Overview
The Maasai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park represent two of Kenya’s most vital ecological assets, offering a profound glimpse into the biodiversity of the East African Rift Valley. The Maasai Mara, an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, is globally renowned for the Great Migration, a cyclical movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras driven by the search for greener pastures. Lake Nakuru, conversely, is a soda lake situated on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, famous for its massive populations of lesser flamingos and its critical role as a sanctuary for both black and white rhinoceroses
Non-Resident Pricing (USD per Person)
| Season | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
| Peak (July – Aug)/22Dec-2Jan | $1,414 | $1,375 | $1,348 | $1,331 |
| High (Jan – March)/June,sep,oct | $952 | $913 | $886 | $869 |
| Low (April – May)/1st Nov-21Dec | $836 | $797 | $770 | $754 |
Resident Pricing (KES per Person)
| Season | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (July – Aug) | KES 78,500 | KES 75,000 | KES 72,500 | KES 71,000 |
| High (Jan – March) | KES 52,000 | KES 48,500 | KES 46,000 | KES 44,500 |
| Low (April – May) | KES 44,500 | KES 41,000 | KES 38,500 | KES 37,000 |
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve The journey begins with a departure from Nairobi, descending the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. This geological feature, documented extensively in The Rift Valley: A History, was formed by tectonic shifts millions of years ago. You will arrive at Mara Chui Resort in time for lunch. The afternoon consists of an introductory game drive. The Mara is home to the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—a term originally coined by big-game hunters but now used by conservationists to highlight the most sought-after sightings.
Day 2: Full Day Game Viewing in Maasai Mara This day is dedicated to exploring the vast savannahs. According to The Rough Guide to Kenya, the Mara’s ecosystem is characterized by open grasslands and riverine forests along the Mara and Talek rivers. You will carry a packed lunch to maximize time spent near the Mara River, where crocodiles and hippos reside. During the Peak Season (July–August), this is the primary site for migration crossings.
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park After an early morning game drive and breakfast, the group departs for Lake Nakuru. This transition moves from the volcanic plains of the Mara to the alkaline waters of the Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru was the first national park in Africa to be established specifically for birds, as detailed in Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. You will check into Lake Nakuru Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru Exploration to Nairobi Return The morning is spent tracking white and black rhinos, which are heavily protected within the park’s fenced boundaries. Lake Nakuru is one of the most successful rhino sanctuaries in East Africa. After a mid-morning game drive, the group begins the return journey toward Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
Day 5: Nairobi City Excursion and Departure The final day includes a visit to the Giraffe Centre or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which focuses on elephant rehabilitation, as described in The Elephant Whisperer. The tour concludes with a transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
What's Included
- Accommodation: 3 nights at Mara Chui Resort and 1 night at Lake Nakuru Lodge on a full-board basis.
- Transport: Shared use of a 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for 5 days.
- Park Fees: All entrance fees for Maasai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Game Drives: Daily scheduled game viewing activities as per the itinerary.
- Water: Bottled mineral water provided in the vehicle during safari.
- Professional Guide: Services of a certified English-speaking driver-guide.
