4-5
Days
3
Game Drives
1,500km²
Reserve Area
5+
Big Five Days

The Masai Mara National Reserve is Africa's premier safari destination and home to one of nature's greatest spectacles: the Great Migration. Over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River twice yearly, creating scenes of incredible drama and wildlife action that define African safaris.

Beyond the migration, the Mara teems with resident wildlife year-round. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos roam the endless grasslands. The diverse habitats—from riverine forests to open plains—support exceptional wildlife viewing. Your expert guides navigate the reserve to find the best sightings.

This express tour balances the iconic Mara with a visit to flamingo-fringed Lake Nakuru, known for its birdlife and rhino conservation efforts. The combination captures the essence of Kenyan safaris in a compact, memorable journey.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara

Arrival at Kenya's premier reserve

Depart Nairobi early morning and fly or drive to the Masai Mara. The scenic route passes through the Great Rift Valley. Arrive by midday and settle into your lodge. Take an afternoon game drive across the grasslands to search for lions, elephants, and other residents. Experience sundowners while watching the African sunset.

Highlights
LionsElephantsZebrasWildebeestGiraffesWarthogs

Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge or tented camp

Day 2: Masai Mara Game Drives

Full day of wildlife viewing & migration

Full day dedicated to exploring the Mara's diverse habitats. Morning drive focuses on finding predators and Big Five. The Mara River is a hotspot for lion and leopard sightings. Afternoon drive explores different sectors for varied wildlife encounters. During migration season (July-October), witness thousands of wildebeest crossing river channels—a spectacular and often dramatic event.

Highlights
LeopardsCheetahsAfrican Wild DogsHyenasRhinosFlamingos

Accommodation: Masai Mara Lodge or tented camp

Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

Birdwatching and conservation

Drive south from the Mara through scenic landscapes toward Lake Nakuru. En route, game viewing continues with stops in the Great Rift Valley. Arrive at Lake Nakuru in the afternoon. This soda lake is famous for its pink flamingos and hosts over 400 bird species. Visit the rhino sanctuary to see endangered black and white rhinos. Evening game drive around the lake.

Highlights
FlamingosPelicansHeronsEgretsBlack RhinosWhite Rhinos

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar

Day 4: Return to Nairobi

Final morning game drive & departure

Early morning game drive around Lake Nakuru to catch more birdlife and wildlife. Return to lodge for breakfast. Drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Transfer to airport for onward travel or return to your hotel.

Highlights
BaboonsBuffalosImpalaHyraxExotic Birds

Accommodation: Travel day

Tour Highlights

🦁 Big Cats

LionsLeopardsCheetahs

🦓 The Migration

WildebeestZebrasGazelles

🐘 Big Five

ElephantsRhinosBuffalosLionsLeopards

🦅 Birdlife

FlamingosPelicansAfrican Fish EaglesCrowned Cranes

What's Included

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in safari lodges/camps
  • Game drives as per itinerary
  • All meals
  • Expert naturalist guides
  • National park fees
  • Bottled water during drives
  • Sundowner drinks

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Domestic flights (if chosen)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities

Booking Details

€1,800
per person
Duration: 4-5 Days / 3-4 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Group Size: 2-12
Best Season: Jul-Oct
Route: Nairobi → Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru → Nairobi
Accommodation: Safari lodges & camps

Accommodations Featured

Masai Mara National Reserve Lodge
Central Mara
Keekorok Lodge
Masai Mara
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Lake Nakuru