5-Day Kenya Wildlife & Great Rift Valley Safari

Day 1: Nairobi – Lake Nakuru

Your safari begins with a morning pickup from your hotel, residence, or the airport in Nairobi. After a short briefing with your safari guide, you’ll leave the city and drive towards the Great Rift Valley.

Along the way, stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for a chance to enjoy the dramatic scenery and take some photos before continuing to Lake Nakuru.

After lunch, head into Lake Nakuru National Park for your first game drive. Keep an eye out for rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, baboons and, with some luck, lions and other wildlife. As the afternoon goes on, enjoy the changing scenery around the lake before heading to your budget lodge or tented camp for the evening.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Overnight:Selected budget lodge or tented camp near Lake Nakuru

Day 2: Lake Nakuru – Lake Naivasha

Start the morning with breakfast before heading out for an early game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The cooler morning hours are often a good time for spotting wildlife, so keep your camera ready as you explore the park.

After the game drive, leave Nakuru and drive towards Lake Naivasha, passing through the beautiful Great Rift Valley countryside. On arrival, check into your budget lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch.

The afternoon is yours to relax or take an optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you can look out for hippos and a variety of water birds. You can also simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning to your accommodation for the evening.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Selected budget lodge or tented camp in Naivasha

Day 3: Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara

After breakfast, leave Lake Naivasha and begin the scenic drive towards the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes you through Kenya’s countryside, with views of small towns, farms and open landscapes along the way.

Arrive in the Mara around lunchtime and check in at your selected budget lodge or tented camp. After lunch and a short rest, head out for your first afternoon game drive.

This is your chance to start exploring one of Kenya’s most famous wildlife destinations. Look out for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other animals as you explore the reserve with your safari guide.

Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and a relaxing night in the Mara.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Selected budget lodge or tented camp in Maasai Mara

Day 4: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Wake up to an early breakfast before setting out for a full day of exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve. With the whole day dedicated to game viewing, there is plenty of time to explore different areas of the reserve and search for Kenya’s famous wildlife.

Your safari guide will take you through the open grasslands in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and wildebeest. During the Great Migration season, usually between July and October, you may also have the opportunity to witness large herds moving through the Mara, depending on the animals' location.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in a designated area while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Continue with the afternoon game drive before returning to your budget lodge or tented camp in the late afternoon.

Spend your final evening in the Mara relaxing, enjoying dinner and reflecting on the day's wildlife experiences.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Maasai Mara – Nairobi

Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara, when the reserve is quiet and wildlife is often active. This final drive gives you one more opportunity to spot animals and enjoy the Mara landscape before leaving the reserve.

Return to your accommodation for breakfast, check out and begin the drive back to Nairobi. Along the way, enjoy views of the Kenyan countryside and make a few convenient stops for refreshments or photos.

Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, residence, or the airport, depending on your onward travel plans.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Trip Ends: Nairobi