5 Days Aberdare, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari | Kenya Safari Holidays
⭐ 5-Day Kenya Safari: Aberdare, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Adventure
Why This Safari Is Perfect for First-Time Visitors
Itinerary Overview
Day 1 | Nairobi → Aberdare National Park • Depart Nairobi after breakfast. • Scenic drive through Kenyan highlands — tea & coffee plantations, Mt. Kenya views. • Lunch at Outspan Hotel. • Afternoon transfer to Treetops Lodge or The Ark Lodge. Evening arrival. • Night-time observation at floodlit waterholes — ideal for photography under soft lights. | Elephants, buffalo, rhinos, bushbuck, warthogs, night birds, possibly lions. |
Day 2 | Aberdare → Nyahururu (Thompson’s Falls) → Lake Nakuru • Early breakfast and drive north through Aberdare’s forested slopes. • Stop at Thompson Falls (Nyahururu) for a short walk & photos. • Continue into the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar accommodation. Afternoon game-drive at Lake Nakuru National Park. | Millions of flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, storks. Large mammal sightings: Rothschild giraffes, black & white rhino, warthogs. Rich birdlife (400+ species). |
Day 3 | Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara National Reserve • After breakfast, depart Rift Valley and drive towards Masai Mara. • Arrival by lunchtime; check-in at your camp or lodge. • Afternoon game drive — begin exploring Mara’s vast plains. | Giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, elephants, antelopes, large predators (lion, leopard, hyena), hippos in rivers, diverse birdlife. |
Day 4 | Full Day in Masai Mara • Sunrise game drive (golden hour). • Midday rest/lunch at camp. • Afternoon game drive or optional add-ons (balloon safari, cultural visit to a Maasai village). • Sun-down game drive — perfect for photography of savannah sunset. | Lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs or wild dogs (rare), antelopes, warthogs, many bird species. Optionally river hippos/crocodiles if near Mara River. |
Day 5 | Morning game drive → Return to Nairobi • Early morning drive for final wildlife viewing. • Breakfast, depart camp. • Drive back to Nairobi, reaching mid-afternoon / early evening. | Final chance for sightings (maybe elephants, giraffes, birds), farewell to Kenyan wilderness. |
What’s Included & What’s Not
- Comfortable safari land cruiser (pop-up roof) with English-speaking guide
- All park entrance fees & government levies
- Full-board accommodation (camp or lodge) for 4 nights
- 3 meals per day (vegetarian & non-vegetarian options)
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Wildlife drives as per the itinerary
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
- Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Gratuities/tips for guide & staff
- Optional visits (e.g. Maasai village, hot-air balloon ride, upgrades)
Why Choose This 5-Day Safari
- ✅ Diverse Landscapes & Wildlife: From Aberdare’s forests and waterholes to Rift-Valley lakes and Masai Mara savannahs — in one trip.
- ✅ Compact but Comprehensive: Ideal for travellers with limited time but who want to experience Kenya’s top safari highlights.
- ✅ Comfort & Convenience: Lodges/camps, meals, transport all arranged — minimal hassle for you.
- ✅ Flexibility & Customisation: Option to upgrade accommodations, add extras (balloon ride, cultural visit), tailor meals, etc.
- ✅ Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides who know the parks and wildlife behaviours — maximising your chances for great sightings.
✅ Best Time to Go & What to Pack
- Dry season (June–October) for easier wildlife viewing & comfortable drives.
- Flamingo season at Lake Nakuru (often visible November–April, but check recent local reports).
- Neutral-coloured safari clothes, light jacket or fleece (Aberdare nights can be cool)
- Binoculars, camera, extra camera batteries & memory cards
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Closed shoes for forest & waterfall visits; sandals/flip-flops for lodge
- Reusable water bottle, small daypack
💰 2026 Price Guide (Per Person)
Private safari | Based on 2 people sharing | 4x4 Land Cruiser
Season (2026) | Travel Period | Budget Camping | Midrange Lodges / Tented Camps | Luxury Lodges / Luxury Tents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Season | April – May | USD 1,280 | USD 1,650 | USD 2,380 |
| Shoulder Season | Jan – Mar Nov – Early Dec | USD 1,390 | USD 1,790 | USD 2,550 |
| Peak Season | Jun – Oct Christmas & New Year | USD 1,580 | USD 2,150 | USD 3,150 |
🏨 Accommodation Level Guide (2026)
Category | Typical Lodges / Camps Used |
|---|---|
| Budget | Miti Mingi Eco Camp, Rhino Tourist Camp |
| Midrange | Zebra Plains Mara, Mara Sopa Lodge, Flamingo Hill |
| Luxury | Sarova Mara, Ashnil Mara, Mara Serena |
Aberdare lodges: The Ark / Treetops (fixed for all tiers)
Lake Nakuru lodges vary by category & availability
👥 GROUP DISCOUNTS – 2026
Number of People | Discount Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 People | Standard Rate |
| 3–4 People | Save USD 80 |
| 5–6 People | Save USD 150 |
| 7+ People | Custom Quote |
✈️ OPTIONAL EXTRAS (Add to Any Category)
Experience | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Hot Air Balloon Safari (Masai Mara) | USD 450 |
| Maasai Village Cultural Visit | USD 25 |
| Extra Night in Masai Mara | From USD 180 |
| Luxury Lodge Upgrade | From USD 120 per night |
ℹ️ Pricing Notes
Prices are per person sharing
Single supplement applies for solo travelers
All prices include park fees, accommodation, meals & transport
Subject to availability at booking time
KWS park fee revisions may affect final pricing
✅ READY TO BOOK 2026?
👉 Request Your Best Price Now
✔ Custom dates
✔ Budget → Luxury options
✔ Private safari vehicle
✔ Trusted Kenyan operator
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Aberdare, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara?
All year round, with peak wildlife action during the dry season (June–October & January–March).
2. Are road transfers safe and comfortable?
Yes—your safari uses a 4x4 Land Cruiser with seat belts, charging ports, and a pop-up roof.
3. Can children join this safari?
Yes, except some lodge restrictions at Aberdare (e.g., Treetops/The Ark may restrict kids under 7).
4. Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely—add Naivasha, Amboseli, Nairobi day tours, or extend to the coast.
5. Do you offer private or group safaris?
Both.