DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha — Rift Valley Introduction

Leave Nairobi in the morning and travel into the Rift Valley highlands. As you descend toward Lake Naivasha, the view opens up to green hills, valley slopes and dramatic landscapes. Arrive at your lodge or camp by midday, enjoy lunch, then take a gentle stroll or relax lakeside. If you wish, enjoy a boat ride to spot hippos, waterbirds, and enjoy calm lake waters. Evening brings a tranquil dinner by the lake as you soak in the valley’s peace.

Accommodation Options (Lake Naivasha):

• Budget: Taphe Guest Resort / Dovenest Lodge
• Mid-range: Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp / Naivasha Sopa Lodge
• Luxury: Enashipai Resort & Spa / Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch + Dinner

Day 2: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru — Wildlife & Birdlife by the Lakeshore

After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. Drive through rolling farmland and Rift Valley scenery until you reach the Nakuru region around midday. After lunch and a break, head out for your first game drive in Lake Nakuru. The park offers rhinos, buffaloes, waterbuck, giraffes, lions and a wealth of birdlife — flamingos (depending on water levels), pelicans, fish-eagles and many more. Sunset brings calm plains and a peaceful night at the lodge.

Accommodation Options (Lake Nakuru):

• Budget: Local guesthouses or budget cottages near Nakuru
• Mid-range: Flamingo Hill Tented Camp / Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
• Luxury: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge / Lake Nakuru Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 3: Morning Drive at Lake Nakuru & Travel to the Highlands Town of Narok / Nearby Rift Valley Town

Start early with a morning safari drive at Lake Nakuru to catch rhinos, early-rising wildlife and active birdlife. After breakfast, check out and drive toward the highlands — passing farmland, tea estates and highland hills before arriving near Narok (or similar town) for an overnight stop. Enjoy a quiet evening, local dinner and rest before heading toward Mara.

Accommodation Options (Highlands / Narok area):

• Budget: Local budget guesthouse / Basic lodge
• Mid-range: Mid-range lodge or guesthouse in Narok region
• Luxury: Comfortable lodge or resort in highlands with good amenities

Meal Plan: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 4: Drive to Masai Mara & Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, drive into the heart of Masai Mara. The landscape changes from hills and farmland to open savannahs and rolling grasslands. Arrive at your lodge or camp by lunch, rest and prepare for your first Mara game drive in the afternoon. The plains welcome you with zebras, giraffes, antelopes and possibly elephants or lions. As the sun dips, enjoy golden light across the Mara before heading to camp for dinner and rest.

Accommodation Options (Masai Mara):

• Budget: Miti Mingi Eco Camp / Rhino Tourist Camp
• Mid-range: Enkorok Mara Camp / Mara Sopa Lodge
• Luxury: Sarova Mara Game Camp / Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Lunch + Dinner

Day 5: Full Day in Masai Mara — Sunrise & Sunset Drives

Rise early for a morning safari drive when predators and grazers are most active. Watch for lions, leopards, hyenas, big herds of wildebeest and zebra, and graceful giraffes walking tall across the plains. Return to your lodge for breakfast and a relaxing break during midday. After lunch, head back out in the afternoon for more game drives — explore deeper corners of the reserve, waterholes, river banks and open grasslands. Sunset brings rich colours and quiet of the wild before dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options: Same as Day 4
Meal Plan: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 6: Another Mara Day — Optional Cultural Visit + Game Drive

Start with a morning drive to catch wildlife activity at dawn. After breakfast, you have an optional cultural visit to a local village or community near the Mara where you can see traditional life and local culture (if available). Otherwise, relax at the lodge enjoying the environment and wildlife sounds. After lunch, go out for your afternoon drive, giving extra chances to spot predators or watch herds moving across plains. Evening offers a final Mara sunset over the savannah before dinner.

Accommodation Options: Same as Day 4–5
Meal Plan: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 7: Morning Drive & Departure toward Rift Valley Highlands / Overnight near Rift Valley

Enjoy a last early-morning drive in the Mara for wildlife or landscape pictures. After breakfast, check out and start the drive away from Mara toward the Rift Valley highlands or a convenient overnight stop — passing through farmland, tea estates, hills and valleys. Arrive at your lodge or guesthouse by evening for dinner and rest.

Accommodation Options (Highlands / Rift Valley stopover):

• Budget: Simple guesthouse / basic lodge
• Mid-range: Comfortable lodge or guesthouse with good amenities
• Luxury: Resort-style accommodation in highlands

Meal Plan: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 8: Scenic Drive Back to Nairobi via Rift Valley + End of Safari

After breakfast, travel from the highlands back to Nairobi. Enjoy the final views of Kenya’s Rift Valley landscapes, highland horizons, rural scenery and maybe roadside markets. Arrive in Nairobi by afternoon, marking the end of your eight-day adventure across Kenya’s lakes, valleys and savannahs. Depart with incredible memories of wildlife, lakes, plains and unforgettable landscapes.

Accommodation: Not applicable (trip ends)
Meal Plan: Breakfast

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ESTIMATED COST PER PERSON (6 People Sharing, 8 Days)

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COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Will we get a mix of birdlife, lakeside scenery and big game?
Yes — from the lakes and wetlands of Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru to the savannahs of Masai Mara, you’ll enjoy a rich variety of wildlife and landscapes.

Is this safari too packed?
No — the itinerary balances travel and rest, offering lake relaxation, highland stays and several full game-drive days without rushing.

Is this good for families or groups?
Absolutely — variety of scenery, manageable travel legs and comfort levels make it suitable for groups, couples or families.

What should we pack for this safari?
Neutral-coloured clothes, a light jacket, sturdy shoes, sun protection, binoculars, camera, and a light rain jacket if visiting during the green months.

Does this plan work well during rainy seasons?
Yes — rains bring lush greenery, vibrant birdlife and fewer tourists. Some roads may be less accessible, but the scenery becomes stunning and accommodation often has lower rates.