Experience the essence of Kenya's diverse wildlife and conservation successes on this impactful express 5 day luxury safari. Perfectly designed for Canadian travellers with very limited time seeking high impact encounters, this journey, expertly managed by Kenyan based specialists, connects the unique conservation haven of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the serene Lake Naivasha, and the legendary Maasai Mara. Please note: To comfortably cover these three distinct locations in just five days while maintaining a luxury standard, this itinerary relies on efficient travel, typically utilizing light aircraft flights between key areas to maximize your time enjoying each destination.

Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Day 2: Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Lake Naivasha
Day 3: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 5: Maasai Mara to Nairobi

 

Activities:

* Multiple game drives in Ol Pejeta and Maasai Mara National Reserves
* Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta
* Boat safari on Lake Naivasha
* Nature walk on Crescent Island
Optional activities: Bird watching, hiking Mount Longonot, 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:

Ol Pejeta Conservancy: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), chimpanzees, giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, oryx, and a variety of bird species, including ostriches, eagles, and vultures.
Lake Naivasha: Hippos, African fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and a variety of other water birds.
Crescent Island: Zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, and numerous bird species.
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 open plains and rolling hills of the Laikipia Plateau in Ol Pejeta, the volcanic Mount Longonot and the lush green shores of Lake Naivasha, and the vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara.

Tailoring Your Kenya Express Safari

While this 5 day itinerary is built for efficiency, bespoke touches are still possible:

• Accommodation Selection: Choose from curated premium options within each location.
• Activity Focus: Prioritize specific optional activities where time permits.
• Pre or Post Extensions: This itinerary works exceptionally well as an add on to a longer East Africa trip, a business visit, or before/after a beach stay. Extending the core 5 days is recommended if you desire a slower pace.

Best Time for This Express Safari

This high impact itinerary is feasible year round, thanks to reliance on flights:

• Wildlife: Ol Pejeta offers excellent conservation viewing year round (rhinos, chimps). Mara offers superb big game viewing always, with the Migration season (July October) being a major draw.
• Weather: Flying mitigates most weather related travel concerns. Dry seasons (June Oct, Jan Feb) often offer clearer skies.

Consult with us for the best timing based on your specific interests (e.g., migration focus).

Why Choose This Express Highlights Journey?

• High Impact in Minimum Time: Covers conservation, Rift Valley scenery, and the iconic Mara extremely efficiently.
• Unique Conservation Focus: Includes Ol Pejeta, renowned for rhinos and chimpanzees.
• Ideal for Short Trips: Perfect for travellers with very limited vacation time or those adding a safari onto other plans.
• Luxury Fly In Experience: Designed around comfortable and scenic light aircraft travel.

Plan Your Efficient Kenyan Safari

The detailed day by day itinerary, outlining specific timings, accommodation suggestions, and flight details, follows below. If this express journey matches your available time and interests, contact our specialists.

---

Itinerary

---

Day 1: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (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 Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
• Mid-morning: The drive takes you north, passing through agricultural areas and scenic landscapes. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route, perhaps in Nanyuki town.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Check in and have some time to freshen up.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in Ol Pejeta. This conservancy is known for its conservation efforts, particularly with rhinos (both black and white). It's also home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and offers excellent opportunities to see the "Big Five" and other wildlife.
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Serena Mountain Lodge (slightly further afield but a good option), or similar.

Day 2: Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy an early morning activity in Ol Pejeta. This could be a game drive focused on rhino tracking (if available and pre-arranged), a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary, or a guided bush walk.
• Mid-morning: Return to the lodge for breakfast.
• Late Morning: Check out and drive towards Lake Naivasha.
• Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Naivasha and check in to your lakeside accommodation. Have lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. This is a fantastic opportunity for birdwatching and getting close to hippos. You can also opt to visit Crescent Island for a walking safari among zebras, giraffes, and other plains game (optional).
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Enashipai Resort & Spa, Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Kiboko Luxury Camp, or similar.

Day 3: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Lake Naivasha or a short optional activity like birdwatching.
• Mid-morning: 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" 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.
• It is highly recommended that you book your safari well in advance, especially during peak season (July-October for the Great Migration).
• Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather, including warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How rushed does this 5 day safari feel? Is it worth it? This is an express itinerary designed for maximum highlights in minimum time. It involves moving locations frequently. While fast paced, it is highly rewarding for time constrained travellers, provided light aircraft transfers are used to ensure comfort and efficiency. It allows you to experience three distinct, world class Kenyan destinations.

2. Are flights mandatory for this 5 day itinerary? For this specific route to be feasible and meet luxury travel standards within 5 days, yes, light aircraft flights between the key locations are essential and form the basis of our planning for this express trip. Driving would consume almost all your time.

3. How much time is actually spent at Ol Pejeta and Lake Naivasha? Typically, this itinerary involves one night at Ol Pejeta and one night at Lake Naivasha, allowing for key activities like a game drive and chimp visit at Ol Pejeta, and a boat trip/walk at Naivasha. The focus is on the highlight experiences rather than in depth exploration. Two nights are spent in the Maasai Mara.

4. Who is this 5 day safari best suited for? It's ideal for travellers on a very tight schedule, those adding a short safari onto other travel plans (business, other destinations), or potentially repeat visitors wanting to focus on these specific locations efficiently. It may be too fast paced for those seeking a relaxed first safari or travelling with very young children.