5 Days Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari – Short Affordable Kenya Tour

The 5 Days Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari is a perfect short yet action-packed adventure through Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Designed for travelers seeking an affordable, authentic safari experience, this tour combines the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru National Park with the endless plains and dramatic predator action of the Masai Mara National Reserve.

It’s an ideal safari for first-time visitors, couples, or small groups looking to experience Kenya’s incredible diversity of wildlife, landscapes, and culture — all within five unforgettable days.

Safari Overview

This affordable 5-day safari takes you on a journey from the Great Rift Valley to the vast savannahs of the Masai Mara. You’ll encounter rhinos, lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, and cheetahs, along with thousands of wildebeests and zebras. From the pink glow of Lake Nakuru’s flamingos to the iconic sunsets of the Mara, every moment captures the spirit of Kenya’s wild beauty.

Destinations Covered: Lake Nakuru National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve
Tour Type: Private or group budget safari
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Starting Point: Nairobi
Ending Point: Nairobi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your safari guide. After a short briefing, you’ll transfer to your hotel or head out for an optional city tour depending on your arrival time. You may visit the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum (optional activities).

Accommodation: After 40 Hotel / Hotel Boulevard Nairobi
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive through the spectacular Great Rift Valley, with stops for scenic photography along the escarpment. Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park in time for a mid-morning game drive.

Lake Nakuru is famous for its pink flamingos, both black and white rhinos, and over 400 bird species. The park also shelters lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, and baboons among its rich acacia woodlands.

After a picnic lunch or hot meal at your lodge, continue exploring until evening before settling in for dinner overlooking the lake.

Accommodation: Lanet Matfam Resort / Flamingo Hill Camp / Ziwa Bush Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, set off for the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most iconic safari destination. The drive takes you across the Rift Valley and through the rolling hills of the Maasai countryside, offering glimpses of rural life along the way.

Arrive in the Masai Mara in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive across the golden savannahs. The Mara teems with wildlife — expect to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and perhaps your first lions or cheetahs. As the sun sets, return to your camp for a hearty dinner and storytelling around the campfire.

Accommodation: Enchoro Wildlife Camp / Mara Explorers Camp / Miti Mingi Eco Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara

Wake up early for a full-day game drive in the Masai Mara, one of the world’s greatest wildlife theaters. Your guide will lead you in search of the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos — as well as countless other animals and birds.

If traveling between July and October, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, as thousands of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River in dramatic fashion.

You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the reserve, surrounded by nature, before continuing your exploration in the afternoon. Optional activities include visiting a Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions.

Accommodation: Enchoro Wildlife Camp / Mara Explorers Camp / Miti Mingi Eco Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely game drive as you exit the park, capturing your final memories of the Mara’s majestic wildlife. Depart for Nairobi with scenic stops along the way, arriving in the afternoon.

Depending on your flight schedule, you can be dropped off at your hotel or directly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward journey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Safari Inclusions

Transport in a custom safari van or 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
English-speaking professional driver-guide
Park entrance fees for all destinations
Game drives as per itinerary
Accommodation as indicated
Meals on full-board basis (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Bottled drinking water throughout the safari

Exclusions:

International flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (drinks, tips, laundry)
Optional activities such as Maasai village visits or balloon safaris

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara is during the dry seasons — June to October and December to February — when roads are dry, wildlife is most visible, and the Great Migration takes place in the Mara.

However, Kenya’s parks remain open all year, and even the green season (March–May) offers lush scenery, fewer crowds, and discounted safari rates for budget travelers.

Why Choose This 5-Day Kenya Safari

Affordable yet comfortable accommodation and transport
Ideal balance between birding, big cats, and scenic beauty
Flexible for solo travelers, couples, and small groups
Opportunities for cultural experiences with local Maasai communities
Expert local guides who bring the wilderness to life

Optional Add-Ons

Hot Air Balloon Safari over Masai Mara (available at an extra cost)
Nairobi City Tour (pre- or post-safari)
Amboseli National Park Extension for Mount Kilimanjaro views

The 5 Days Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari is the perfect short yet fulfilling adventure for travelers who want to experience Kenya’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture without breaking the bank. With expert guides, comfortable camps, and thrilling game drives, this safari guarantees memories that will last a lifetime.