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.
Highlights
- First-time safari
- Big cats & rhino
- Balanced pace
- Hand-picked lodges with great reviews
- Private vehicle and experienced driver-guide
Signature experiences
Optional add-ons our specialists can build into this trip. Prices are per person, confirmed on request.
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.
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 eVisa ($51 — we help you apply)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Optional experiences (see below)
- Drinks, tips & personal expenses
Price breakdown
The plan, day by day
From pickup to drop-off — exactly what your trip looks like.
Drive down through the Rift Valley to the Mara, arriving for lunch and an afternoon game drive across the plains.
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.
A final Mara morning, then the drive up the Rift to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drive for rhino and Rothschild's giraffe.
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.
A last morning drive, then the short scenic drive back to Nairobi, arriving around lunchtime.
What travelers say
Guest reviews →Bookara guest rating
Meeting point
Your full route across Kenya — pickup confirmed the day before departure.
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
Cancel for any reason up to 90 days before your departure and receive a full refund. After that, our standard partial-refund schedule applies — see 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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Our own vehicles & guides
Trips run end to end by Bookara staff — never handed to a third party.
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Secure payment
Card or Apple Pay through Paystack (USD). Park fees included in the price you see.
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Flexible cancellation
Free cancellation up to 90 days before departure; 30% deposit holds your dates.
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