4 Days 3 Nights Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Lodge Safari

4 Day Masai Mara Lake Nakuru Safari Overview

Explore two of Kenya’s most rewarding wildlife destinations on this 4-day Masai Mara Lake Nakuru safari from Nairobi. Spend two nights in the Masai Mara, where the itinerary includes an afternoon game drive and a full wildlife day, before continuing to Lake Nakuru for a dedicated game drive focused on rhinos, giraffes, birdlife, and Great Rift Valley scenery.

This is a group-joining lodge safari designed for travelers who want more comfort than a camping package without paying for a private luxury safari. Travel in a shared pop-up-roof safari van with a professional driver-guide and stay in comfortable en-suite lodge accommodation. This package includes standard park fees, three nights of accommodation, scheduled game drives, and the meals listed in the itinerary.

Safari Highlights

  • 4 days / 3 nights from Nairobi
  • 2 nights in the Masai Mara
  • 1 night at Lake Nakuru
  • Afternoon Masai Mara game drive
  • Full-day Masai Mara safari
  • Lake Nakuru rhino-viewing opportunities
  • Shared customized safari van
  • Maximum 7 safari guests per vehicle
  • Comfortable lodge accommodation
  • Standard park and reserve fees included
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari
  • Nairobi pickup and drop-off
  • Kenyan Citizen, Resident and Non-Resident rates available
  • Private safari and 4×4 Land Cruiser upgrade available

Safari at a Glance

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Destinations: Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru
Start & End: Nairobi
Safari Style: Group-Joining Lodge Safari
Transport: Shared pop-up-roof safari van
Maximum Group Size: 7 safari guests per vehicle
Masai Mara: 2 Nights
Lake Nakuru: 1 Night
Accommodation: Comfortable en-suite safari lodges
Meals: As listed in the itinerary
Park Fees: Included for the standard itinerary
Non-Resident Price: From USD 750 pp
Kenyan Citizen Price: From KES 59,500 pp
Private Safari: Available on request
4×4 Land Cruiser: Available as an upgrade

Safari Route

Nairobi → Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru → Nairobi

The route includes the first two nights in the Masai Mara, allowing an afternoon arrival game drive and a full safari day without rushing the reserve. On Day 3, the group travels directly to Nakuru after breakfast rather than adding another Mara entry. The final morning is then dedicated to Lake Nakuru before returning to Nairobi.

Why Choose This 4 Day Safari?

This safari is designed for travelers with limited time who want more than a single-destination Masai Mara trip. The Mara offers classic savannah landscapes, predators, and large plains wildlife. At the same time, Lake Nakuru adds a smaller Rift Valley ecosystem known for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, and varied birdlife.

The lodge format also offers greater comfort than a camping safari. Guests stay in en-suite accommodation with proper rooms, beds and lodge dining while sharing the safari vehicle and guide costs with other travelers.

Wildlife Experience

The Masai Mara offers opportunities to encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas and many other species. During parts of the year, migration herds may enter the wider Mara ecosystem, although exact herd positions and river crossings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Lake Nakuru provides a different wildlife experience and is particularly important for rhino conservation. You may see black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, zebras, baboons, and numerous bird species. Flamingos can also occur along the shoreline, although their numbers vary with lake and feeding conditions.

Accommodation

The standard package uses comfortable lodge accommodation with en-suite rooms rather than permanent budget tents or basic camping.

Masai Mara – Mara Sopa Lodge or Similar

Spend two nights at Mara Sopa Lodge or a comparable lodge in the Masai Mara area. The lodge provides en-suite rooms, restaurant facilities and a comfortable base for the afternoon and full-day Mara game drives.

Lake Nakuru – Lake Nakuru Lodge or Similar

Spend one night at Lake Nakuru Lodge or a comparable lodge serving the Lake Nakuru safari circuit. The property provides comfortable en-suite accommodation and convenient access for the final wildlife experience.

Exact properties remain subject to availability. Tunza Tours will confirm the selected lodges before payment. If a preferred property is unavailable, we will propose a comparable lodge and explain any material price or standard differences before confirmation.

Transportation

The standard package uses a shared customized safari van with a pop-up roof for road transfers and game viewing. The vehicle should carry a maximum of seven safari guests, helping provide reasonable access to the viewing roof during game drives.

Because this is a group-joining safari, departure times, road stops and game-drive schedules are shared with other travelers. Guests who prefer exclusive use of the vehicle, greater flexibility or stronger rough-road capability can request a private 4×4 Land Cruiser upgrade.

4 Day Masai Mara Lake Nakuru Safari Price

From USD 750 Per Person Sharing

The lowest advertised rate applies to selected low-season group departures using the shared safari van and standard lodge accommodation described on this page.

Solo travelers and couples can join a confirmed departure; you do not need to bring a full group yourself. A single-room supplement may apply where a traveler requires private accommodation.

Non-Resident Group-Joining Lodge Rates

Travel Period Starting Rate
Green / Low – Apr–May From USD 750 pp
Regular – Jan–Mar & June From USD 825 pp
Peak – Jul–Oct From USD 1,195 pp
Nov–20 Dec From USD 1,050 pp
Christmas & New Year On Request

The higher July–December rates reflect seasonal increases in Masai Mara reserve fees and higher accommodation demand.

Kenyan Citizen Rates

Travel Period Starting Rate
Green / Low – Apr–May From KES 59,500 pp
Regular – Jan–Mar & June From KES 64,500 pp
Peak – Jul–Oct From KES 84,500 pp
Nov–20 Dec From KES 79,500 pp
Christmas & New Year On Request

Eligible residents, please request a separate quotation, as park and accommodation rates may differ from Kenyan citizen pricing. Valid identification or residency documents are required for the applicable rate category.

What Your Quotation Will Confirm

Before payment, Tunza Tours will confirm the departure date, accommodation, room arrangement, safari vehicle, standard park fees, meals, and total safari price. Child prices will be calculated according to age, room arrangement and the applicable park-fee category.

Optional Activities and Upgrades

Masai Mara Hot-Air Balloon Safari

Add a sunrise balloon safari over the Masai Mara at additional cost. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak travel periods.

Maasai Cultural Visit

We can arrange a community visit near the Masai Mara at an additional cost, subject to the group schedule.

Private 4×4 Land Cruiser Upgrade

Travelers who prefer greater flexibility and exclusive use of the vehicle can request a private 4×4 Land Cruiser. Pricing depends on group size and travel dates.

Accommodation Upgrade

Higher-end Mara and Lake Nakuru properties can be quoted for travelers seeking a more premium experience.

Lake Naivasha Extension

You can add Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island, or Hell’s Gate by extending the itinerary. An additional night is recommended rather than trying to fit Naivasha into the standard four-day safari.

Best Time to Travel

This safari operates throughout the year. January to March normally offers warm conditions and rewarding general wildlife viewing, while April and May bring greener landscapes, fewer visitors and the lowest starting rates.

July to October is the busiest season in the Masai Mara and overlaps with the broader Great Migration period. However, herd locations and river crossings depend on rainfall, grazing conditions, and natural movement. November and early December can also provide good wildlife viewing with greener landscapes.

What to Carry

  • Passport or valid identification
  • Residency documentation if using a resident rate
  • Soft-sided travel bag
  • Small day bag
  • Lightweight safari clothing
  • Warm jacket or fleece
  • Comfortable closed shoes
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Binoculars if available
  • Power bank
  • Personal medication
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Travel insurance information
  • Light rain jacket during wetter months

Good to Know Before Booking

This is a group-joining lodge safari, so you share the safari vehicle and daily schedule with other travelers. Departure times, comfort stops, and game-drive arrangements therefore offer less flexibility than a private safari. Compact soft-sided luggage is recommended because storage space is limited.

The standard accommodation is comfortable lodge accommodation rather than luxury. Wildlife remains unpredictable, so sightings of specific animals, the Big Five, large flamingo concentrations, or migration river crossings cannot be guaranteed.

Day 3 is primarily a transfer day. Removing a standard morning Mara game drive keeps the itinerary comfortable and helps avoid adding another reserve fee to the advertised package.

Booking and Payment

To check availability, provide your preferred travel date, number of adults, children’s ages, nationality or residency category and room requirements. Tunza Tours will confirm the available group departure, selected lodges, standard park fees and complete safari price before payment.

Solo travelers can join confirmed departures, although a single-room supplement may apply. After receiving the required deposit, Tunza Tours will provide written confirmation showing the accommodation, meeting point, payment schedule, and balance due date.

Cancellation and Changes

Cancellation and amendment conditions depend on the travel dates, confirmed accommodation, group departure and supplier policies. Peak and festive bookings may have stricter payment and cancellation conditions.

Tunza Tours will provide the applicable terms before payment. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does the 4-day Masai Mara Lake Nakuru safari cost?

Non-resident prices start from approximately USD 750 per person sharing on selected low-season group departures. Peak July-October departures start from approximately USD 1,195 per person.

2. Is this safari private?

No. The standard package is group joining. We can arrange a private safari at an additional cost.

3. How many guests share the safari van?

The standard vehicle can carry up to seven safari guests.

4. What vehicle is included?

A customized shared safari van with a pop-up roof. A private 4×4 Land Cruiser is available as an upgrade.

5. Is this the same as the camping safari?

No. This lodge safari uses comfortable en-suite lodge accommodation rather than the budget tented accommodation used on Tunza’s camping package.

6. Where will we stay?

Preferred accommodation includes Mara Sopa Lodge and Lake Nakuru Lodge or comparable properties.

7. Are park fees included?

Yes. Standard Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru fees required for the listed itinerary are included.

8. How many nights are spent in the Masai Mara?

Two nights, providing an arrival-afternoon game drive and one complete wildlife day.

9. Is there a Mara game drive on Day 3?

Not in the standard package. This avoids another reserve entry and allows enough time for the transfer to Lake Nakuru.

10. When is the Lake Nakuru game drive?

The main Lake Nakuru game drive takes place on the morning of Day 4 before returning to Nairobi.

11. Are Kenyan citizen rates available?

Yes. Kenyan citizen rates start from approximately KES 59,500 pp on selected low-season group departures.

12. Can solo travelers join?

Yes, subject to group availability. A single-room supplement may apply.

13. Can children join?

Yes. Child rates depend on age, room arrangements, and the applicable park-fee category.

14. Can we see the Great Migration?

Seasonal migration activity may occur in the Masai Mara, particularly during the broader July–October period, but herd locations and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.

15. Can the safari be upgraded?

Yes. Tunza Tours can arrange a private vehicle, 4×4 Land Cruiser, upgraded accommodation, balloon safari or additional destinations.

Why Book With Tunza Tours?

This four-day safari combines the Masai Mara’s classic savannah wildlife with Lake Nakuru’s rhino habitat in a practical short itinerary. Two Mara nights provide meaningful wildlife time, while the final Nakuru experience adds a different ecosystem without unnecessarily extending the safari.

The revised product also clearly separates itself from Tunza’s camping option. Customers know before payment that they are booking lodge accommodation, shared safari transport, a maximum group size and standard park-fee inclusion.

Tunza Tours operates in Kenya under a Tourism Regulatory Authority License.

Check Lodge Safari Availability

Send Tunza Tours your preferred travel date, number of travelers, children’s ages, nationality or residency category and room requirements. The team will confirm available departures, selected lodges, and the complete safari price before payment.

Get a Free Quote

Included/Excluded

  • Transport in a comfortable safari vehicle
  • Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation throughout the safari
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Game drives as outlined in the itinerary
  • Park entry fees unless stated otherwise in your quotation
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari
  • Pick-up and drop-off within Nairobi
  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees where applicable
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks unless otherwise specified
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional activities
  • Any item not listed as included

Tour Plan

Day 1 Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

Approximate Distance: 270–290 km
Estimated Driving Time: 5.5–6.5 hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar

Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from the confirmed Nairobi hotel, residence or meeting point. Meet your driver-guide and the other travelers before driving through the Great Rift Valley towards Narok and the Masai Mara. A brief viewpoint stop may be made where timing allows.

Arrive around lunchtime or early afternoon, depending on traffic and road conditions. After check-in and lunch, enter the reserve for your first game drive. Explore the open savannah while looking for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators such as lions and cheetahs before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Day 2 Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Activity: Full-Day Shared Game Drive
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge or similar

After breakfast, leave with a packed picnic lunch for a complete day of wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara. Your driver-guide will choose the route according to recent sightings, animal movements, road conditions and the group's schedule.

Explore different sections of the reserve while looking for predators, elephants, buffaloes and large plains-game herds. Depending on the route, you may also visit riverine areas where hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife occur. Enjoy lunch at an approved picnic area before continuing the afternoon game drive and returning to the lodge for dinner.

Day 3 Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park

Approximate Distance: 230–260 km
Estimated Driving Time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey towards Lake Nakuru. The standard itinerary does not include another Masai Mara game drive on Day 3. This keeps the transfer practical and avoids adding another reserve entry to the standard package.

Travel through the Great Rift Valley with suitable comfort and lunch stops along the route. Arrive in the Nakuru area during the afternoon, check in and relax at the lodge before dinner. The main Lake Nakuru wildlife experience takes place the following morning.

Day 4 Lake Nakuru Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Approximate Distance to Nairobi: 160–180 km
Estimated Driving Time: 3–3.5 hours after the game drive
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After an early breakfast, enter Lake Nakuru National Park for the final game drive. Explore lakeshore, grassland and woodland habitats while looking for black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, baboons and varied birdlife.

After the game drive, leave the park and begin the journey back to Nairobi. Stop for lunch at an appropriate location before continuing through the Great Rift Valley. Arrival is normally expected during the afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic, followed by drop-off at the agreed Nairobi location.

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