5-Day Kenya Big Five Mara & Rift Lakes Safari Tour
This 5-day Kenya safari offers a well-rounded journey through the country’s most iconic wildlife and scenic destinations.
Starting in Nairobi, you’ll travel to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, where vast savannahs and abundant wildlife create the ultimate Big 5 safari experience.
With shared game drives, you’ll explore this world-famous reserve guided by experts who maximize your chances of unforgettable sightings.
The adventure continues through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its rhino sanctuary and birdlife, and then to the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha.
This group sharing safari blends wildlife, landscapes, and relaxation, making it ideal for travelers seeking variety and value in one seamless itinerary.
Who This Safari Is Ideal For
-
First-time visitors seeking a complete Kenya safari experience
-
Budget-conscious travelers wanting a group sharing safari
-
Wildlife lovers looking to see the Big 5 and rhinos
-
Travelers who enjoy diverse landscapes and lakeside relaxation
Why This Safari Best
-
Combines Masai Mara with two Rift Valley lakes
-
High chances of seeing the Big 5 and endangered rhinos
-
Shared safari lowers costs while maintaining quality
-
Scenic and diverse itinerary across Kenya’s top regions
-
Balanced pace between adventure and relaxation
Tour Highlights
Game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve
Rhino and bird viewing in Lake Nakuru National Park
Boat safari option at Lake Naivasha
Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes
Shared pop-up roof 4x4 and minivan safari experience
Expert-guided wildlife adventures
Tour Map
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour uses tented camps and hotels.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 8 people per vehicle.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Day 1
Nairobi → Masai Mara – Scenic Journey & Game Drive
Depart Nairobi early in the morning and travel through the Great Rift Valley with a stop at a scenic viewpoint.
Continue to Masai Mara, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge or camp.
In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive across the reserve’s vast plains, spotting wildlife such as lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Road transfer Nairobi → Masai Mara (~5–6 hours, ~270 km) in pop-up roof minivan/4x4 + game drive
Accommodation
AA Lodge Masai Mara
Day 2
Masai Mara – Full Day Game Drives
Spend a full day exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives.
This reserve is renowned for its dense wildlife population and excellent predator sightings.
You may opt for a full-day game drive with a packed lunch to maximize your time in the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Shared pop-up roof 4x4/minivan game drives
Accommodation
AA Lodge Masai Mara
Day 3
Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, traveling through the scenic Rift Valley.
Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru is famous for its rhinos, flamingos, and diverse birdlife, offering a unique contrast to the Mara.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Road transfer (~5–6 hours, ~300 km) + game drive in pop-up roof vehicle
Accommodation
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Day 4
Lake Nakuru → Lake Naivasha – Lakeside Relaxation
After breakfast, enjoy a short drive to Lake Naivasha.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the lake.
In the afternoon, you may opt for a boat ride or a guided walk on Crescent Island, where you can get close to giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transport: Road transfer (~2–3 hours, ~80 km) in pop-up roof vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel Chambai Safari
Day 5
Lake Naivasha → Nairobi – Departure
After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha and return to Nairobi.
Enjoy scenic views along the way, arriving in the city in the late morning or early afternoon.
This marks the end of your unforgettable Kenya safari.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transport: Road transfer Lake Naivasha → Nairobi (~2 hours, ~90 km) in pop-up roof vehicle
Accommodation
No Accomodations ( End of the Tour )
Important to know
The prices below are per person (based on two adults travelling together) and please note that the prices are approximate for 2026.
Please contact us for accurate costings for the time of year you are considering for your holiday.
There are multiple season changes across the year and numerous room categories that can change the price of any trip.
Prices include all internal flights, transfers, reserve fees, accommodation, and meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary.
Prices exclude international flights, tipping, visa, and any meals not included.
Rates Per Person
Landcruiser rates per Person
| Month/Season | Single | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January - June | $2,429 | $1,546 | $1,361 | $1,186 | $1,147 | $1,066 |
| July - October | $2,982 | $2,008 | $1,854 | $1,649 | $1,628 | $1,529 |
| November - December 20th | $2,647 | $1,746 | $1,567 | $1,387 | $1,351 | $1,267 |
| 21st December - January 1st | $2,785 | $1,361 | $1,357 | $1,002 | $1,071 | $822 |
Tour Van rates per Person
| Month/Season | Single | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January - June | $2,026 | $1,344 | $1,227 | $1,086 | $1,067 | $999 |
| July - October | $2,579 | $1,807 | $1,720 | $1,548 | $1,548 | $1,462 |
| November - December 20th | $2,245 | $1,545 | $1,433 | $1,286 | $1,271 | $1,200 |
| 21st December - January 1st | $2,383 | $1,160 | $1,222 | $901 | $990 | $815 |
