7 Days Best of Kenya Wildlife Safari: Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Experience the very best of Kenya’s Western Circuit on this comprehensive 7 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari in Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara National Reserve from Nairobi, offered by Serengeti Masai Mara Experts. This 7 day Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha safari combines three of Kenya’s most remarkable wildlife destinations, each offering unique ecosystems, exceptional game viewing, and unforgettable safari experiences. The 7 days Kenya safari holiday through the Great Valley and the outstanding ecosystems of Kenya, all along the western circuit, is the reason this trip is excellent.
So, this is because of their unique endowments; say, for Lake Naivasha, strategically situated at the highest elevation of the Great Rift Valley at about 1,884 meters. Additionally, it has fresh water all year. Then, we look at Lake Nakuru, which is an iconic bird-watching paradise in Kenya, as its algae attracts even the migratory birds like the ruffs and black-winged stilts to its shorelines. However, its most captivating attraction is the pink flamingos that create a breathtaking scene for the observers, most especially at the sunsets.
Lastly, the Masai Mara, where the drama of the wild is intense, most especially in the months from July to October. In this season, massive wildebeest herds in Masai Mara alongside zebras and gazelles cross the thrilling Mara River waters. Additionally, these waters are between Serengeti and Masai Mara and are hunted by lions, cheetahs, and leopards on land, and the Nile crocodiles in the waters. With all these contrasting adventures in each of the parks, take the 7 days Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara tour to directly immerse yourself in these Kenya national parks.
Why Choose This 7 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari?
As we have seen in the introduction, each of these three habitats, i.e., Masai Mara, Naivasha, and Lake Nakuru National Park, gives a distinct perspective about wildlife because of their uniqueness from each other. Therefore, rather than staying in just one park for a day like the Masai Mara, the time is split between 3 wildlife habitats with varied ecosystems.
Secondly, this affordable 7 days best of Kenya safari in the parks of Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara offers one a second chance to have a better game observation that they might have missed out on in the other park. For example, if one does not observe the rhinos properly in Lake Naivasha, when they go to Lake Nakuru, they are likely to have an optimal observation of these species in their designated pods exclusively.
By exploring the 3 top national parks in Kenya, you have a chance at a variety of not only safari activities but also fun activities to do in Kenya with friends, family, and couples, like from boating safaris at Lake Naivasha , walking safaris at Lake Nakuru, and then the Maasai Cultural meet- ups at Masai Mara National Reserve. The added advantage is that all three ecosystems are along the Western circuit, so one can save costs and also enjoy the astounding scenery along the route for the great rift valley. By choosing to come from Nairobi, it’s the easiest access centre towards this circuit compared to Mombasa.
3 day Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Tour Itinerary Summary
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (Governors’ Camp)
Focus: Masai Mara Balloon Safari and Game Drives
- Day 1: Nairobi Governors’ Camp (scenic drive & evening arrival)
- Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Safari, Champagne Bush Breakfast, Afternoon Game Drive and Sundowner
- Day 3: Second Hot Air Balloon Safari, Champagne Breakfast, Departure to Nairobi City in Kenya
This compact yet immersive 3 day luxury safari to Masai Mara itinerary includes two hot air balloon flights, multiple game drives, and luxury accommodation in one of the Mara’s Governor Camp.
Inclusions
- Transportation: Private 4×4 safari vehicle in Kenya with professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation: 2 nights at Governors’ Camp (luxury en-suite tented camp)
- Hot Air Balloon Flights: Two flights including safety briefing and balloon certificate
- Meals: Full board – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including two champagne bush breakfasts)
- Activities: All game drives, sundowner, and bush dinners
- Park & Conservation Fees: Masai Mara National Reserve fees
- Transfers: Return Airport transfers in Kenya from Nairobi (Galleria Mall or Wilson Airport area)
- Drinks: Mineral water during drives, welcome drinks and champagne/wine during celebrations
- Services: 24/7 support from Serengeti Masai Mara Experts Tour Company
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights in Tanzania
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guide, balloon crew, and camp staff
- Premium alcoholic beverages beyond those specified
- Personal safari expenses (souvenirs, laundry, spa, etc.)
- Tanzania Visa fees (if applicable)
- Any activities to do in Kenya not listed in the itinerary
3 days Masai Mara hot air balloon tour Experiences
- Two Hot Air Balloon Flights over the Masai Mara plains and Great Migration herds
- Champagne Bush Breakfast after each flight, a classic African safari tradition
- Game Drives with expert guides for close-up Big Five animals in Kenya and predator sightings
- Sundowner Experience with drinks and snacks overlooking the savanna
- Luxury Tented Accommodation at Governors’ Camp on the Mara River
- Great Migration Viewing from both aerial and ground perspectives
- Romantic & Peaceful Wilderness Immersion – perfect for couples and honeymooners in Kenya
3 Days Masai Mara Balloon Safari Detailed Safari Package
Day 1: Travel from Nairobi to Governors’ Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve
The pick up point as you start your 3 day balloon safari in Masai Mara is from Galleria Mall in Nairobi at around 10 AM. So, meet up with your safari guide and be driven onto the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, where the first scenic immersion is the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. Additionally, its floor has farmlands and plantations, but the Longonot and Suswa mountains form an awe-inspiring backdrop. You can stop by here for about 10-15 minutes before you continue your journey towards Narok town. Stop at the Artcaffè for lunch.
Leave behind the thriving town of Narok, then go off into a rough gravel road with some bumpy sections, and as you look out the window, you pass by a few wheat plantations. But also, view the Maasai communal settings en route for your Masai Mara balloon safari, which is normally referred to as the manyattas. Reach the Musiara gate, and after the permit presentation and the checkups, continue through a muddy dirt road; that’s if it rained, and you can see lion prides in the marshlands.
Also, you might spot an olive baboon in the riverine forest that is on the side of the journey. Lastly, from Galleria Mall in Nairobi, this trip takes about 7 hours, covering over 260 kilometers. But from Musiara Gate to the Governor’s camp, it takes about 30 minutes. Normally, on arrival, you are escorted to the ensuite canvas tent where you are supposed to stay after checking in. The Masai Mara camp prices start from around $600 per person, and in the evening, enjoy a bush dinner.
Day 2: Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon tour and Full Day Game Drive Experiences
By 5 AM, prepare yourself and then meet up with your tour guide for a briefing before you embark on your Masai Mara balloon safari. Also, the luckiest part of staying at the Governor’s camp is that the hot air balloon is launched in the proximity, so there is no need to move around. Observe as the captain and his team inflate the hot air balloon, and then receive instructions to follow for your safety. Get help as you hop onto the basket, and as the sun comes to life above the horizon, the balloon finally moves in this park’s air.
So, you see giraffes browsing on the leaves of the acacia tree, and families of elephants roam freely in the plains as a pride of lions engulf an impala and devour it. Also, observe the massive wildebeest herds’ migration moves simultaneously in lines but still in a chaotic way toward the Mara River. After the balloon ride, have a pre-arranged bush buffet in Masai Mara with champagne as you reminisce about this beautiful experience.
In the afternoon, have a game drive and see more of the animals this time up close. So, see the hippos and huge Nile crocodiles in the Mara River, plus see the smaller species like the mongoose, the dik-dik, and even the bush babies, usually hiding in the thickets. Have a sundowner meal alongside wine at the Siri’s escarpment, where you will take in the astonishing beauty of the sunset. And after, be driven back to the governor’s camp.
Day 3: Second Balloon Flight in Masai Mara & Departure
This will be the last day of our 3 days safari, which makes it more exciting. So, wake up as early as 5 AM. Head to the launching site at the Governor’s camp, and this time you will be familiar with the process. This time, be more observant as you reach mid-air by looking at the trails left behind by the great migration.
You might see the black rhino browsing in the plains while the birds, like the martial eagles, leave their nests as the hippos head back to their waterholes. After the ride, have another celebratory meal in the reserve with champagne. Later, check out of your Masai Mara Lodge and board the safari vehicle this time to the Wilson International Airport for your flight back home. The journey from the Masai Mara to this airport in Nairobi takes about 5-6 hours.
This 3 day hot air balloon holiday is great for everyone, but for the honeymooners, this would be the ultimate adventure to strengthen the bond between the two people on a luxury trip to Kenya.
Best Time to go for a 3 day Masai Mara Balloon Hot Air Balloon Safari
The hot air balloon flight in this reserve is best done when there are calm winds, which is not the case for the wet months from March to May. So, this is when heavy downpours come in with the winds; hence, the 2 days hot air balloon flight would be cancelled. However, the best time to visit Masai Mara for the balloon safari is from July to October. Additionally, it is the dry season, where the winds are calmer; hence, it’s easier for the captain to stabilize the hot air balloon in the air as it is driven by the winds.
During this time tourists also witness the great migration in this 3 day Masai Mara safari, as this is the season alongside optimal wildlife viewing. So, most of the animals are gathered at the water holes; thus, it’s easier for the people to spot them even above the air.
