
moderate
5 days
General fitness for long game drives and short walks; able to board 4x4 vehicles and walk uneven terrain for 30–60 minutes
Rise before dawn and trade Nairobi’s skyline for open plains, flamingo-streaked lakes and geothermal gorges. This five-day group safari links Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Naivasha with game drives, cultural visits and active walks—perfect for travelers who want wildlife intensity with practical logistics.
The day begins before dawn when the Land Cruiser’s engine rumbles to life and the horizon in front of Nairobi softens from purple to gray. You climb out of the city and the road unwinds into the high, rolling grasslands of the Rift Valley; by mid-afternoon the acacia silhouettes of the Masai Mara appear like punctuation marks on the landscape. On this five-day loop—Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Hell’s Gate and Naivasha—each morning is a small, intense education in animal behavior and place.

Game activity peaks at sunrise—be ready in the vehicle 30 minutes before first light to catch predators returning from night hunts.
Temperatures swing dramatically between pre-dawn drives and midday heat—carry 1–2 liters of water and a lightweight insulating layer.
Follow your guide’s instructions on how close to approach wildlife; sudden movements can stress animals and spoil sightings.
Bring small Kenyan shillings for village purchases and guide tips—many rural vendors don’t accept cards.
The Maasai have grazed and managed these grasslands for generations; contemporary conservancies blend tourism revenue with traditional land use.
Many conservancies partner with lodges and guides to fund anti-poaching patrols and community programs that protect rhinos and support local livelihoods.
Brings distant wildlife into clear view during early morning drives.
Needed for short hikes and exploring around lodges and Hell’s Gate.
Mornings can be cold and afternoons hot; a rain shell doubles as wind protection.
spring specific
Keeps you hydrated on drives and reduces single-use plastic.
summer specific