5-Day Maasai Mara Safari: Big Five Game Drives & Hell's Gate

Big Five game drives, boat rides among hippos, and cycling past zebras in one five-day loop.

A 5-day safari tour through Kenya's Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Hell's Gate, combining game drives for the Big Five, a traditional Maasai village visit, boat safaris on Lake Naivasha, and optional cycling or hiking in Hell's Gate. All transportation and activities are included. A live English-speaking guide and hotel pickup are provided throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Big Five game drives and Maasai culture

• Embark on Maasai Mara game drives
• Spot Big Five animals
• Witness Great Migration (seasonal)
• Visit traditional Maasai village
• Enjoy Maasai cultural dance

Day 2: Explore Lake Nakuru National Park

• Drive through Lake Nakuru Park
• Spot flamingos and rhinos
• See tree-climbing lions and giraffes
• View scenery from Baboon Cliff

Day 3: Lake Naivasha boat ride and Hell's Gate

• Take boat ride on Lake Naivasha
• Spot hippos and birds
• Cycle or walk in Hell's Gate Park
• See zebras, giraffes, and antelopes
• Hike gorge or rock climb (optional)

The experience

The Maasai Mara is the anchor of this five-day loop. You spend time on game drives across the open savannah hunting the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) in their natural habitat. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains. Your guide shares knowledge of the ecosystem and points out wildlife. You also visit a traditional Maasai village to experience the culture and dance firsthand. Sunsets happen over the acacia scrub, and you sleep in either a luxury or budget camp depending on what you book.

Lake Nakuru National Park comes next, a compact wildlife reserve where a single game drive can show you flamingos on the water, endangered rhinos, tree-climbing lions, and giraffes against acacia forest and rocky cliffs. Baboon Cliff offers views across the lake and is a frequent photo stop. Then you move to Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park, where the itinerary splits into two kinds of adventure: a boat ride on the lake to spot hippos and birds, or a cycling or walking safari through Hell's Gate among zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. The park's gorges, cliffs, and geothermal vents create a landscape unlike the open Mara, and hikers can tackle the gorge itself or attempt Fischer's Tower rock climb if they want the harder option.

All transport between sites is included, as are the game drives, the boat safari, and the Hell's Gate activities. A live English-speaking guide travels with you, and hotel pickup is arranged. You'll need to budget separately for tips (the guideline is US$10 per person per day), the Maasai village visit (US$10–20 per person), and any personal items or souvenirs. The tour suits all fitness levels, though Hell's Gate's cycling and hiking options let you choose your own intensity.

What’s included

• All transportation between sites and activities.
• game drives in the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru.
• a visit to a traditional Maasai village.
• a boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
• cycling or walking options in Hell's Gate National Park.
• accommodation in a luxury or budget camp.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30Last departure this season: 31 Dec

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AXIS AFRICA SAFARIS

Is this one for you?The five-day length packs the Mara's game drives, Lake Nakuru's compact wildlife, and Hell's Gate's mixed adventure into one trip without rushing any stop. Choose it if you want the full range of Kenya's landscapes and activities without committing to a week.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 will I see on the Maasai Mara game drives?

The Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) are the main draw, and your guide will work to locate them. Depending on the season, you may also witness the Great Migration, when wildebeest and zebras move across the plains in large numbers.

Is the boat ride on Lake Naivasha included, or is it optional?

The boat safari on Lake Naivasha is an optional activity, so you can choose whether to add it. It gives you a chance to spot hippos and a variety of birds from the water.

What's the difference between cycling and walking in Hell's Gate?

Hell's Gate offers both cycling and walking safaris among zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. Cycling covers more ground and moves faster. Walking is slower and more immersive. You pick which one suits your pace and fitness level.

Does the tour include accommodation, or do I book my own?

Accommodation during the five days is included. You'll stay in either a luxury or budget camp depending on your booking choice. Accommodation before and after the tour is not included and must be arranged separately.

What's included in the price, and what do I pay extra for?

All transportation between sites, all game drives, the Hell's Gate activities, and the boat safari are included. You pay separately for tips (guideline US$10 per person per day), the Maasai village visit (US$10–20 per person), souvenirs, travel insurance, and visa fees.

Will I have a guide the whole time, and what language does he speak?

A live guide in English travels with you throughout the tour and leads all the game drives, activities, and village visits. Hotel pickup is also arranged as part of the package.