LAKES TO LIONS SAFARI

Step into the heart of Kenya’s wild beauty on this thrilling 4-day safari adventure, where every day brings a new horizon, new wildlife, and unforgettable memories. From the shimmering lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the golden savannahs of the Masai Mara, this journey is a passport to the very soul of Africa.

Your adventure begins as you traverse the spectacular landscapes of Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha, where flamingos paint the waters pink and hippos lounge lazily beneath the sun. Walk among the lush papyrus swamps and acacia forests, feeling the pulse of nature and the whispers of the wild in every breeze. On Crescent Island, step out onto the private sanctuary where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam freely, offering intimate encounters and perfect photographic moments in this pristine setting.

Then, brace yourself for the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, where the rolling plains stretch endlessly beneath a sky that seems to touch the horizon. Here, the “Big Five” roam in their natural majesty: lions bask in the morning sun, leopards stealthily prowl through acacia thickets, elephants march in proud herds, rhinos graze undisturbed, and buffalos traverse the savannah with commanding presence. Each game drive is a front-row seat to the drama and elegance of the wild, where every rustle in the grass could reveal a breathtaking sight.

Whether it’s your first safari or your hundredth, this journey is crafted to awaken your sense of wonder. Witness the majestic African sunrise spilling gold across the Mara plains, hear the distant roar of a lion, and capture the perfect shot as a herd of zebras crosses the horizon in a timeless dance of nature. Every moment is an invitation to connect, explore, and experience the wild like never before.

This is more than a safari—it’s a call to adventure. Step out of the ordinary and into a world where nature writes the story, and you are part of it. From intimate wildlife encounters to sweeping landscapes that stir the soul, this 4-day expedition promises memories that will stay with you long after the journey ends.

Pack your curiosity, your camera, and your sense of wonder—Kenya’s wilderness awaits.

Lakes Nakuru & Naivasha – Spectacular Wildlife & Scenic Beauty

Lake Nakuru National Park:

Famous for its flamingo-covered shores, Lake Nakuru is a spectacular wildlife destination.
Spot white and black rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, and hippos.
Explore lush forests, scenic viewpoints, and the iconic lake that attracts thousands of birds.

Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island:

Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, a haven for hippos, waterbirds, and picturesque wetlands.
Walk on Crescent Island, a private sanctuary where giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and antelopes roam freely.
Witness up-close wildlife encounters on foot, providing a rare, intimate safari experience.

Masai Mara National Reserve – The Heart of the Safari

Experience Kenya’s most famous reserve, home to the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos.
Spot cheetahs chasing gazelles, crocodiles lurking in the Mara River, and wildebeests grazing in vast herds.
Optional hot air balloon safari over the Mara plains for a breathtaking aerial view, followed by a traditional champagne breakfast in the wild.
Capture iconic photographs of savannah landscapes, acacia trees, and wildlife in their natural habitat.

Safari Activities & Experiences

Game Drives: Morning and afternoon drives maximize wildlife sightings.
Boat Safaris: Observe hippos, birds, and aquatic wildlife on Lake Naivasha.
Guided Nature Walks: Explore Crescent Island on foot for an immersive safari experience.
Photography & Wildlife Watching: Capture iconic African wildlife and landscapes at sunrise and sunset.
Optional Cultural Visits: Meet Maasai communities near the Mara or Naivasha to learn about local traditions and lifestyles.

Why Choose This Safari

Diverse Wildlife & Ecosystems: Lakes, wetlands, forests, and savannah plains all in one journey.
Big Five & Birdwatching: Spot Kenya’s most iconic animals and hundreds of bird species.
Adventure & Immersion: From boat rides to walking safaris, this tour brings you closer to nature.
Photography Opportunities: Stunning landscapes and wildlife moments perfect for both amateurs and professional photographers.
Tailored for All Travelers: Families, couples, and solo adventurers will find something unforgettable.

Safari Overview

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Starting Point: Nairobi (hotel, residence, or airport pickup)
Destinations: Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island, Masai Mara
Safari Vehicle: Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (July–October ideal for migration and dry-season wildlife spotting)

Day 1: Nairobi → Lake Naivasha → Crescent Island → Lake Nakuru

Your adventure begins at 7:00 am when your driver and guide will pick you up from your Nairobi hotel or airport in a private 4×4 safari vehicle. The scenic drive along the Great Rift Valley escarpment offers dramatic views of cliffs rising from the valley floor and rolling hills stretching into the distance. Along the way, there will be opportunities to pause, stretch your legs, and soak in the vast natural landscapes.

Arriving at Lake Naivasha, you will embark on a serene boat safari across the freshwater lake. Glide past hippos surfacing in the water, waterbucks grazing along the shore, and flocks of pelicans and cormorants swooping overhead. The experience is perfect for photography and birdwatching enthusiasts alike. Next, you will visit Crescent Island, a unique private sanctuary where walking among freely roaming wildlife is the highlight. Here, you can observe giraffes delicately nibbling leaves, zebras trotting past, buffalo grazing, and impalas and gazelles exploring the grounds at your pace, providing an intimate connection with nature.

Your final stop for the day is Lake Nakuru National Park, a visual feast framed by acacia forests, wooded hills, rocky escarpments, and cascading waterfalls. Flamingos may paint the lake pink, while pelicans, kingfishers, storks, herons, and eagles fill the skies. On land, keep your eyes open for Rothschild’s giraffes and Kenya’s largest population of black rhinos, and if luck is on your side, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The day concludes with your first evening in the African wilderness at your lodge or luxury tented camp, where you can enjoy dinner under the starlit savannah sky.

Day 2: Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara National Reserve

After an early breakfast, embark on a final morning game drive in Lake Nakuru, capturing last glimpses of rhinos, elephants, and other iconic wildlife. You will then set out on a scenic drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, traversing rolling hills and Maasai villages, with stops to enjoy the landscapes and take photographs.

Upon arrival in the Mara, enjoy lunch surrounded by the golden grasslands and rolling hills of one of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves. The Mara is home to vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, and is teeming with predators like lions and cheetahs. Your afternoon game drive introduces you to the reserve’s abundant wildlife. Elephants wander in majestic family herds, lions lounge under acacia trees, and birds of every color dot the sky. Your guide will tailor the drive to your interests, whether for Big Five sightings, photography, or other wildlife encounters. Your evening will be spent relaxing at your Mara lodge or tented camp, listening to the distant calls of the African wilderness.

Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve

Wake early to witness the Mara’s wildlife at its most active. Spend the day exploring the plains, seeking lions hunting, cheetahs sprinting, buffalo roaming, and giraffes gracefully browsing the treetops. If visiting during the Great Migration, from June to October, you may witness the spectacular river crossings of thousands of wildebeest and zebras, as crocodiles await along the banks—a truly unforgettable sight.

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the Mara River, observing hippos wallowing and the rhythmic life of the riverbanks. Optional experiences include visiting a nearby Maasai village, where you can meet the local people, learn about their traditional herding lifestyle, and immerse yourself in their vibrant culture. For those seeking an even higher perspective, an early morning hot air balloon safari offers a soaring view over the Mara plains, with wildlife below and the sunrise illuminating the savannah, followed by a champagne breakfast in the wild. In the afternoon, continue exploring the Mara on game drives, seeking elusive leopards, large herds of buffalo, and solitary elephants, before returning to your lodge or tented camp for your final evening in this iconic reserve.

Day 4: Masai Mara → Nairobi

After breakfast, embark on a leisurely drive back to Nairobi. Optional early morning game drives allow one last chance for photography and wildlife sightings. The route offers scenic stops to admire landscapes, villages, and roadside wildlife, and lunch will be enjoyed at a picturesque location en route. You are expected to arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, marking the end of your immersive four-day safari adventure, enriched with memories of Kenya’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.

Tour Highlights

– Lake Naivasha Attractions

Boat safari
Guided walking safari at Crescent Island
Bird watching

– Lake Nakuru National Park

Bird watching
Views of the Great Rift Valley
Both black and white rhinos
Sailing safari at Lake Naivasha – a bird watcher’s paradise
Crescent Island guided walking safari – walk amongst giraffes, zebra, etc.

– Masai Mara Wildlife Reserve

Unlimited game viewing drives
Experience the Big Five
World-famous Mara – rolling grassland, acacia trees & immense herds of zebras, and wildebeest
Exciting and colorful Maasai culture with optional Masai village visit – Please arrange with your driver/guide – $25 per person
Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride – please ask us about this unique opportunity – $460 per person

Best hotels, safari lodges & tented camps at Lake Nakuru National Park. Choose from Economy, Comfort, Luxury or Superior Luxury.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Economy level lodge/tented camp	Lake Nakuru Lodge
Comfort level lodge/ tented camp	Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge Flamingo Hill Tented Camp
Luxury level lodge / tented camp	Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Superior Luxury level lodge/ tented camp	Cliff Nakuru Lodge

Masai Mara National Reserve

Economy level lodge/tented camp	Mara Chui Camp Elangata Olerai Camp Jambo Mara Safari Lodge Olorien Mara Camp Mara Duma Camp
Comfort level lodge/ tented camp	Mara Simba – Lodge Rooms Mara Sopa Lodge Mara Leisure Camp Sentrim Mara Camp Prideinn Mara Camp Osero Camp Enkorok Mara Camp AA Mara Lodge La Maison Royale Mara Camp Mara River Lodge Basecamp Masai Mara Sekenani Camp Olengoti Eco Safari Camp Julia’s River Camp Mara Big Five Camp Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge Ol Kinyei Mara Tented Camp Mara Kimana Camp
Luxury level lodge / tented camp	Mara Serena Safari Lodge Sarova Mara Camp – Deluxe tents Zebra Plains Mara Camp Camp Alama Camp Mara Kandili Camp Naserian Mara Camp Emayian Camp Mara Simba – Tent Rooms Mara River Camp Mara Siria Camp Mara Maisha Camp (Main Camp) Keekorok Lodge Matira Bush Camp Loyk Mara camp Fig Tree Camp-Ngamboli Tents Enchipai Mara Camp Kilima Camp Mara
Superior Luxury level lodge/ tented camp	Karen Blixen Camp Sarova Mara Camp – Club tents Mara Intrepids Camp Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp Mara Eden Safari Camp Ashnil Mara Camp Mara Crossings Camp Saruni Mara Camp Olare Mara Kempinski Camp Porini Mara Camp Entumoto Safari Camp Kicheche Mara Camp Mara Bushtop Luxury Camp &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Camp Entim Mara Camp Mara Explorer Camp Mara Eden Safari Camp Sroi Mara Bush Camp Fairmont Mara Safari Club Basecamp Eagle View Camp Saruni Leopard Hill Camp Governors Camp Mara

Book your 4-Day Lakes & Masai Mara Safari today for a complete Kenyan adventure, combining lakes, walking safaris, boat rides, and Big Five sightings. Contact us for custom itineraries, private tours, or family-friendly adventures tailored to your dream safari.