Mara · Rift Valley · 5 days · 4 nights · Best Jul – Oct & Jan – Mar
5-Day Mara & Lake Nakuru
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.
From $2,540 per person
Specimen itinerary for planning purposes only — not a confirmed booking document.
Logistics & transport
- Pickup
- Confirmed 24 hours before departure on WhatsApp
- Guide language
- As selected at booking
- Group
- Private / small group · max 6 guests
Where you'll stay
Lodging varies by trip — tented camp, safari lodge, beach hotel, or city hotel as your package requires. The property for this package is confirmed in writing after you book — ask us on WhatsApp if you want options before paying.
Included in your package price — exact camp, lodge, or hotel confirmed after booking.
Indicative schedule — day by day
Planned rhythm for your trip — your guide may adjust on the day for conditions, light and wildlife.
Day 1: Nairobi → Maasai Mara
Drive down through the Rift Valley to the Mara, arriving for lunch and an afternoon game drive across the plains.
Day 2: Full day in the Mara
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.
Day 3: Mara → Lake Nakuru
A final Mara morning, then the drive up the Rift to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drive for rhino and Rothschild's giraffe.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru
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.
Day 5: Nakuru → Nairobi
A last morning drive, then the short scenic drive back to Nairobi, arriving around lunchtime.
Trip inclusions
- 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
Trip exclusions
- International flights
- Kenya eVisa ($51 — we help you apply)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Optional experiences (see below)
- Drinks, tips & personal expenses
Preparation & packing
Before you go
- This section is general Kenya travel guidance — not a substitute for official advice or your doctor.
- We confirm trip-specific details (property, pickup times, park rules) with you on WhatsApp before departure.
- Questions about 5-Day Mara & Lake Nakuru? Message us anytime — we'd rather you ask than guess.
Visa & entry
- Most visitors need a Kenya eVisa before travel — apply at evisa.go.ke and check current fees and rules.
- Passport usually needs 6+ months' validity and blank pages — verify with your airline and immigration.
- Keep a printed copy of this itinerary and your eVisa for border control.
Health
- Yellow fever certificate may be required depending on where you are travelling from — check Kenya's latest entry rules.
- Malaria prevention is commonly recommended for safari areas — ask your doctor well before you fly.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
- Bring personal medication in original packaging.
Weather & clothing
- Safari mornings and evenings are often cooler than midday — layers work better than one heavy coat.
- Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige) are standard for game drives.
- Rain can appear in any season — a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
- We send a short weather note for your dates once your trip is confirmed.
Packing list
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking + sandals for camp or lodge
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Binoculars if you have a pair (optional — ask us if you'd like a recommendation)
- Power bank + travel adaptor (Kenya commonly uses Type G plugs, 240V)
- Soft bag often works better than a hard suitcase if your trip includes light-aircraft legs — we'll confirm luggage limits for your routing
- Some cash in USD (clean, newer bills) or KES for tips and small purchases
- Insect repellent
Money & connectivity
- Cards work in Nairobi and at many properties; cash is still useful for tips and markets.
- M-Pesa is widely used in Kenya — we can walk you through it on arrival if helpful.
- Wi‑Fi varies by property (lodge, camp, or hotel) — signal on game drives is usually limited.
- Tipping customs vary by property and guide — we share current guidelines for your trip before you travel.