5-Day Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari (Flora & Fauna Focus)

5 Days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Naivasha Budget Kenya Safari

Tour Overview

Explore 2 of the most popular destinations in Kenya in a group adventure. The Masai Mara is home to the “Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, rhinos and buffalo), zebra, antelope, hyena, giraffe, including black-maned lion. Lake Nakuru National Park’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly its huge flamingo population, which can swell to more than 1.5 million at times. You Can also visit Lake Naivasha a beautiful freshwater lake and offers unique activities like a boat ride, and a viewing of hippos.

Speedway Luxury Shuttle – Nairobi. Embark on an extraordinary journey with our 5 Days Masai Mara Safari & Lake Nakuru tour, designed to offer you an unparalleled wildlife experience and breathtaking landscapes. Our 5 Days Masai Mara Safari & Lake Nakuru package provides an immersive adventure, combining the rich biodiversity of the Masai Mara with the scenic beauty of Lake Nakuru. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or an avid traveler, our 5 Days Masai Mara Safari & Lake Nakuru tour promises to deliver unforgettable moments and memories. Join us at Axis Africa Safaris and explore the wonders of Kenya on our 5 Days Masai Mara Safari & Lake Nakuru adventure!

Day 1: Nairobi – Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Drive Time: ~3 hours (160 km)
  • Highlights:
    • Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley
    • Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Fauna to Spot:
    • White rhinos, black rhinos, Rothschild giraffes
    • Buffalo, baboons, warthogs
    • Birdlife: Flamingos, pelicans, herons, fish eagles
  • Flora:
    • Euphorbia forests, acacia woodlands, marsh vegetation
  • Overnight: Lodge/camp inside or near Lake Nakuru NP

Day 2: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara National Reserve

  • Drive Time: ~5-6 hours (280 km)
  • En route Stop: Viewpoint over the Rift Valley or optional cultural visit
  • Evening: Arrive in Masai Mara and relax or take a short evening game drive
  • Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp inside the Masai Mara

Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara

  • Early Morning Game Drive: Prime time for predators
  • Midday: Picnic lunch by Mara River (possible crocodile and hippo viewing)
  • Afternoon Drive: Explore different ecosystems
  • Fauna to Spot:
    • Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino)
    • Cheetah, hyena, jackal
    • Wildebeest, zebra, gazelles (especially during migration season)
  • Flora:
    • Rolling savannahs, riverine forests, acacia trees, grasslands
  • Optional: Hot air balloon safari at sunrise
  • Overnight: Same lodge/camp

Day 4: Nature Walk + Maasai Cultural Experience

  • Morning: Guided nature/bird walk near your camp or in a conservancy
    • Focus on plants, trees, medicinal herbs, and smaller fauna
  • Flora: Learn about traditional Maasai uses of local plants
  • Afternoon: Visit a Maasai village (manyatta)
    • Explore Maasai traditions, dances, and handicrafts
  • Evening: Sunset game drive or relax
  • Overnight: Same lodge/camp

Day 5: Masai Mara – Nairobi

  • Early Morning: Optional game drive
  • Breakfast & Departure: Drive back to Nairobi (~5–6 hours)
  • Optional Stop: Rift Valley viewpoint or souvenir shopping

🌿 Best Time to Visit:

  • July to October (Great Migration & dry season – best wildlife visibility)
  • January to March (Green season, good for birding and flora)

🔍 Quick Tips:

  • Bring binoculars & a good camera
  • Wear earth-tone clothes, sunscreen, and a hat
  • Expect cool mornings and hot afternoons
  • Carry a field guide for East African birds & plants if you’re keen on ID’ing species

Would you like help booking a tour, a budget/mid-range/luxury version of this plan, or a downloadable version?

5 days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari