5-days Aberdare-Nakuru- Maasai Mara
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day safari adventure, exploring three of Kenya's most captivating wildlife destinations. Begin in the lush Aberdare National Park, a haven for rare and elusive species like the bongo antelope and the colourful African fish eagle. Then, journey to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its breathtaking flocks of flamingos and diverse wildlife. Finally, experience the thrill of the Maasai Mara, witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal) and encountering the Big Five. This tour offers a comprehensive Kenyan safari experience, showcasing the country's diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
Day 2: Aberdare National Park to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 5: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Activities:
* Game drives and guided walks in Aberdare National Park
* Visit the Treetops Lodge or The Ark for unique wildlife viewing opportunities
* Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve
* Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara (if travelling during the season)
Optional activities: Bird watching, hiking, visiting a Maasai village, or taking a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara (additional cost).
Optional Travel Upgrade:
Travel Between Parks with Light Aircraft: For a seamless and time-efficient experience, consider upgrading your transportation between parks with a scenic light aircraft flight. This option offers breathtaking aerial views of the Kenyan landscape and significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to maximize your time on safari.
Wildlife & Scenic Highlights:
Aberdare National Park: Bongo antelopes, elephants, leopards, black rhinos, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, Sykes' monkeys, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species, including the African fish eagle and the Jackson's francolin.
Lake Nakuru National Park: Flamingos, rhinos (both black and white), lions, leopards, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, zebras, and a plethora of bird species, including pelicans, eagles, and storks.
Maasai Mara National Reserve: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
The Great Wildebeest Migration: Witness the annual spectacle of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores crossing the Mara River in search of fresh grazing lands. (Seasonal, typically July-October)
Scenic Landscapes: The lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and moorlands of Aberdare, the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, acacia forests, the shimmering waters of Lake Nakuru, and the vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)
- Morning (Arrival/Departure): Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi, you will be met by your professional driver/guide. After a brief welcome and safari briefing, depart for Aberdare National Park.
- Mid-morning: The drive takes you north, through agricultural areas and into the foothills of the Aberdare mountain range. You'll likely stop at the Aberdare Country Club for lunch. This is often the staging point for transfers into the park itself, especially to the "tree hotels."
- Afternoon: Transfer into Aberdare National Park and check in to your chosen tree hotel (The Ark or Treetops are the most well-known). These unique lodges offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities from their elevated platforms overlooking floodlit waterholes.
- Evening: Enjoy wildlife viewing from the lodge throughout the night. Keep an eye out for elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and various nocturnal animals.
Accommodation Suggestions: The Ark, Treetops, or similar.
Day 2: Aberdare National Park to Lake Nakuru National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final morning of wildlife viewing from your tree hotel. The early morning light in the Aberdares is often beautiful.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, descend from the Aberdares and drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Nakuru and check in to your accommodation near the park. Have lunch.
- Late Afternoon: Enjoy a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. While the large flamingo flocks are not always present (depending on water levels), the park is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, lions, leopards, and various antelope species. It's also a great place for birdwatching.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, The Cliff Nakuru, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, or similar.
Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final game drive in Lake Nakuru, perhaps focusing on rhino tracking or birdwatching.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and depart for the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes, including the floor of the Great Rift Valley. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route, often in Narok town.
- Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near the Maasai Mara. Check in.
- Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, famous for its incredible wildlife concentrations and the Great Migration (seasonal).
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Suggestions: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids Camp, Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri, &Beyond Bateleur Camp, or similar.
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Full Day: Enjoy full-day game drives in the Maasai Mara with packed lunches. This maximizes your time for exploring different areas of the reserve and increases your chances of seeing the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and other iconic African wildlife. Consider a hot air balloon safari for a unique perspective of the Mara plains (pre-booking essential). You can also discuss with your guide options for shorter morning and afternoon game drives with some relaxation time at the camp/lodge in the middle of the day.
- Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Maasai Mara to Nairobi (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara.
- Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and depart for Nairobi.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your departure flight or to a hotel for onward travel.
Important Notes :
- This is a sample itinerary and can be customized.
- Driving times are estimates and depend on road conditions.
- Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather, including warm layers (especially for Aberdare), comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.