4 Days Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Safari
Step into a world where nature dances in vivid color, the air carries the songs of flamingos, and the golden savannah hums with life. The 4 Days Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Safari is more than just a wildlife journey, it is an immersive experience into Kenya’s most iconic landscapes and vibrant ecosystems. From the pink-hued shores of Lake Nakuru to the legendary plains of Masai Mara, this safari offers a perfect balance of birding, big game viewing, cultural experiences, and stunning vistas. Whether you’re a passionate traveler, a nature lover, or a first-time safari adventurer, these four days will awaken your sense of wonder and leave your heart forever tied to Africa’s wild soul.
This adventure begins and ends in Nairobi, with convenient pickup from your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Safari Highlights
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Game drives through iconic parks teeming with wildlife
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Birdwatching paradise at Lake Nakuru
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Witness big cats and the Big Five in Masai Mara
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Optional nature walks and cultural encounters with the Maasai people
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Scenic drive through Kenya’s Great Rift Valley
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park – A Flamingo Paradise
After breakfast in Nairobi, your professional safari guide will pick you up and brief you about the adventure ahead. You’ll then depart on a scenic 3 to 4-hour drive through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, known globally for its breathtaking birdlife and thriving wildlife populations.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch as you soak in the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, set out for a game drive along the lake’s shores. Here, millions of flamingos paint the water pink, creating one of the most mesmerizing scenes in nature. Keep your eyes peeled for white rhinos, waterbucks, Rothschild’s giraffes, and other rare species that roam freely across the park.
Return to your lodge for dinner and a restful night surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Accommodation Options:
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Luxury: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
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Mid-range: Lake Nakuru Lodge
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Budget: Sleep Way Cottages
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve
After an early breakfast, check out and begin your 6-hour journey to the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. En route, enjoy incredible views of rural Kenya, stopping for lunch before reaching the reserve in the afternoon.
Upon arrival, head straight into the wilderness for an evening game drive. This is where the wild comes alive. You may spot lions resting under acacia trees, leopards lounging in branches, herds of elephants, zebras, and possibly the elusive cheetah. If your visit falls between July and October, you’ll be in time to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of animals move across the Mara in a breathtaking spectacle.
After your game drive, head to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
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Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
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Mid-range: Mara Intrepid
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Budget: Talek Bush Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara -Big Cats and Endless Plains
Wake up to the calls of the wild and prepare for a full day of exploration in the Masai Mara. After breakfast, embark on an extensive game drive through the reserve’s vast plains, home to the Big Five and countless other species.
You’ll carry a packed picnic lunch to maximize your time in the park. Spend the morning tracking elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and hippos, then break under a tree or by the river to enjoy lunch in the heart of the wild. In the afternoon, the safari continues with more game sightings perhaps you’ll catch a pride of lions on a hunt or a hyena clan near their den.
If time allows, you may opt for a visit to a Maasai village, where you’ll learn about the tribe’s culture, traditions, and daily life a deeply enriching encounter that adds a human connection to your wildlife journey.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation Options:
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Luxury: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
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Mid-range: Mara Intrepid
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Budget: Talek Bush Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi
On your final day, rise early for a short sunrise game drive-a magical time when animals are most active and the golden light casts a surreal glow over the plains. After the drive, return to the lodge for breakfast, check out, and begin your journey back to Nairobi.
You’ll enjoy a lunch stop in Narok town, giving you a last taste of local Kenyan cuisine before arriving in Nairobi in the afternoon. You will be dropped off at your hotel or transferred directly to the airport for your departure, bringing your unforgettable journey to a close.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
What’s Included in the Tour
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Comfortable travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
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Services of a professional, English-speaking safari guide
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All park entry fees
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Accommodation in listed lodges (or similar)
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All meals as per itinerary
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Morning and afternoon game drives
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Bottled water while on safari
What’s Not Included
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Alcoholic drinks and soft beverages
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Laundry services
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Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
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Travel insurance and medical expenses
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Items of personal nature and shopping
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Optional Maasai village visit or balloon safari (at extra cost)
