4 Days Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Safari in Kenya

This 4-day Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara safari combines two of Kenya’s most rewarding wildlife destinations in one short itinerary. Begin with Lake Nakuru National Park, known for rhino sightings, birdlife, flamingos depending on the season, and scenic lake views. Continue to Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s best safari areas for big cats, open savannah landscapes and Big Five game drives. The itinerary is ideal for travellers who want a short Kenya safari from Nairobi with wildlife, birding, scenic Rift Valley views and an optional hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara plains.

Safari Highlights

Day 1, Pick-up in Nairobi and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 1, Great Rift Valley views and Lake Nakuru afternoon game drive
Day 2, Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve through scenic countryside
Day 2, Optional introductory game drive in Masai Mara
Day 3, Optional hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara
Day 3, Afternoon Masai Mara game drive and big cat viewing
Day 4, Return to Nairobi for hotel or airport drop-off

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

Your safari begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Nairobi or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After a short briefing, your guide will drive you to Lake Nakuru National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of the Great Rift Valley, with a possible stop at a viewpoint for photos. Continue to your lodge for check-in and lunch, depending on arrival time. In the afternoon, head out for a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is known for rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, buffalo, zebras, baboons, waterbucks and many bird species. Lake Nakuru is also famous for flamingos, although numbers vary depending on water levels and season. The lake shore, woodland and open areas make it a rewarding park for both wildlife viewing and birding. After the game drive, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Accomodation: Luxury – The Cliff Lodge or Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Midrange – Lake Nakuru Lodge, Budget – Punda Milia Lodge or Hotel Waterbuck

Rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya

Day 2, Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and journey towards Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Kenya’s most famous safari destinations. The drive takes you through countryside scenery, small towns, Maasai homesteads and rolling savannah landscapes. This is a good day for seeing Kenya beyond the parks as you travel towards the Mara ecosystem. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your camp or lodge. Depending on arrival time, head out for an introductory game drive in the reserve. Masai Mara is known for wide plains, big cats, elephant herds, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and rich predator activity. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge in or near the reserve.Accomodation: Luxury –Ashnil Mara Camp or JW Marriott Mara Lodge, Mid-range – Zebra Plains Lodge or Mara Sopa Lodge, Budget –Miti Mingi Tented Camp or AA Mara Lodge, Rhino Tourist Camp

Day 3, Masai Mara Balloon Safari and Game Drive

Rise early for an optional hot air balloon safari over the plains of Masai Mara National Reserve. The balloon safari offers a peaceful aerial view of the reserve at sunrise, with chances to see wildlife from above. Depending on location and movement, you may spot elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, gazelles and predators on the plains. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before returning to your lodge or continuing with the day’s safari activities. Later, explore more of the Masai Mara on a game drive. Your guide will follow different tracks across the reserve in search of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hyenas and other wildlife. If travelling during migration season, you may also see large wildebeest and zebra herds moving through the reserve, although sightings depend on timing and wildlife movement. Proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Bush breakfast after balloon safari in Masai Mara

Day 4, Masai Mara to Nairobi

After breakfast at the lodge in Masai Mara, check out and begin the drive back to Nairobi. Enjoy the final views of the countryside as you leave the Mara region and travel back towards the city. You will arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, depending on road conditions and stops along the way. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This marks the end of your 4-day Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara safari.