Explore Kenya’s wildlife, lakes and Great Rift Valley landscapes on this 5-day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha safari from Nairobi.
First, travel to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Its open grasslands provide habitat for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, cheetahs, and many other wildlife species.
Next, continue to Lake Nakuru National Park. Here, you can search for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes and diverse birdlife.
Afterward, travel to Lake Naivasha for a scenic boat ride and a guided Crescent Island nature walk.
Finally, explore the dramatic cliffs and volcanic scenery of Hell’s Gate National Park before returning to Nairobi.
The standard package operates as a group-joining safari. Therefore, you will share the safari vehicle and the scheduled program with other travelers.
Travel in a customized safari van with a pop-up roof. During the journey, stay in selected budget or standard camps, lodges, and hotels.
A private safari or 4×4 Land Cruiser upgrade is also available.
This safari is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, friends, students, and small groups seeking a varied Kenyan adventure.
Nairobi → Masai Mara National Reserve → Lake Nakuru National Park → Lake Naivasha → Crescent Island → Hell’s Gate National Park → Nairobi
Actual journey times may vary because of traffic, weather, road conditions, accommodation location, and scheduled stops.
This itinerary combines wildlife game drives with lake and outdoor activities.
First, the safari travels southwest from Nairobi to the Masai Mara.
Next, it moves northeast through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru.
Afterward, the journey continues south to Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate.
Finally, you return directly to Nairobi.
As a result, the package follows a practical route without unnecessary backtracking.
The safari also provides a varied experience. You can enjoy classic savannah wildlife, rhino viewing, birdwatching, a boat ride, and a guided nature walk within five days.
Furthermore, Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate add active experiences to the traditional game-drive program.
This package operates primarily as a group-joining safari.
You will share the safari vehicle with other travelers following the same route. As a result, the group arrangement helps reduce vehicle and guide costs.
Group departures follow a scheduled program. Therefore, pickup times, comfort stops, meals, game drives, and activities may offer less flexibility than a private safari. Arrive at the confirmed Nairobi meeting point on time. In addition, carry compact luggage because storage space in a shared safari vehicle may be limited. The group may collect or drop off guests at different accommodation properties. Consequently, minor delays can occur.
A private safari can be arranged if you prefer exclusive use of the vehicle, customized accommodation, or a more flexible daily program.
Tunza Tours can arrange budget, standard, midrange, or luxury accommodation.
The standard starting package normally uses budget or standard camps, lodges, and hotels.
Final properties depend on your travel dates, room requirements, group arrangement, and availability.
Accommodation may consist of a permanent tented camp, safari camp, or lodge in the Masai Mara area.
Properties may sit near a reserve gate or within the wider Mara ecosystem.
Therefore, accommodation location may affect transfer times and access to game-viewing areas.
Accommodation may consist of a hotel in Nakuru town or a lodge near Lake Nakuru National Park.
Hotels outside the park often offer more affordable rates. However, lodges near or inside the park may reduce transfer time.
Accommodation may consist of a lakeside camp, lodge, guesthouse, or resort in the Lake Naivasha area.
The available facilities and distance from the lake vary between properties.
Tunza Tours will list the selected accommodation in your quotation or booking confirmation.
If a selected property becomes unavailable, we may suggest a comparable alternative in a similar location and category.
However, we will inform you before confirming any major change to accommodations.
The advertised amount is an indicative low-season rate for a group-joining safari-van package with budget or standard accommodation.
However, your final safari price will depend on:
The starting price assumes that two travelers share a room.
Therefore, a single-room supplement may apply to solo travelers who require private accommodation.
For example, a private safari, a 4×4 Land Cruiser, or an upgraded lodge will increase the final price.
Some accommodation providers may offer reduced child rates based on age and room arrangements.
Every Tunza Tours quotation will clearly show the services included, excluded, and payable separately.
Your confirmed quotation will clearly show the applicable park fees, activity charges, and government taxes.
Therefore, the displayed starting price should not be treated as a fixed amount for every date, room arrangement, or accommodation category.
Possible additional charges may include:
If government taxes, park fees or mandatory levies change after confirmation, Tunza Tours will explain any required adjustment before travel.
This safari combines shared road transport, scheduled game drives and active lake experiences.
You can expect:
Group safaris require patience and cooperation.
For example, travelers may have different interests, photography needs, and preferred rest stops.
Wildlife moves freely in natural environments. Therefore, we cannot guarantee sightings of the Big Five, predators, rhinos, migration herds, or river crossings.
In addition, weather, water levels and local operating conditions may affect the boat ride, Crescent Island walk and Hell’s Gate activities.
The standard package follows a group-joining program.
However, you can request a private version.
Available upgrades may include:
Share your preferred dates, number of travelers, children’s ages, room requirements and preferred comfort level.
After receiving these details, the Tunza Tours team will prepare a suitable itinerary and quotation.
You can enjoy this safari year-round.
However, wildlife conditions, rainfall, prices, and visitor numbers vary by season.
These months are popular for dry-season wildlife viewing.
Migration herds may enter the wider Masai Mara ecosystem during this period.
However, rainfall, grazing conditions, and herd behavior determine their exact movements.
Demand is usually high. Therefore, early booking is recommended.
These months are generally warm and relatively dry.
As a result, wildlife viewing can be rewarding throughout the route.
Clear conditions may also provide good photography opportunities.
The long-rain season brings greener landscapes and fewer visitors.
In addition, selected accommodation providers may offer attractive seasonal rates.
However, rain may affect road conditions, walking activities, and transfer times.
The short rains refresh the landscape while still allowing rewarding safari experiences.
Conditions vary each year. Therefore, the program may require minor adjustments.
Migration movements depend on rainfall, grazing conditions, and herd behavior.
Consequently, exact herd locations and Mara River crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Bird numbers vary according to rainfall, water levels, and feeding conditions.
Therefore, large concentrations of flamingos cannot be guaranteed on every visit.
Boat trips and outdoor activities depend on weather, lake conditions, and local safety requirements.
Your driver-guide may adjust activity times when conditions require a change.
Your experience with Tunza Tours begins before departure.
Before the journey, our team will explain the route, group joining arrangements, accommodation, and the meeting point.
We can also arrange airport transfers, Nairobi accommodation, optional activities, and private upgrades.
Furthermore, we will explain the payment schedule, luggage guidance, and services included in your quotation.
During the safari, your driver-guide will handle road transfers, scheduled game drives, and the daily program.
The guide will also coordinate with accommodation providers, boat operators, local guides, and other travelers in the group.
Meanwhile, the Tunza Tours operations team will remain available whenever you require assistance.
After the journey, we remain available to assist with onward transfers, additional accommodation, and safari or beach extensions.
We also welcome your feedback.
Our goal is to make your safari organized, enjoyable, and memorable from the first inquiry to the final drop-off.
Tunza Tours believes that safari travel should respect Kenya’s wildlife, landscapes and communities.
We aim to:
Responsible travel helps protect Kenya’s ecosystems for wildlife, local communities and future generations.
We recommend packing:
Use compact, soft-sided luggage because storage space in a shared safari vehicle may be limited.
To request a booking or personalized quotation, provide:
Once we receive the required deposit, Tunza Tours will issue written confirmation of your booking.
In addition, your invoice will show the deposit amount, balance due date, and accepted payment methods.
Group departures, accommodation, and optional activities are subject to availability.
Therefore, wait for written safari confirmation before booking non-refundable international flights.
Changes to travel dates, guest numbers, rooms, accommodation, activities or transport may affect the final price.
Cancellation charges depend on:
We will provide the applicable cancellation terms before payment.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
Suitable insurance may protect you against cancellation, medical emergencies, delays, lost luggage, and other unexpected events.
This is primarily a group-joining safari.
You will share the safari vehicle and the scheduled program with other confirmed travelers.
Yes.
Tunza Tours can arrange a private version with exclusive use of the safari vehicle.
However, the private safari will have a different price.
The standard package uses a shared customized safari van with a pop-up roof.
Alternatively, we can arrange a private 4×4 Land Cruiser at an additional cost.
The group-joining itinerary follows a scheduled program and offers limited flexibility.
However, we can customize a private version to suit your preferred accommodations, activities, and travel schedule.
We include the applicable park and activity fees shown in your confirmed quotation.
Optional conservancy, cultural and specialist activity fees remain payable separately unless your quotation lists them as included.
We include government taxes applicable to the confirmed services unless your quotation states otherwise.
The standard package uses selected budget or standard camps, lodges, and hotels.
Your quotation will clearly state the property provided each night.
Meals are included as indicated in the daily itinerary.
However, drinks and meals not specifically listed may require an additional payment.
The scheduled boat ride forms part of the package when your confirmed itinerary and quotation list it.
Weather and lake conditions may affect the activity time.
The guided Crescent Island walk forms part of the package when your confirmed quotation lists it.
Local operating conditions may affect the experience.
The Hell’s Gate visit forms part of the itinerary when your quotation lists the park fee and activity.
Bicycle hire or specialist activities may require an additional payment.
Yes, depending on the weather, park conditions, and bicycle availability.
Bicycle hire is usually an additional cost unless your quotation states otherwise.
Yes.
Group-joining safaris work well for solo travelers because participants share vehicle and guide costs.
However, a single-room supplement may apply.
Yes.
Share the children’s ages before booking so we can confirm suitable rooms, rates, seating and activity arrangements.
The longest transfer days involve approximately five to six hours of driving.
However, actual journey times depend on traffic, road conditions, scheduled stops, and accommodation location.
The Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru offer opportunities to see several Big Five species.
However, because wildlife moves freely, we cannot guarantee specific sightings.
Lake Nakuru is an important sanctuary for black and white rhinos.
However, sightings depend on wildlife movements and conditions during your visit.
Migration herds commonly enter the wider Masai Mara ecosystem between approximately July and October.
However, exact timing depends on rainfall, grazing conditions and herd movements.
Yes.
We can arrange a sunrise balloon safari in the Masai Mara, subject to availability, weather, and additional cost.
Yes.
An optional Maasai village visit can be arranged at an additional cost.
Bring one compact soft-sided bag and a small day bag.
Large hard-shell suitcases may not fit comfortably in a shared safari vehicle.
Yes.
A private version can include an additional night, more boat time, Mount Longonot or extra Hell’s Gate activities.
Yes.
For example, you can combine this safari with a stay in Diani, Mombasa, Watamu, Malindi, Lamu, or Zanzibar.
Yes.
We can include airport pickup or drop-off in your personalized quotation.
Your 5-day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha safari can be upgraded or personalized according to your travel dates, group size, and preferred comfort level.
Explore the wildlife-rich Masai Mara, search for rhinos at Lake Nakuru, cruise across Lake Naivasha and enjoy outdoor activities at Crescent Island and Hell’s Gate.
Send us your preferred travel dates, number of travelers, children’s ages and room requirements.
After receiving your details, our team will confirm the group’s availability and prepare a personalized quotation.
Approximate distance: 270–290 km
Estimated driving time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Budget or standard camp, lodge or tented camp in the Masai Mara area
Your 5-day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha safari begins with pickup from your Nairobi hotel, residence or designated meeting point.
Meet your professional safari driver-guide and receive a short journey briefing. Afterward, depart Nairobi in a shared safari van with a pop-up roof.
Travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley. Along the way, pass farmland, rural communities and dramatic escarpment landscapes.
Your guide may stop at a Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photographs before continuing through Narok towards the Masai Mara.
Depending on traffic, road conditions and accommodation location, arrive around lunchtime. Check in, enjoy lunch and take time to relax.
Later, depart for your first afternoon game drive.
The Masai Mara is known for open grasslands, abundant plains wildlife and strong predator populations.
Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas and other animals.
After the game drive, return to your camp or lodge for dinner.
Overnight: Budget or standard camp, lodge or tented camp in the Masai Mara area.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Full-day scheduled game drive
Accommodation: Budget or standard camp, lodge or tented camp in the Masai Mara area
After breakfast, depart with a packed lunch for a full day of wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The reserve’s open plains, rolling grasslands and riverine forests support exceptional wildlife diversity.
Your driver-guide will follow fresh tracks, wildlife movements and information from other professional guides.
Look for lions resting in the grass, elephants crossing the plains and giraffes feeding near acacia trees.
In addition, you may encounter cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests and many antelope species.
Depending on the selected route, you may visit the Mara River. Hippos and crocodiles are often present in and around the water.
During the migration season, large herds of wildebeests and zebras may enter the wider Masai Mara ecosystem.
However, rainfall, grazing conditions and herd behaviour determine their movements. Therefore, migration sightings and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at an approved location in the reserve. Afterward, continue exploring until late afternoon.
The following activities can be arranged at an additional cost:
Book optional activities in advance.
All experiences remain subject to availability, weather and local operating conditions.
Later, return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Budget or standard camp, lodge or tented camp in the Masai Mara area.
Approximate distance: 230–260 km
Estimated driving time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Budget or standard hotel or lodge in the Lake Nakuru area
After breakfast, check out and prepare for the journey to Lake Nakuru.
Depending on the group schedule and accommodation location, you may enjoy a short game drive while leaving the Masai Mara area.
An optional Maasai village visit may also take place before departure. This experience requires an additional payment unless your quotation lists it as included.
Continue through the Great Rift Valley, passing small towns, farmland and changing landscapes.
Your driver-guide will arrange suitable comfort and refreshment stops along the route.
Lunch may take place at a scheduled restaurant or another suitable location according to the confirmed programme.
Arrive in Nakuru during the afternoon or early evening.
Depending on arrival time and park operating hours, the group may take a short game drive. Otherwise, the main Lake Nakuru game drive will take place the following morning.
Afterward, check in at your accommodation and enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Budget or standard hotel or lodge in the Lake Nakuru area.
Approximate distance: 70–90 km
Estimated driving time: 1.5–2 hours after the Lake Nakuru game drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Activities: Lake Nakuru game drive, Lake Naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island nature walk
Accommodation: Budget or standard lodge, camp or hotel in the Lake Naivasha area
After an early breakfast, check out and travel to Lake Nakuru National Park.
Begin a morning game drive through the park’s woodland, grassland, lakeshore and rocky wildlife areas.
Search for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks and baboons.
Lions and leopards also live in the park. However, sightings depend on wildlife movements and conditions during your visit.
Lake Nakuru supports diverse birdlife. Depending on water levels and feeding conditions, you may see pelicans, cormorants, herons, storks, kingfishers and flamingos.
After the game drive, leave the park and continue to Lake Naivasha.
Arrive around lunchtime, depending on the morning programme and accommodation location.
After lunch, prepare for a scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
Look for hippos in the water and watch African fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, kingfishers and other water birds.
Next, continue to Crescent Island for a guided nature walk.
The walking experience provides an opportunity to explore the area on foot. You may encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles and waterbucks.
Your local guide will lead the walk and explain the area’s wildlife, birdlife and ecosystem.
The boat ride and Crescent Island experience remain subject to weather, water levels, daylight and local operating conditions.
Afterward, transfer to your accommodation for dinner.
Overnight: Budget or standard lodge, camp or hotel in the Lake Naivasha area.
Approximate distance to Hell’s Gate: 10–25 km, depending on accommodation
Approximate distance to Nairobi: 90–110 km
Estimated driving time to Nairobi: 2–2.5 hours after the activity
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out and travel to Hell’s Gate National Park.
Hell’s Gate is known for dramatic cliffs, volcanic formations, open grasslands and scenic Rift Valley landscapes.
Depending on your confirmed arrangement, explore the park by safari vehicle, on foot or by bicycle.
Bicycle hire may require an additional payment unless your quotation lists it as included.
Wildlife may include zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, gazelles and several bird species.
However, sightings vary according to wildlife movements and local conditions.
Follow your guide’s instructions and all national park safety requirements during the visit.
After exploring Hell’s Gate, begin the journey back to Nairobi.
A lunch stop may take place along the route at your own cost unless your confirmed quotation includes lunch.
Arrive in Nairobi during the afternoon.
Your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel, residence, airport or designated meeting point.
Schedule international departures for late evening. Alternatively, arrange an additional night in Nairobi to allow enough time for traffic or unexpected road delays.
Your 5-day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha safari ends with memorable wildlife, lake and Great Rift Valley experiences.
TRA License No: 90956
Under Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA)