5 Days Kenyan Classic Safari: Naivasha & Masai Mara Wild Experience

• Morning:
  • Arrive in Nairobi and meet your safari guide at the airport.
  • Depart for Lake Naivasha, located about 1.5 to 2 hours from Nairobi. The drive offers beautiful views of the Great Rift Valley.
• Afternoon:
  • Check-in at your lodge or camp on the shores of Lake Naivasha.
  • Lunch at the lodge/camp.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Naivasha, famous for its large population of hippos and birdlife, including flamingos and herons.
  • Visit Crescent Island for a walk among the animals and to enjoy the stunning views of the lake.
• Overnight: Stay at a lakeside lodge or camp near Lake Naivasha.

• Morning:
  • After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is about a 5-6 hour drive from Naivasha.
  • You may stop at scenic spots along the way for photos and stretches.
• Afternoon:
  • Arrive in the Masai Mara and check-in at your lodge or camp.
  • After a quick lunch, prepare for your first game drive through the Mara's famous wildlife reserve.
• Evening:
  • The Masai Mara is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), so keep your eyes peeled for these majestic animals.
  • Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner.
• Overnight: Stay at a lodge or luxury tented camp inside or near Masai Mara.

• Morning:

  • Early breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive. Early morning is the best time to spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards on the hunt.
  • Experience the sunrise over the savannah and the beginning of a new day in the Mara.

• Afternoon:

  • Return to the lodge for lunch and a short break.
  • In the afternoon, head out for another exciting game drive. Keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and elephants, as well as an array of bird species.
  • Optionally, you could arrange for a hot air balloon ride for a unique aerial view of the Mara, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy an African-style dinner with some traditional music and dance performed by the local Maasai people.

• Overnight: Stay at the same lodge or tented camp.

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, take a morning game drive and venture deeper into the reserve to explore areas that may offer exciting sightings of the Big Five, especially if you're keen on spotting leopards or cheetahs.

• Afternoon:

  • After lunch at the lodge, you can explore Maasai culture with a visit to a Maasai village. Learn about their traditional way of life, see their dance performances, and understand their relationship with nature and wildlife.

• Evening:

  • Optional night game drive (subject to availability), where you can spot nocturnal animals such as hyenas, lions, and other creatures of the night.
  • Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

• Overnight: Stay at your lodge or camp in Masai Mara.

• Morning:

  • After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in the Mara, depending on your departure time.
  • Head back to Nairobi after your game drive, either by road (5-6 hours) or by local flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi (30 minutes).

• Afternoon:

  • Arrive in Nairobi, where you will either be dropped off at your hotel or transferred to the airport for your outbound flight.

• Best Time to Visit: The Great Migration (July - October) is a spectacular event, but the Masai Mara is a great destination year-round for game viewing.
• What to Pack: Pack light, comfortable clothing for daytime safaris, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, binoculars, and appropriate shoes for walking safaris.
• Wildlife Viewing: Always respect the wildlife and keep a safe distance. Your guide will help ensure that you have an enriching and safe experience.

This itinerary offers a great balance of nature, wildlife, and culture, ensuring you make the most of your Kenyan safari experience!