6 Day Masai Mara Migration & Lake Naivasha Safari
6 days Masai Mara Migration and Lake Naivasha Safari. Picture this: you’re heading to the Masai Mara National Reserve for the greatest wildlife show on Earth; the wildebeest migration in Africa. Right now in early 2026, the wildebeest herds are already moving, but the real drama hits July through September. That’s when 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras charge across the crocodile-packed Mara River.
This 6-day days Masai Mara Migration and Kenya Safari puts you right in the middle of it. You’ll watch epic Mara River crossings, spot the Big Five animals in Kenya, track cheetahs and lions, and feel the energy of the plains.
Then we mix in a hot-air balloon safari in Masai Mara at dawn, boat tours on Lake Naivasha with hippos everywhere. Plus a hike through Hell’s Gate’s gorges, and a visit to a Maasai village for real cultural connection.We start and end in Nairobi, easy road transfer or fly-drive if you prefer. You stay in comfortable mid-range to luxury lodges and camps, full meals included, professional guide from Serengeti Masai Mara Experts with you every step.
July to September 2026 is prime time for those massive river crossings. Spots go fast, grab yours soon. Ready to see the Masai Mara wildebeest migration up close together with Lake Naivasha adventures in Kenya? Let’s make it happen.
Why Choose This 6 Days Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari?
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Prime access to Mara River migration crossings in Masai Mara
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High chances of seeing the Big Five animals in Kenya
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Optional hot air balloon safari activities to do in Kenya over the Masai Mara Plains
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Cultural visit to authentic Maasai villages in Kenya
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Scenic wildlife experiences at Lake Naivasha
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Walking and Kenya cycling safari opportunities at Hell’s Gate National Park
6 Day Masai Mara Migration and Lake Naivasha Safari Itinerary Summary
- Day 1 takes you straight to the Masai Mara National Reserve with a sunset game drive. Spot Big Five in Tanzania early and catch that golden light over the Oloololo Escarpment.
- Day 2 brings full immersion. Sunrise drive hunts for lions, leopards, elephants. Afternoon picnic sits by the Mara River-hippos below, crocs lurking. If crossings are on (peak July-September), you watch herds plunge in. Evening wraps with a Maasai village visit, dance, stories, real culture.
- Day 3 starts high. Dawn hot-air balloon floats over the plains. Giraffes glide below, cheetahs stalk, herds stretch forever. Bush breakfast follows. Then we drive four hours to Lake Naivasha for calm waters and evening sounds distant roars, owls, stars.
- Day 4 stays relaxed. Boat ride gets close to hippos and birds. Game drive finds buffaloes, zebras, giraffes along acacia shores.
- Day 5 heads to Hell’s Gate. Drive through zebras and gazelles, then hike the gorge, hot springs, fossils, lake views. End with camp time and stories around the fire.
- Day 6 finishes easy. Final boat or kayak on Naivasha, picnic lunch by the water. Afternoon transfer back to Nairobi Airport.
- Short drives, real action, mix of thrill and peace. Book July-September 2026 soon Mara River crossings sell out fast.
Inclusions
- All Wilson airport pickups and drop-offs in Nairobi.
- Round-trip transport from Nairobi City (road or fly-drive option).
- 5 nights in mid-range to luxury Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha lodges or camps.
- Full-board meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner (includes bush picnics).
- Daily game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Hot-air balloon safari on Day 3.
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
- Guided hike and drive in Hell’s Gate National Park.
- Maasai village cultural visit.
- Expert English-speaking safari guide throughout.
- All Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara park and reserve entrance fees.
- Bottled water, teas, coffees, and sundowners during activities.
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Nairobi.
- Travel insurance (required for most trips).
- Kenya visa fees.
- Personal items like souvenirs, laundry, or premium drinks.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (customary $15–25 per person per day for guide).
- Optional Kenya safari tours extras (e.g., additional balloon rides if available).
- Anything not listed in inclusions.
This setup keeps things straightforward and focused on the migration magic in addition to the Lake Naivasha safari. If you want tweaks for a specific budget or group size, just say!
Things to Do in this 6 day Masai Mara Migration and Lake Naivasha Safari
- Go on multiple safari game drives in Maasai Mara to spot the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos), cheetahs hunting, and vast herds.
- Watch dramatic river crossings at the Mara River, wildebeest and zebras plunge in while crocs wait (biggest Kenya migration safari drama July-September).
- Take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the plains for aerial views of migration herds, predators, and the Great Rift Valley.
- Enjoy picnic lunches on the Mara River banks with hippo pods and crocs nearby.
- Visit a Maasai village to learn about culture, see dances, hear stories, and explore a Manyatta.
- Relax with sunset game drives and watch the sun drop behind Oloololo Escarpment.
- Head to Lake Naivasha for boat rides. So, get close to hippos, spot waterbirds like pelicans and cormorants, and see fish eagles.
- Do an evening game drive around Lake Naivasha to see buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes.
- Explore Hell’s Gate National Park: drive to see zebras and gazelles, then hike the gorge with hot springs, rock formations, and fossil sites.
- Finish with a final boat ride or kayaking on Lake Naivasha, plus a lakeside picnic lunch before heading back to Nairobi.
These activities to do in this 6 day Lake Naivasha and Kenya migration safari mix high-energy migration moments with calmer lake and gorge time.
6 days Masai Mara Migration and Lake Naivasha Safari Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
As soon as you arrive at the Wilson airport you welcomed by a hospitable safari guide who leads you to your safari vehicle for your road trip to Maasai Mara. The road distance is about 278.5km from Nairobi City and it takes about 5-6 hours to get to Masai Mara. Check in at your safari lodge as you are welcomed with refreshments of your choice. Then, freshen up for the sun set game drive.
In the evening, you go for a game drive in Masai Mara and spot nocturnal animals, and a high primal activity. Also, witness the sun set below the Oloololo escarpment in the Western horizon of the park. Then, in the evening you head back to your safari lodge and relax.
Day 2: Masai Mara Migration & Mara River Crossings
Have breakfast at your safari lodge restaurant and be briefed by your safari guide about the activities and experiences of the day. Next, board your safari 4×4 for a sun rise game drive through Masai Mara in Kenya. So, see the big five animals in Masai Mara (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos) roam through its lush grasses In the afternoon, your safari guide will lead you to the serene banks of the Mara river. So, have an arranged lunch picnic under the acacia tree as you enjoy you see the hippo pods and the crocodiles lurking in the water.
Between (July-Semptember) is where there is the highest peak of Mara river crossings of the great migration in Masai Mara. In the evening, your tour guide will take you on a visit to the maasai villages((Manyattas). So, learn and explore Maasai customs,culture and tranditions through music,dance ,drama and stories and then head back to your safari lodge.
Day 3: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari & Transfer to Lake Naivasha
The next day mainly focusses on the the hot air balloon flights in Masai Mara National Park . As you float above te great riftvalley of Maasai Mara, have a topnotch bird’s view of the animals like giraffes,zebras ,cheetahs roaming through the reserve. Also, see grazing herds of wildebeests,zebras and gazelles. Additionally, experience an aerial view of predators in Masai Mara like lions stalking their prey.
In the afternoon, after a bush meal in in the Sekanani forest, check out from your safari lodge and start on the journey to Lake Naivasha. The journey from Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha in Kenya covers about 216.1km and its about 4 hours. As you reach you safari camp/lodge you refresh and then relax. Later in the evening, enjoy unforgettable camping experience as the wilderness comes alive. Also, hear distant roaring of lions and hooting of owls as u gaze upon a stars and then head back to yout lodge.
Day 4: Go for a Lake Naivasha Boat Safari
Take a guided game drive to Lake Naivasha National park and spot a variety of bird species like the pelicans and cormorants on the shorelines of lake Naivasha. Then, go for a boatride and also get up close with wildlife in LakeNaivasha Park like hippos ,fish and the waterbirds. Also, spot the surrounding hills covered in blanket of cacia trees and the water lilies floating on the surface of lake Naivasha. In the evening, take an evening game drive in the park. In addition, see see wildlife in Lake Naivasha National Park like buffaloes,zebras and giraffes. Later, head back and relax and your hotel
Day 5: Hell’s Gate National Park Adventure in Kenya
In the morning, take off for a guided game drive at the hells gate park in Kenya. As you drive through the park, view large mammals like zebras,buffaloes and small mammals like gazzelles. Take on a guided hike on the famous hell’s gate gorge that is filled with unique rock formations. As you hike, encounter the hotsprings, ancient fossil sites and a scenic view of lake Naivasha. Then, in the evening enjoy a Kenya camping experience where youll get to interact with other tourists.
Day 6: Transfer from Lake Naivasha to Nairobi and departure
The next day take a last minute boat ride and explore all te crumps of the past day. Also, you could enjoy a recreational kayaking tour experience in this 6 day Kenya Migration safari and Lake Naivasha tours. As you cruise through the serene waters enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and its stunning surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic lunch around the banks of lake Naivasha then depart back to Wilson airport in Nairobi.
Faqs -6 days Masai Mara Migration and Lake Naivasha Safari
Q: When are the best Mara River crossings in 2026?
A: Late July-September. There are massive herds with dramatic action including predater prey encouters. Book early!
Q: Is this suitable for first-timers? A: Yes. Easy drives, expert guides, mix of adventure and relaxation in this 6 days Kenya Safari.
Q: Hot-air balloon worth it in Masai Mara?
A: Absolutely. Unmatched aerial migration views ( approx $499 extra).
Ready to Witness the 6 day Lake Naivasha and Maasai Mara Migration? Peak July–September 2026 crossings are the highlight-limited spots!
[Book Your 6-Day Maasai Mara Migration and Kenya Safari Now] WhatsApp/Call +255 787914539 or enquire below.
