Central Kenya & the Mara · 8 days · 7 nights · Year-round · best Jul – Oct (migration in the Mara)
8-Day Ol Pejeta, Bogoria & Mara
This trip takes the long way to the Mara, and that is the point. After a night in Nairobi you head up to Ol Pejeta Conservancy near Mount Kenya, known for its black rhino and the chimpanzee sanctuary, then drop down to the Rift Valley for Lake Nakuru, the hot springs of Lake Bogoria and a night beside Lake Naivasha. The last three nights are at Mara Sopa Lodge, with two full days of game drives in the reserve. You have your own vehicle and guide the whole way.
From $5,161 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 12 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: Arrive in Nairobi
We meet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest after the flight, and we can arrange a short excursion in Nairobi if you'd like one.
Day 2: Nairobi → Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast you drive north towards Mount Kenya, arriving at Sweetwaters Tented Camp for lunch. The afternoon game drive is on Ol Pejeta, a conservancy with a large black rhino population and the last northern white rhinos, and you also visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which cares for rescued and orphaned chimps.
Day 3: Ol Pejeta → Lake Nakuru
A final morning game drive, then south across the Equator and past Thomson's Falls to Lake Nakuru, arriving for lunch. In the afternoon you drive the park, looking for rhino, buffalo and giraffe, and for the flamingos and waterbirds along the shore.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru → Lake Bogoria → Lake Naivasha
After a last morning drive at Nakuru you head north through the Rift Valley to Lake Bogoria, a salty lake known for its hot springs and its large flocks of lesser flamingo. After lunch you continue to Lake Naivasha, where a boat trip to see hippos and waterbirds can be added if you'd like one.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha → Maasai Mara
After breakfast you drive to the Maasai Mara, arriving at Mara Sopa Lodge for lunch. The afternoon is free to settle in, or you can head out on an evening game drive.
Day 6: Full day in the Mara
Early, mid-morning and afternoon game drives in your pop-up roof 4x4, covering the plains and woodland in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and the big herds. You come back to the lodge for meals and the night.
Day 7: Second full day in the Mara
Another full day in the reserve, which gives your guide time to go further and return to the places where the animals have been active. Dinner and the night are back at the lodge.
Day 8: Maasai Mara → Nairobi
An early game drive, then back to the lodge for breakfast and check-out. You drive to Nairobi and we take you straight to the airport for your flight home or onward travel.
Trip inclusions
- Airport pick-up on arrival and airport drop-off on the last day
- One night in a Nairobi hotel and six nights in safari lodges and camps, as listed
- Meals on safari as described in the itinerary
- All national park, reserve and conservancy entry fees
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and driver-guide
- Game drives at Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara
- Visit to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- 24/7 WhatsApp support from the Bookara team
Trip exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Kenya eTA (government fee — we help you apply)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Optional extras such as the Lake Naivasha boat ride and excursions in Nairobi
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 8-Day Ol Pejeta, Bogoria & Mara? Message us anytime — we'd rather you ask than guess.
Visa & entry
- Most visitors need a Kenya eTA before travel — apply at etakenya.go.ke and check the current fee 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 eTA approval 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.