Immerse yourself in the iconic wildlife spectacle of the Maasai Mara combined with the unique geological wonders and abundant birdlife of Kenya's Great Rift Valley on this focused 6 day luxury safari. Expertly designed by Kenyan based specialists for Canadian travellers seeking a distinct experience beyond the standard circuit, this journey balances thrilling game drives with fascinating lake ecosystems. Bubble Tours & Travel ensures seamless logistics, premium comfort, and a bespoke Kenya itinerary tailored to your interests, ideally incorporating flights for optimal pacing.

Brief Day by Day Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Day 5: Lake Bogoria to Lake Naivasha
Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

Activities:

* Multiple game drives in Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Bogoria.
* Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara (if travelling during the season).
* Observe geysers and hot springs at Lake Bogoria.
* Enjoy a boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
* Take a nature walk on Crescent Island.
Optional activities: Hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara, bird watching, hiking Mount Longonot, or visiting a Maasai village (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:

Maasai Mara: 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)
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.
Lake Bogoria National Reserve: Lesser flamingos, greater kudu, impalas, dik-diks, klipspringers, and a variety of bird species, including the African fish eagle and the Goliath heron.
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.
Scenic Landscapes: The vast plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannahs of the Maasai Mara, the picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, acacia forests, the shimmering waters of Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria, the geysers and hot springs of Lake Bogoria, the volcanic Mount Longonot, and the lush green shores of Lake Naivasha.

Tailoring Your Lakes & Mara Safari

This 6 day itinerary offers a unique focus. As specialists in bespoke Kenya itinerary design, customization is key:

• Pacing: Add extra nights, especially in the Maasai Mara, for a more relaxed experience or deeper exploration.
• Focus: Enhance the bird watching aspects, include specific conservation activities, or add cultural interactions.
• Accommodation Choices: Select from a portfolio of premium properties matching your style.
• Extensions: Easily combine this with other Kenyan parks (requiring more time) or a beach getaway.

Best Time for This Safari

This itinerary offers distinct highlights across different seasons:

• Flamingo Viewing (Lakes): Flamingo populations at Nakuru and Bogoria can fluctuate. Bogoria often has larger numbers, especially when conditions at Nakuru are less favourable. Generally good year round but potentially spectacular after rains.
• Geothermal Activity (Bogoria): Visible year round.
• Maasai Mara Wildlife: Excellent year round, with the Great Migration typically present between July and October.
• Travel: Utilizing flights makes logistics comfortable regardless of season.

Consult with us for detailed advice based on your preferred travel dates.

Why Choose This Lakes & Mara Journey?

• Unique Combination: Pairs the world famous Maasai Mara with the often less visited but fascinating Lake Bogoria and popular Nakuru/Naivasha.
• Birdlife & Geology Focus: Excellent opportunities for bird watchers and those interested in the Rift Valley's unique geothermal features alongside classic big game viewing.
• Efficient Highlights: Covers key wildlife and scenic attractions within a 6 day timeframe.

Ready to Plan Your Rift Valley & Mara Safari?

The detailed day by day itinerary, featuring specific accommodation suggestions and logistical recommendations, follows below. If this unique combination intrigues you, contact our specialists to discuss customization or ask questions.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve (Approx. 5-6 hours drive)

• Morning (Arrival): 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 the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
• Mid-morning: The drive takes you southwest through scenic landscapes, including the floor of the Great Rift Valley. A stop for lunch will be arranged en route, often at a viewpoint overlooking the valley.
• Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen accommodation in or near the Maasai Mara. Check in and have some time to freshen up.
• Late Afternoon: Embark on your first game drive in the Maasai Mara, renowned for its incredible wildlife concentrations and the Great Migration (seasonal).
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Intrepids Camp, Angama Mara, Mahali Mzuri, &Beyond Bateleur Camp, or similar.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Full Day: Enjoy full-day game drives in the Maasai Mara with packed lunches. This allows for extensive exploration of the reserve and maximizes 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).
• Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.

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

• Morning: Enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes.
• 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 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 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Bogoria National Reserve (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final game drive or a relaxed breakfast at Lake Nakuru.
• Mid-morning: Drive to Lake Bogoria National Reserve. This less-visited gem is known for its stunning scenery, hot springs, geysers, and large flocks of flamingos (often more numerous here than at Nakuru).
• Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Bogoria and check into your accommodation (options are more limited here, often involving tented camps or lodges outside the park).
• Late Afternoon: Explore Lake Bogoria. Walk along the lake shore, observing the geysers and hot springs and the abundant birdlife.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Suggestions: Lake Bogoria Spa Resort, or similar (options may be limited and booking in advance is crucial).

Day 5: Lake Bogoria to Lake Naivasha (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a final exploration of Lake Bogoria, perhaps focusing on photography or revisiting a favourite spot.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha, a beautiful freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley.
• Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Naivasha and check in to your lakeside accommodation.
• Late Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. This offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and close encounters with 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 6: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi (Approx. 1-2 hours drive)

• Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning at Lake Naivasha. Perhaps enjoy a final boat trip or a nature walk.
• Mid-morning: After breakfast, check out and drive back to 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 sample itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences, budget, and travel dates.
• Driving times are estimates and depend on road conditions. The roads to Lake Bogoria can be rough in places, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
• Accommodation options at Lake Bogoria are limited, so booking well in advance is essential.
• It is highly recommended that you book your safari well in advance.
• Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, including warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why visit both Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria? While both are Rift Valley soda lakes known for flamingos, they offer different experiences. Nakuru is a National Park also famed for its rhino sanctuary and diverse mammals. Bogoria is a National Reserve known for its dramatic geysers, hot springs, and often larger, more consistent flamingo populations (though this can vary). Visiting both provides a fuller picture of the Rift Valley's diversity.

2. How is the travel managed between the Mara and the Rift Valley Lakes? Given the 6 day timeframe, flying between the Maasai Mara and an airstrip near Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru is the highly recommended option for a comfortable luxury experience. Driving is possible but involves a very long travel day. The detailed itinerary provides specifics on recommended logistics.

3. What kind of accommodation is available near Lake Bogoria? Accommodation options directly at Lake Bogoria are more limited compared to Nakuru or Naivasha. Luxury options often involve staying at properties near Lake Baringo (a nearby freshwater lake) or potentially a longer day trip to Bogoria from the Lake Nakuru area, depending on the bespoke plan.

4. Is this itinerary suitable for first time visitors? Yes, it can be suitable, especially for those with a particular interest in birdlife or geology alongside the classic Mara experience. It offers a different perspective than routes focused solely on Big Five parks like Amboseli or Tsavo. The pacing requires consideration, especially if travelling primarily by road.