5 Days / 4 Nights Aberdares, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari
Tour Description
Embark on a thrilling 5-day safari through some of Kenya's most iconic wildlife destinations: Aberdares National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the world-renowned Maasai Mara. This safari offers a combination of spectacular game viewing, unique accommodations, and unforgettable experiences like hot air balloon rides over the Mara. Explore diverse ecosystems and spot a wide array of wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, lions, flamingos, and the elusive Bongo antelope, all while staying in carefully selected lodges with breathtaking views.
Tour Highlights
- Aberdares National Park: Stay at the Treetops Lodge, famous for its wildlife viewing from the lodge’s balcony.
- Lake Nakuru: A sanctuary for rhinos and flamingos, where game drives offer close encounters with a variety of animals.
- Masai Mara: Witness the annual wildebeest migration (seasonal) and enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the savannah (optional).
What's Included
- Transfers to/from the airport on arrival and departure
- Park entrance fees
- Services of a well-experienced and English-speaking driver-guide
- Transport in a safari minibus with a pop-up roof for game viewing
- Accommodation on a full-board basis (lunch, dinner, and breakfast
- Game drives as per the itinerary
- Driver's allowances and park fees for the vehicle and driver
- Bottled mineral water during the safari (one bottle per person per day)
- Government taxes
What's Not Included
- Balloon ride in Maasai Mara (extra cost)
- Visa fees, laundry, drinks (including mineral water at hotels
- Tips to driver guides, waiters, and porters
- Personal expenses (gratuities, souvenirs, etc.)
- Travel Insurance cover
- International/domestic flights
- Yellow fever vaccination or any other innoculation that may be required.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi – Aberdares National Park
Morning: Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up from your hotel or the airport by your driver-guide. If you arrive in the morning, breakfast is available at a nearby hotel (extra cost).
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Outspan Hotel, Treetops Lodge base hotel.
Afternoon: At 14:30, transfer to Treetops Lodge in Aberdares National Park for the first game viewing experience. The lodge is a tree hotel offering unique views of the wildlife directly from the balcony.
Aberdare National Park is located in the Aberdare Mountain Range in central Kenya. Known for its diverse wildlife, the park is home to the rare Bongo antelope, Black Rhino, leopards, Colobus monkeys, elephants, and hippos. Over 250 bird species also inhabit the park, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, bird-watching, and trekking in the scenic Aberdare ranges. The park features two tree lodges, including the famous Treetops Lodge, offering unique wildlife viewing from the comfort of your room.
Dinner and overnight at Treetops Lodge (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast).
: Aberdares to Lake Nakuru National Park
Morning: After breakfast, transfer back to Outspan for a breakfast before departing for Lake Nakuru National Park.
Lunch: Arrive and enjoy lunch at your lodge in Lake Nakuru.
Afternoon: At 16:00, head out for a late afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is known for its flamingos and is home to both Black and White Rhinos.
Situated about 150 km from Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park is best known for its scenic alkaline lake, diverse birdlife, and seasonal flamingos. The park is an important rhino sanctuary, protecting both black and white rhinos. Visitors can also spot a variety of wildlife including lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, gazelles, and other plains game, making it a top destination for wildlife lovers.
Accommodation on full board at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast).
Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Park
Morning: After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley to Maasai Mara, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge.
Afternoon: At 16:00, set off on your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, exploring the vast plains where wildlife roams freely.
Masai Mara is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including lions, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, elephants, leopards, and many more. The park also boasts a rich variety of birdlife. The highlight of Masai Mara is the annual migration of thousands of wildebeests and zebras from the Serengeti, crossing rivers to reach the Mara between June and October. This dramatic event is followed by predators like lions and hyenas, and visitors can witness the thrilling Mara River crossings, where the migrating animals face crocodile attacks.
Accommodation on full board at Mara Sopa Lodge (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast).
Maasai Mara National Park
Option 1 (Early Morning Balloon Ride): For an unforgettable experience, you’ll be picked up at 05:00 and taken to the balloon launch site for a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the Mara, followed by a bush breakfast and champagne. Return to the lodge by 09:00.
Option 2 (Early Morning Game Drive): Alternatively, enjoy a thrilling morning game drive starting at 06:30, followed by a late breakfast at the lodge.
Afternoon game drive: After lunch, go on an exciting afternoon game drive at 16:00, capturing more wildlife sightings and the stunning landscapes of the Mara.
Accommodation on full board at Mara Sopa Lodge (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast).
: Maasai Mara back to Nairobi
Morning: After breakfast, check out and drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon.
Afternoon: Drop off at your hotel or at JKIA Airport for your onward/return flight.