Itinerary

1. Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha.

   • Leave Nairobi for an early start for the drive to Lake Naivasha, one of the Great Rift Valley’s freshwater lakes and home to an incredible variety of bird life, with over 350 species found on the lake shore. The lake is home to around 300 hippos that can often be seen and heard from the lodge.

   • Enjoy the stunning Crater Lake Reserve, and explore some of the only game parks which you are allowed to explore by foot. There are no predators in these game parks and you will spot giraffes, zebras, and impalas. 

   • Your Kenya tour guide will give you plenty of information about the plants, birds, animals, and people of Naivasha. Make sure you bring your walking shoes.

   Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge.

2. Day 2: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara.

   • Visit the spectacular Volcano Mount Longonot and head towards the rolling plains of the Masai Mara. The last ninety minutes of the journey is on a bumpy and dusty dirt road as you drive across the Loita Plains taking in the scenery. 

   • Before entering the Game Reserve, there is a visit to a Masai village. Not only can you see inside a traditional Masai hut, and learn about Masai tradition and lifestyle, but you can also try your hand at the age-old tradition of bartering for souvenirs. The village is slightly commercialized but it gives a good idea of how the Masai live. 

   Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge.

3. Day 3: Masai Mara

   • The best time of the day to spot the hunting cats is just before sunrise and just after sunset so you are up and away early.

   • Hot air ballooning is on offer. It is an amazing experience, as you take off with the sunrise and float above the Game Reserve, viewing the wildlife for approximately an hour before landing in the reserve to enjoy a full breakfast with champagne under the shade of a tree on the plains. 

   • You are offered two opportunities for a balloon safari on this tour; your tour leader will advise you whether the Masai Mara or Serengeti ballooning option is the best choice depending on the location of the migration. Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge. 

   • At the lodge in the reserve, there are many optional activities to enjoy. In the evening, you can learn more about the Masai and their way of life with a talk about their rich culture and an option to join them in traditional dancing.

   Optional activities:

   • Hot air balloon ride: US$ 450 per person

   • Visit Masai village for a cultural tour: US$ 25 per person

4. Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

   • Leaving the Masai Mara, you are driven north to Nakuru before heading into Lake Nakuru National Park. Nakuru is the primary Masai trading centre in the area, and the town is full of the colour of the Masai, resplendent in their red Shukas (robes). A fantastic town to stock up on souvenirs or just admire the local art. Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for a large population of pink flamingos, which featured in the movie “Out of Africa”.

   • Enjoy the sunset whilst listening out for the laughing hyena or the mighty lion staking his territory for the night. 

   Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge or Sarova Lion Hill Lodge.

5. Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi

   • After a half-day walking safari, you journey back to the lodge for a big buffet breakfast. Then, pack up and head to Nairobi stopping at the Rift Valley viewpoint for some stunning photo opportunities. The Rift Valley runs 6000 km from the Red Sea into Mozambique and is up to 100 km wide in places.

   • After reaching the viewpoint, enjoy the spectacular view. 

   • Head back to Nairobi for the night.

   • Your tour ends upon arrival in Nairobi.