5-Day Mara & Lake Nakuru
Two of Kenya's greatest parks in one unhurried trip — the big cats and plains of the Maasai Mara, then the rhino and flamingo-rimmed shores of Lake Nakuru.
5 days · 4 nights · Best Jul – Oct & Jan – Mar
About this experience
A perfectly balanced five days: three nights in the Maasai Mara for the lions, cheetah, leopard and (in season) the migration, then a scenic drive up the Rift to Lake Nakuru, famous for its rhino sanctuary — both black and white — and its shimmering flocks of flamingo. Comfortable lodges, a private 4x4 throughout, and two completely different landscapes.
Best for
- First-time safari
- Big cats & rhino
- Balanced pace
Trip features
- Private vehicleYour own 4x4 and driver-guide
- Starts any dayPick your own date, 7+ days ahead
- Can be tailoredChange lodges, add days or parks
- Children welcomeAges 3–12 at half price
- Pickup in NairobiAirport or your hotel
- English · SwahiliGuide languages
Signature experiences
Optional extras we can add to this trip. Prices are per person and confirmed when you book.
Lift off at dawn over the plains, drift silently above the herds, and land to a champagne bush breakfast. The definitive Mara morning.
A boat out among the hippos and fish eagles of Naivasha, then a walk on Crescent Island where the game roams free.
Spend an hour in a working manyatta — the jumping dance, fire-making, and a look at daily Maasai life, hosted by the community itself.
A lantern-lit table set out under the stars, your own chef and a crackling fire — the safari dinner people remember for years.
Day by day
What each day looks like, from pickup in Nairobi to drop-off.
Drive down through the Rift Valley to the Mara, arriving for lunch and an afternoon game drive across the plains.
Mara Sopa Lodge · Full-board
A full day tracking the reserve's big cats with a picnic lunch out in the bush — lion prides, cheetah, and leopard along the river.
Mara Sopa Lodge · Full-board
A final Mara morning, then the drive up the Rift to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drive for rhino and Rothschild's giraffe.
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge · Full-board
A full day around the lake — the rhino sanctuary, the flamingo flocks, waterbuck and buffalo, and the Makalia Falls in the south of the park.
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge · Full-board
A last morning drive, then the short scenic drive back to Nairobi, arriving around lunchtime.
Where you'll stay
Lodges we book on this trip. If one is full on your dates, we'll offer a comparable property before you pay anything.
What's included
Included
- Full-board accommodation in comfortable lodges & tented camps
- All park & reserve entry fees
- Private 4x4 · experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- All game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- 24/7 WhatsApp support
Not included
- International flights
- Kenya eTA (USD 30 government fee — we help you apply)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Optional experiences (see below)
- Drinks, tips & personal expenses
Route & pickup
Where the trip goes, and where we meet you. Pickup is confirmed the day before you set off.
Drag to pan · pinch or buttons to zoom
- 01 NairobiDay 1 · City
- 02 Maasai MaraDay 1 · National park & reserve
- 03 Lake NakuruDay 3 · Rift Valley lakes
- 04 NairobiDay 5 · City
Good to know
Bookara started running trips in 2026, so there are no guest reviews on this trip yet. Ask us anything on WhatsApp before you book; you'll talk to one of the two founders.
A 30% deposit holds your dates, and the balance is due 45 days before you travel (book closer than that and you pay in full). Cancel 90+ days before departure for a full refund, 60–89 days before for 50% back. Full terms.
Common questions
Why add Nakuru to the Mara?+
They complement each other perfectly — the Mara for cats and open plains, Nakuru for rhino, flamingo and a completely different lake landscape. And Nakuru is an easy drive from the Mara on the way back to Nairobi.
Will I see rhino?+
Lake Nakuru is a fenced sanctuary with one of Kenya's densest rhino populations — both black and white. Sightings are very reliable.
Book on WhatsApp
Your chat opens with the trip pre-filled — no payment needed now. Our team replies between 7am–10pm EAT.
Request saved
WhatsApp is opening with your details pre-filled — just hit send.
- 1 Send the pre-filled messageYour trip details are already written for you.
- 2 Confirm in chat — or pay the deposit onlineSame reference either way. Our team replies 7am–10pm EAT.
- 3 Instant confirmationWhatsApp message + email receipt the moment your deposit lands.
Your request ref becomes your booking reference once the deposit is paid.
Book direct with the operator
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Licensed & certified
Kenya-registered operator in Nairobi with experienced driver-guides.
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Run from Nairobi
We plan and run your trip ourselves, with driver-guides we know, and stay reachable on WhatsApp throughout.
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Secure payment
Card or Apple Pay through Paystack (USD). Taxes and park fees are in the price you see.
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Flexible cancellation
Full refund up to 90 days before departure; a 30% deposit holds your dates.
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