6 Days Kenya Encounters with the Big Five Safari

Depart early in the morning for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of the last places on Earth where wildlife thrives in numbers reminiscent of the historic plains and forests of Africa. As the northern extension of the expansive Serengeti ecosystem, the Mara is famed for the spectacular seasonal migration of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and their predators. Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive.

Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

Meal plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, we embark on a full-day game drive with a packed lunch provided. The reserve is renowned for its black-maned lions and abundant resident wildlife, and it's one of the few places where you can spot the Big Five during a morning game drive. Many cheetahs in the reserve are so accustomed to vehicles that they often seek shade beneath them and occasionally climb onto the roofs for a better view of potential prey. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that almost 500 species have been recorded here, including 16 species of eagles, numerous hawks and falcons, 6 species of vultures, 8 species of storks, 4 species of bustards (including the Kori bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird), and 9 species of sunbirds.

Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

Meal plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

You will drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, a stunning wildlife haven situated on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. This park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, hosting over 500 bird species, with Soda Lake being a renowned birding hotspot. Lake Nakuru also serves as a Rhino Sanctuary, home to over 40 black rhinos and more than 60 white rhinos. The park's most famous residents, however, are the flamingoes. At times, nearly 2 million flamingoes create a breathtaking deep pink band around the lakeshore. You'll arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive.

Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Meal plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

You will have an early morning drive to Lake Naivasha, which is the highest and the most beautiful of the Rift Valley lakes. The freshwater lake is fringed with dense clumps of papyrus, which was used by ancient Egyptians to make paper. Kingfishers use the papyrus as a perch while herons hide in it while searching for food. Naivasha is yet another area popular for bird watching as there are over 400 recorded species. It is also a favorite weekend retreat for Nairobi residents, who come here to sail, water ski, and fish. There are no crocodiles in the lake as the water is too cold for them, due to the altitude but there are several hippos.

Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Meal plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After your early morning breakfast, on your way to Nairobi, you will stop at Hell’s Gate Park which is also known as a ‘walk on the wild side.’ It is the only park in Kenya where you can walk and even enjoy bike rides as you watch the animals. In addition to the biodiversity that includes raptors, you can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, and a natural spa all at an extra cost. Later you will continue with your safari back to Nairobi. Drop-off will be at your place of choice.

Destination: Lake Naivasha

Meal plan: Breakfast & Lunch