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The Lakes and Plains Kenya Safari is a classic wildlife journey that combines Kenya’s famous Rift Valley lakes with the vast savannahs of the Masai Mara. This safari is ideal for travelers seeking diverse landscapes, rich wildlife encounters, and an authentic African safari experience within a well-planned and rewarding itinerary.
Your adventure begins in Nairobi, traveling through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s most renowned wildlife parks. Lake Nakuru is internationally known for its flamingos, abundant birdlife, and successful rhino conservation program. Game drives here offer excellent chances to see both black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, and predators within a compact and scenic park.
From Lake Nakuru, the journey continues to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s premier safari destination. The Masai Mara is celebrated for its endless open plains and extraordinary concentration of wildlife. Expect thrilling game drives with opportunities to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. During the migration season, the reserve hosts the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, one of nature’s greatest wildlife events.
The safari then leads to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake known for its tranquil atmosphere and rich birdlife. Surrounded by acacia forests and volcanic landscapes, Lake Naivasha offers a relaxing contrast to the savannah. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, boat rides among hippos, and close encounters with grazing wildlife on the lakeshore.
Bringing together wildlife-rich lakes, dramatic Rift Valley scenery, and iconic plains safari, the Lakes and Plains Kenya Safari delivers a well-balanced and memorable Kenyan safari experience. Ending back in Nairobi, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers looking to explore Kenya’s most famous lakes and game reserves in one unforgettable journey.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya (Google Map)
The Lakes and Plains Kenya Safari offers a well-rounded African safari experience that blends wildlife-rich lakes, dramatic Rift Valley scenery, and the legendary savannahs of the Masai Mara. Travelers can expect expertly guided game drives, diverse landscapes, and authentic wildlife encounters at some of Kenya’s most famous destinations.
Expect outstanding wildlife sightings throughout the journey. At Lake Nakuru National Park, you will encounter both black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, and a wide variety of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans. In the Masai Mara National Reserve, game drives across the open plains provide excellent opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. This combination makes the tour ideal for travelers seeking a classic Kenya wildlife safari.
This safari showcases the striking contrasts of Kenya’s landscapes. Travel through the Great Rift Valley, enjoy panoramic viewpoints, and experience the peaceful shores of Lake Naivasha, where acacia forests meet freshwater lakes. The transition from lush lakeside environments to vast savannah plains creates a visually rich and memorable safari route.
Game drives are conducted in a safari vehicle with a professional, English-speaking guide who shares in-depth knowledge of wildlife behavior, conservation, and local ecosystems. Expect early morning departures, relaxed afternoons, and golden-hour game drives—hallmarks of an authentic African safari from Nairobi.
At Lake Naivasha, the pace slows down, offering a refreshing contrast to the game reserves. Expect scenic walks, birdwatching, and optional boat rides that bring you close to hippos and grazing wildlife along the shoreline. This lakeside experience adds balance and variety to the overall safari.
Accommodation is selected to offer comfort, good locations, and excellent value. Evenings are typically spent unwinding after game drives, enjoying meals, and sharing safari highlights with fellow travelers in a relaxed setting.
This Kenya safari tour is carefully planned to maximize wildlife viewing while maintaining smooth logistics. The itinerary balances driving distances with immersive experiences, ensuring you spend more time exploring national parks and less time on the road.
First-time safari travelers
Wildlife and birdlife enthusiasts
International visitors seeking a classic Rift Valley and Masai Mara safari
Travelers looking for a high-quality safari experience with excellent value
Your Kenyan safari adventure begins upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where our friendly team will welcome you and assist you through immigration and customs. You will then meet your experienced safari driver-guide, who will provide breakfast boxes for your journey as you head toward one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations.
Travel through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, descending into a region celebrated for its dramatic escarpments and rich biodiversity. Your destination is Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its exotic wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, and for hosting one of the largest concentrations of pink flamingos in the world, creating a spectacular natural display.
Along the way, enjoy an en-route game drive, where you may spot zebras, giraffes, and other plains animals, offering your first immersive safari experience. Upon arrival at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, check in and enjoy a relaxed lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive to explore the park’s diverse habitats.
Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the African wilderness, setting the tone for the exciting safari ahead.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours from Nairobi
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge before setting off on a scenic drive to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, a land of sweeping plains, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Along the way, enjoy an en-route game drive, where you may encounter zebras, giraffes, and other plains game, offering an early glimpse of the Mara’s extraordinary wildlife.
Arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge in time for check-in and a relaxing lunch, followed by a short siesta to recharge for your first Mara adventure. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the reserve, spotting lions lounging in the tall grass, herds of elephants roaming freely, and perhaps even cheetahs or leopards in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge in the evening to refresh and enjoy dinner, reflecting on the stunning vistas and wildlife encounters of the day. Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Driving Time: Approximately 4 hours from Lake Nakuru
Wake up early to another exciting day in the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Spend the day on morning and afternoon game drives, exploring the vast savannahs and riverine forests that make the Mara a true wildlife paradise.
Encounter majestic elephants, towering giraffes, powerful lions, stealthy leopards, and swift cheetahs as they roam freely across the plains. During the Great Migration season (July to October), witness herds of wildebeest and zebra traversing the reserve in one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events. Look for endangered black rhinos hiding in dense thickets, while hippos and massive crocodiles congregate in the Mara River. Bird lovers will delight in over 450 species that call the park home.
For an unforgettable experience, consider the optional hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara Plains. Glide silently at sunrise, enjoying a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the sweeping savannahs, wildlife below, and the meandering Mara River, followed by a celebratory breakfast in the bush.
Return to Mara Sopa Lodge for lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters and unforgettable landscapes of this world-famous reserve.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a hearty breakfast at Mara Sopa Lodge, depart for the serene Lake Naivasha, a freshwater paradise nestled in the Great Rift Valley. Enjoy the scenic drive, passing rolling hills and picturesque landscapes before arriving at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge.
Once settled in, embark on a peaceful boat ride across the calm waters of the lake. Glide past lounging hippos, flocks of vibrant waterbirds, and tranquil shorelines, soaking in the beauty and tranquility of this unique ecosystem. Capture the perfect photographs and enjoy the peaceful rhythms of Kenya’s lakeside wildlife.
Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay, relaxing and reflecting on the contrast between the wide-open savannahs of the Mara and the lush, water-filled landscapes of Lake Naivasha.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Driving Time: Approximately 4 hours from Masai Mara
Start your day with an early breakfast at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge before departing for Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital. Enjoy the scenic drive back through the Great Rift Valley, taking in the lush landscapes and rolling hills along the way.
Upon arrival, check in at Argyle Hotel, your comfortable base in Nairobi for the night. The afternoon is free for optional excursions, such as visiting cultural sites, markets, or museums, allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Lunch and dinner are on your own, giving you the flexibility to explore Nairobi’s diverse dining options.
Spend a restful evening at the hotel, preparing for the next phase of your Kenyan adventure or reflecting on the incredible wildlife and landscapes you have experienced so far.
Accommodation: Argyle Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours from Lake Naivasha
After a hearty breakfast at Argyle Hotel, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight. Take one last moment to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences you enjoyed during your Kenyan safari.
For guests departing on early morning flights, a convenient packed breakfast box will be provided, ensuring a comfortable and seamless start to your journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
