Great Rift Valley Lakes & Maasai Mara Safari | 6 Days Kenya
Discover Kenya's Great Rift Valley & Maasai Mara
Experience one of Kenya's most rewarding safari circuits on a 6-day Great Rift Valley Lakes and Maasai Mara safari combining spectacular landscapes, exceptional birdlife, geothermal wonders and some of Africa's finest wildlife viewing.
From the dramatic Great Rift Valley Escarpment to the tranquil shores of Lake Baringo, the flamingo-rich landscapes of Lake Bogoria, rhino country in Lake Nakuru and the legendary wildlife plains of the Maasai Mara, this journey showcases an extraordinary diversity of Kenya in just six days.
The safari concludes beside the beautiful Lake Naivasha, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed boat excursion and discover one of the Rift Valley's most important freshwater ecosystems before returning to Nairobi.
Why Choose This Safari?
- Visit four iconic Great Rift Valley lakes
- Explore Lake Baringo, renowned for exceptional birdwatching
- Discover Lake Bogoria's hot springs, geysers and flamingo habitats
- Search for black and white rhino at Lake Nakuru National Park
- Enjoy a pre-breakfast and afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru
- Spend two nights in the Maasai Mara
- Experience full-day Big Five and predator-focused game viewing
- Visit the Mara River and Hippo Point
- Travel across the dramatic Mau Escarpment
- Enjoy optional hot-air ballooning over the Maasai Mara
- Relax beside Lake Naivasha
- Optional boat excursion to Crescent Island
- Travel in a private safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: NAIROBI – GREAT RIFT VALLEY – LAKE BARINGO
Distance: Approximately 300 km
Accommodation: Tumbili Cliff Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Your safari begins in Nairobi with a morning departure towards Kenya's spectacular Great Rift Valley.
Ascend the escarpment and stop at a scenic viewpoint for panoramic views across the vast Rift Valley floor. This dramatic landscape is one of Kenya's most memorable road-trip experiences.
Continue northwards through the Rift Valley to Lake Baringo, arriving in time for lunch.
Lake Baringo is one of Kenya's premier birding destinations, with a remarkable diversity of resident and migratory birdlife. The lake and surrounding acacia and papyrus habitats also provide opportunities to encounter hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards and African fish eagles.
Spend the afternoon at leisure or enhance your experience with an optional activity:
- Lake Baringo boat excursion
- Hippo and crocodile viewing
- Birdwatching excursion
- Nature walk
- Njemps cultural experience
- Photography around the lake and surrounding escarpments
Dinner and overnight at Tumbili Cliff Lodge, overlooking the lake and the spectacular Seven Islands and Laikipia Escarpment.
DAY 2: LAKE BARINGO – LAKE BOGORIA – LAKE NAKURU
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, depart Lake Baringo and travel south through the Rift Valley towards Lake Bogoria National Reserve.
Lake Bogoria is famous for its extraordinary geothermal landscape, including hot springs, geysers and volcanic features, as well as its spectacular birdlife and flamingo habitats.
Enjoy a scenic exploration of the reserve before continuing towards Lake Nakuru.
After lunch, enter Lake Nakuru National Park for an afternoon game drive.
The park is one of Kenya's most important rhino sanctuaries and offers opportunities to encounter:
- Black and white rhinoceros
- Lion
- Leopard
- Buffalo
- Waterbuck
- Warthog
- Rothschild's giraffe
- Zebra
- Numerous bird species
Lake Nakuru is officially recognised as a major wildlife and birding destination, with the park particularly renowned for its rhino populations. Current KWS adult non-resident entry is USD 90 per person.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge.
DAY 3: LAKE NAKURU – MAASAI MARA
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rise early for a pre-breakfast game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.
The early morning light provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography as animals become active before the heat of the day.
Return to the lodge for breakfast before departing for the Maasai Mara.
The route takes you through the spectacular Mau Escarpment and Narok, before descending towards the famous Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy your first game drive as you enter the reserve.
The Maasai Mara is celebrated for its exceptional concentration of large mammals and predators, including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and numerous plains game species.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge.
DAY 4: FULL-DAY MAASAI MARA WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Maasai Mara.
After an early breakfast, set out on a full-day game drive across the savannah plains in search of the Mara's legendary wildlife.
Your experienced driver-guide will tailor the game drive to current wildlife activity, with particular attention to predator sightings and seasonal movements.
Visit the Mara River and Hippo Point, where hippos and crocodiles can often be observed along the river.
Depending on the season, you may witness the extraordinary movements associated with the Great Wildebeest Migration, particularly between July and October.
Optional Maasai Mara Hot-Air Balloon Safari
For an unforgettable upgrade, take to the skies at sunrise on a Maasai Mara hot-air balloon safari.
Float silently above the savannah as wildlife moves across the plains, followed by a memorable champagne breakfast in the wilderness.
Indicative balloon safari supplement: from USD 480 per person, subject to availability and prevailing operator rates.
Return to Mara Sopa Lodge for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: MAASAI MARA – LAKE NAIVASHA
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast before checking out and departing the Maasai Mara towards Lake Naivasha.
Travel through Narok and across the Great Rift Valley landscapes, enjoying changing scenery along the journey.
Arrive at Lake Naivasha, Kenya's beautiful freshwater Rift Valley lake.
After lunch, spend the afternoon relaxing at the resort or choose from optional experiences such as:
- Lake Naivasha boat safari
- Crescent Island walking safari
- Birdwatching
- Nature walk
- Photography
- Lakeside relaxation
Lake Naivasha is particularly attractive to birdwatchers and photographers, with its freshwater ecosystem supporting diverse birdlife.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.
DAY 6: LAKE NAIVASHA – NAIROBI
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a final morning experience around Lake Naivasha.
An optional boat excursion provides an opportunity to observe aquatic birdlife and wildlife around the lake, with Crescent Island offering one of the area's most distinctive walking-safari experiences.
After lunch, depart for Nairobi.
Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon or early evening, where your safari concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, subject to your onward travel schedule.
BEST TIME TO TAKE THIS SAFARI
July – October | Peak Wildlife & Migration Season
The premium season for travellers seeking the Great Wildebeest Migration, dramatic predator activity and excellent general wildlife viewing.
January – March | Excellent Wildlife & Photography
Generally favourable conditions for wildlife viewing, with excellent opportunities for photography and fewer crowds than the peak migration period.
April – May | Green Season & Best Value
The landscape becomes lush and vibrant, migratory birdlife can be rewarding, and safari rates are generally more attractive.
June & November – December | Shoulder Season
A compelling balance of wildlife, scenery, comfortable travel conditions and value, subject to seasonal weather patterns.
WHO IS THIS SAFARI FOR?
This itinerary is ideal for:
Luxury & Premium Travellers
Combine Kenya's iconic wildlife with comfortable lodges and a private safari experience.
Birdwatchers & Nature Lovers
Explore four major Rift Valley lakes with exceptional opportunities for birding and photography.
Families
A diverse itinerary with wildlife, scenery, cultural experiences and optional activities.
Photographers
From Rift Valley escarpment landscapes to flamingos, rhinos, predators and golden Mara sunsets.
First-Time Kenya Visitors
A well-rounded introduction to Kenya's landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage.
Small Private Groups
Excellent for families, friends, corporate incentive groups and private celebrations.
BOOK YOUR GREAT RIFT VALLEY & MAASAI MARA SAFARI
From Rift Valley escarpments to flamingo-filled lakes and the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara, experience the Kenya safari you've been waiting for.
Travel privately. Explore deeply. Create memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to experience Kenya?
Request Your Private Safari Quote
Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation preference, and the Afrika Hub Vacations team will tailor this safari around your interests, budget and travel style.
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