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5-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Hell’s Gate Safari from Nairobi

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5-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Hell’s Gate Safari from Nairobi

Tour Notes

  • Mid-range Lodges or Camps
  • Private Safari
  • Nairobi
  • English, French, German, Spanish
  • Guided Safari
  • 4x4 Safari Van
  • Included
  • Bank Transfer or Credit Card
  • Provided
  • Special diet? We can arrange

About This Tour

This safari offers a dynamic blend of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Each stop presents unique experiences, from thrilling game drives to scenic beauty, ensuring a perfect adventure.

Masai Mara: The Great Migration & The Big Five

Masai Mara is renowned for the Great Migration and is a prime location to see the Big Five. The vast savannah landscapes offer stunning views, with abundant wildlife at every turn.

Lake Nakuru: Flamingos & Endangered Rhinos

Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos and endangered rhinos. Visitors are treated to spectacular views of the picturesque lake and diverse wildlife that roams its shores.

Lake Naivasha: Serenity & Boat Safari

Lake Naivasha presents serene beauty, perfect for a peaceful boat ride. You can view hippos, various bird species, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Crescent Island: A Walking Safari

Crescent Island offers a rare walking safari among free-roaming animals, including giraffes and zebras. This unique opportunity allows you to experience nature up close and personal.

Hell’s Gate: Geothermal Wonders & Wildlife Adventures

Hell’s Gate is renowned for its geothermal activity and dramatic cliffs. Hiking or biking through this landscape, you can spot zebras, gazelles, and baboons, making for a memorable wildlife experience.

Highlights

  • Flamingo Spectacle: Lake Nakuru is famous for its massive flocks of flamingos (especially lesser flamingos), which feed on the algae in the lake’s alkaline waters.
  • Over 450 Bird Species: Beyond flamingos, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 species of birds recorded, including pelicans, African fish eagles, herons, and various waterfowl.
  • Big Five: Lake Nakuru National Park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino), although rhino sightings are among the best, as the park is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos.
  • Mau Escarpment & Overlook Points: The park offers spectacular viewpoints, particularly the Mau Escarpment, from which visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the park, the lake, and the surrounding area.
  • The Baboon Cliff provides a great vantage point for photography.
  • Experience Masai Mara, known for the Great Migration, where wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River.
  • Rich Maasai culture and opportunities for cultural immersion.
  • Top safari destination for diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.
  • Unique Landscape at Hell's Gate: The park is famous for its stunning, dramatic scenery, including deep gorges, towering cliffs, and geothermal hot springs that add to its otherworldly atmosphere.
  • Bird Watching at Hell's Gate: The park is a birdwatcher's haven, boasting over 100 species of birds, including eagles and vultures, perfect for birding adventures.
  • Geothermal Features at Hell's Gate: Experience the park's geothermal activity, such as geysers and hot springs, which make it a unique destination for nature enthusiasts.

Tour Plan

Start your adventure with an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or airport. Enjoy a scenic drive across the Great Rift Valley, with stunning views along the way.

Check-In and Lunch

Arrive in Masai Mara by midday and check in at Jambo Mara Lodge, a comfortable mid-range lodge offering a perfect base for your safari. After check-in, enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon Game Drive

In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive through the Masai Mara, known for its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceros. Keep your eyes peeled for other fascinating species as well.

Evening Relaxation

Return to the lodge in the evening for a relaxing dinner under the vast African sky. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you reflect on your exciting day.

After breakfast, head out for a full-day game drive across the Masai Mara Reserve. This is the best time to witness the most active wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and many other fascinating animals.

Picnic Lunch in the Wild

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the reserve, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Masai Mara.

Return to the Lodge

After a rewarding day of exploration, return to Jambo Mara Lodge for a hearty dinner. Relax and unwind after an exciting day on safari, then enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at the lodge.

After breakfast, check out from Jambo Mara Lodge and head to a Masai Village. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Maasai people, gaining insights into their lifestyle, customs, and daily practices.

Lunch at Sarova Woodlands Lodge

Continue your journey to Lake Nakuru National Park and enjoy lunch at Sarova Woodlands, a comfortable mid-range lodge. Afterward, prepare for an exciting afternoon game drive in the park.

Afternoon Game Drive at Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru is famous for its large populations of flamingos, rhinos, and the endangered Rothschild giraffes. The park offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting amidst beautiful landscapes.

Dinner and Overnight at Sarova Woodlands Lodge

After a rewarding day of exploration, return to Sarova Woodlands for a delicious dinner and a restful evening at the lodge, preparing for the next day’s adventure.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Sarova Woodlands. Afterward, check out and head towards Lake Naivasha, known for its serene beauty and rich wildlife.

Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha

Spend the day exploring the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha. Enjoy an exciting boat ride, where you can observe hippos and a variety of birdlife in their natural habitat.

Visit Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary

After the boat ride, head to Crescent Island, a peaceful wildlife sanctuary located on Lake Naivasha. Take a guided walking tour among giraffes, zebras, and other animals. This safe, up-close experience allows you to connect with wildlife in a stunning natural setting.

Dinner and Overnight Stay at Kongoni Lodge

Later, check in at Kongoni Lodge, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and unwind with a relaxing overnight stay.

Start your day with breakfast at Kongoni Lodge before checking out and heading to Hell’s Gate National Park, a unique destination known for its geothermal activity, dramatic cliffs, and wildlife.

Explore Hell’s Gate National Park

Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive or hike through the park. Spot zebras, gazelles, and baboons as you explore the park's varied landscapes, which include towering cliffs, geothermal vents, and hot springs. For those seeking adventure, you can also enjoy biking through the park’s scenic trails.

Picnic Lunch in Hell’s Gate

Take a break with a picnic lunch in the park, soaking in the views and tranquility before continuing your exploration.

Return to Nairobi

After your time in Hell’s Gate, begin your journey back to Nairobi. Arrive in the city in the late afternoon, where you can either enjoy some last-minute sightseeing or do some shopping before your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll either be dropped at your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.

Inclusions

  • Full-board accommodation in comfortable mid-range camps and lodges (Jambo Mara Lodge, Sarova Woodlands, Kongoni Lodge)
  • All park entrance fees for Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Hell's Gate
  • Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
  • Visit to Crescent Island
  • Masai village visit for cultural immersion
  • Transportation in a safari van with an experienced driver/guide
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Exclusions

  • International flights and visas
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry)
  • Tips and gratuities for your driver and lodge staff
  • Travel insurance

Common Questions

What is Nakuru best known for?

Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its diverse array of avian species, boasting hundreds of birds that grace its stunning landscapes.

Which is better - Naivasha or Nakuru?

Both destinations are fantastic, so it really depends on your interests: wildlife and big game (Nakuru) vs. scenic landscapes, tranquility, and adventure (Naivasha).

Why do flamingos go to Lake Nakuru?

The presence of these magnificent birds is intricately tied to their specialized diet, confining them to select environments that boast wet habitats, whether fresh or saline. This affinity for specific conditions is what compels flamingos to grace the stunning Lake Nakuru National Park.

Tour Map

PRICE PER PERSON

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5-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Hell’s Gate Safari from Nairobi
From $940
/ Adult

We Gemfinders Safaris specialize in crafting unique itineraries that explore East Africa’s most mesmerizing locations. Whether you’re interested in cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, peaceful relaxation, or luxurious experiences, our personalized tours are tailored to accommodate every type of traveler. 

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