Experience Kenya’s wildlife, lakes and Great Rift Valley scenery on this 5-day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha safari from Nairobi. The route combines classic game drives with cycling, boating, and a guided walking safari.
First, explore the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara before traveling to Lake Nakuru for a rhino-focused game drive. The journey then continues through Hell’s Gate National Park and ends with a Lake Naivasha boat ride and a Crescent Island walking safari. Because the itinerary includes a variety of activities, it suits travelers who want more than a traditional vehicle-based safari. Couples, families, friends, solo travelers, and active guests can all customize the package to suit their preferred vehicle and accommodation level.
Nairobi → Great Rift Valley → Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru → Hell’s Gate → Lake Naivasha → Nairobi
This itinerary combines four destinations and several different experiences within five days. You receive two days in the Masai Mara, a Lake Nakuru game drive, an active Hell’s Gate experience and a complete Lake Naivasha program.
Unlike a safari based entirely on game drives, this route also allows you to explore by bicycle, boat, and on foot. As a result, each destination offers a different perspective on Kenya’s landscapes and wildlife. Budget, midrange, and luxury accommodation options make the package suitable for a range of travel styles. You can also choose between a shared safari van, a shared Land Cruiser, or a private Land Cruiser.
The starting package includes a shared pop-up roof safari van. This option offers good value for solo travelers, couples, and small groups joining a confirmed departure.
A shared Land Cruiser provides improved ground clearance and greater comfort on rougher roads. The upgrade depends on vehicle availability and the number of confirmed travelers.
A private Land Cruiser offers greater flexibility in departure times, rest stops, and game-drive arrangements. The final price depends on the number of travelers and the season.
Luggage space remains limited in all safari vehicles. Therefore, bring a soft-sided travel bag and a small day bag instead of a large hard-shell suitcase.
Accommodation is confirmed based on your package category, room requirements, and travel dates.
Possible options include:
The listed properties are examples and remain subject to availability. When a preferred property is unavailable, Tunza Tours will recommend a comparable alternative before confirming the booking.
The advertised starting price applies to selected low-season departures. It is based on at least six non-resident adults sharing a safari van and budget accommodation.
The starting rate includes accommodation, meals as per the itinerary, standard park fees, Hell’s Gate entry, the Lake Naivasha boat ride, and the Crescent Island guided walk. It also includes transport, game drives, drinking water, and driver-guide services. The final price depends on the travel season, group size, nationality or residency, vehicle type, accommodation level, and room arrangement. Single occupancy, private transport, premium accommodation, and optional activities will increase the final cost.
This option includes a shared safari van, budget accommodation, standard park fees, and the listed activities. It suits value-focused travelers and confirmed group departures.
This package replaces the safari van with a shared 4×4 Land Cruiser. Accommodation remains within the budget category unless the quotation states otherwise.
The midrange package combines a Land Cruiser with more comfortable tented camps, lodges, and resorts. The exact rate depends on the group size and travel dates.
This option may include a private Land Cruiser, premium accommodation, and more flexible arrangements. Luxury rates vary significantly by season and property availability.
Park fees for the standard confirmed itinerary are included. Hell’s Gate entry, the Lake Naivasha boat ride, Crescent Island entry and the guided walking safari also form part of the package.
Bicycle hire, guided cycling, gorge walks, rock climbing, balloon safaris and village visits remain excluded unless the quotation specifically includes them. Additional park entries or unscheduled game drives may incur additional charges. The confirmed quotation will identify all accommodation, transport, activity, and government taxes. When a park authority or supplier changes its rates before confirmation, Tunza Tours will revise the quotation accordingly.
The Masai Mara forms the wildlife centerpiece of the safari. An afternoon game drive and a full day of exploration provide time to explore different habitats and follow up on recent wildlife sightings.
Lake Nakuru adds woodland, lakeshore, and grassland habitats to the itinerary. The park is especially known for rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes and varied birdlife.
Hell’s Gate introduces an active element to the journey. Guests can explore by safari vehicle, bicycle, or on foot, depending on their chosen arrangement and current park regulations.
Lake Naivasha provides a relaxed contrast to the longer road and game-drive sections. The program includes a boat ride followed by a guided walk on Crescent Island among the plains wildlife.
Optional additions include:
Optional activities cost extra unless they appear in the confirmed quotation.
This safari combines wildlife viewing, active experiences, and several road transfers. Day 3 includes a long drive from the Masai Mara to Nakuru, so the Lake Nakuru game drive depends on an early departure and normal road conditions.
Cycling at Hell’s Gate requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, guests who prefer not to cycle can explore by safari vehicle or choose another approved arrangement. Boat rides depend on weather and lake conditions, while walking routes may change for safety or operational reasons. Wildlife sightings also depend on natural movement so that no operator can guarantee every Big Five species or a specific encounter.
Tunza Tours can customize the vehicle, accommodation, and activities before confirmation. Available options include shared or private transport, budget-to-luxury accommodation, family rooms, balloon safaris, village visits, and additional nights.
The route can also be extended to Amboseli, another Masai Mara night, Nairobi, or Diani Beach. Any change may affect the total price, park fees, and daily schedule.
This itinerary operates year-round, although weather, wildlife conditions, and accommodation prices vary.
These months often provide warm conditions and rewarding general wildlife viewing. Demand may increase during school holidays and special events.
The greener season may bring rain and softer roads. Nevertheless, selected properties may offer more attractive rates.
June marks the transition to the busier safari season, while July to October attracts travelers interested in the wider migration period. Accommodation and vehicle prices may therefore increase.
Short rains may produce greener scenery and strong birdlife. Christmas and New Year dates usually attract higher rates and limited availability.
Before departure, Tunza Tours will confirm your travel dates, vehicle, accommodation, room arrangement, activities, and pickup details. The team will also provide packing guidance and emergency contact information.
During the safari, your driver-guide will coordinate road transfers, game drives, park entries and accommodation arrivals. Meanwhile, the operations team will remain available when you need additional assistance. After the safari, the driver will complete the confirmed Nairobi drop-off. Airport transfers, Nairobi accommodation, and additional safari or beach extensions can also be arranged.
Tunza Tours encourages responsible travel throughout the route. Follow park and guide instructions, avoid feeding wildlife, keep noise low near animals, and use authorized roads, trails, and picnic areas.
Guests should also avoid littering, conserve water and electricity, respect local communities, and use reusable items where practical. During cycling, boating, and walking activities, follow all safety instructions provided by guides and operators.
Pack:
Large hard-shell suitcases are not recommended because luggage space in safari vehicles is limited.
To request a personalized quotation, provide:
Tunza Tours will check the availability of vehicles, accommodation, and activities before issuing a detailed quotation. The quotation will show the base package, park fees, activities, room supplements, and any optional upgrades.
After receiving the required payment, Tunza Tours will provide the booking confirmation, accommodation details, pickup details, driver contact information, and the payment balance. The safari is confirmed only after written confirmation is issued.
Changes to dates, passenger names, vehicles, accommodation or activities may affect the final price. Adjusting one service may also affect park bookings, room availability and the wider itinerary.
Cancellation charges depend on accommodation policies, vehicle reservations, park-fee conditions, activity-provider terms, and the cancellation date. Some peak-season and festive bookings become non-refundable after confirmation.
Tunza Tours will provide the applicable terms before payment. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
The package includes transport, four nights’ accommodation, meals according to the itinerary, game drives, standard park fees, Hell’s Gate entry, a Lake Naivasha boat ride and the Crescent Island guided walk.
The route covers the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha. The safari starts and ends in Nairobi.
No. It is an indicative starting rate for selected low-season group departures using a safari van and budget accommodation. The group size, season, residency, vehicle, and accommodation category affect the final cost.
Park fees for the standard confirmed itinerary are included. Additional entries, unscheduled game drives, or route changes may create extra charges.
The starting package includes a shared pop-up roof safari van. Either a shared or a private 4×4 Land Cruiser can be arranged at an additional cost.
Accommodation depends on the selected package category and availability. The final quotation will identify each confirmed camp, hotel, or lodge.
No property becomes guaranteed until Tunza Tours checks availability and issues written confirmation. When a preferred property is unavailable, a comparable alternative will be proposed.
The standard boat ride is included in the confirmed package. Longer private boat trips may cost extra.
Crescent Island entry and a guided walking safari are included. The exact program may change due to weather or operational conditions.
No. Bicycle rental at Hell’s Gate costs extra unless the quotation specifically includes it.
No. Guests who prefer not to cycle can explore using the safari vehicle or another approved arrangement.
Children can join, although age, park fees, activity suitability, and accommodation policies affect their final rate. Parents should provide the children’s ages when requesting a quotation.
Solo travelers can join confirmed shared departures. However, a single-room supplement may apply.
A private safari van or 4×4 Land Cruiser can be arranged. The final price depends on the number of travelers and the vehicle type.
Tunza Tours can add Amboseli, another Masai Mara night, Nairobi accommodation, or a Diani Beach holiday. Extensions must be arranged before confirmation.
Tunza Tours combines wildlife, outdoor adventure, and Great Rift Valley scenery into a single coordinated itinerary. The package includes game drives, a national park adventure, a boat safari, and a guided walking experience.
Flexible vehicle and accommodation choices allow you to match the safari to your budget and comfort preferences. Clear quotations, professional driver-guides, and support throughout the journey provide additional confidence when booking.
Explore the Masai Mara, search for rhinos at Lake Nakuru, experience Hell’s Gate and complete the journey with a Lake Naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island walk.
Send us your preferred travel dates, group size, children’s ages, nationality or residency, vehicle preference and accommodation category.
Approximate distance: 270 kilometres
Estimated driving time: 5–6.5 hours
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Selected Masai Mara camp or lodge
Your 5 days Masai Mara Lake Nakuru Naivasha safari begins with an early pickup from your Nairobi hotel, residence or the airport. Travel towards the Great Rift Valley and stop briefly at a viewpoint for photographs before continuing through Narok towards the Masai Mara.
Arrive at your confirmed accommodation for lunch and check-in. Later, depart for an afternoon game drive and search the open plains for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes and predators before returning for dinner.
Possible accommodation: Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Zebra Plains Mara Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge or a comparable confirmed property.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Activities: Full-day game drive
Accommodation: Selected Masai Mara camp or lodge
After breakfast, depart for a full day of wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara. Your driver-guide will select the route according to recent sightings, wildlife movements, weather and road conditions.
Look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and numerous antelope species. A picnic lunch will be served at an authorised location before you continue exploring the grasslands and riverine areas.
During the migration season, the guide may visit areas associated with wildebeest and zebra movements. However, migration timing and river crossings remain natural events and cannot be guaranteed.
Possible accommodation: Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Zebra Plains Mara Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge or a comparable confirmed property.
Approximate distance: 250–280 kilometres
Estimated driving time: 5–6.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Selected Nakuru hotel or lodge
Enjoy an early breakfast before leaving the Masai Mara and travelling through the Great Rift Valley towards Nakuru. Lunch will be served en route or at the confirmed accommodation, depending on the day’s schedule.
Later, enter Lake Nakuru National Park for an afternoon game drive. Explore the lakeshore, grasslands and acacia woodlands while searching for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and varied birdlife.
The exact game-drive duration depends on your arrival time, traffic and park-closing regulations. Afterward, continue to the confirmed accommodation for dinner.
Possible accommodation: Buraha Zenoni Hotel, Lake Nakuru Lodge, The Cliff Nakuru or a comparable confirmed property.
Approximate distance: 90–110 kilometres
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Selected Lake Naivasha hotel or resort
After breakfast, leave Nakuru and travel towards Hell’s Gate National Park. Explore the park by safari vehicle, bicycle or on foot according to your selected arrangement and current park regulations.
The route passes dramatic cliffs, volcanic formations and open landscapes where zebras, giraffes and antelopes may be seen. Bicycle hire, guided cycling, gorge walks and rock climbing cost extra unless the confirmed quotation includes them.
Later, continue to Lake Naivasha and check in at your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing beside the lake or enjoying the available resort facilities.
Possible accommodation: Taphe Guest Resort, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Enashipai Resort & Spa or a comparable confirmed property.
Approximate distance to Nairobi: 95 kilometres
Estimated driving time: 2–2.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Activities: Boat ride and guided walking safari
After breakfast, travel to the Lake Naivasha departure point for a scenic boat ride. Look for hippos and waterbirds as you cruise across the lake, although all wildlife sightings depend on natural movement and weather conditions.
Continue to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and antelopes. Your guide will provide safety instructions and information about the island’s wildlife and landscape.
After lunch, begin the return journey to Nairobi. Arrive during the afternoon or early evening for drop-off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport