5 Day · Kenya · Private Safari

Migration drama.
Rhinos and flamingos.

From $— per person sharing 2026 rates
5Days
2Destinations
Big FiveAll present
PrivateVehicle
MigrationSeason
The Journey

Two iconic parks.
One unforgettable circuit.

This five-day safari pairs Lake Nakuru — one of Africa's finest rhino sanctuaries and a flamingo haven — with three full days in the Masai Mara, Kenya's greatest wildlife reserve and the stage for the Great Migration. A short, rewarding circuit with minimal driving and maximum game viewing.

5 Days / 4 Nights

Lake Nakuru + Masai Mara

Private Land Cruiser

Big Five + Both Rhino Species

Why This Safari

A short circuit that
punches above its length.

01

Three full days in the Mara

Where most short safaris rush, this one gives you three full days in the Masai Mara — the time it takes to truly find the big cats, follow the herds and witness a river crossing in migration season.

02

Both rhino species at Nakuru

Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the few places on earth to see both black and white rhino in a single morning, alongside Rothschild's giraffe, flamingos and over 400 bird species.

03

Great Migration in season

From July to October the Mara hosts the Great Migration — over a million wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River. Time your safari right and you'll witness one of nature's greatest spectacles.

Day by Day

Your journey,
in detail.

01

Nairobi to Lake Nakuru

Rift Valley Drive · Afternoon Game Drive

Depart Nairobi after breakfast and drive north through the Great Rift Valley, with a stop at the escarpment viewpoint. Arrive at Lake Nakuru in time for lunch, then an afternoon game drive in search of black and white rhino, Rothschild's giraffe, lion and the park's famous flamingos.

Lake NakuruRhinoFlamingosRift Valley

Tonight's lodge: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge.

02

Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara

Scenic Transfer · First Mara Game Drive

After breakfast drive south-west across the Rift Valley and through Maasai country to the Masai Mara, arriving for lunch. Settle into your camp before an afternoon game drive into the reserve — your first taste of the Mara's extraordinary predator density.

Masai MaraBig FiveFirst Game Drive

Tonight's lodge: Mara Sopa Lodge.

03

Full Day Masai Mara

Dawn Drive · Big Cats · Migration

A full day in the Mara. Dawn drive for big cats at their most active, return for breakfast, then back out in pursuit of the Big Five. In migration season (Jul–Oct) the plains fill with wildebeest and zebra, and river crossings are possible.

Big FiveLionsGreat MigrationCheetah

Tonight's lodge: Mara Sopa Lodge.

04

Full Day Masai Mara

Full-Day Drive · Picnic Lunch · Optional Balloon

A second full day to explore deeper corners of the reserve with a picnic lunch in the bush. Optional dawn hot air balloon safari and Maasai village visit can be arranged. Evening at leisure watching the sun set over the plains.

Big FiveBalloon Safari OptionalMaasai CulturePicnic

Tonight's lodge: Mara Sopa Lodge.

05

Masai Mara to Nairobi

Final Morning · Return Transfer

A final morning game drive if time allows, then return to Nairobi by road, arriving early afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or JKIA for your onward journey.

DepartureFinal Game Drive
What You Will See

Wildlife across two ecosystems.

Two contrasting parks, each with its own cast of characters — from the Mara's big cats and migrating herds to the rhinos and flamingos of Lake Nakuru.

LionNear CertainHighest density in Kenya
LeopardLikelyRiverine forest, dawn/dusk
CheetahLikelyOpen plains, daytime hunter
ElephantNear CertainHerds cross the reserve
BuffaloNear CertainLarge herds year-round
WildebeestNear CertainMigration Jul–Oct
ZebraNear CertainMixed herds throughout
HippoNear CertainMara River year-round
White RhinoNear CertainStrong population
Black RhinoLikelyBoth species present
FlamingoSeasonalNumbers vary with water levels
Rothschild GiraffeNear CertainEndangered subspecies
LeopardLikelyBest at dusk
LionLikelyResident prides
Also Available

Add something unforgettable.

Dawn · Masai Mara

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Drift over the Mara at dawn followed by a champagne bush breakfast.

From $550 ppLearn more →
Cultural

Maasai Cultural Visit

Visit a traditional Maasai village arranged through your camp.

From $35 pp
Seasonal · Jul–Oct

Great Migration River Crossing

Position for a Mara River crossing in migration season — timing and luck permitting.

Included in season
Optional

Nakuru Photographic Game Drive

An extended photographic drive focused on rhino and birdlife at Lake Nakuru.

On request
Accommodation

Where you stay.

Day 1

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Lake Nakuru

Set on a hilltop with sweeping views over Lake Nakuru and the surrounding park. Comfortable rooms, pool and reliable game access to rhino country.

Days 2–4

Mara Sopa Lodge

Masai Mara

A long-established Mara lodge on the eastern edge of the reserve, with gardens, pool and easy access to the migration plains.

What's Included

Everything covered —
no surprises.

Included
  • Accommodation for 4 nights as specified
  • All meals on full board
  • Park and reserve entrance fees (Lake Nakuru + Masai Mara)
  • Private safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout
  • Mineral water in the vehicle
  • All transfers and game drives as per itinerary
  • All local taxes
Not Included
  • International flights to/from Nairobi
  • Kenya eTA ($30 USD — etakenya.go.ke)
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Hot air balloon safari (from $550 pp — optional)
  • Maasai village visit (~$35 pp — optional)
  • Tips for guide and staff ($15–25 pp/day recommended)
  • Drinks, personal expenses and laundry
Your Safari Vehicle

Built for the
African bush.

Every drive on this safari takes place in a custom-fitted Toyota Land Cruiser — Kenya's most trusted safari vehicle. Fitted for serious game viewing and all-day comfort: a full pop-up roof, charging throughout, and every practical detail considered before you even reach the reserve.

Our custom Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle Exterior — Custom Toyota Land Cruiser
Inside our safari Land Cruiser — leather seats and on-board cool box Interior — Leather seats & cool box
Our custom Toyota Land Cruiser on safari in Kenya On safari — Masai Mara

3-Step Fold-Down Entry

Purpose-built folding step system with a sturdy grab handle at door height. Tested for safe entry and exit at every vehicle stop — no stepping up from the ground.

Elevated Captain Seats

Firm, upright seating positioned higher than standard passenger vehicles — easier to lower into, easier to rise from. Individual armrests and adjustable lumbar support.

Full Pop-Up Roof

The entire roof lifts open for unobstructed 360° wildlife viewing and photography. A game drive is experienced standing, not craning through a window. Closes in seconds when it rains.

USB & 12V Charging

Multiple USB-A, USB-C, and 12V socket charging points throughout the vehicle — keep cameras, spare batteries, phones and devices charged across every full-day drive.

Cool Box & Water Supply

Chilled drinking water available throughout every drive — not just at stops. The on-board cool box holds water, snacks, and where applicable, cold towels for midday comfort.

Full First Aid Kit On Board

Every vehicle carries a comprehensive first aid kit and your guide holds a current first aid certificate. AMREF Flying Doctors emergency numbers are pre-saved in every guide's phone.

100% Private — Always

This vehicle is never shared. No strangers, no compromises on timing, no waiting for others. You set the pace of every drive, every stop, and every return to camp.

4-Wheel Drive Throughout

Genuine 4×4 traction is essential in the Mara and around Lake Nakuru — especially after rain. The Land Cruiser handles rutted tracks, river crossings, and off-road terrain that no minivan or saloon could navigate.

Maximum 6 Passengers

The Land Cruiser seats up to 6 comfortably, with full pop-roof access for everyone. For groups of 2–4, you'll find significantly more space per person — ideal for extended game drive comfort.

Pre-Departure Safety Check

Every vehicle undergoes a full mechanical inspection before each safari departs. We carry a spare tyre, tow rope, and basic repair kit as standard. In 15 years we have never abandoned a client on the road.

Health & Safety

Health &
Vaccinations

We share this not to discourage travel, but to ensure you arrive prepared, confident, and with the right coverage in place.

Before You Travel

  • Pre-travel consultation with your GP — especially for malaria prevention, which varies by existing health conditions
  • Malaria prophylaxis is essential — discuss options with your doctor well in advance, allowing time to start the course correctly
  • Altitude awareness: Nairobi (1,795m), Lake Nakuru (1,754m), Mara (1,500–1,700m). Discuss with your doctor if you have heart or lung conditions
  • Travel insurance must cover pre-existing conditions, emergency medical treatment in Kenya, and full medical repatriation

AMREF Flying Doctors — strongly recommended. A short-term membership costs approximately $25 per person and provides emergency air evacuation across East Africa. Without it, an air evacuation to Nairobi costs $15,000–$25,000. We arrange this as part of your booking process.

Nearest Medical Facilities

  • NairobiNairobi Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital — both world-class private facilities
  • Lake NakuruNakuru Level 5 (War Memorial) Hospital — in Nakuru town, close to the park
  • Masai MaraNarok County Referral (1.5–2hrs road); air evacuation to Nairobi ~45 minutes
Preparation

What to Pack

Clothing

  • Comfortable neutral layers — khaki, olive, beige
  • Warm fleece or light jacket for early mornings
  • Wide-brimmed sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Comfortable, supportive flat footwear — easy on and off
  • Compression socks for the flights
  • Light rain jacket for the Rift Valley in wetter months

Safari Essentials

  • Binoculars — essential and transformative for game viewing
  • DEET-based insect repellent for malaria zones
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small day bag for game drives
  • Camera or phone with a good zoom
  • Charging cables and portable power bank

Medical & Documents

  • All prescribed medications with copies of prescriptions
  • AMREF Flying Doctors membership documentation
  • Travel insurance documents — accessible, not packed away
  • Small torch or headlamp for camp after dark
  • Power adaptor for Kenya (Type G, British standard)
  • Any mobility aids used regularly at home
Pre-Departure

Before You Fly

Everything you need to arrange, know, and bring — so you arrive ready to enjoy every moment from the first morning.

Kenya Entry — Electronic Travel Authorisation

Since January 2024, Kenya no longer issues traditional visas. All international visitors apply online for an ETA before departure. Apply at etakenya.go.ke — allow 3 working days for approval.

ETA Application Steps
Passport valid for 6+ months beyond arrival — with one blank page
Recent passport-style photo or clear selfie taken during application
Full travel itinerary: arrival date, departure date, accommodation details
Credit or debit card for the $34.09 fee (includes bank processing charge)
Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country
Upload your accommodation booking confirmation

Children included: All travellers — including children — require their own ETA. For under-18s, a parent or guardian completes the application. Apply as a group at the same time. We recommend applying as soon as flights and accommodation are confirmed.

Health Preparation
  • GP consultation — at least 6 weeks before travel. Discuss malaria prophylaxis, altitude awareness, and whether your existing medications need adjusting for the East Africa climate.
  • Malaria prevention — all safari areas require prophylaxis. The right choice depends on your health profile and existing medications — your doctor advises. Begin the course before departure as instructed.
  • Vaccinations — Yellow Fever (required if arriving from endemic areas), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and tetanus are commonly recommended. Confirm with a travel health clinic.
  • Travel insurance — must cover: medical treatment in Kenya, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and trip cancellation. Pre-existing conditions must be declared and covered.
  • AMREF Flying Doctors (~$25 per person) — provides emergency air evacuation across East Africa. Without cover, an air transfer to Nairobi costs $15,000–25,000. We arrange enrolment as part of your booking.
Packing Essentials
  • Neutral clothing — khaki, olive, beige, stone. Layers are key: mornings at 7am can be cool (12–15°C), afternoons warm (25–27°C). One smart-casual outfit for lodge dinners.
  • Power adapter — Kenya uses UK-style 3-square-pin plugs (Type G, 240V). Most lodges switch generators off between 11pm and 6am. Charge all devices before turning in.
  • Small torch / headlamp — essential for moving between tent and facilities after dark. Lodge grounds are unlit for a reason — it keeps wildlife passing through.
  • Binoculars — genuinely transformative. An 8×40 or 10×40 pair is ideal. A leopard in a tree at 200 metres becomes an entirely different experience.
  • DEET insect repellent — apply every evening without fail. Mosquitoes are most active after sunset and before dawn.
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ — Kenya sits on the equator. The sun is intense year-round and at altitude. Wide-brimmed hat essential for game drives with the roof open.
  • Prescription medications — always in hand luggage with copies of prescriptions. Carry enough for the full trip plus several days extra.
Leave These at Home
  • Plastic bags — strictly banned in Kenya. Customs officers at JKIA confiscate them on arrival — including bags from airport Duty Free. Use fabric, paper, or waterproof non-plastic alternatives for packing.
  • Drones — prohibited in all national parks and reserves without a permit. Do not carry one unless you have arranged official authorisation in advance.
  • Bright white or neon clothing — startles wildlife on game drives. Strong colours can also attract certain insects in specific areas of the parks.
  • Heavy hard-shell suitcases — if your itinerary includes a bush flight to the Mara, luggage is limited to 15 kg per person in soft-sided bags only. Hard cases are not permitted on light aircraft. We can store excess bags at our Nairobi office.
  • Strong perfumes or colognes — attract insects, particularly in camp environments at dusk and dawn.
Kenya Time
GMT+3 (East Africa Time). No daylight saving. London is 3hrs behind in winter, 2hrs in summer. New York is 8hrs behind.
Electricity
240V · Type G plugs (3 square pins). Lodges run generators — typically off between 11pm and 6am. USB charging available in your vehicle throughout.
Language
English is the official language and spoken everywhere. Kiswahili is the national language. Your guide speaks fluent English throughout.
Climate at a Glance

Kenya Weather — Month by Month

All figures are averages for Nairobi / safari areas. Coastal and lakeside temperatures vary slightly. Rains are tropical — brief downpours, not all-day grey skies.

Jan
26° 58mm
Feb
27° 50mm
Mar
27° 92mm
Apr
25° 242mm
May
24° 190mm
Jun
23° 39mm
Jul
22° 18mm
Aug
23° 24mm
Sep
25° 31mm
Oct
26° 61mm
Nov
24° 150mm
Dec
24° 108mm
Dry / warm
Long rains (Apr–May) or short rains (Nov)
Cool & dry — peak safari season

Night temperatures drop to 9–13°C year-round. A warm layer is always needed for early morning drives. Bar heights indicate temperature, numbers indicate average monthly rainfall.

Good to Know

Practical Information

The small things handled before you arrive make for a smoother, more relaxed experience on the ground.

Money & Currency

Kenya's currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KSH). US Dollars, Euros and British Pounds are accepted at all lodges, camps and most tourist outlets. Most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) are accepted everywhere on your itinerary.

  • ATMs in Nairobi accept Visa and MasterCard for KSH withdrawals
  • Best exchange rates at Forex bureaux at the airport — not at hotels
  • Small KSH or USD cash is useful for curio markets and personal tips
  • All your lodge bills are pre-paid — you should need very little cash day to day

Park & Conservancy Fees

Every park and conservancy on this itinerary — Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru — charges entry fees set by the government or conservancy authority. These fees are reviewed and can change without prior notice.

Already covered in your quote. All park and conservancy entry fees for this itinerary are included in the price you receive from us. There are no gate surprises. Your guide handles all payments on your behalf — you simply enjoy the experience.

Connectivity & Communication

  • Mobile signal — good in Nairobi, partial around Lake Nakuru town. Limited or absent in the Mara bush. This is a feature, not a problem.
  • Lodge WiFi — most properties offer WiFi in common areas. Speeds are modest. Do not rely on it for video calls.
  • In-vehicle charging — USB-A, USB-C and 12V outlets in your Land Cruiser throughout every drive
  • Emergency contact — your guide carries a satellite-capable device. Our 24/7 in-destination line is +254 737 559 620

Lodge Check-In & Check-Out

Standard times across the properties on your itinerary:

  • Check-in: from 12:00 noon — rooms available on arrival
  • Check-out: by 10:00 am — luggage stored if you have a later departure
  • Early arrivals are welcomed with a welcome drink and lunch while rooms are prepared
  • On departure days your vehicle is available from first light for a final game drive
Your guide manages all check-in documentation on arrival. You go straight to the welcome area — no queues or paperwork.

Laundry & Daily Life

  • Laundry service available at every lodge where two or more nights are spent — usually returned same day
  • Pack light — everything can be washed on the road
  • Meals: all-inclusive from lunch on Day 1 through Day 5. Soft drinks, beers and wines at lodge bars are settled directly by you at check-out
  • Tea and coffee served at the lodge before early morning drives
  • Picnic lunches provided on full game-drive days in the vehicle
  • Special dietary requirements catered for — please advise us at the time of booking

Responsible Safari

  • Your vehicle stays on designated tracks at all times — off-road driving is prohibited and damaging
  • No feeding wildlife — it disrupts natural behaviour and creates dependence
  • Photography without flash — especially around cats at dawn
  • Keep voices low at sightings — allow wildlife to behave naturally
  • Lodge water conservation: many camps operate on borehole water. Short showers are appreciated
  • Support local: curio purchases from community markets directly benefit the families around the parks
Gratuity Guide — Suggested Amounts
Safari Driver / GuidePaid at the end of your safari, in cash
$10–15 per person / day
Lodge Room StewardIf providing exceptional individual service
$5–10 per night
Bar & Restaurant StaffIndividual waiters at lodge bar
$1–2 per drink / meal
Maasai Village VisitPaid directly to the village community
$20 per person
Service charges are included in all lodge and hotel bills. Tipping is entirely at your discretion — the amounts above reflect what guests on comparable itineraries typically give. USD cash is preferred and always appreciated.
Your Questions Answered

Everything You Need
to Know Before You Go

Seven years of planning senior Kenya safaris means we have heard every question. The most important ones are answered here. If yours isn't, our specialists are one message away.

Our senior safari specialists are available Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm East Africa Time. Response within four business hours guaranteed.

Email Our Team

For most senior guests, yes — 7 days is the sweet spot. Long enough to visit three genuinely different destinations with multiple game drives at each, and short enough to complete without accumulating fatigue. Guests wanting to add a beach component should consider our 10-day itinerary extending to Diani Beach on the Indian Ocean.

Absolutely. We have planned superb Kenya safaris for guests well into their 80s. The key is matching the itinerary carefully to the individual — the right accommodation, the right pace, the right destinations. All game drives are conducted seated in a comfortable vehicle. No physical fitness is required. Kenya’s hospitality is exceptional and camp teams are experienced at caring for senior guests with genuine warmth.

Tell us everything — walking frames, wheelchairs, limited stair access, specific room requirements. We select lodges based on accessibility, modify vehicles as needed, and brief guides in advance. There are no awkward conversations on arrival — every detail is arranged before you land.

Your guide is trained in first aid and carries a medical kit throughout. Every lodge has a clinic or nurse on-site. AMREF Flying Doctors membership (arranged as part of your booking) provides emergency air evacuation to Nairobi’s world-class private hospitals if needed. Your guide’s first responsibility is always your welfare.

Kenya’s wildlife viewing is excellent year-round. July–October is peak season — the Great Migration crosses the Mara and dry conditions concentrate animals near water. December–March offers the second-best conditions. April–June (the green season) gives the best value, fewest visitors, and lush landscapes. Book 9–12 months ahead for July–October.

5 Day Mara Migration & Lake Nakuru — Pricing

Lake Nakuru · Masai Mara · Mid-range & Luxury options · All seasons & group sizes

Get an exact quote in 24 hours

Tell us your travel dates and group size and we'll send a full cost breakdown for both mid-range and luxury options — including the Great Migration season if you're travelling July to October.

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What's included in every quote: accommodation, full board meals, park and reserve fees, private vehicle and guide, and all transfers. Excluded: international flights, travel insurance, visa/eTA, tips, optional balloon safari (from $550 pp) and Maasai village visit (~$35 pp).

Properties: Mid-range — Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge & Mara Sopa Lodge, full board. Luxury — Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge with premium Elewana / A&K Sanctuary camps in the Masai Mara.
Booking Process

How to book your safari

Every Safari Travel Plus safari is confirmed through a personal process — not an automated booking system. Here is exactly what happens from your first enquiry to departure day.

01

Send your enquiry

Tell us your preferred travel dates, group size, accommodation preference and any special requirements. Use the enquiry form, WhatsApp or email — whichever is easiest.

We respond within 24 hours No commitment required
02

We check availability

Our team contacts the lodges directly to confirm room availability for your specific dates. Safari lodge inventory moves quickly — especially in high season. We give you an honest answer fast.

Confirmed within 24–48 hours Direct lodge relationships
03

Review your itinerary

We send you a detailed day-by-day itinerary with lodge options, full cost breakdown and all inclusions clearly stated. Review it, ask questions and request any changes — we revise until it is exactly right.

Unlimited revisions Full transparency on costs
04

Secure your booking

Once you are happy with the itinerary we send a payment link. A 35% deposit secures your booking and lodge reservations. The balance is due 30 days before departure. Full payment at booking is also welcome.

35% deposit secures booking All major cards including Amex
05

Pre-departure briefing

Before you fly we send your full travel documents, guide contacts, lodge details, packing advice and a day-by-day briefing. You arrive in Nairobi knowing exactly what to expect.

Full travel documents 24hr support contact
06

Your safari begins

Your guide meets you at your Nairobi hotel or JKIA. From this moment everything is taken care of — transfers, game drives, lodge check-ins, meals and any last-minute adjustments. You simply enjoy Africa.

Expert guide throughout The Africa you imagined
Payment schedule
35%
Deposit on booking
Secures all lodge reservations
+
15%
30 days before departure
Second instalment
+
50%
On arrival in Kenya
Before safari begins
or
100%
Full payment at booking
Accepted at any time

All payments in USD · Bank transfer or card including American Express, Visa and Mastercard

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Want to understand the best time to visit the Masai Mara — crowds, seasons and wildlife timing? Read our Masai Mara destination guide →

Good to Know

Everything you
need to know.

The questions we're asked most about this Mara migration circuit. If yours isn't here, our team is one message away.

Our safari specialists are available Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm East Africa Time. We respond to every enquiry within 24 hours.

Email Our Team

June to October is peak dry season with excellent game viewing, and July to October coincides with the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. January and February are also excellent and quieter. The safari runs year-round.

The Great Migration is in the Masai Mara from roughly July to October. River crossings are dramatic but unpredictable — they depend on the herds and rainfall. Travel in this window and your guide will position you for the best chance.

This is a relatively relaxed circuit. Nairobi to Lake Nakuru is around 3 hours, Nakuru to the Mara around 5–6 hours, and the Mara back to Nairobi around 5–6 hours. Three full days are spent in the parks, not on the road.

Yes — you can fly into the Masai Mara to cut road time. Ask us for the fly-in option when you enquire and we will quote it.

Mid-range uses comfortable Sopa lodges with pools and reliable game access. Luxury uses premium Elewana or A&K Sanctuary camps in the Mara for a more exclusive, intimate experience. Both include private vehicle, full board and park fees.

Yes — the relaxed pace and the variety of Lake Nakuru plus the Mara works well for families. Let us know your children’s ages and we will confirm suitable lodges.

Ready to Book?

Begin your Mara migration safari.

Tell us your dates and we'll confirm lodge availability and send a full cost breakdown within 24 hours. No payment required to enquire.

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