Bird Watching and Majestic Big 5 Safari – Lake Bogoria | Lake Baringo | Lake Nakuru | Lake Naivasha | Masai Mara

Lake Bogoria – Lake Baringo

(54 km: 1 hour)

Continuing your captivating exploration of Kenya's lakeside birdlife, your journey north begins after a hearty breakfast. Your next destination is Lake Baringo, the second most northern lake in Kenya. With a rich variety of over five hundred bird species within this national park, the region stands as a vital hub of global biodiversity, beckoning to be discovered.

From the lake's shores, you'll catch glimpses of its islands, including the dormant Ol Kokwe volcano. Beyond the multitude of avian wonders on display, keep your eyes peeled for terrestrial and amphibious inhabitants, such as:

• Crocodiles
• Hippopotamuses
• Leopard tortoises
• Greater Kudu
• Mountain reedbuck And other residents residing along the lakeside. Once more, the flamingos emerge as a highlight, with over one million of these elegant birds gracing the area. During mating and feeding seasons, their presence transforms the alkaline lake's waters into a vibrant pink hue.

Lunch will be a delightful lakeside picnic, granting you ample time within the national park to marvel at the fascinating creatures around you. As the day draws to a close, you'll head to your selected camp or lodge within the park for a satisfying dinner, providing an opportunity to reflect on the day's encounters. For dedicated ornithologists, this is also a chance to update their records. The second day of your enthralling African safari adventure encompasses:

• Accommodation at your chosen camp or lodge
• Overnight stay within Lake Baringo National Park
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Complimentary drinking water; additional beverages available at extra cost

Lake Baringo – Lake Nakuru National Park

(151 km: 2 - 3 hours)

Embark on a southern journey through the sculpted landscapes of the Great African Rift Valley, guiding your path towards today's destination: the elevated highlands of Lake Nakuru, perched over 1,700 meters above sea level. Along the route, your guide will seize opportunities for brief photographic pauses, capturing the stunning vistas that unfold before you. Upon entering the park and making your way to your selected camp or lodge, a game drive awaits, offering your initial glimpse of the shimmering lake and, with luck, sightings of terrestrial mammals.

After indulging in a satisfying lunch at your accommodation, the afternoon beckons you to a captivating blend of bird watching and game driving. The diverse array of birds that inhabit and frequent this locale encompasses:

• Great white pelican
• Black-tailed godwit
• Crab-plover
• Arrow-marked babbler
• Bateleur Coupled with the presence of rare land creatures like Rothschild giraffes and rhinos. Notably, a dedicated rhino sanctuary exists within the national park, providing an opportunity to venture forth and endeavor to spot these endangered marvels.

As the sun descends, painting the sky in hues of orange, red, and pink, your return to the chosen camp or lodge heralds an evening of dining and relaxation. Whether you choose to savor the plains' ambience from the terraces or opt for an early rest, you prepare to greet the forthcoming adventures of tomorrow. The third day of your Kenyan safari encompasses:

• Accommodation at your chosen camp or lodge
• Overnight stay within Lake Nakuru National Park
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Complimentary drinking water; additional beverages available at extra cost

You'll spend the night in Lake Nakuru National Park

We have a variety of accommodations, which fits any type of budget

Standards/Budget options:

Flamingo Hill Camp

Flamingo Hill Camp, located within the renowned Lake Nakuru National Park in the stunning Great Rift Valley of Kenya, offers exceptional tented accommodation. Situated amidst the captivating "honeymoon hills," the camp can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by air or 2 hours by road from Nairobi.

Immersed in the natural beauty of its surroundings, Flamingo Hill Camp boasts landscaped grounds adorned with indigenous African plants and flowers, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. The camp takes pride in its eco-friendly practices, utilizing a portion of its earnings for environmental restoration and the preservation of endangered species.

With its cozy and inviting ambiance, Flamingo Hill Camp provides a personalized touch, ensuring that every traveler feels at home. It offers a sanctuary away from the ordinary, embracing guests with warmth and comfort during their stay.

Lake Nakuru Lodge

Located in the southeastern part of Lake Nakuru National Park, the Lake Nakuru Lodge is a sanctuary of comfort and exceptional hospitality. From its vantage point, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the lesser Flamingo mingling with the renowned Greater Flamingo, a sight that has made Lake Nakuru famous worldwide.

Designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, the lodge seamlessly blends into the environment. As a result, it is not uncommon to witness wild animals peacefully grazing in close proximity to the lodge, providing guests with a captivating and awe-inspiring experience. The serenity and beauty of the lodge's surroundings create an unparalleled sense of relaxation, making it an irresistible destination that should not be missed.

Luxury options:

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

Nestled along the Lion Hill, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge offers a picturesque setting overlooking the breathtaking Lake Nakuru with its iconic flamingo-pink rim. This prime location provides guests with panoramic views of the lake and the stunning Lake Nakuru National Park. Whether you choose to drive from Nairobi, enjoying a scenic two-hour journey on well-maintained tarmac roads, or opt for a private charter to the Naishi airstrip followed by a short 30-minute drive through the park, the lodge's accessibility makes it a popular choice for both residents and visitors to Kenya.

The design of Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is carefully planned to maximize the captivating views of the lake and park from most of its rooms and sitting areas. The lodge seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, incorporating elements of the landscape such as tall acacia trees, meandering walkways, and lush greens adorned with bird feeders. This thoughtful integration of natural landscaping creates a serene and harmonious ambiance for guests to enjoy.

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge Top of FormBottom of Form

Situated on a series of hills that mark the western boundary of the Great Rift Valley in Africa, the lodge provides breathtaking panoramic vistas that span across the expansive African landscape. From this vantage point, guests can marvel at the captivating sight of Lake Nakuru and its encompassing National Park. This park is a haven for both bird enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts, offering an abundance of diverse ecological features. Lake Nakuru National Park showcases a varied landscape, ranging from wooded areas to bushy grasslands, with distinct habitats that encompass the lake itself, as well as the surrounding escarpments and ridges.

Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Naivasha

(93 km, 2 hours)

Commencing yet another day of your safari with an early rise, you will savor a nourishing breakfast before embarking on a morning game drive within Lake Nakuru National Park. In addition to the captivating avian inhabitants, keep a keen eye out for the presence of baboons, warthogs, and zebras as they roam through the grasslands, signifying the unfolding of another day beside the lake. Departing from this park, your trajectory takes you southwestward towards Lake Naivasha, a sprawling 140-square kilometer water expanse nestled high within the rift.

Prior to your explorations around the lake and its environs, a satisfying lunch awaits you at your lodging. A boat excursion to Crescent Island beckons—a peninsula that intriguingly connects to the mainland. As you glide upon the water's surface, opportunities abound to spot avian creatures engaged in fishing and, with luck, catch glimpses of the local hippopotamuses. Upon setting foot on the island, a guided walking safari unveils itself, affording you an up-close and intimate encounter with the wildlife, a perspective that diverges from the vantage point of a safari vehicle. Notably, this optional activity is available at a fee of $30 per person. Alternatively, you may opt for a vehicle-based safari, presenting an alternative to the boat voyage and walking excursion.

Having traversed the lake's shores, islands, and savannas within Lake Naivasha National Park, you will retreat to your chosen camp or lodge, where an inviting dinner awaits. Take advantage of any available spa amenities or relish the symphony of the night from the vantage point of the terraces. The fourth day of your Kenyan safari escapade encompasses:

• Accommodation at your selected camp or lodge
• Overnight stay within Lake Naivasha National Park
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Complimentary drinking water; additional beverages available at extra cost

You'll spend the night in a lodge in Lake Naivasha.

We have a variety of accommodations, which fits any type of budget

Standard options:

Lake Naivasha samba lodge

Lake Naivasha Simba lodge is an enchanting setting where contemporary comfort blends stylishly with nature to offer an environment where guests can refresh their senses, rekindle their love of travel and reconnect with the world around them.

Each room is blissfully private; you can sit on your balcony and watch our resident wildlife, take a nap and wake up to stunning bush views. Cocoon yourself in this exclusive hideaway and let your heart start to beat to the rhythm of Africa.

Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp

Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp is located on the shores of Lake Naivasha at the heart of the Kenyan Rift Valley, only 90 minutes drive from Nairobi.

The camp is constructed using canvas and has a capacity of20 luxury tents. The tents are well furnished, have wooden floors and adequate space generously created to allow free movement inside and outside at the guests’ comfort.

Luxury options

Lake Naivasha Resort

Lake Naivasha Resort is a great escape located on Moi South Lake Road just steps off the beautiful Lake Naivasha, Kenya. It boasts lush gardens with a state-of-the-art conferencing facility, luxurious cottages, dining options, swimming, fitness, spa, boating, bird watching, and an unmatched concierge service. This makes us a unique destination, no matter how you define your great escape.

Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge is set in one hundred and fifty acres of grassland studded with Acacia bushes and trees, the resort is not only home to our resident giraffe, waterbuck and both Vervet and Colobus monkeys, but it is also a night stop for the hippos when they leave the lake every night to come and trim the grass on our expansive lawns.

With Sopa’s traditional and conscientious care for the environment, we carefully positioned all the buildings on our property so we did not have to fell any of the many trees there. As a result of this, we had to come up with a radically innovative and artistic design for the main public area building which now snakes its way between the trees with long and graceful curves.

Enashipai Resort and Spa

Enashipai – A Maasai word meaning “A Place of Happiness!”
Located within the splendor of the Great Rift Valley and by the shores of Lake Naivasha, Enashipai Resort and Spa is a multi-award-winning leisure and conference destination offering authentic African hospitality focused on wellness. We pride ourselves in curating unique and memorable experiences for our guests.

Full Day inside Hell’s Gate National Park

Adjacent to Lake Naivasha lies the compact yet formidable Hell’s Gate National Park. Fuel yourself with a substantial breakfast, for the upcoming day promises a heightened level of activity compared to your previous experiences. Embrace a more dynamic approach as you embark on bicycles to traverse this park, characterized by awe-inspiring geological formations and a diverse array of wildlife. As you leisurely cycle through the park, be prepared to encounter:

• Lions
• Buffalos
• Zebras
• Elands
• Hyenas

In addition to these mammals, the park boasts a medley of approximately a hundred avian species, including the elusive lammergeyer vulture, if fortune smiles upon you.

A revitalizing lunch awaits you at a designated picnic site within the park, affording you the chance to absorb the scenic panorama while replenishing your energy for the afternoon ahead. Subsequently, bid adieu to your bicycles and venture towards the remarkable towering columns and the intricate gorge nestled within the park's expanse. Notably, the park is also home to two dormant volcanoes; keep an eye out for intriguing rock formations borne from their past eruptions.

A day brimming with invigorating activities and novel explorations will culminate in a sumptuous dinner, followed by an evening to indulge in your personal pursuits within the confines of your camp or lodge within Lake Naivasha National Park. Opt for optional spa treatments if desired, or relish the tranquility of nature on available terraces or observation platforms. The fifth day of your bird-watching safari encompasses:

• Accommodation at your selected camp or lodge
• Overnight stay within Lake Naivasha National Park
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Complimentary drinking water; additional beverages available at extra cost

Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara National Reserve

(205 km, 4 - 5 hours)

Having dedicated five days to birdwatching and immersing yourself in some of the most favorable locations for ornithologists in Africa, it is now time to journey towards one of the premier game reserves on the continent, renowned for its exceptional opportunities to encounter the African big five:

• Elephants
• Lions
• Leopards
• Rhinos
• Buffalos

Your destination is the iconic Masai Mara, situated to the south and west, where you will embark on a new exploration of Kenya's diverse landscapes following your breakfast. As you traverse this route, you will transition from the lake-dotted highlands to the expansive grassy lowlands of the Masai Mara.

Upon arrival, a brief introductory game drive will guide you to your selected camp or lodge, where a well-deserved lunch awaits you following your travels. The afternoon unfolds across the plains, adorned with a profusion of animals whose concentrations rival those found in few other parks across the African continent. This initial afternoon of exploration merely serves as a tantalizing prelude to the captivating experiences that lie ahead.

Retire to your camp or lodge, where you can rejuvenate and savor a hearty dinner, for tomorrow promises a day filled with exhilarating activities in the heart of the Masai Mara. The sixth day of your remarkable African safari encompasses:

• Accommodation at your chosen camp or lodge
• Overnight stay within the boundaries of Masai Mara National Reserve
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Complimentary drinking water; additional beverages available at extra cost

You'll spend the night the Masai Mara National Reserve

We have a variety of accommodations, which fits any type of budget

Standard options:

Basecamp Masai Mara

Basecamp Masai Mara is not just a travel destination; it is a place that becomes your home away from home. When you stay with us, you become more than just a visitor - you become an integral part of the Maasai community.

Gather around our cozy fireplace for captivating storytelling sessions and mesmerizing stargazing experiences. Our camp holds a deep significance as it represents the very birthplace of humanity, where our remarkable journey began.

Situated just across the river, the Masai Mara National Reserve awaits, boasting the highest concentration of wildlife in the world. Here, you will have the opportunity to encounter the iconic Big Five and witness the awe-inspiring wonder of the world, the Wildebeest Migration.

Zebra Plains Mara Camp

Experience the epitome of luxury at Zebra Plains Mara Camp, where our exquisite tented rooms are meticulously designed to provide you with all the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay during your visit to the Maasai Mara.

Our versatile rooms can be easily configured to accommodate singles, doubles, or triples, catering to your specific booking needs. For families or larger groups, our spacious family tent is the ideal choice, offering ample space to comfortably accommodate between 4 and 6 guests.

Situated in the prime area of the Maasai Mara, Zebra Plains Mara Camp grants you easy access to exhilarating safaris amidst Africa's awe-inspiring wildlife. Immerse yourself in the captivating wonders of the Maasai Mara as you embark on unforgettable safari adventures from our remarkable location.

Luxury options:

Mara Sopa Lodge

Perched atop the Oloolaimutia Hills, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge stands majestically as one of the pioneering safari lodges within the Masai Mara National Reserve. This distinction is reflected in the lodge's beautifully landscaped gardens and thriving, well-established trees.

The architecture of the lodge pays homage to traditional African round houses, featuring characteristic conical roofs. Stretching along the hillside, the buildings create a harmonious line, with the expansive public areas and the central swimming pool leaving a lasting impression at the heart of the property.

Ashnil Mara Camp

Ashnil Mara Camp is superbly situated within the Masai Mara National Reserve, in close proximity to the renowned Mara River, celebrated for the spectacular wildebeest migration.

Our luxurious camp in the Masai Mara offers a prime location for exceptional game viewing, ensuring unforgettable wildlife encounters. At the end of an exhilarating day of game drives, our camp provides an idyllic setting to unwind and rejuvenate. Whether observing nature's wonders or simply relishing moments of tranquility, Ashnil Mara Camp promises an extraordinary experience.

Reaching Ashnil Mara Camp is convenient, with multiple transportation options available. It is approximately a 4-5 hour scenic drive from Nairobi. Alternatively, there are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, with a quick 45-minute flight duration. For guests coming from the Mombasa Coast, a direct flight to our luxury tented camp takes just 2 hours, allowing for effortless access to this remarkable destination.

Ilkeliani Camp

Ilkeliani is an elegant oasis in the centre of the world famous Maasai Mara. The redesigned camp overlooking game-filled plains has stylish new tented suites, a selection of viewing decks, and a wealth of enticing activities. Dedicated to privacy and personal service, the team offers a sophisticated safari experience. The camp is small and intimate with a maximum of twelve ensuite guest tents.

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Sarova Mara Game Camp is ideally located in the heart of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya and offers a unique African safari experience for game viewing. The luxury safari camps include 12 Club Tents, 8 Superior Deluxe Tents, 52 Deluxe Tents with upgrades on some tents currently in progress, and 3, 2-bedroom Family Tents. All our tented accommodation is master ensuite while some Club Tents offer a spectacular view of the rolling Savannah plains,mini golf, sport fishing and a unique insight into the Maasai culture at the adjoining Maasai village.. The organic garden provides the freshest ingredients for our exceptional cuisine with bush dining options available.

Full day inside Masai Mara National Reserve

Embarking on a journey through the vast expanse of the Masai Mara offers a splendid opportunity to immerse yourself in the embrace of nature, and this is the essence of the day's plan following your morning meal. The ancient savanna teems with a profusion of wildlife. Amidst the predators and herbivores that grace this landscape, you can continue your pursuit of avian wonders by seeking out glimpses of:

• Ostriches
• African darters
• Black-crowned night herons
• Cattle egrets
• White storks

Following a delightful picnic lunch nestled alongside the Mara River within the park's embrace, an optional excursion beckons—a visit to a Masai village. These nomadic tribes have tended to their cattle across these lands for countless centuries, fostering a near-symbiotic connection with the environment. Your experience commences with a traditional song and dance performance, followed by a guided exploration of their village and a rare opportunity to step inside one of their dwellings, delving deeply into their way of life. Please note that participation in this optional activity incurs an extra fee of $20 per person.

As the sun gracefully yields to the horizon, casting its golden hues across your first complete day within the Masai Mara, it is time to return to your chosen camp or lodge. Here, a sumptuous dinner awaits you, along with the chance to partake in any optional amenities or simply bask in the ambiance and nocturnal symphony of the savanna. The seventh day of your Kenyan safari unfolds with:

• Accommodation at your selected camp or lodge
• Overnight sojourn within the boundaries of Masai Mara National Reserve
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Complimentary drinking water; additional beverages available for purchase

Full day inside Masai Mara National Reserve

A significant portion of your safari thus far has been devoted to gazing upwards, observing the avian inhabitants of East Africa as they glide and dart through the skies, engaging in their intricate behaviors of breeding and foraging. However, this morning offers a unique opportunity to view the Masai Mara from a perspective akin to these feathered creatures. You have the option to embark on a hot air balloon ride at dawn, ascending high above the plains to admire the landscape from an angle typically reserved for the avifauna. The early light that bathes the savanna in enchanting hues awaits to be captured in your photographs. Concluding this awe-inspiring escapade, your breakfast will be accompanied by champagne, elegantly served on a viewing platform that overlooks the expansive panorama. Kindly note that this extraordinary experience incurs an additional cost of $560 per person.

Alternatively, you may choose to spend your morning on a dawn game drive, followed by a hearty breakfast at your selected camp or lodge. Subsequently, you'll embark on a bustling day of exploration within the grasslands. The Masai Mara abounds with an abundance of wildlife, including the three most renowned large felines of the continent:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs

If fortune favors you, you may have ample time to spot these majestic creatures, bolstered by the expertise of your knowledgeable Kenyan safari guide.

Maximizing your time within the park, a picnic lunch will once again be savored amidst the sprawling plains. As the sun gracefully sets beneath the horizon, marking the closing chapter of your safari expedition, a final dinner awaits you at your accommodation. You'll have one more evening to savor the wilderness ambiance of Kenya. The ultimate full day of your Kenyan safari encompasses:

• Accommodation at your chosen camp or lodge
• Overnight stay within Masai Mara National Reserve
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Complimentary drinking water; additional beverages available for purchase

Masai Mara National Reserve – Nairobi

(265 km, 5 - 6 hours)

On your concluding day in the Masai Mara, you will rise early to embark on a final game drive through this majestic landscape. The first light cast upon the plains presents captivating photographic opportunities, coupled with the prospect of observing the animals at their most dynamic – refreshed and poised for a day ahead, with the air still pleasantly crisp. Following this early morning game drive, you will return to your lodging for a satisfying breakfast, preparing yourself for the transition back to reality.

As you journey through the Kenyan countryside, you will have a final opportunity to gain insights into local ways of life, witnessing the vibrancy of markets and cafes as they bustle through the day. A delectable lunch will be provided in a town along the route, affording you the chance to savor authentic Kenyan cuisine.

Upon your arrival back in Nairobi during the late afternoon, you can simply inform your driver of your preference to be dropped off at your hotel, place of residence, or one of the airports, depending on your onward plans. This ultimate day of your safari encounter in Kenya encompasses:

• No accommodation, as this marks the concluding day
• Breakfast and lunch included; dinner not provided
• Complimentary drinking water; additional beverages available for purchase