6-Day Mara, Nakuru & Naivasha — The classic Rift Valley circuit — the Maasai Mara's big cats, Lake Nakuru's rhino, and a boat ride among the hippos of Lake Naivasha, capped with a walk on Crescent Island
6 days · 5 nights · Best Jul – Oct & Jan – Mar
About this experience
Six days through the heart of Kenya's Rift Valley. Three nights in the Maasai Mara for the big cats and migration, a night at Lake Nakuru for rhino and flamingo, and a night at Lake Naivasha where you swap the 4x4 for a boat — cruising among hippos and fish eagles, then walking freely among giraffe and zebra on Crescent Island. A wonderfully varied first safari.
Highlights
- Varied first safari
- Big cats, rhino & lakes
- Walking & boat safaris
- 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 to the Mara for lunch and an afternoon game drive.
A full day deep in the reserve for lion, cheetah, leopard and, in season, the migration crossings.
Final Mara drive, then north to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon drive for rhino and Rothschild's giraffe.
Morning around Nakuru, then a short transfer to Lake Naivasha. Afternoon boat ride among hippos and fish eagles.
A morning walking safari on Crescent Island — on foot among giraffe, zebra and gazelle — with an option to cycle the cliffs of nearby Hell's Gate in the afternoon.
A relaxed morning, then the short drive back to Nairobi (about two hours).
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 Lake NaivashaDay 4 · Rift Valley lakes
- 05 NairobiDay 6 · 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
What makes this different from a pure game-drive safari?+
The lakes add variety you can't get from a vehicle — a boat ride among hippos on Naivasha, and a rare chance to walk on foot among wildlife on Crescent Island. It breaks up the drives beautifully.
Is Crescent Island safe to walk?+
Yes — there are no big predators, so you can walk freely among the plains game with a ranger. It's a highlight for families.
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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