4 Days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari

This 4 days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari is our best selling classic safari in Kenya. In this 4-day safari you will have the best chances to experience the Kenya's Big 5. Starting with Masai Mara where you will find at least 4 of the big 5 along with many other varieties and numbers of animals, you will be moving to Lake Nakuru (5 hours drive) on Day 3. Lake Nakuru offers unique oppoetunities for spotting rhinos along with aquatic birds like flamingos.

4 Days / 3 Nights

4 Days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari

TRIP OVERVIEW

4 days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari is an exhilarating experience that allows you to witness the breathtaking beauty of Kenya's wildlife and landscapes. This safari begins with a visit to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, known for its abundance of diverse wildlife. The reserve is home to the iconic Big Five - lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos. Throughout the 4 days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari, you will have the opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, as well as a variety of other animals such as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and wildebeests.

The Masai Mara is also renowned for its annual wildebeest migration, often referred to as the "Greatest Show on Earth." Witnessing this spectacle is an awe-inspiring experience that should not be missed. Millions of wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, brave dangerous river crossings in search of greener pastures. The sight of these animals moving in unison is a true testament to the wonders of nature.

After exploring the Masai Mara, the safari continues to Lake Nakuru National Park. This park is located in the Great Rift Valley and is famous for its large population of flamingos that create a mesmerizing pink blanket over the lake. In addition to flamingos, Lake Nakuru is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The park is also a sanctuary for endangered black and white rhinos, offering a unique opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close.

During your 4 days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari, you will stay in comfortable lodges or tented camps that provide all the necessary amenities for a memorable experience. The lodges offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and are designed to blend harmoniously with nature. At night, you can relax by a campfire and listen to the sounds of the African wilderness.

In addition to game drives, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy during your safari. You can embark on guided nature walks, where experienced guides will teach you about the flora and fauna of the region. You can also visit local Maasai villages and learn about their rich cultural heritage. This interaction with the Maasai people provides a unique insight into their traditional way of life.

Overall, 4 days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari is an unforgettable adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in Kenya's natural wonders. From spotting the Big Five in the Masai Mara to witnessing the flamingo spectacle at Lake Nakuru, every moment of this safari will leave you in awe. So pack your bags and get ready for an incredible safari through some of Africa's most iconic landscapes.

trip overview
trip overview
trip overview

Short Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Nairobi to Masai Mara. Afternoon game drives in Masai Mara

  • Day 2 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara

  • Day 3 - Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

  • Day 4 - Morning game drives in Lake Nakuru and transfer to Nairobi

Note 1: Effective from 1st November 2023, our 2024 prices have been updated to reflect the revised park fees for Masai Mara (USD 100 from Jan to Jun and USD 200 from Julyy to Dec).prices have been updated to reflect the revised park fees for Masai Mara (USD 100 from Jan to Jun and USD 200 from Julyy to Dec). Note 2: Morning game drives in Masai Mara can be added on the last morning at the park by paying additional park fees.

Ensuite Accommodation Packages

Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your private tour, starting on Nov 13, 2023, in a group of two adults. Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks. You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.

Option E1

  • - $818 per person for safari with Safari Van

  • - $966 per person for safari with Land Cruiser

  • - Stay at Fisi Camp Masai Mara, Masai Mara (Outside the Park)

  • - Stay at Eagle Palace Hotel - Superior/ Empire Twin, Lake Nakuru

Option E2

  • - $882 per person for safari with Safari Van

  • - $1030 per person for safari with Land Cruiser

  • - Stay at Explore Nature Mara Lodge, Masai Mara (Outside the Park)

  • - Stay at Eagle Palace Hotel - Superior/ Empire Twin, Lake Nakuru (Outside the Park)

Option E3

  • - $1,015 per person for safari with Safari Van

  • - $1,163 per person for safari with Land Cruiser

  • - Stay at Mara Simba Lodge, Masai Mara (Outside the Park)

  • - Stay at Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, Lake Nakuru (Within the Park)

Option E4

  • - $1,052 per person for safari with Safari Van

  • - $1,200 per person for safari with Land Cruiser

  • - Stay at Olgatuni Camp - Classic Tent, Masai Mara (Within the Park)

  • - tay at Ziwa Bush Lodge - Executive Room, Lake Nakuru (Outside the Park)

Option E5

  • - $1,072 per person for safari with Safari Van

  • - $1,220 per person for safari with Land Cruiser

  • - Stay at Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Masai Mara (Within the Park)

  • - Stay at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Lake Nakuru (Within the Park)

Option E6

  • - $1,562 per person for safari with Safari Van

  • - $2,710 per person for safari with Land Cruiser

  • - Stay at Mara Bush Camp, Masai Mara (Within the Park)

  • - Stay at The Cliff, Lake Nakuru (Within the Park)

Option E7

  • - $2,672 per person for safari with Safari Van

  • - $2,820 per person for safari with Land Cruiser

  • - Stay at Bateleur Camp - Tented Suite, Masai Mara (Outside the Park)

  • - Stay at The Cliff, Lake Nakuru (Within the Park)

Stay Locations

  • Day 1 -Masai Mara (Within the Park) or Masai Mara (Outside the Park)

  • Day 2 -Masai Mara (Within the Park) or Masai Mara (Outside the Park)

  • Day 3 - Lake Nakuru (Within the Park) or Lake Nakuru (Outside the Park)

TRIP ITINERARY

Day

1

Nairobi to Masai Mara

Your tour starts with pick up at 7:30 AM from your Nairobi hotel or Airport and drive to Masai Mara. This drive will take about 5 to 6.5 hours with a scenic stopover at Great Rift Valley. Arrive in Masai Mara shortly after noon and check into your lodge/camp, have hot lunch and then depart for an afternoon game drive.

After the game drive, we head back to lodge/camp to reach by around 5:30 or 6:00 PM, freshen up and enjoy a freshly prepared Dinner. Overnight at your lodge.

Note: The last 1-hour drive to Masai Mara is on the corrugated and bumpy road and may not be comfortable for clients with back problems. Clients with back problems can consider flying directly to (and out of) Masai Mara.

Day

2

Masai Mara

Today's itinerary is flexible and you can discuss with your guide on the previous evening and plan for today's schedule.

You can either have a relaxed breakfast and depart for full day game drives around 9:00 AM with packed lunch and return back to lodge late afternoon around 6:00 PM. Or you can depart at 6:00 AM on an early morning game drive (This is the best time to see the animals and a good chance to witness hunt/kill). Later return to accommodation for breakfast and relax for a bit and depart on an afternoon game drive with packed lunch. you will stop at a picnic spot for having packed lunch and later depart on a game drive till the park is closed. Around 6:00 PM return to lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day

3

Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

Around 10:00 AM after a relaxed breakfast checkout and Depart to Lake Nakuru National Park which is about 6.5 hours drive. Upon reaching Nakuru lodge check in, have dinner and relax for the day.

Note 1: A short morning game drives in Masai Mara can be done on day 3 by paying extra USD 85 PP. Note: Depending on your itinerary and next day plan, you might skip these activities on this day and do them next morning before departing from Naivasha.

Effective from 1st November 2023, our 2024 prices have been updated to reflect the revised park fees for Masai Mara (USD 100 from Jan to Jun and USD 200 from Julyy to Dec).

Note 2: Morning game drives in Masai Mara can be added on the last morning at the park by paying additional park fees.

Note 3: Depending on your itinerary, location of lodge in Nakuru and plan for the next day(if going to Amboseli for example), we might skip morning game drives in Masai mara this day and proceed to Nakuru directly to reach by around 2:00 PM and do afternoon game drives in Nakuru.

Day

4

Lake Nakuru to Nairobi

After breakfast, we proceed to Lake Nakuru national park with packed lunch and do game drives till around 2:00 PM and then proceed to Nairobi where we will reach around 5:30 PM at your hotel or airport in Nairobi.

Transfers

This tour starts from Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the nearest international airport and Wilson airport is the nearest domestic airport.

Airport Pickup/Drop

Pickup or drop off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on the day of safari: No extra charge
Pickup or drop off at Wilson Airport on the day of safari: No extra charge

Airport to Hotel transfers

Transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Nairobi hotel or vice versa: USD 30 per vehicle
Transfer from Wilson Airport to Nairobi hotel or vice versa: USD 30 per vehicle
Transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Wilson Airport or vice versa: USD 30 per vehicle

Flights

We do not book International Flights.
We can book local flights based on availability. Below are indicative additional costs for local flights.

This tour starts & ends at Nairobi with road transfers between all locations. Masai Mara is the farthest location you will be visiting in this tour and it is 5 hours from Nairobi, each way. To save drive time, you can directly fly into Masai Mara where your safari vehicle with guide will be waiting to directly start the safari and cover other parks over the next few days making your way to Nairobi by road on the last day. We will reroute the itinerary such that you cover all the parks included in the original itinerary with the same choice of accommodations & same number of nights as included in the original itinerary. This is called a Fly-in Safari.

We can also reroute the itinerary such that you start with driving from Nairobi on day 1 and cover other parks before you drive to Masai Mara. We end the safari tour at Masai Mara on the last day from where you can fly out to Nairobi. We will reroute the itinerary such that you cover all the parks included in the original itinerary with the same choice of accommodations & same number of nights as included in the original itinerary. This is called a Fly-out Safari.

Fly into Masai Mara

From Nairobi to Masai Mara: From USD 240 per person (Morning flight)
From Nairobi to Masai Mara: From USD 185 per person (Afternoon flight)
From Diani/Mombasa to Masai Mara: From USD 320 per person

Fly out of Masai Mara

From Masai Mara to Nairobi: From USD 240 per person (Early Morning flight)

From Masai Mara to Diani/Mombasa: From USD 485 per person (Afternoon flight)

Intercity Flights

From Diani to Nairobi: From USD 200 per person (Morning flight)

Note 1: Rates mentioned above are indicative and subject to change based on airlines and party(group) size Note 2: In the Fly into Masai Mara rates mentioned above, in addition to airfare, above rates also include cost to send the safari Vehicle with guide a day in advance to Masai Mara, in time for your arrival & additional park fees that results due to rerouting of itinerary. Note 3: Flights into Masai Mara land at around 11:00 AM and game drives can start soon after landing and flights out of Masai Mara depart around 08:00 AM.

Note 1: Rates mentioned above are indicative and subject to change based on airlines and party(group) size.

Note 2: In the Fly into Masai Mara rates mentioned above, in addition to airfare, price also includes cost to send the safari Vehicle with guide a day in advance to Masai Mara & transport cost from your Nairobi hotel to Nairobi airport.

Note 3: For afternoon flights In the Fly out of Masai Mara rates mentioned above, in addition to airfare, price also includes an additional Masai Mara park fee.

Note 4: Flights into Masai Mara land at around 11:00 AM and game drives can start soon after landing and Morning flights out of Masai Mara depart around 08:30 AM.

Meals

  • Day 1 - Dinner

  • Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 3 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Day 4 - Breakfast & Lunch

Drive Times

  • Day 1 - Nairobi to Masai Mara takes about 5.5 to 6 hours (284 km)

  • Day 3 - Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru takes about 5 to 5.5 hours (250 km)

  • Day 4 -Lake Nakuru to Nairobi takes about 3.5 to 4 hours (157 km)

Note: These are estimated drive times. Because of the traffic, location of the accommodations, and several other factors, actual drive times may vary. Driving distances are approximate and do not account for exact places.

Inclusions

  • - Park Fees (for Non-Residents).

  • - Daily game drives while on Safari.

  • - A professional driver/guide.

  • - 4x4 Land Cruiser or Safari Van.

  • - All Taxes and VAT.

  • - Meals as per itinerary.

  • - Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day).

Exclusions

  • International flights.

  • Airport Transfers (Unless mentioned otherwise).

  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).

  • Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).

  • Tips

  • Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.

  • Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

Tour Booking

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