Kenya's Wild Heart Safari
5 Days / 4 Nights | Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
A beautifully paced journey from the Great Rift Valley to the legendary plains of the Masai Mara. Enjoy expertly guided game drives, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—crafted for travelers who want a classic Kenya safari with comfort, flexibility, and depth.
Quick Overview
Destinations: Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara (Greater Mara ecosystem)
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Start/End: Nairobi
Safari Style: Classic wildlife safari (private, bespoke pacing)
Signature Moments: Rhino tracking in Nakuru, sunrise drives in the Mara, Mara River landscapes, optional hot air balloon safari, optional Maasai cultural visit
Safari Highlights
Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley with photo stops
Outstanding chances to see rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffe in Lake Nakuru
Multiple sunrise and sunset game drives in the Masai Mara
Immersive Mara experience near the iconic Mara River
Optional guided nature walk with Maasai guides to a resident hippo pool
Optional hot air balloon safari with champagne bush breakfast
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart Nairobi at 7:00 am for Lake Nakuru, traveling via the Great Rift Valley. Stop along the way for photos of the Rift Valley viewpoints and Mt. Longonot. On arrival, enjoy a game drive as you enter the park and continue toward your lodge.
Check in, enjoy lunch, then relax and take in the lake views from your room. At 4:00 pm, depart for an evening game drive, returning by approximately 6:45 pm. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru (Safari lodge)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara
After an early breakfast, depart at around 8:00 am for the world-famous Masai Mara. Arrive within the Greater Mara ecosystem and enjoy a game drive en route to camp, with opportunities to spot the Big Five and abundant plains game.
Check in, lunch, and time to unwind. Head out again at 4:00 pm for an early evening game drive, returning by approximately 7:00 pm for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Masai Mara (Camp near the Mara River)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Masai Mara Sunrise Safari & Cultural Nature Walk
Begin at 6:00 am with a sunrise game drive, when wildlife activity is at its peak. Enjoy an extended morning drive with a packed breakfast, returning around 12:00 pm.
After lunch and rest, depart again at 4:00 pm for an afternoon game drive. Later, enjoy an optional guided walk with Maasai guides to the resident hippo pool for a closer look at this lively corner of the ecosystem.
Overnight: Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Masai Mara Game Drives or Hot Air Balloon Upgrade
Start with an early morning game drive at 6:00 am, returning for breakfast at around 9:00 am. Continue with an extended morning drive (packed breakfast) and return around midday. Lunch and rest.
At 4:00 pm, head out for your evening game drive.
Alternative option: Choose the hot air balloon safari (early pickup at approximately 4:30 am) followed by a champagne bush breakfast after landing—an unforgettable Masai Mara experience.
Overnight: Masai Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Masai Mara → Nairobi (Optional Maasai Village Visit)
Depart after breakfast at around 8:30 am for Nairobi. En route, you may opt to visit a Maasai village to learn about traditions and daily life (optional). Arrive in Nairobi by approximately 2:30 pm.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Add-Ons
Hot air balloon safari: $510 per person
Maasai village visit: $30 per person
What’s Not Included
Tips / gratuities
Laundry
Drinks at the hotels/camps
Any additional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
Customize This Safari
Want more time in the Mara, a luxury lodge upgrade, or to add the Kenyan Coast after your safari? We’ll tailor the pace, properties, and route to match your travel style.