This 5-day safari combines the vast landscapes of Tsavo East, the iconic wildlife-rich plains of Masai Mara, and the flamingo-filled waters of Lake Nakuru. This itinerary offers a diverse experience of Kenya’s landscapes and wildlife, from elephants and big cats to abundant birdlife.

Day 1: Tsavo East National Park
1. Early morning departure from your starting point (e.g., Mombasa or Nairobi)
2. Drive to Tsavo East National Park (3-4 hours from Mombasa, 5-6 hours from Nairobi)
3. Afternoon game drive in Tsavo East
4. Dinner and overnight at a Tsavo East lodge

Day 2: Tsavo East to Masai Mara
1. Early morning game drive in Tsavo East
2. Breakfast at the lodge
3. Drive to Nairobi (5-6 hours)
4. Lunch in Nairobi
5. Afternoon flight to Masai Mara (1 hour)
6. Evening game drive in Masai Mara (if time permits)
7. Dinner and overnight at a Masai Mara lodge/camp

Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve
1. Full day of game drives in Masai Mara with packed lunch
2. Optional visit to a Maasai village
3. Dinner and overnight at your Masai Mara lodge/camp

Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
1. Early morning game drive in Masai Mara
2. Breakfast at the lodge
3. Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park (5-6 hours)
4. Afternoon game drive around Lake Nakuru
5. Dinner and overnight at a Lake Nakuru lodge

Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi
1. Early morning game drive at Lake Nakuru
2. Breakfast at the lodge
3. Drive back to Nairobi (3-4 hours)
4. Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon for departure

Key Locations

Tsavo East National Park
– One of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks
– Known for its large elephant herds and the “red elephants” covered in red dust
– Flat, semi-arid landscape with the Galana River as a key feature
– Home to diverse wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, and numerous bird species

Masai Mara National Reserve
– Famous for its exceptional population of big cats, especially lions
– Part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem and host to the Great Wildebeest Migration (July to October)
– Open grasslands with scattered acacia trees, providing perfect safari landscapes
– Home to all of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros)

Lake Nakuru National Park
– Known for its huge flocks of flamingos (numbers vary seasonally)
– One of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos (both black and white)
– Beautiful lake surrounded by grasslands, woodlands, and rocky cliffs
– Home to diverse wildlife including lions, leopards, hippos, and many bird species

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
– Tsavo East: Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes
– Masai Mara: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, wildebeest, zebras, various antelopes
– Lake Nakuru: Flamingos, pelicans, rhinos, lions, leopards, hippos, pythons, many bird species

Key Attractions
1. Galana River (Tsavo East): Excellent for wildlife viewing
2. Mara River (Masai Mara): Famous for wildebeest crossings during the migration
3. Lake Nakuru: Large numbers of flamingos and other water birds
4. Maasai culture: Opportunity to visit traditional villages in the Mara region

Accommodation Options
– Tsavo East: Voi Wildlife Lodge, Ashnil Aruba Lodge, Satao Camp
– Masai Mara: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Governors’ Camp, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
– Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

Best Time to Visit
– June to October: Dry season, best for general wildlife viewing
– July to October: Ideal for witnessing the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara
– November to May: Green season, good for bird watching and photography

What to Pack
– Light, neutral-colored clothing
– Warm layers for early morning and evening game drives
– Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
– Insect repellent
– Camera and binoculars
– Comfortable, closed shoes for walking

Important Notes
– This itinerary involves significant travel time between parks. Be prepared for long drives or consider flight options between some destinations.
– The flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara on Day 2 is recommended to save time, but driving is also an option if preferred.
– Always follow park rules and your guide’s instructions for safety and to minimize impact on wildlife and ecosystems.