5 Days Naivasha
& Mara Safari
From the tranquil freshwater beauty of Lake Naivasha and the adventure-filled landscapes of Hell’s Gate to the legendary wildlife plains of the Masai Mara, this safari combines lakeside charm, active exploration, rich culture, and classic Big Five game viewing in one unforgettable Kenyan journey.
Safari Highlights
Naivasha & Mara in Pictures
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where a Phronesis Tour Logistics representative will meet and welcome you before briefing you on your safari adventure.
Set off from Nairobi for Naivasha on an approximately 2-hour drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley region, with beautiful changing landscapes along the way.
Arrive at your lodge or hotel in Naivasha, check in, and enjoy lunch as you settle into the relaxing lakeside environment.
Visit Crescent Island Game Park for a walking safari among giraffes, zebras, antelope, and a wide variety of birds. It is one of Kenya’s most special close-up wildlife experiences.
Return to the lodge or hotel for dinner and your overnight stay in Naivasha.
After breakfast, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos, fish eagles, and a rich variety of birdlife that makes the lake one of Kenya’s finest freshwater ecosystems.
Explore Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its towering cliffs, dramatic rock formations, gorges, and geothermal features. Enjoy activities such as biking, hiking, and exploring the landscape while spotting buffaloes, antelope, and baboons.
Have a picnic lunch in the park or return to the lodge or hotel for lunch, depending on your preferred pace for the day.
Spend the evening at leisure at the lodge or hotel. Optional activities may include horseback riding or spa treatments for a more relaxing finish to the day.
Enjoy dinner and another overnight stay in Naivasha.
Enjoy an early breakfast and check out from your lodge or hotel before beginning the journey westward toward Kenya’s most iconic safari reserve.
Depart Naivasha for Masai Mara on an approximately 5 to 6 hour drive, enjoying spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley and the Kenyan countryside along the way.
Arrive at your lodge or camp in Masai Mara, check in, and enjoy lunch before your first exploration of the reserve.
Head out on an afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara in search of the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos — as well as many other species that thrive in the reserve.
Return to the camp or lodge for dinner and overnight in the heart of the Masai Mara ecosystem.
Set out early to witness the stunning sunrise over the Mara and catch wildlife at their most active, from prowling predators to grazing herbivores.
Return to your camp or lodge for breakfast before continuing with a full day of exploration.
Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch in the bush. Explore different areas of the reserve, including the Mara River, where seasonal migration drama may unfold between July and October.
Visit a Maasai village to learn more about the local culture, traditions, and the enduring connection between community and land.
Return to camp for dinner. If available, an optional night game drive offers a chance to discover the reserve’s nocturnal side.
Enjoy one last early morning game drive or choose an optional hot air balloon safari, pre-booked in advance, for a spectacular aerial view of the Mara at sunrise.
Return to the camp or lodge for breakfast, check out, and prepare for the journey back to Nairobi.
Drive back to Nairobi with a stop for lunch at a scenic spot en route or upon arrival, depending on timing and preference.
Arrive in Nairobi. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief city visit or shopping before transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation in a lodge/camp for 4 nights
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as specified in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives as per the itinerary
- Bottled water during game drives
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal nature (laundry, tips, souvenirs)
- Optional activities (Maasai village visit, balloon safari)
- Drinks (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages)
Recommended Packing List
What to Know Before You Go
Lake Naivasha offers a different safari experience from the savannah — boat rides are ideal for seeing hippos, fish eagles, and the peaceful beauty of Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes.
Unlike many national parks, Hell’s Gate allows activities such as biking and hiking, making this itinerary perfect for travelers who enjoy mixing wildlife with adventure.
The Mara River crossings are seasonal, typically from July to October. Outside that period, the Masai Mara still offers outstanding Big Five and predator sightings year-round.
A visit to a Maasai village adds a rich human dimension to your safari and offers insight into one of East Africa’s most famous cultures.
Both Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara are excellent for birdwatching, from waterbirds and fish eagles to raptors and open-country species.
This itinerary is perfect for first-time Kenya visitors, couples, active travelers, families, photographers, and anyone wanting both adventure and classic safari wildlife.
More Kenya Safari Itineraries
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