4-Day Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari | Rough North Kenya

4-Day Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari | Rough North Kenya

This popular 4-day road safari combines two of Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations: the iconic Masai Mara Game Reserve and the breathtaking Lake Nakuru National Park. Departing from Nairobi, the journey takes you through the dramatic Great Rift Valley, offering spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable birdlife. Perfect for all ages, this year-round program delivers big game, the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October), and the famous flamingo spectacle — all in a comfortable, budget-friendly format.

Tour Highlights

• Breathtaking Great Rift Valley viewpoints and escarpment scenery
• Masai Mara – home of the Big Five, black-maned lions, vast plains game, and the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October)
• Mara and Talek Rivers – teeming with hippos and crocodiles
• Lake Nakuru – world-famous for millions of flamingos, rhino sanctuary, and Baboon Cliff views
• Diverse wildlife and birdlife – from elephants and leopards to thousands of flamingos
• Optional Masai village visit (extra cost)
• Year-round accessibility – exceptional big cat sightings even outside migration season

Best Time to Travel

• July–October: Peak Great Wildebeest Migration – dramatic river crossings and vast herds
• December–February: Dry season – excellent for big cat sightings and clear photography
• All year round: Masai Mara remains a top destination with abundant wildlife and fewer crowds outside peak migration

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara

Depart Nairobi after breakfast and ascend the Great Rift Valley escarpment for stunning panoramic views and photo stops. Descend into the valley floor and continue via Narok town for an early lunch. Arrive in Masai Mara in the afternoon. Check into your lodge or luxury camp, freshen up, and head out for an introductory evening game drive. The Masai Mara is renowned for its black-maned lions, Big Five, and the annual wildebeest migration. Dinner and overnight at your chosen lodge/luxury camp. (Meals: Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara

Enjoy a full day of game viewing across the Masai Mara’s rolling savannah, acacia-dotted plains, and river valleys. Search for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), cheetah, giraffe, and vast herds of plains game. Picnic lunch will be served near the Mara River, where you may witness dramatic wildebeest crossings (July–October). Return to camp in the late afternoon for relaxation. Dinner and overnight at your lodge/luxury camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

Early morning game drive before breakfast. (Optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged at extra cost.) After breakfast, depart Masai Mara and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive in this famous rift valley lake, often called “the world’s greatest bird spectacle” due to millions of flamingos lining the shores. Visit the rhino sanctuary and enjoy views from Baboon Cliff. Dinner and overnight at your lodge/luxury camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi

Early morning game drive before breakfast. After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and drive back to Nairobi with lunch en route. Arrive in Nairobi late afternoon. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

Includes

• Airport pick-up upon arrival and drop-off on departure day
• Transport in a safari 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing
• All national park and conservation area entrance fees
• Full-board accommodation in comfortable lodges/luxury camps (meals as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Picnic lunches during full-day game drives
• Services of a professional English-speaking driver/guide
• Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
• All applicable taxes and government levies

Excludes

• International flights
• Travel and personal insurance (mandatory)
• Tips and gratuities for driver/guide
• Accommodation on the first night upon arrival in Nairobi
• Soft drinks, juices, alcoholic beverages
• Optional activities (e.g., Masai village visit ~$20 per person, hot air balloon safari ~$425 per person – bookable in advance)
• Any items of personal nature (laundry, snacks, extra bottled water, etc.)