 day Kenya safari.
Over five days, enjoy thrilling game drives across the endless plains of the Masai Mara, encounter traditional Maasai culture, and cruise among hippos on Lake Naivasha. Explore dramatic gorges and landscapes that inspired scenes from famous wildlife documentaries. Whether you are visiting Kenya for the first time or returning for another adventure, this safari delivers some of East Africa’s most iconic experiences.
Why opt for a 5-Day Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara Safari?
- The 5 day Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha safari offers one an opportunity to explore the distinctive features that are within the Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha. So, tour experiences also vary in both these destinations as in the Masai Mara, it’s a combination of game safaris and cultural immersion. Meanwhile, in Lake Naivasha, it’s a combination of the wild safaris and the boat safaris on the Lake.
- Secondly, the 5 days is an ideal timeline for one to balance the road journey between these two Kenya parks. So, the game expeditions to both these destinations are along the Western circuit in Kenya, making them easily accessible. Additionally, less time is spent on the road, hence less fatigue and more energy for the Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara safari experiences.
- Similarly, the 5 days is also enough time for a deeper exploration in Masai Mara and Naivasha parks. So, this is because 2 days is enough for each park, or one can choose to stay like for 3 days in Masai Mara since it’s vast and then 2 days for Lake Naivasha. After all, it’s compact compared to the Masai Mara.
- Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most costly national parks in Kenya. So, to save money, one would rather combine it with Lake Naivasha, where the prices are low, yet you get double satisfaction.
5 Day Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha Safari – Itinerary Summary
- Day 1: Transfer from Wilson Airport Nairobi to Masai Mara; check-in at Fig Tree Camp; evening relaxation and dinner.
- Day 2: Full-day safari game drive in Masai Mara to witness the wildebeest migration river crossings and predator-prey interactions; dinner at camp.
- Day 3: Sunrise game drive; Maasai cultural visit to Manyattas; afternoon game drive and sundowner experience.
- Day 4: Morning game drive and breakfast; transfer to Lake Naivasha National Park; check-in at Naivasha Kongoni Lodge; private barbecue dinner.
- Day 5: Guided walk through Ol Njorowa Gorge; optional cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park; boat safari on Lake Naivasha; return to Nairobi.
Safari Inclusions
- 4 nights luxury accommodation (Fig Tree Camp and Naivasha Kongoni Lodge) with all meals included.
- Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle, including air transfers in Kenya.
- Experienced, licensed safari guides.
- Park entry fees for Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Hell’s Gate National Park.
- Guided game drives and boat safari.
- Maasai cultural village visit.
- Bottled water during drives and activities.
- Airport transfers to and from Wilson Airport Nairobi.
- Emergency support and safari coordination.
Safari Exclusions
- International and domestic flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses such as tips, drinks, and souvenirs.
- Visa fees.
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
- Additional transport or transfers outside the itinerary.
- Fines, damages, or vehicle loss.
Key Naivasha and Masai Mara 5 day Safari Experiences
- Witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration and river crossings.
- Track the Big Five animals and abundant wildlife on Masai Mara game drives.
- Experience authentic Maasai culture through village visits.
- Exploring the serene Lake Naivasha via boat safari, spotting hippos and birdlife.
- Hiking scenic Ol Njorowa Gorge and Kenya cycling safari in Hell’s Gate National Park.
- Enjoying luxurious lodge accommodations amid stunning Kenyan landscapes.
Detailed 5 Day Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve (Fig Tree Camp check-in)
Enter your safari vehicle in the parking lot of Wilson International Airport in Nairobi for a 6-8 hour road trip towards the Masai Mara National Reserve. The views transition from the bustling trading centres and flourishing buildings in Nairobi to the farmlands and the breathtaking scenery of the Great Rift Valley around Mai Mahiu. Also, stop over at Maestro Bistro & Grill in Narok town for lunch before you continue your journey towards the Masai Mara. Reach the Talek gate, present your Masai Mara National Park entry permit.
After finalizing with the authorities at the gate, your tour guide will drive you through the unpaved trackways of Masai Mara National Reserve. So, drive through the thickets that have olive baboons, and your likely to also observe prides of lions resting in the shade. Nevertheless, as you reach the Fig Tree camp in Masai Mara where you will be staying, see hippos in the Talek River. You’re then welcomed by one of the staff with a warm towel to wipe away the dust and a healthy organic drink before you’re checked into your room. Later, freshen up and head to the restaurant of the fig tree camp for a buffet meal. Lastly, observe as the day turns into night before you head back to your room for rest as you prepare for your Masai Mara wildebeest migration safari the following day.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive & Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Witness
By 8:00 AM, enjoy a bush breakfast prepared for you in the fig tree camp courtyard. Also, meet new faces that are also guests at this camp. After the morning meal, prepare your gadgets like the cameras and then join your guide for a full day game drive and Masai Mara wildebeest migration safari experience. Also, spend the morning driving around the Lara tribe, where you might see other cats like the hyenas scavenging their morning kill and the leopards and cheetahs screening the ground for their prey. Spot elephants feeding on the leaves of the acacia trees, rest and have a packed lunch box offered by the Fig Tree Camp.
Later, head to the Mara River to witness massive herds of wildebeests and zebras crossing and jumping the cliffs to cross over the Mara waters. Also, observe wildebeests along the Mara River being attacked by either a leopard on land or the Nile crocodiles in the water. After the great migration experience in Masai Mara, go for an afternoon game drive and witness animals like hippos cool off in the water and also rhinos wallow in the mud. In the evening, enjoy another bush meal before you head back to your en suite tent.
Day 3: Sunrise Game Drive in the reserve, Maasai Cultural Visit & Sundowner
Wake up by 6:00 AM for a sunrise game drive through the Masai Mara park and witness the sun awaken the wilderness with herds of zebras grazing alongside the hippos. Also, spot the cheetahs coming back with their night kill,. Then, go back to the Fig Tree Camp for a bush breakfast. After the meal and briefing, your guide will take you to the Maasai Manyattas to interact with the Maasai people.
Hence, learn about their culture and traditions; you can show them appreciation by buying their hand-crafted jewelry. Later, head back to the fig tree camp for lunch, and then have another afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara. This time it’s the peak for the predator-prey interactions, as you might see a pride of lions chase a zebra until they catch it and share it among themselves, and this is a thrilling moment during this luxury 5-day Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara tour. Later in the day, enjoy a sundowner meal with wine and champagne to celebrate your experiences in the Masai Mara national park.
Day 4: Road trip to Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha (Kongoni Lodge check-in)
After another sunrise game drive, go for your last bush breakfast at the fig tree camp, say farewell to the acquaintances you might have made. Join your safari guide for a drive towards Lake Naivasha National Park. Along the way, stop at a petrol station and shop for some snacks and refreshments to make your journey more pleasant, and it takes up to 5 hours for one to reach Lake Naivasha from Masai Mara.
So, continue your journey towards the luxury Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, and the scenic view is amazing as you view green farmhouses of blooming petals. Also, you might encounter wildlife like the zebras and gazelles on the way. When you arrive at this lodge at this park, you will be welcomed by the staff, and will carry your luggage to your cabin. Since it’s in the evening, enjoy a private barbecue dinner by the pool area and then prepare yourself for the next day’s Lake Naivasha safari tour experiences.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha Exploration & Return to Nairobi
In the morning, after breakfast at the restaurant by 8:45 AM, have a guided walk through the Ol Njorowa Gorge. Even if the walk is tiresome, it is very scenic, as the gorges and cliffs have jaw-dropping views, including the hot springs. Since Hell’s Gate National Park is also directly adjacent to Lake Naivasha, after the walk, you can rent bicycles and cycle through the park. Then, head back to the Terrace Al Fresco dining of the Naivasha Kongoni Lodge for lunch.
After lunch, go to Lake Naivasha for a boat cruise safari experience in Kenya. So, explore the waters with hippos and also flamingos, pelicans, and kingfishers feeding on algae at the sidelines. After, go back to the lodge to check out and be driven back to the Wilson Airport in Nairobi, whereby the time taken can be up to 2 and 1/2 hours. So, this marks the end of your 5 day Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara tour.
What is the Best Time for a 5-Day Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha Safari?
The best time to visit Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha on this 5 day Kenya safari is from late December to February or from July to October. So, this is because one is able to get the real worth of their money in Masai Mara National Reserve since in both periods you witness the great migration and in Lake Naivasha the waters are calm during this time, making boat safaris more exceptional.
On the other hand, the worst time to go for this 5 day luxury Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara safari is from March to May. So, this is because the tracks in Masai Mara become boggy and impassable, while the ones that are in Hell’s Gate National Park, which is adjacent to Lake Naivasha get flooded with water making them hardly navigable. However, if one doesn’t mind about the rains in this season, this is the cheapest timing whereby the crowds of tourists are even fewer.
