4-Day Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari: Wildebeest & Flamingos

Two reserves, four days of game drives: flamingos at Lake Nakuru, then the Big Five in Masai Mara.

A 4-day safari tour through Kenya's Great Rift Valley reserves (Lake Nakuru National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve) with daily game drives, park entry, accommodation, meals and an English-, Spanish- or French-speaking guide included. You depart Nairobi, spend a day at Lake Nakuru spotting flamingos and black and white rhinos, then move to Masai Mara for a full day of wildlife viewing before returning to Nairobi. A hot air balloon flight over Masai Mara is available as an add-on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

• Depart Nairobi after briefing
• Have lunch at hotel
• Afternoon game drive at Lake Nakuru
• View flamingos, pelicans, and rhinos

Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara Reserve

• Early morning breakfast
• Drive along Great Rift Valley
• Pass Mount Long’onot
• Game viewing en route to camp
• Check in and have lunch
• Afternoon game drive in Masai Mara

Day 3: Full day in Masai Mara

• Morning game drive
• View the Big Five and other wildlife
• Afternoon game drive

Day 4: Masai Mara to Nairobi

• Early breakfast
• Early morning game drive
• Check out of park
• Drive to Nairobi
• Arrive in Nairobi afternoon

The experience

The tour starts with a drive from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park, where an afternoon game drive puts you in front of thousands of flamingos and pelicans, along with white and black rhinos, Rothschild giraffes and waterbucks. The lake's forest draws a wide range of bird species, and you stay overnight at Lanet Matfam Resort.

Day two takes you east through the Great Rift Valley (you'll pass the extinct volcano Mount Long'onot on the way), and into Masai Mara National Reserve. A game drive on arrival and another in the afternoon give you chances to see giraffes, elephants, monkeys, leopards, lions and gazelles. You stay at Mara Springs Tented Camp.

The third day is a full day in Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. This is when you hunt for the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) along with wildebeests, zebras, cheetahs and gazelles. On the final morning, an early game drive happens before checkout, then the drive back to Nairobi arrives in the afternoon. The 4x4 Toyota Hiace minivan carries a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher. Bottled water is unlimited during drives.

What’s included

• Park entrance fees for both reserves.
• four days of game drives as noted in the itinerary.
• accommodation at Lanet Matfam Resort and Mara Springs Tented Camp.
• meals.
• transport in a 4x4 Toyota Hiace minivan with first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.
• unlimited bottled water during game drives.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or French.
• all government taxes and levies.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Direct Kenya Safaris Ltd

Is this one for you?Four days is the span that fits both Lake Nakuru and a full day in Masai Mara without rushing either one. If you have only two days, you'll miss one reserve. If you have six, you gain extra time in Masai Mara but not a new landscape.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals am I most likely to see on this safari?

Masai Mara is where you have the best chance at the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) plus wildebeests, zebras, cheetahs and gazelles. Lake Nakuru is known for its flamingos and pelicans, and you'll also spot black and white rhinos, giraffes and waterbucks there.

How much time do I spend actually game driving each day?

Lake Nakuru has an afternoon game drive on day one. Day two includes a game drive on arrival and another in the afternoon. Day three is a full day in Masai Mara with morning and afternoon drives, and day four has an early morning drive before the return to Nairobi.

Can I add a hot air balloon flight?

Yes, a hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara is available as an optional add-on for USD 470 per person per ride, booked at checkout.

Is a visit to a Masai village included?

A Masai village visit is available as an optional add-on for USD 20 per person, added at checkout.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring money for?

Park entrance fees, all game drives, accommodation, meals, the guide and transport in the minivan are included. Tips for your driver and guide, any personal communications charges, and optional activities like the balloon flight and village visit are not included.