4-Day Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari
Two of Kenya greatest wildlife destinations, in the shortest trip that does them justice.
Open grassland, big cats in numbers, and between July and October the river crossings that most people come to Africa for.
The Masai Mara is the northern tip of the same ecosystem as the Serengeti, and for three months a year it holds one of the densest concentrations of large mammals anywhere on earth. Even outside those months it is one of the most reliable places in Africa to watch big cats hunt.
We normally split a Mara stay between the national reserve, where the crossings happen, and one of the private conservancies on its northern edge, where vehicle numbers are capped and you can walk and drive at night.
| Best time | July to October for the migration, January to March for quieter game viewing |
|---|---|
| Getting there | 45 minute light aircraft flight from Nairobi, or a five hour drive |
| Typical stay | Three to four nights |
| Known for | Lion, cheetah, the Mara River crossings |
From late July the herds move up from the Serengeti and mass on the Mara River.
A balloon flight over the plains, landing to a breakfast in the grass.
Fewer vehicles, night drives and walking, which the reserve itself does not allow.
The Mara rewards patience more than mileage. Good guides park and wait.
July to October is the classic window, when the migration is in the north and the grass is short. January to March is drier, much quieter and often better value, with excellent resident game. April, May and November are green, wet and cheap, and the photography can be superb if you do not mind mud.
Warm days around 26 to 30C and cold early mornings, often under 12C in an open vehicle. Long rains fall in April and May, short rains in November.
The reserve holds the larger lodges and is busier. The surrounding conservancies, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, Mara North, limit vehicle numbers and allow walking and night drives, which is why we place most guests there.
Two of Kenya greatest wildlife destinations, in the shortest trip that does them justice.
Big cats on the Mara plains, then elephants beneath Kilimanjaro.
Elephants, highland forest, two Rift Valley lakes and the Mara, the widest cross-section of Kenya on this list.
No operator can promise one. Crossings depend on rain and herd movement, but staying four nights in the right part of the Mara in August or September gives you a strong chance.
Yes. Lion, cheetah, elephant and hyena are resident all year, and January to March is one of the best times to visit.
Tell us roughly when you want to travel and what you want to see. We will send back a real itinerary with real prices, usually within one working day.
