Big Cats, Rhinos, Rift Valley Lakes & Active Landscapes
This 5-day safari is designed for travelers who want Kenya’s three most complementary wildlife experiences in one logical journey:
- The Masai Mara National Reserve for classic big-game safari and predators on open plains
- Lake Nakuru National Park for rhinos, birds, and compact, high-density wildlife viewing
- Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate National Park for an active, scenic finale with cycling, walking safaris, volcanic landscapes, and lakeside relaxation
You begin in the Masai Mara for scale and spectacle, add Lake Nakuru for diversity and rhino conservation, and finish in Naivasha & Hell’s Gate where the safari becomes active, intimate, and landscape-focused—cycling among giraffes, walking with plains game, and hiking volcanic gorges.
It’s one of the most complete and balanced safari circuits in Kenya.
Safari Snapshot
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Destinations | Masai Mara National Reserve → Lake Nakuru National Park → Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate |
| Safari Style | 4×4 game drives + walking safari + cycling + optional gorge hike |
| Accommodation | Masai Mara: Kambu Mara Camp (2 nights) Lake Nakuru: Punda Milias Nakuru Camp (1 night) Naivasha: Camp Carnelley’s or Fisherman’s Camp (1 night, lakeside) |
| Starts / Ends | Nairobi |
| Best For | First-time Kenya visitors, wildlife lovers, photographers, and active travelers |
| Highlight Mix | Big cats, rhinos, birdlife, Rift Valley scenery, cycling & walking safaris |
Why This Itinerary Works
- Front-loads the trip with the Masai Mara while energy and excitement are highest
- Adds Lake Nakuru for rhinos, forests, and classic Rift Valley lake scenery
- Finishes at Naivasha & Hell’s Gate with lighter, active experiences and a relaxed lakeside night
- Avoids rushing: each park is visited with a purpose and proper pacing
- Blends vehicle-based safari with on-foot and cycling experiences for a richer overall journey
Accommodation Overview
Masai Mara: Kambu Mara Camp (2 Nights)
A comfortable, well-located tented safari camp ideal for maximizing time in the Masai Mara without paying luxury lodge prices.
Why it works here:
- Good access to main Mara game-viewing areas
- Comfortable safari tents and hearty meals
- Relaxed camp atmosphere with evening campfires
- Focused on great safari time and early starts, not unnecessary frills
Lake Nakuru: Punda Milias Nakuru Camp (1 Night)
A practical, well-positioned camp near Lake Nakuru National Park, perfect for a focused wildlife stop.
Why it works here:
- Easy access for early game drives
- Comfortable rooms/tents and good meals
- Ideal base for exploring Nakuru’s rhinos, forests, and lakeshore habitats
Naivasha: Camp Carnelley’s or Fisherman’s Camp (1 Night)
Classic lakeside camps right on the shores of Lake Naivasha.
Why these are perfect for this itinerary:
- Direct access to the lake and surrounding nature
- Relaxed, social, outdoorsy atmosphere
- Campfire evenings by the water
- Ideal base for Crescent Island, Hell’s Gate, and Crater Lake activities
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Masai Mara | Into the Big-Game Plains
- Early morning pick-up from Nairobi
- Scenic drive via the Great Rift Valley and Narok
- Arrive at Kambu Mara Camp in time for lunch or late lunch
- Short rest and safari briefing
- Afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara:
- Excellent chances of seeing elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras
- Often lions or cheetahs on the first afternoon
- Return to camp before sunset
- Dinner and overnight at Kambu Mara Camp
Day 2: Masai Mara | Full-Day Big Game Safari
- Early breakfast and depart for a morning game drive
- Focus on:
- Big cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards)
- Large herbivore herds
- Scenic open plains and riverine areas
- Picnic lunch in the park or return to camp (depending on plan)
- Afternoon game drive exploring different sectors of the Reserve
- In migration season, time may be spent near the Mara River searching for crossing activity
- Return to camp in the evening
- Dinner and overnight at Kambu Mara Camp
Day 3: Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru | From Plains to Forests
- Early breakfast and depart the Mara
- Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
- Check in at Punda Milias Nakuru Camp and have lunch
- Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park:
- Search for white and black rhinos
- Likely sightings of Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, zebra, and antelope
- Explore forest, bush, and lakeshore habitats
- Excellent birdlife, including pelicans and other waterbirds
- Return to camp before sunset
- Dinner and overnight at Punda Milias Nakuru Camp
Day 4: Lake Nakuru (Morning) → Naivasha | Birds, Walking & Lakeside Evening
Early Morning: Birding & Exploration in Lake Nakuru
- Early start for birding and general wildlife viewing
- Morning is the best time because:
- Birds are most active and vocal
- Light is soft and ideal for photography
- Animals are more active before the heat of the day
- Continue exploring different park habitats: lakeshore, forest, and open areas
- Late breakfast / early lunch, then depart for Naivasha around 11:00 AM
Midday: Drive to Lake Naivasha
- Arrive in Naivasha around lunchtime
- Lunch at your camp or a nearby restaurant
Afternoon: Crescent Island Walking Safari
- Head to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
- Take a boat ride across Lake Naivasha to the island
- Enjoy a guided 1.5-hour walking safari among:
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Antelope species
- This is a unique, predator-free walking experience with lake views and open grassland scenery
Evening: Lakeside Relaxation
- Return to Camp Carnelley’s or Fisherman’s Camp
- Relax by the lake, enjoy a campfire evening
- Dinner and overnight at the camp
Day 5: Hell’s Gate → Crater Lake or Olkaria Spa → Nairobi
Morning: Hell’s Gate National Park (Active Safari)
- Early breakfast
- Head to Hell’s Gate National Park
- Rent bicycles and enjoy ~3 hours of cycling through:
- Open plains with zebras, giraffes, and gazelles
- Dramatic cliffs and volcanic formations
Optional extension:
- Add a guided gorge hike, extending the activity to ~5 hours total for a deeper volcanic landscape experience
Lunch
- Finish activities by late morning
- Early lunch in Naivasha town or at a nearby lodge
Afternoon Option A: Crater Lake Sanctuary
- Drive about 40 minutes to Crater Lake Sanctuary
- Enjoy a guided walking tour in the forested hills overlooking the crater lake:
- Walk among giraffes and antelope
- Panoramic views and rich birdlife
- Cooler, scenic highland atmosphere
Afternoon Option B: Olkaria Geothermal Spa (Alternative)
- Instead of Crater Lake, visit the Olkaria Geothermal Spa
- Relax in naturally heated mineral pools—perfect after cycling and hiking
Return to Nairobi
- Depart Naivasha mid-to-late afternoon
- Arrive back in Nairobi in the evening
Wildlife & Experiences You’ll Cover
- Masai Mara: Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles (and migration in season)
- Lake Nakuru: White & black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, rich birdlife
- Naivasha & Hell’s Gate: Walking among plains game, cycling with giraffes and zebras, volcanic scenery, forested crater landscapes
Best Time to Do This Safari
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Jul–Oct | Best for migration & dry-season game viewing (busiest) |
| Jan–Feb | Excellent wildlife, fewer crowds, warm and dry |
| Mar–May | Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, some rough roads |
| Nov–Dec | Good balance of scenery, wildlife, and moderate crowds |
What’s Included (Typical)
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional driver-guide
- 4 nights accommodation (Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha)
- Meals as per itinerary
- All scheduled game drives and activities
- Crescent Island boat and walking safari
- Hell’s Gate cycling experience
- Crater Lake Sanctuary visit or Olkaria Spa option
What’s Not Included (Typical)
- Park entry fees (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Hell’s Gate, Crescent Island, Crater Lake)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not specified
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
- Travelers who want maximum variety in one trip
- First-time Kenya visitors who want big cats + rhinos + Rift Valley landscapes
- Active travelers who don’t want to only sit in a vehicle every day
- Couples, friends, and small groups looking for a well-paced, high-value safari
Highlights of the Three Destinations (At a Glance)
| Destination | Landscape & Setting | Wildlife Highlights | Signature Experiences | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masai Mara National Reserve | Vast open savanna, Mara & Talek rivers, rolling plains | Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest; Great Migration (seasonal) | Classic 4×4 game drives, big-cat tracking, migration river drama | One of Africa’s best big-game ecosystems with exceptional predator density |
| Lake Nakuru National Park | Rift Valley lake, forests, bushland, escarpments | White & black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, rich birdlife | Compact, high-density game drives, rhino tracking, birding | Kenya’s best single-park destination for rhinos and diverse habitats in a small area |
| Naivasha & Hell’s Gate | Freshwater lake, volcanic cliffs, gorges, crater landscapes | Giraffes, zebras, antelope, hippos, abundant birds (no big predators on walking/cycling areas) | Crescent Island walking safari, cycling in Hell’s Gate, optional gorge hike, Crater Lake walk or Olkaria Spa | Kenya’s most active safari zone—walk, cycle, and hike among wildlife and dramatic scenery |
Best Time to Do This 5-Day Safari
| Season | What It’s Like | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| July – October | Dry season, cooler mornings, busy | Best general game viewing in the Mara + possible Great Migration |
| January – February | Warm, dry, fewer crowds | Excellent wildlife, great photography light, good road conditions |
| March – May | Lush, greener, some rain | Fewer tourists, beautiful scenery, but roads can be slower |
| November – December | Short rains, fresh landscapes | Good balance of scenery, wildlife, and moderate visitor numbers |
Summary: This itinerary works year-round, but July–October is best for migration seekers, while Jan–Feb is ideal for fewer crowds and great all-round conditions.
What to Pack for This Safari
Clothing
- Light layers (mornings are cold in the Mara, afternoons warm in Naivasha)
- Warm fleece or jacket for early game drives
- Neutral-colored clothes (khaki, olive, beige)
- Comfortable walking shoes (for Crescent Island, Crater Lake, gorge hike)
- Sandals or flip-flops for camp
- Hat and sunglasses
- Light rain jacket (especially Mar–May & Nov)
Gear & Essentials
- Binoculars (huge upgrade for Mara & Nakuru)
- Camera + extra batteries / memory cards
- Power bank (some camps have limited charging hours)
- Sunscreen & lip balm
- Small daypack
- Refillable water bottle
- Light scarf/buff (for dust on dry roads)
Health & Personal
- Personal medications
- Insect repellent
- Basic first-aid kit
How This 5-Day Safari Compares to the 4-Day Mara + Hell’s Gate Tour
| Feature | 4-Day Mara + Hell’s Gate | 5-Day Mara + Nakuru + Hell’s Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Masai Mara | 3 days | 2 days |
| Lake Nakuru | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included (rhinos & birdlife) |
| Naivasha & Hell’s Gate | 1 day | 1.5 days (Crescent Island + Hell’s Gate + Crater Lake / Spa) |
| Wildlife Variety | Excellent | Outstanding (adds rhinos + forest/lake habitats) |
| Activity Mix | Good | Better balance of game drives + walking + cycling |
| Overall Pace | Faster | More layered, more diverse |
| Best For | Short, focused trip | Travelers who want maximum variety in one journey |
Bottom line:
The 4-day tour is perfect if you want Mara + active Rift Valley quickly.
The 5-day tour is the more complete safari: big cats + rhinos + lakes + walking + cycling.
Estimated Pricing for the 5-Day Safari (Based on Your 3-Day Kambu Mara Packages)
| Option | New Total Package Cost (USD) | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person in Comfort Tent | $2,044 | MMS01LC |
| 2 People Sharing 1 Comfort Tent | $2,186 | MMS02LC |
| 2 People, 1 Family Tent | $2,426 | MMS03LC |
| 2 People, 2 Comfort Tents | $2,506 | MMS04LC |
| 3 People Sharing 1 Family Tent | $2,510 | MMS05LC |
| 3 People, 2 Comfort Tents | $2,590 | MMS06LC |
| 4 People, 1 Family Tent | $2,594 | MMS07LC |
| 4 People, 2 Family Tents | $3,154 | MMS08LC |
| Up to 5 People, Extended Family Tent | $2,998 | MMS09LC |
| Up to 6 People, Extended Family Tent | $3,080 | MMS10LC |
| Up to 7 People, Extended Family Tent (extra bed can be added) | $3,164 | MMS11LC |
| Up to 8 People, Extended Family Tent (extra bed can be added) | $3,748 | MMS12 |
- Final price depends on season, availability, and exact accommodation choice in Nakuru & Naivasha.
- Park entry fees are typically excluded unless you bundle them separately (as per your usual model).
Optional Accommodation Upgrades:
While this safari is priced using Kambu Mara Camp, Punda Milias Nakuru Camp, and Camp Carnelley’s / Fisherman’s Camp as the base accommodations, you are free to upgrade your stays to higher-comfort or luxury properties in each destination.
If you’d like to upgrade, simply tell us your preference when making your inquiry or booking, and we’ll tailor the itinerary and price accordingly based on availability and season.
Below are some trusted upgrade options we recommend, grouped by destination and comfort level.
🐘 Masai Mara Upgrades
Comfort / Mid-Range Options
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge – Classic hilltop lodge with panoramic views over the Mara plains and strong access to key game areas.
- Sentrim Mara Camp – Well-located tented camp offering comfortable en-suite tents and good value close to the Reserve.
- Mara Sopa Lodge – Spacious rooms, extensive grounds, and reliable comfort for a relaxed, full-service safari stay.
Luxury Options
- Angama Mara – Ultra-luxury lodge perched on the Oloololo Escarpment with iconic views and world-class guiding.
- Governor’s Camp / Governor’s Il Moran – Legendary tented camps in prime riverine locations with top-tier guiding and service.
- Mara Plains Camp – Boutique luxury camp in a conservancy setting, known for exceptional guiding and exclusive wildlife experiences.
🦏 Lake Nakuru Area Upgrades
Comfort / Mid-Range Options
- Lake Nakuru Lodge – Well-established lodge inside the park with great access to game-drive routes and lake views.
- Flamingo Hill Tented Camp – Comfortable tented camp near the park with good value and a relaxed safari atmosphere.
- Ziwa Bush Lodge – Quiet, comfortable lodge outside the park offering a peaceful base after game drives.
Luxury Options
- The Cliff Nakuru – Dramatic, high-end lodge perched above the lake with stunning views and premium suites.
- Mbweha Camp – Stylish, eco-focused lodge in a private conservancy setting with a strong wilderness feel.
- Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge – Classic luxury lodge inside the park with panoramic views and full-service amenities.
🌋 Naivasha & Hell’s Gate Area Upgrades
Comfort / Mid-Range Options
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge – Spacious lodge set in acacia woodland with resident wildlife and easy access to Hell’s Gate.
- Naivasha Simba Lodge – Comfortable lakeside rooms with great views and a relaxed, full-service environment.
- Enashipai Resort & Spa – Modern, comfortable resort-style property with excellent facilities close to the park.
Luxury Options
- Chui Lodge – Intimate, owner-run luxury lodge in a private wildlife sanctuary near Naivasha, known for personalized service.
- Loldia House – Elegant historic house on a private ranch with top-tier guiding and exclusive wildlife experiences.
- Kiboko Luxury Camp – Stylish tented camp on the lakeshore offering a refined safari-meets-lakeside experience.
How to Request an Upgrade
When you contact us to book, simply let us know:
- Your preferred comfort level (comfort / luxury)
- Any specific lodge or camp you’re interested in
- Your travel dates and group size
We’ll then:
- Check availability
- Adjust the itinerary where needed
- Send you a revised, itemized quote reflecting your chosen upgrades
This way, you can keep the same great safari route and activities, but tailor the accommodation style and comfort level to match your travel preferences and budget.
What’s Typically Included
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional driver-guide
- Accommodation at:
- Kambu Mara Camp (Masai Mara)
- Punda Milias Nakuru Camp (Lake Nakuru)
- Camp Carnelley’s or Fisherman’s Camp (Naivasha)
- Meals as per itinerary
- All scheduled game drives
- Crescent Island boat ride & walking safari
- Hell’s Gate cycling experience
- Crater Lake Sanctuary walk or Olkaria Geothermal Spa option
What’s Typically Excluded
- Park entry fees (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Hell’s Gate, Crescent Island, Crater Lake)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed
How to Book This Safari
To check availability and receive your exact confirmed quote, please email:
In your email, include:
- Your preferred travel dates
- Number of people in your group
- Your preferred accommodation setup (if any)
- Your pick-up location (hotel, airport, etc.)
Booking & Payment Terms (Kambu-style)
- A 50% deposit is required to confirm the safari booking
- The balance is payable on arrival (card or MPesa)
- Once the deposit is received, we will send you:
- Your confirmed itinerary
- Accommodation details
- Pick-up time and location
- Driver-guide contact details
If you prefer, you can also pay 100% in advance using the same payment link.
Final Word: A Complete Kenya Safari in Five Days
This itinerary is built around contrast and completeness:
- The Masai Mara delivers scale, predators, and classic African safari drama.
- Lake Nakuru adds conservation, rhinos, and forest–lake diversity.
- Naivasha & Hell’s Gate finish the journey with movement, scenery, and intimate, on-foot experiences.
Together, they create a safari that is richer, more varied, and more memorable than any single-park trip—and one that perfectly captures the full spectrum of Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes in just five days.