4 Days Lake Naivasha
& Masai Mara Safari
From the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha — hippos, fish eagles, and walking safaris on Crescent Island — to the vast golden plains of the Masai Mara and its legendary Big Five. Kenya at its most complete.
Safari Highlights
Naivasha & Masai Mara in Pictures
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Depart Nairobi for Lake Naivasha — a scenic drive of approximately 2–3 hours through the Great Rift Valley escarpment, with stunning views as you descend towards the lake. Your driver-guide will collect you from your hotel or designated point.
Arrive at Lake Naivasha in time for lunch at your lodge or tented camp. Settle in and take in the peaceful lakeside setting before the afternoon activities begin.
Board a boat for a leisurely safari across the lake. Watch hippos bobbing in the shallows, fish eagles diving from the sky, and a dazzling variety of waterbirds along the papyrus-fringed shores.
Step ashore at Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, impalas, and antelopes roaming freely — one of Kenya's most special and intimate wildlife encounters with no vehicle between you and the animals.
Return to your lodge or tented camp for dinner, with the sounds of hippos grazing nearby as the evening soundtrack.
An early breakfast before checking out and setting off for the Masai Mara — approximately a 5–6 hour drive passing through the scenic Rift Valley landscapes. Your guide will point out key landmarks en route.
Arrive at the Masai Mara in time for a welcome lunch at your lodge or tented camp inside or on the edge of the reserve. Check in and prepare for your first taste of the Mara.
Head out for your first game drive across the Mara's famous golden plains. Look out for lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and a rich variety of bird species as you begin exploring one of Africa's greatest wildlife reserves.
Return for dinner as the sun sets over the Mara's vast plains — a first evening in the world's most famous wildlife reserve.
Rise before dawn for the Mara's most rewarding game drive — the golden hour when predators are still active and the plains come alive in soft morning light. Search for lions on kills, cheetahs surveying the grassland, and leopards retreating to the trees after the night's hunt.
Return to the lodge for a late breakfast. Optionally, visit a local Maasai village to experience their culture and traditions — learn about daily life, witness traditional dances, and interact with Maasai warriors in their homeland.
After lunch, head out to explore a different part of the reserve — perhaps tracking the Big Five, seeking out the Mara River for hippo and crocodile sightings, or following a cheetah on the hunt across the open grassland.
Return for a sundowner as the sky turns gold over the Mara, then enjoy dinner under the African stars at your lodge or camp.
For a truly unforgettable finale, upgrade to a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Mara's plains — gliding silently above herds of wildlife as dawn breaks across Africa. Must be booked in advance. Additional cost applies. The flight ends with a champagne bush breakfast.
If not doing the balloon, enjoy one final morning game drive — perhaps a last look at a lion pride or a lone cheetah before returning for a final breakfast at the lodge.
Check out of the lodge and begin the journey back to Nairobi through the Rift Valley scenery.
Stop for lunch at a restaurant en route. Continue to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Your 4-day Naivasha and Masai Mara adventure concludes here.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation in a lodge/camp for 3 nights
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
- Walking safari at Crescent Island
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled water during game drives
- International flights
- Visa / Kenya eTA fees
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal nature (laundry, tips, souvenirs)
- Optional hot air balloon safari (book in advance)
- Optional Maasai village visit
- Drinks (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages)
Recommended Packing List
What to Know Before You Go
Most travelers need Kenya's eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Apply online before departure — have your passport, accommodation details, and travel information ready well in advance.
The famous wildebeest river crossings in the Masai Mara occur from July to October. Travel outside this window still offers exceptional Big Five and predator viewing year-round.
The hot air balloon on Day 4 must be pre-booked and paid for separately. Spaces are limited — let us know when booking your safari so we can secure your place in advance.
Both destinations are in malaria zones. Consult a medical professional before travel, ensure vaccinations are current, and bring personal medications and a basic first-aid kit.
A well-rounded safari for first-time visitors, honeymooners, families, and photographers — combining peaceful lake activity on Day 1 with full Mara wildlife immersion on Days 2 to 4.
The Mara's open plains offer 360-degree views — bring a long zoom lens for wildlife. Early morning and late afternoon light is golden. The walking safari at Crescent Island is perfect for close-up giraffe and zebra shots.
More Kenya Safari Itineraries
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