5-Day Private Maasai Mara Safari with Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha — Wildebeest Migration and Birding
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days (approx. 120 hours)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in general good health; expect multiple hours in a safari vehicle and short walks—mobility to climb in/out of vehicles required.
Overview
Swap Nairobi’s skyline for the Mara’s open plains on a five-day private safari that pairs wildebeest drama with birding at Lake Nakuru and a hippo-spotting boat ride on Lake Naivasha. This guide explains what to expect, how to pack and the best ways to photograph the action.
5-Day Private Maasai Mara Safari with Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha — Wildebeest Migration and Birding
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The morning light in the Maasai Mara slices through a thin layer of dust and the safari vehicle hums forward, tires whispering over parched grass. A bull elephant lifts its head at the sound; ahead, a scatter of wildebeest moves like a living tide across the plains. For five days you trade the city grid of Nairobi for the geological drama of the Great Rift Valley, the pink wash of Nakuru’s soda lake and the sudden hush of a boat crossing on Lake Naivasha where hippos blow and fish eagles wheel.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Rise before dawn
Game drives are most productive at first light—expect pickups around 06:00–07:00 and cool morning temperatures.
Bring a dry bag for cameras
Dust and occasional spray on boat rides make water-resistant storage essential for lenses and phones.
Layers for variable temperatures
Mornings and evenings are cool while midday can be hot—pack a lightweight insulated layer and a sun shell.
Carry small local notes
Small bills are handy for tipping guides, purchasing crafts, or paying park extras where cards aren’t accepted.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Lions (big cats)
- Hippos
History
The Great Rift Valley carved this region over millennia; Maasai communities have grazed these highlands for generations, shaping both culture and conservation approaches.
Conservation
Kenyan parks work with community conservancies and anti-poaching units; visitors help by sticking to roads, avoiding flash photography near animals and supporting local guides.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Essential for spotting distant game and bird species without disturbing animals.
Telephoto lens (200–400mm)
Helps capture close-up wildlife behavior from the safety of the vehicle.
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Protects against rain during the long and short rainy seasons and blocks wind on open plains.
spring specific
Sturdy walking shoes
For short walks at lodges, village visits and uneven terrain during game drives.