6-Day Nakuru, Naivasha & Masai Mara Safari

Expect the day to center on Flamingos and Rhino sanctuary. Set out from Nairobi and drive north through the highlands to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving by lunchtime. This compact park is a rhino sanctuary — one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos. The afternoon is reserved for a game drive around the lake shores where flamingo flocks when lake conditions are favorable create a striking pink shoreline. Look for Rothschild's giraffe, buffalo herds, waterbuck, baboons, and if lucky, the park's resident leopards and lions. The lake's alkaline waters attract an extraordinary diversity of birdlife.

• Flamingos
• Rhino sanctuary
• Rothschild's giraffe

Day 2 is built around Boat ride with hippos and Crescent Island walking safari. Start with a morning game drive in Nakuru for final sightings. Following breakfast, drive to the freshwater Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. Afternoon boat ride on Lake Naivasha gliding past pods of yawning hippos, fish eagles swooping overhead, and cormorants drying their wings. Stop at Crescent Island — a private wildlife sanctuary where you walk freely among zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, and gazelle with no fences or vehicles. It is one of Africa's most unique wildlife walking experiences.

• Boat ride with hippos
• Crescent Island walking safari
• Fish eagles

The focus today is First Mara game drive and Start looking for Big Five species. Following breakfast, drive to the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve. Reach by lunchtime, settle into your lodge, and enjoy a freshly prepared meal. The afternoon is reserved for a game drive on the Mara's endless golden plains. The Masai Mara has exceptionally wildlife-rich plains. Begin your Big Five checklist — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino are all here.

• First Mara game drive
• Start looking for Big Five species

Today's route brings together Mara River and Full day wildlife viewing. Spend the day exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Stop at the Mara River for hippo and crocodile sightings and the stage for the Great Migration river crossings. Discover different sectors of the reserve — the Mara Triangle, Paradise Plains, and the Talek area each offer unique wildlife encounters. Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (additional cost). Optional Maasai village cultural visit.

• Mara River
• Full day wildlife viewing
• Optional balloon safari

Expect the day to center on Predator tracking and Photography. Another full day of game drives exploring areas not yet covered. The Masai Mara can deliver very different sightings from one drive to the next — every game drive brings new surprises. Focus on predator tracking, birdlife, or photography depending on your interests. Your guide will use expert knowledge of animal behavior and territory to maximize sightings. Sundowner drinks watching the African sunset paint the sky orange and purple.

• Predator tracking
• Photography
• Sundowner

Day 6 is built around Final wildlife-viewing opportunity. Final early morning game drive. Following breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi, arriving by late afternoon. Drop-off at hotel or JKIA airport. Safari ends.

• Final wildlife sightings