5-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo, Samburu Private
Tour Notes
Mid-Range Hotels and Lodges
Private – Only you and yours
Bank Transfer, Credit Card or Cash
About This Tour
Embark on an exhilarating 5-day safari adventure through Kenya’s most iconic reserves and parks. Start your journey in the Masai Mara, where you’ll witness an abundance of wildlife, including the famous Big Five, across the sweeping savannah. Travel to Lake Nakuru, home to dazzling flocks of flamingos and a sanctuary for rhinos. Continue to Lake Baringo, a hotspot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, before exploring the unique landscapes and rare wildlife species in Samburu National Reserve.
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.
- Lake Baringo is a haven for bird watchers, featuring over 450 bird species, including the iconic African fish eagle and flamingos.
- Enjoy thrilling boat rides, spot hippos and crocodiles, and take in the dramatic views of the surrounding escarpments and rocky islands.
- Samburu National Reserve is known for its rare and unique wildlife, including the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and beisa oryx.
- In Samburu, explore therugged terrain, dramatic hills, and the Ewaso Nyiro River, which attracts a wide variety of animals and is a lifeline for the region's ecosystem.
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or Nairobi airport. The journey takes you through the scenic Great Rift Valley, where you can stop to capture breathtaking photos of the sweeping landscape. By midday, you'll arrive at the Masai Mara and check into the Jambo Mara Safari Lodge. After a delightful lunch and some relaxation, you'll head out for your first game drive in the iconic Masai Mara. Explore the rolling plains in search of the Big Five and other wildlife, soaking in the beauty of the setting sun before returning to your lodge for a hearty dinner and a restful night.
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast, then prepare for a full day of game drives across the Masai Mara. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you'll navigate the vast savannahs and witness thrilling wildlife scenes. If you’re visiting during the Great Migration, marvel at the awe-inspiring spectacle of wildebeest and zebras moving in droves. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of acacia trees, surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of the Mara. As the day winds down, you'll return to Jambo Mara Safari Lodge for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, check out from Jambo Mara Lodge and head to a Masai Village. Learn about the rich culture and traditions of the Maasai people, gaining insights into their lifestyle and customs. Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park and enjoy lunch at Sarova Woodlands, a mid-range lodge, before heading out on an afternoon game drive. The park is famous for its flamingos and large populations of rhinos and Rothschild giraffes. End your day with dinner and a restful evening at the lodge.
After breakfast, check out and head to Lake Baringo, where you'll enjoy a boat ride on the lake. This tranquil experience allows you to view the rich birdlife, including kingfishers, hornbills, and eagles. You may also spot hippos and crocodiles. Afterward, continue your journey north to Samburu National Reserve. Upon arrival at Samburu Sopa Lodge, check in, have dinner, and relax. Samburu is famous for its unique species, such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and reticulated giraffe.
Spend a full day in Amboseli after an early breakfast. The park is renowned for its large elephant herds and incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a packed lunch in the park. Return to AA Lodge Amboseli for dinner and an overnight stay.
Inclusions
- Full-board accommodation at Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, Sarova Woodlands Hotel, and Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Park entrance fees for Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Samburu.
- Transportation in a safari van with an experienced driver/guide.
- Boat fee at Lake Baringo
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Picnic lunches on game drives in Maasai Mara
- All meals as specified in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Bottled water during game drives.
- Return transfers to your Nairobi hotel or airport.
Exclusions
- International flights and visas.
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, drinks, laundry).
- Tips and gratuities for your driver and lodge staff.
- Travel insurance.
- Optional activities such as a hot air balloon ride or additional excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
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.
