Into the Wild: 5-Day Kenya Safari from Maasai Mara to Lake Naivasha
From $1,950 per person
Luxury$4,800 per person
This 5-day adventure through Kenya offers the perfect blend of action and relaxation. Begin in the iconic Maasai Mara, home of the Big Five and the Great Migration. Continue to the peaceful shores of Lake Naivasha, where boat rides and guided nature walks bring you close to hippos, birds, and gentle giraffes.
Designed for travelers who want a short but rich safari experience, this journey gives you high-impact wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and peaceful moments on the water — all with the reliability and expert care of Upcountry Safaris Uganda.
safari Pax
This Safari allows pax starting from 2 to a group of 18
Transport
All ground transfers are done in a 4*4 safari vehicle
Accomodation
All hotels and lodges are well curated to meet your expectations
Meals
This Safari allows both local and international cuisines
Payments
This Safari is paid only in Dollars through bank transfer or Mastercard
24/7 Support
Our team of experts will be around from the start of your safari till end
Do not hesitate giving us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

- +256 778 495 443
- info@upcountrysafarisug.com
- Overview
- Safari Itinerary
- Inclusion/Exclusion
- Safari Map
This 5-day journey brings together the untamed beauty of the Maasai Mara and the tranquil charm of Lake Naivasha, offering a perfect snapshot of Kenya’s contrasting landscapes. Designed for travelers who crave meaningful wildlife encounters without sacrificing comfort, this midrange safari delivers immersive game drives, scenic boat rides, and guided nature walks—all while staying in well-selected lodges and tented camps.
From tracking lions across the vast savannah to drifting past hippos on Lake Naivasha, every day is an opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories. Whether it’s your first safari or a return to Africa, this trip offers just the right balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, all curated by the expert team at Upcountry Safaris Uganda.
Safari Highlights
Explore the Legendary Maasai Mara – Experience thrilling game drives in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife reserves, home to the Big Five and dramatic predator-prey encounters.
Full-Day Wildlife Immersion – Spend an entire day deep in the Mara plains with a picnic lunch, tracking lions, elephants, giraffes, and (in season) the Great Migration herds.
Sunrise Game Drives – Witness magical sunrises over the savannah as the bush comes alive with activity.
Lake Naivasha Boat Safari – Glide past hippos and spot fish eagles during a tranquil boat ride on this scenic Rift Valley lake.
Guided Walking Safari on Crescent Island – Walk among freely roaming giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and gazelles in a safe, predator-free environment.
Great Rift Valley Views – Drive through Kenya’s most dramatic landscapes, with stops for panoramic photography.
Optional Cultural Encounters – Visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about their customs, dances, and lifestyle (optional).
Hot Air Balloon Safari (Optional) – Rise above the Mara plains for a bird’s eye view of wildlife and scenery followed by a champagne breakfast (optional add-on).
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara – Into the Wild
After an early breakfast in Nairobi, you’ll be picked up by your driver-guide and begin the journey southwest toward the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Pass through the Great Rift Valley with photo stops and lunch en route. Arrive at your camp in time for an afternoon game drive. Get your first glimpse of the Mara’s famed wildlife — elephants, giraffes, antelope, and possibly even lions as the sun begins to set.
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp (or similar)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive – A Love Letter to the Wild
Spend a full day immersed in the magic of the Maasai Mara. Depart early with a packed picnic lunch and explore the vast open plains in search of lions, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas, wildebeest, and more. Visit the Mara River for a chance to witness hippos and crocodiles. During migration season (July–October), this is where dramatic river crossings occur. Return to camp for a relaxing evening under the stars.
Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Add-ons:
🎈 Hot Air Balloon Safari with Champagne Breakfast – $450 per person
🛖 Cultural Visit to a Maasai Village – $25 per person
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Journey to Lake Naivasha – From Savannah to Serenity
Enjoy a final sunrise game drive in the Mara, followed by breakfast at camp. Check out and begin your journey north to Lake Naivasha, arriving by late afternoon. Settle into your lakeside lodge and enjoy views of hippos wallowing in the shallows or birds flitting through the papyrus reeds.
Accommodation: Naivasha Crescent Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lake Naivasha – Boat Safari & Crescent Island Walk
After breakfast, embark on a peaceful boat safari on Lake Naivasha. Spot hippos, fish eagles, and waterbuck. Continue to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari where you'll walk alongside giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and other herbivores in an open, predator-free sanctuary. Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps enjoying a sunset over the lake.
Accommodation: Naivasha Crescent Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi – Farewell Kenya
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departing for Nairobi. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the Rift Valley. Upon arrival in the capital, you’ll be dropped at your hotel, residence, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions:
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
4x4 safari land cruiser with pop-up roof
All park fees and conservancy charges
All accommodations in comfortable midrange camps/lodges
All meals as indicated (B, L, D)
Game drives in Maasai Mara
Boat ride & walking safari at Lake Naivasha
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Airport transfers
Exclusions:
International flights & Kenya visa
Optional activities (balloon safari, village visit)
Travel insurance
Tips & personal expenses
Alcoholic and soft drinks not included in meals
FAQs About Safaris in Kenya
The best wildlife viewing months are during the dry seasons:
January – March (Great for predator action and baby animals)
July – October (Peak season and Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara)
Yes. Kenya requires an electronic visa (eVisa) for most nationalities. You must apply online via https://www.etakenya.go.ke before traveling.
Yes, Kenya’s safari destinations are generally safe. Upcountry Safaris Uganda ensures that clients are accompanied by professional guides and stay in secure, vetted accommodations. However, basic travel precautions are recommended in urban areas.
Expect to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo), plus cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species. Samburu offers rarities like Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk.
Typically, game drives last:
Morning: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Afternoon: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
You can also opt for full-day drives with picnic lunches in the bush.
Yes, most midrange and luxury lodges offer Wi-Fi in common areas. However, signal strength may vary depending on the location.
Essentials include:
Lightweight neutral-colored clothing
A warm jacket/fleece (for early mornings)
Safari hat and sunglasses
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Binoculars and camera
Comfortable walking shoes
Personal medications and travel documents
Yes, comprehensive travel and medical insurance is required and highly recommended.
The currency is Kenyan Shillings (KES). Most lodges accept USD and major credit cards, but it’s advisable to carry some local currency for tipping and small purchases.
Enhance your safari with:
Hot Air Balloon Safari (Maasai Mara) – From $450 pp
Maasai Village Visit – Around $25 pp
Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha – Around $30–$50 pp
Chimpanzee Sanctuary at Ol Pejeta – Included in most itineraries
Sundowner Cocktails in the Bush – Some luxury camps include this
Guided Nature Walks – Available in select conservancies
Professional Photographer Services – Available upon request
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