5-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha Safari in Kenya's Rift Valley
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness; requires tolerance for prolonged vehicle travel and short walks on uneven terrain.
Overview
A classic five-day Rift Valley circuit from Nairobi that pairs the predator drama of Masai Mara with the flamingo shores of Lake Nakuru and the hippo-lined calm of Lake Naivasha. Expect long drives, early game drives, and concentrated wildlife viewing with cultural stops along the way.
5-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha Safari in Kenya's Rift Valley
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Dawn arrives over the Mara in a slow, luminous hush: the acacia silhouettes sharpen, a lone hyena chuckles at the edge of a kopje, and the 4x4 hums toward a river that has scripted more survival stories than any guidebook. This five-day loop begins in Nairobi and unfolds across the Great Rift Valley — from the wide-open savannah of Masai Mara to the alkaline lips of Lake Nakuru, and the quieter freshwater edges of Lake Naivasha. Each landscape has its own cadence, and the trip lets you walk between them by vehicle and on foot.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for wildlife activity
Game drives begin at dawn when predators and grazers are most active; expect pick-ups before sunrise to maximize sightings.
Bring a good zoom and binoculars
River crossings and birds on the lakeshore happen at a distance; a 200–400mm lens or 8x–10x binoculars will change your photos and your view.
Hydrate and pack layers
Elevations vary and mornings are cool while afternoons heat quickly, so carry water and a lightweight insulating layer.
Carry small local cash
Souvenirs, park snacks, and gratuities are easiest handled with Kenyan shillings; ATMs are limited outside Nairobi.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- African elephant
- hippo
History
The Rift Valley carved the landscape over millions of years and the Maasai pastoralists have lived and grazed these plains for centuries, conserving corridors used by wildlife.
Conservation
Community conservancies adjacent to the parks partner with lodges to fund anti-poaching and habitat restoration; travel revenues directly support local conservation and communities.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Essential for river crossings and birdwatching where distance and light demand close views.
Telephoto lens (200–400mm)
A zoom lens improves wildlife photography while allowing respectful distance from animals.
Light insulating layer
Mornings at elevation can be cool; a packable fleece or jacket is useful for early game drives.
Reusable water bottle with filter
Staying hydrated during long drives is crucial and reduces plastic waste.