5-Day Best of Rift Valley Lakes & Masai Mara
- Overview
- Tour Details
Experience Kenya’s most iconic safari highlights on this 5-day adventure through the scenic Rift Valley Lakes and the world-famous Masai Mara. Discover flamingo-filled lakes, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable Big Five game drives, all while enjoying comfortable lodges, expert guiding, and rich cultural encounters. This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking diverse wildlife, stunning scenery, and an authentic Kenya safari experience.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Lake Naivasha
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, meet your safari guide for a short briefing before departing Nairobi and driving through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha.
Arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the lake where you may spot hippos and a variety of birdlife. Later, visit Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Accommodation: Avian Court Hotel
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Lake Naivasha – Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its birdlife and rhino sanctuary.
Enjoy a game drive in the park where you may see white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and possibly tree-climbing lions. The lake also attracts flamingos, pelicans, and many other bird species.
Later proceed to your lodge for lunch and relaxation before an afternoon game drive.
Accommodation: Ziwa Bush Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart for the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, driving through the Great Rift Valley and the rolling landscapes of Narok County.
Arrive at your camp in time for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive across the vast savannah plains in search of elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.
Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Full Day in Maasai Mara
Spend the day exploring Maasai Mara National Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives.
The reserve is home to the famous Big Five and abundant wildlife. During migration season, large herds of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara plains and rivers.
Later, enjoy a visit to a traditional Maasai village to learn about the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the Maasai community.
Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Maasai Mara – Nairobi
After breakfast, check out and begin the drive back to Nairobi, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Upon arrival, visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can learn about giraffe conservation and feed the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes from a raised platform.
Later transfer to your hotel or to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation: None (End of Safari)
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
- 👉 Private safari
- 👉 AMREF Flying Doctors medical insurance and evacuation cover
- 👉 Full-board accommodations
- 👉 Transportation in an open-roof 4x4 Jeep/Land cruiser
- 👉 Complimentary Masai Village Visit/Giraffe Centre
- 👉 Services of an English-speaking professional safari guide
- 👉 Drinking water
- 👉 All airport transfers
- 👉 All park fees
- 👉 Meals on a full board basis (Vegetarian and allergen-free options available)
- 👉 All taxes and VAT
What's Not Included
- : International flights (From/to home)
- : Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- : Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day) NOT COMPULSORY
- : Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- : Government imposed an increase in taxes and/or park fees
- : Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section
Additional Notes
Travel in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional safari guide for maximum comfort and flexibility.
Children policy:
Children 3–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult rate
Children below 3 years travel free of charge
Best time to visit:
July–October for peak wildlife viewing and the Great Migration in the Masai Mara
January–March and June for excellent game viewing with fewer crowds
Tour pace is relaxed and suitable for families, couples, and small private groups.
Important Information
- This tour is organized by Beyond the plains safaris.
- The exact itinerary sequence, details, and pricing of this tour depend on availability.
- If a selected accommodation is fully booked, the operator will recommend a comparable alternative.
- The operator reserves the right to adjust the rates advertised on this website.
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