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. Two nights in the Maasai Mara for the big cats and migration, a night at Lake Nakuru for rhino and flamingo, and two nights 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.
Best for
- Varied first safari
- Big cats, rhino & lakes
- Walking & boat safaris
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 to the Mara for lunch and an afternoon game drive.
Mara Sopa Lodge · Full-board
A full day deep in the reserve for lion, cheetah, leopard and, in season, the migration crossings.
Mara Sopa Lodge · Full-board
Final Mara drive, then north to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon drive for rhino and Rothschild's giraffe.
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge · Full-board
Morning around Nakuru, then a short transfer to Lake Naivasha. Afternoon boat ride among hippos and fish eagles.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort · Full-board
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.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort · Full-board
A relaxed morning, then the short drive back to Nairobi (about two hours).
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 Lake NaivashaDay 4 · Rift Valley lakes
- 05 NairobiDay 6 · 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
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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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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