Kenya's Big 5 Safari

Start your safari with an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Journey northwest through the Great Rift Valley, pausing at scenic viewpoints before arriving at Lake Nakuru National Park—a haven for flamingos, rhinos, and diverse wildlife. Check in at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the park’s landscapes. In the afternoon, set out on a game drive to spot rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and possibly tree-climbing lions. As the sun dips behind the hills, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by Nakuru’s natural beauty.

After an early breakfast, check out from Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge and begin your scenic drive toward the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Travel through the Great Rift Valley and the rolling farmlands of western Kenya, with picturesque views along the way. Arrive at Mara Maisha Camp in time for lunch and relaxation. Later, set out on an afternoon game drive across the vast Mara plains—home to four of the Big Five and countless other species. As the sun sets, return to camp for dinner and a peaceful evening in the heart of the wild.

Start your day with an optional hot air balloon safari (available at an additional cost) and drift silently above the endless savannah as the first light of dawn bathes the landscape in gold. From this breathtaking vantage point, watch as the Masai Mara awakens beneath you — herds of elephants moving gracefully through the mist, giraffes grazing on acacia trees, and predators beginning their morning patrols. It’s a serene yet exhilarating experience that captures the true essence of Africa. After landing, enjoy a champagne-style bush breakfast in the open plains before heading back to your lodge. Later, embark on another full day of exploration through the Mara, covering different habitats and regions that reveal the reserve’s incredible diversity. Your expert guide will help you track elusive wildlife such as leopards resting in trees, cheetahs scanning the horizon, or herds of buffalo grazing lazily in the grasslands. As the day unfolds, the changing light paints the plains in warm amber tones — perfect for photography and reflection. Return to camp at sunset for dinner, followed by an evening of storytelling around the fire under a canopy of stars.

Rise with the sun for a full day dedicated to exploring one of Africa’s most abundant and captivating wildlife ecosystems. As dawn breaks, the golden light spills across the vast plains, signaling the perfect time to begin your adventure. Morning and afternoon game drives will take you deep into the heart of the Masai Mara, where wildlife thrives in its natural rhythm and every turn reveals something extraordinary. Between July and October, the reserve transforms into a breathtaking scene as vast herds of wildebeest and zebra sweep across the savannah during the Great Migration, pursued by lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles in a timeless battle for survival. Outside of migration season, the Mara remains alive with elephants, giraffes, hyenas, cape buffalo, leopard, antelopes, and countless bird species — offering spectacular sightings year-round. Between drives, return to your camp to relax or enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, listening to the sounds of the bush and soaking in the serenity of your surroundings.

After an early breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the majestic Masai Mara — a land of unforgettable wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Before departing, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to a Maasai village to learn about their rich culture, music, and craftsmanship. You’ll then begin your scenic drive back to Nairobi, retracing your route through the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes and perhaps stop briefly for photos or local souvenirs. Arrive in Nairobi by early to mid-afternoon, marking the end of your 5-day Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara safari. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, carrying memories of Kenya’s wild beauty and warm hospitality.