Lakes & Lions Expedition

From tranquil lakes to the roar of the savannah.

DestinationKenya
Duration6 Days
Starting PriceUSD 2800 / adult

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable six-day journey through Kenya’s most captivating landscapes — from the serene waters of Lake Naivasha to the pink-hued shores of Lake Nakuru, and finally into the iconic wilderness of the Masai Mara. The Lakes & Lions Expedition is a perfect blend of scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and authentic African adventure. This thoughtfully curated itinerary invites you to witness the vibrant tapestry of Kenya’s natural wonders during the green season (January to June) — when the plains come alive with lush vegetation, newborn animals, and striking photographic contrasts. Experience breathtaking boat rides among hippos, marvel at flamingo-dotted lakes, and track Africa’s Big Five across the open savannah — all while enjoying warm hospitality, comfortable lodges, and expert-guided safaris.

Itinerary

Begin your safari adventure with a morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Travel northwest through the scenic Great Rift Valley, pausing for stunning photo opportunities along the way. Arrive at Lake Naivasha, a freshwater gem known for its tranquil beauty and abundant birdlife. After lunch at your lodge, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Naivasha, spotting hippos and a variety of waterbirds. You may also take an optional guided walk on Crescent Island, where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam freely.

Highlights:

  • Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley
  • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
  • Dinner and overnight at Great Rift Valley Lodge

Optional Activities:

  • Walking Safari on Crescent IslandUSD 36 / person
  • Horseback Safari in Sanctuary FarmUSD 50 / adult
  • Cycling in Hell's Gate National ParkUSD 60 / adult

After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, a short and scenic drive through the Rift Valley floor. Arrive in time for lunch at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive around the lake’s shores and acacia forests. Look out for rhinos, flamingos, pelicans, giraffes, zebras, and possibly lions lounging in the trees. Overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Highlights:

  • Scenic drive to Lake Nakuru
  • Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Chance to see rhinos, flamingos, giraffes, zebras, and lions
  • Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the lake, then check out and begin your drive to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Pass through farmlands and Maasai villages as you approach the Mara’s rolling savannahs. Arrive at Mara Maisha Camp in time for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in the reserve, where you might spot elephants, lions, and herds of antelope as the sun sets over the plains. Overnight at Mara Maisha Camp

Highlights:

  • Scenic drive through the Rift Valley to Masai Mara
  • Lunch and rest at Mara Maisha Camp
  • Afternoon game drive in Masai Mara
  • Dinner and overnight at Mara Maisha Camp

Today is the highlight of your safari — a full day dedicated to exploring the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife of the Masai Mara National Reserve. After an early breakfast, head out with a packed lunch for a full-day game drive across the Mara’s endless plains. This iconic reserve is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including prides of lions, graceful giraffes, mighty elephants, stealthy leopards, and massive herds of buffalo. Spend the day tracking these magnificent animals in their natural habitats, as your guide shares insights into the Mara’s ecosystems and animal behavior. Pause at a scenic spot to enjoy your picnic lunch amid the wilderness, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the savannah. In the afternoon, continue your exploration as the golden light of sunset bathes the plains, offering prime opportunities for photography and predator sightings. Return to your camp in the evening for dinner and a relaxed night under the stars, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable encounters.

Highlights:

  • Full-day exploration of Masai Mara’s rich wildlife and vast savannah landscapes
  • Opportunity to spot the “Big Five” — lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos
  • Scenic game drives across rolling plains and along the Mara River
  • Picnic lunch in the wild surrounded by grazing herds and diverse birdlife
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Mara Maisha Camp

Start your day before sunrise with an optional hot air balloon safari, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a bird’s-eye view of the Masai Mara’s breathtaking landscapes. As the first light touches the plains, watch herds of wildebeest, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes moving gracefully across the savannah below. After landing, enjoy a champagne bush breakfast in the wild — an experience that perfectly captures the magic of Kenya’s wilderness. Continue your morning with a mid-morning game drive, exploring the Mara’s varied ecosystems. While July to September brings the Great Migration, the reserve teems year-round with incredible wildlife — from prowling lions and cheetahs to grazing zebras and majestic elephants. Return to camp in time for lunch and a bit of rest before heading out again for an evening game drive. This is one of the best times to witness predators becoming active as the day cools and the sky glows in golden hues. Return to Mara Maisha Camp for dinner and your final night surrounded by the sounds of the African night.

Highlights:

  • Optional sunrise hot air balloon safari with panoramic views of the Mara plains
  • Champagne bush breakfast in the wild after your balloon landing
  • Morning and evening game drives offering excellent opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo
  • Lunch and relaxation at camp, followed by an evening drive as predators become active
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Mara Maisha Camp, surrounded by the sounds of the African night

Optional Activities:

  • Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise480 USD per Adult

Enjoy an early breakfast before bidding farewell to the Masai Mara. On your way out of the reserve, you may choose to make an optional visit to a traditional Masai village, where you’ll learn about the community’s fascinating culture, customs, and way of life. Continue your scenic drive back to Nairobi, retracing your route through the Great Rift Valley. Soak in the changing landscapes—from open savannahs to rolling highlands dotted with farms and villages. Depending on timing, you may stop briefly for panoramic photos or to shop for local handicrafts. Arrive in Nairobi by early to mid-afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable 6-Day Great Migration Safari. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, carrying lasting memories of Kenya’s wild beauty and warm hospitality.

Highlights:

  • Optional visit to a Masai village
  • Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley
  • Photo and souvenir stops en route
  • Drop-off in Nairobi (hotel or airport)

Optional Activities:

  • Masai Village Tour30 USD per person

Camps & Lodges

Expected Sightings

Lions

The Predators

High

The vast plains of Kenya reveal nature’s untamed power. Stealth and speed rule here, where every hunt becomes a display of instinct and survival. The balance of life is written in every chase, every moment of stillness, and every heartbeat of the wild.

African Lions
African Leopard
Cheetahs
Hyenas
Jackals
Nile Crocodile
Serval Cats

Best time: All round the year

Giraffe

The Giants

High

Across the savannah, nature’s titans move with grace and power. Towering shapes march across open fields and riverbanks, reshaping the land as they go. Their presence defines the rhythm of the wilderness — timeless, majestic, and eternal.

African Elephants
Giraffes
Hippopotamus
Rhinoceros
Cape Buffalo

Best time: All round the year

Nomads 2

The Nomads

Seasonal

Endless herds travel the ancient migration routes, driven by rain and renewal. Their journey across plains and rivers is one of courage and instinct — a breathtaking cycle that sustains life and tells the story of Africa’s eternal migration.

Wildebeests
Zebra
Thompson's Gazelle

Best time: July to October

The Plainsfolk

High

Life thrives across the golden grasslands. Agile and alert, these grazers embody the pulse of the savannah — harmony in motion, survival in numbers, and grace in every stride beneath the open sky.

Topi
Elands
Impalas
Warthogs
Baboons

Best time: All round the year

The Skyfolk

High

Above the plains, the skies come alive with motion and song. From silent gliders to swift hunters, they command the air with freedom and purpose. Each flight writes its own story against the endless horizon.

African Fish Eagle
Vultures
Secretary Birds
Marabou Stork
Kori Bustard

Best time: All round the year

The Waterfolk

Medium

Where rivers flow and lakes shimmer, life gathers in abundance. The waters nurture both calm and chaos — a realm of reflection, movement, and grace that sustains the heart of the wild.

Flamingos
Pelicans
Tufted Duck
African Jacana
Waterbucks

Best time: June to October

What's Included

Essentials

  • All National Park Entry Fees
  • All Transfers as per the Itinerary — airport, inter-park, and lodge transfers as scheduled
  • Professional KPSGA-Certified Safari Guide cum driver — expert wildlife interpretation and personal attention
  • Safari Accessories — binoculars, drinking water station, and cooler box in the vehicle
  • Travel Consultation — free guidance on visas, packing, and travel requirements
  • All Government Taxes & Levies — no hidden costs

Experience

  • Exclusive & Unlimited Safari Experiences — enjoy twice-daily game drives or full-day expeditions, with exceptional opportunities to encounter the Big Five and more
  • Lake Naivasha Experiences — private boat safari and guided Crescent Island walking safari
  • Signature Sundowner Experience — enjoy drinks and light bites against an African sunset
  • Curated Safari Lodges & Camps — authentic safari stays with full-board dining throughout your journey
  • Exclusive Private 4x4 Land Cruiser — comfortable, all-window seats, ideal for photography

What's Not Included

  • International and Domestic Flights
  • Personal Expenses — laundry, shopping, and beverages
  • Gratuities — suggested USD 10 - 15 per adult per day for your guide
  • Electronic Travel Authorisation (Kenya ETA / Visa)

Guest Reviews

Firstly, this trip felt surreal, out of a movie. All credit to Marvels of Africa for organising it so well taking into consideration our needs and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Big Five safaris in Kenya can be enjoyed all year round, as lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos are resident in the parks throughout the seasons. However, if your dream is to witness the Great Migration, the best time is between July and September, when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross into the Masai Mara in one of nature's most dramatic spectacles.

Pack light, neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for cool mornings/evenings. Don't forget binoculars and a good camera.

On this safari, you’ll experience Kenya’s diverse landscapes and the rich variety of wildlife they support — with rewarding sightings all year round. In Tsavo West: Explore rugged terrain and volcanic landscapes home to large herds of elephants (famous for their red dust coating), buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and diverse antelope species. Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas also roam here, while hippos and crocodiles thrive at Mzima Springs. In Amboseli: Known as the “Land of Giants,” Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to see large herds of elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. You can also expect sightings of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and abundant birdlife, including pelicans and crowned cranes. In Lake Naivasha: The freshwater lake and surrounding forests are rich in birdlife, with over 350 species including fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans. Hippos are commonly seen in the waters, while giraffes, waterbuck, and antelope graze along the shores. Nearby Crescent Island also offers excellent walking safaris among zebras and giraffes. In the Masai Mara: The Mara delivers world-class game viewing year-round, with excellent chances of spotting the Big Four — lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo — along with cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of antelopes such as impala, gazelle, topi, hartebeest, eland, and waterbuck. Birdwatchers can enjoy over 400 recorded species, from lilac-breasted rollers to eagles and vultures. While the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October) is a seasonal highlight, the Mara remains exceptional for wildlife viewing throughout the year.

You can get very close — often just a few meters away — in the safety of your 4x4 safari vehicle. Guides always ensure a respectful and safe distance, so you can enjoy incredible encounters without disturbing the wildlife.

Yes, many lodges and camps are family-friendly, and private vehicles make it easier to travel at your own pace. Safaris can be magical for children, offering unforgettable wildlife moments and cultural experiences.