Berengei Africa Safaris

5-Day Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari

Big Five game drives, the Great Rift Valley, and the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Nakuru — a classic Kenyan safari designed for small groups and private departures.

Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Parks
Masai Mara & Nakuru
Group Size
2 – 6 Travelers
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 128 reviews

Safari Overview

This 5-day safari takes you through two of Kenya's most rewarding wildlife destinations — the legendary Masai Mara and the birdwatcher's paradise of Lake Nakuru. Travel in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, stay in handpicked lodges, and let our expert guides bring the African bush to life.

Berengei Africa Safaris wildlife
From $1,890 / person

Witness the Great Migration (seasonal), spot all of the Big Five, and enjoy sundowners on the savannah. Every departure is customizable — add a hot air balloon safari, a Maasai village visit, or extra nights in Nairobi.

Big Five Private 4×4 Full Board Park Fees Included

Trip Highlights

Big Five Game Drives
Morning & afternoon drives
4×4 Land Cruiser
Pop-up roof for photography
Expert Guide
English-speaking, KPSGA certified
Park Fees Included
All entry fees covered
Full Board Meals
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Airport Transfers
Complimentary pick-up & drop-off
Unlimited Water
Bottled water on all drives
Maasai Village Visit
Optional cultural experience
Eco-Conscious
We support local conservancies
Community First
Locally owned & operated
Safe & Insured
Licensed & fully insured
24/7 Support
We're here around the clock

Detailed Itinerary

A full day-by-day breakdown of your safari. Each day includes the route, activities, accommodation, and meals.

Start: Nairobi → Day 1: Lake Nakuru NP → Day 2–4: Masai Mara NR → Day 5: Return to Nairobi
01 Day 1 — Arrival in Nairobi → Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park

Your Berengei Africa Safaris driver-guide will pick you up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your hotel in Nairobi after breakfast. After a short briefing, we depart for the Great Rift Valley with a scenic stop at the escarpment viewpoint — a perfect photo opportunity.

Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in search of white rhino, Rothschild giraffe, buffalo, and the famous flamingos that line the lake shore. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Great Rift Valley viewpoint Afternoon game drive Flamingos & white rhino Private 4×4 vehicle
Main DestinationLake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
AccommodationLake Nakuru Lodge (Mid-range) — or upgrade to Sarova Lion Hill
MealsLunch & Dinner
Driving TimeApproximately 3 hours from Nairobi
Upgrade available: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (Luxury) with panoramic lake views.
Optional activity: Lake Nakuru boat ride (extra cost, subject to water levels).
02 Day 2 — Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve

After an early breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and drive west towards the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes you through the dramatic landscapes of the Rift Valley and into Maasai country — expect sightings of zebra, giraffe, and antelope along the way.

Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch. In the late afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in the Mara — home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the annual Great Migration. Return to camp for dinner under the stars.

Scenic Rift Valley drive Evening game drive in the Mara Big cats & elephants Dinner under the stars
Main DestinationMasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
AccommodationMara Sopa Lodge (Mid-range) — or upgrade to Mara Plains Camp
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving TimeApproximately 5 hours from Lake Nakuru
Upgrade available: Mara Plains Camp (Luxury) in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
Optional activity: Night game drive (only permitted in private conservancies — ask us).
03 Day 3 — Full Day in the Masai Mara
Full day game drive in Masai Mara

Spend the entire day exploring the vast plains of the Mara. Your guide will take you to the best spots for wildlife viewing — from the Mara River (where the Great Migration crossings happen) to the open grasslands where big cats hunt.

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African savannah. Continue your game drive into the afternoon before returning to your lodge for dinner.

Optional: hot air balloon safari at sunrise (extra cost, must be booked in advance).

Full-day game drive Mara River & migration crossings Picnic lunch in the bush Optional balloon safari
Main DestinationMasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
AccommodationMara Sopa Lodge (Mid-range)
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
ActivitiesMorning & afternoon game drives
Optional activity: Hot air balloon safari from $450 per person — includes champagne breakfast in the bush.
04 Day 4 — Masai Mara & Cultural Experience
Maasai cultural experience

Morning game drive followed by a visit to a traditional Maasai village (optional, small fee). Learn about Maasai culture, dance with the warriors, and browse handmade crafts — a meaningful way to connect with the people of the Mara.

Afternoon at leisure at your lodge, or join another game drive. In the evening, enjoy a sundowner overlooking the savannah as the sun sets over the plains.

Maasai village visit Morning game drive Sundowner on the savannah Cultural photography
Main DestinationMasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
AccommodationMara Sopa Lodge (Mid-range)
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
ActivitiesGame drive + optional Maasai village visit
Optional activity: Maasai village visit from USD 20 per person (payable locally).
05 Day 5 — Masai Mara → Nairobi → Departure
Return to Nairobi

Enjoy a final early morning game drive if time permits, then return to the lodge for breakfast. Depart the Mara and drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.

Drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or your Nairobi hotel. End of an unforgettable safari with Berengei Africa Safaris.

Final morning game drive Scenic drive back to Nairobi Airport / hotel drop-off
Main DestinationNairobi, Kenya (end of tour)
AccommodationNo accommodation (end of tour)
MealsBreakfast & Lunch
Driving TimeApproximately 5–6 hours to Nairobi
Note: Please book your international departure flight for after 6:00 PM to allow enough time for the drive back.
Important Notes: Park fees, conservancy fees, and government taxes are subject to change without notice. Gorilla permits and balloon safaris are subject to availability — early booking (3–6 months in advance) is highly recommended. Maximum 6 guests per vehicle for guaranteed window seats. Moderate fitness level recommended for game drives. All prices are per person sharing.

Rates & Pricing

All prices are per person sharing. Discounts apply for groups of 4 or more. Solo travelers and single supplements available on request.

Package TierAccommodationPrice Per Person
BudgetCamping / basic lodges$1,250
Mid-RangeComfortable lodges$1,890
LuxuryPremium tented camps$2,750

Optional Add-Ons

Hot Air Balloon Safari
From $450 · per person
Maasai Village Visit
From $20 · per person
Extra Night in Nairobi
From $120 · per person
Photography Guide
From $150 · per day

Note: Prices vary by season (peak: July–October & December–February). Park fees, conservancy fees, and government taxes are subject to change without notice.

What's Included & Excluded

We believe in complete transparency. Here's exactly what you're paying for — and what you're not.

Included

  • Park entrance fees (Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru)
  • Transport in 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Full-board accommodation (all meals during safari)
  • Bottled drinking water throughout
  • Airport transfers (JKIA)
  • Government taxes & levies
  • Flying doctors emergency evacuation cover

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Kenya visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic & soft drinks
  • Tips & gratuities for guide and staff
  • Optional activities (balloon safari, village visit)
  • Personal items & souvenirs
  • Anything not listed under "Included"

Frequently Asked Questions

The best wildlife viewing is during the dry season (July–October) when animals gather around water sources and the Great Migration occurs. January–February is also excellent for predator sightings and fewer crowds.
Yes, all park entrance fees for Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru are included in the quoted price. Conservancy fees and optional activities are not included.
Absolutely. Every Berengei safari is customizable. You can extend nights, change lodges, add destinations (Amboseli, Diani Beach, etc.), or adjust the pace. Just contact us with your preferences.
Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright blue and black — tsetse flies are attracted to them), a warm jacket for early morning drives, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with zoom lens, and comfortable walking shoes.
Yes, this safari is family-friendly. Children of all ages are welcome, though some lodges have minimum age requirements for certain activities. Let us know your children's ages and we'll tailor the experience.

Traveler Reviews

Real feedback from travelers who have experienced this safari with Berengei Africa Safaris.

★★★★★

"The trip exceeded all expectations! Our guide was incredible and we saw all of the Big Five. Berengei took care of every detail — from airport pickup to the final sundowner."

SM
Sarah M.
United Kingdom
★★★★★

"Absolutely magical. The balloon safari over the Mara at sunrise was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The lodges were comfortable and the food was excellent."

JK
James K.
United States
★★★★★

"Our guide Peter was a walking encyclopedia of wildlife. He spotted a leopard from 200 meters away! The kids loved every minute. Highly recommend Berengei."

AN
Amina N.
Kenya

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