Masai Mara, Nakuru & Naivasha: 4-Day Safari with Game Drives

Summary

Kenya’s wild side up close—game drives, lakes, and laughter

You’ll wake up to birdsong in Masai Mara, spot rhinos by Lake Nakuru’s shimmering waters, cruise past hippos on Lake Naivasha and walk among giraffes on Crescent Island. With a local guide handling every detail—including pickup and meals—you’ll feel both cared for and free to soak up every wild moment.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget that first burst of red dust as we left Nairobi behind — our driver, Daniel, had this easy way of pointing out things I’d have missed: kids waving by the roadside, goats darting between acacia trees. Somewhere near the Rift Valley viewpoint, we stopped for chai and I tried to capture the light over those endless hills. It’s funny how quickly you go from city noise to just wind and birds. By lunch at the lodge in Masai Mara I already felt like I’d been gone a week.

The afternoon game drive was something else — not just for the lions (though seeing one stretch in the sun is surreal), but for the quiet moments too. At one point we parked near a herd of zebras; you could hear them chewing, tails flicking at flies. Daniel knew every track — he’d slow down suddenly and point: “See that? Leopard prints.” I still think about that view at dusk, sky all orange and purple, hyenas calling somewhere far off. Dinner back at camp tasted better than it should’ve (maybe hunger does that?).

Day three brought us north to Lake Nakuru. The air changed — cooler somehow, with this sharp smell from the lake reeds. We saw rhinos right up close; their skin looked almost prehistoric. Lunch at Buraha Zenoni Hotel was simple but filling (rice and goat stew — not fancy but real). Later on our game drive, flamingos were scattered along the shore like someone had spilled pink paint. There was a moment when our guide laughed at my attempt to pronounce “Rothschild’s giraffe” — apparently my accent needs work.

By the time we reached Lake Naivasha on day four, I was half-expecting to be tired out. But gliding past hippos on that boat ride woke me right up — they’re so much bigger (and louder) than you think! Walking on Crescent Island among giraffes felt almost unreal… no fences, just space and silence except for birds overhead. Heading back to Nairobi after all that felt strange; part of me wanted another day just listening to those lake sounds. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a Kenya safari from Nairobi with game drives in Masai Mara and boat rides in Naivasha — it’s not what you expect in all the best ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nairobi to Masai Mara Reserve

• Pick-up from Nairobi hotel
• Drive westward to Great Rift Valley
• Stop at scenic viewpoint for photos
• Continue to Masai Mara lodge
• Lunch and rest at lodge
• Afternoon game drive in Masai Mara
• Dinner and overnight at lodge

Day 2 — Full-Day Game Drive Masai Mara

• Early breakfast at lodge
• 7:00 AM start full-day game drive
• Explore Masai Mara wildlife habitats
• Picnic lunch inside the park
• Continue afternoon game drive
• Return to lodge for dinner
• Overnight at Masai Mara lodge

Day 3 — Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru Park

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive north to Lake Nakuru National Park
• Lunch at Buraha Zenoni Hotel
• 3:30 PM game drive in Lake Nakuru Park
• View flamingos, rhinos, giraffes, lions
• Exit park and overnight at Buraha Hotel

Day 4 — Lake Naivasha and Return Nairobi

• Breakfast at Buraha Hotel
• Drive to Lake Naivasha
• Scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha
• Visit Crescent Island for guided walk
• Drive back to Nairobi
• Drop-off at hotel or airport

Top questions

How long is the drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara?

The drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara typically takes around 5-6 hours depending on road conditions and stops along the way.

Are game drives included in Masai Mara?

Yes, both an afternoon game drive on arrival day and a full-day game drive are included in Masai Mara.

Is there a boat ride included at Lake Naivasha?

Yes, your tour includes a scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha before visiting Crescent Island.

What animals might I see during this safari?

You may see elephants, lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes (including Rothschild's), buffaloes, rhinos, flamingos (seasonal), hippos and more.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes—breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included throughout your safari stay.

Is hotel pickup available in Nairobi?

Yes—pickup is offered from hotels, residences or the airport in Nairobi at the start of your tour.

Do I need special fitness levels for this safari?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Where will we stay during the safari?

You’ll stay two nights near Masai Mara (such as Mara Jambo Lodge) and one night in Nakuru at Buraha Hotel.

What’s included

Your journey includes comfortable hotel pickup in Nairobi, all park entry fees across Masai Mara, Nakuru and Naivasha; daily breakfast, lunch and dinner; Wi-Fi access; guided game drives with an expert driver-guide; a scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha; a walking safari on Crescent Island; plus all accommodation arranged so you can just focus on soaking up each wild moment before drop-off back in Nairobi.