The Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Naivasha Safari Tour by Nature Bound Africa is a 7-day comprehensive wildlife journey through Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and its most iconic savanna. The trip’s primary highlights include witnessing the Big Five in the Masai Mara, seeing rare rhinos and Rothschild giraffes at Lake Nakuru, and engaging in active exploration like walking safaris or cycling at Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate. 

Destination Highlights

• • Masai Mara National Reserve: Renowned as the “jewel” of Kenya’s parks, this vast savanna is famous for its high concentration of predators (lions, leopards, cheetahs) and the Great Wildebeest Migration (typically July–October). It offers a high probability of spotting all members of the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino.

• • Lake Nakuru National Park: A premier bird-watching destination and a designated sanctuary for both black and white rhinoceros. It is also one of the few places to see the endangered Rothschild giraffe. While flamingo populations vary, the lake often hosts thousands of these pink-hued birds alongside pelicans and over 400 other bird species.

• • Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate: This segment focuses on unique, active experiences. Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the only parks in Kenya where you can cycle or walk freely among zebras and giraffes. Nearby Crescent Island offers a “walking safari” in a predator-free environment, allowing you to get up close to herbivores. 

Core Itinerary Features

The standard 7-day itinerary typically follows this flow:

• • Day 1-3: Masai Mara: Intensive game drives across the savanna and along the Mara River.

• • Day 4: Lake Nakuru: Full-day exploration of the rhino sanctuary and bird-rich lakeshore.

• • Day 5-6: Lake Naivasha: A boat ride to see hippos, followed by a visit to Hell’s Gate for hiking or cycling.

• • Day 7: Return: Final morning activities before returning to Nairobi for departure. 

Key Activities & Optional Add-ons

• • Wildlife Viewing: Extensive morning and afternoon game drives in customized safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for 360-degree views.

• • Water Safaris: Boat rides on Lake Naivasha to view pods of hippos and diverse water birds like the African fish eagle.

• • Cultural Experience: An optional visit to a Maasai Village to learn about traditional customs, songs, and fire-making.

• • Aerial Perspective: For an additional cost (approx. $470 USD), you can book a hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara plains at dawn. 

What is Included

• • Transportation: Round-trip transport from Nairobi in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser or customized van.

• • Accommodation: Full board stays at lodges or tented camps (e.g., Dove Nest Lodge or The Boma Nairobi).

• Fees: All national park entrance fees and professional multi-lingual driver-guides.