5-days Ol Pejeta-Naivasha- Maasai Mara
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day safari adventure, exploring three of Kenya's most captivating wildlife destinations. Begin in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, renowned for its unique blend of Big Five encounters and conservation efforts, including the heartwarming Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Then, journey to the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha, home to hippos, vibrant birdlife, and the unique Crescent Island sanctuary. 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 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.
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.