Flamingos wading and flying over Lake Nakuru in Kenya

Kenya Safari Trail: Nakuru to Mara

From Nairobi’s cultural icons to Mount Kenya, rhino tracking in Ol Pejeta, flamingo-filled Lake Nakuru, and thrilling game drives in the Masai Mara—this 4-star safari is Kenya at its finest.

11 Days / 10 NightsKenyaFrom $3,950 p/p sharing
Luxury level
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star

Kenya Safari Trail: Nakuru to Mara Safari Overview

This 11-day Kenya safari takes you on a seamless journey from the vibrant capital of Nairobi through the highlands of Nanyuki, into the wildlife-rich landscapes of Lake Nakuru, and finally to the iconic plains of the Masai Mara. Designed for travelers seeking both comfort and authentic wildlife experiences, this itinerary blends luxury accommodation with expertly guided game drives across some of Kenya’s most celebrated regions.

Your journey begins in Nairobi, where you’ll experience a mix of urban culture and conservation, including visits to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage and the Giraffe Centre. From here, travel north to Nanyuki at the foothills of Mount Kenya, where you’ll explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy — home to East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and the last remaining northern white rhinos. Continuing into the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park offers exceptional birdlife, including flamingos, as well as opportunities to spot both black and white rhino in a compact and scenic setting.

The safari culminates in the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Here, vast savannahs are home to the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — alongside cheetahs, giraffes, and large herds of plains game. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River in one of the world’s most dramatic natural spectacles. With multiple days in the Mara, you’ll enjoy in-depth game viewing and the chance to fully immerse yourself in this extraordinary ecosystem.

Safari Highlights

  • Visit the elephant orphanage and Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
  • Explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy and track endangered rhinos
  • Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise
  • Extended stay in the Masai Mara for premium wildlife viewing
  • Opportunity to witness the Great Migration (seasonal)

For more inspiration, read our guide to Africa’s greatest wildlife migrations.

Full Safari Itinerary

Route: Kenya · Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Loading the day-by-day itinerary…

Open it in a new tab

Kenya

The Serengeti-Mara’s defining feature is the annual migration of up to two million wildebeest. The drama of the migration is encapsulated by the river crossings that occur in the Masai Mara between late July and October. It’s a breathtaking, adrenaline-charged spectacle, and highly perilous for the participants, who must weave past crocodiles that sit gape-mouthed in the water and lions that lurk hungrily on the opposite bank in order to survive.

Travel to Kenya

When to visit

Kenya can be visited at any time of year, though the peak rainy season of April and May is best avoided. The driest and coolest months of late July through to early October usually coincide with the presence of the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara. These months generally offer the best wildlife viewing, but they also tend to be busy, so budget conscious travelers who prefer to avoid the crowds might opt to visit Kenya at another time of year.

For travelers seeking a more exclusive experience, this journey can also be tailored as part of our luxury African safaris, combining Kenya’s iconic wildlife with premium lodges and seamless travel.

Visas and Paperwork

American citizens require a visa to enter Kenya. It is advisable to arrange an e-visa online in advance. This costs US$51, and usually takes two working days to process.

Explore Kenya safaris →
Kenya

Didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for?

We specialize in tailor-made safari experiences. Whether you want something more private, luxurious, adventurous, or family-friendly — we’re here to craft your perfect journey.

Request a Custom Safari

You May Also Like

Curated safari experiences related to this journey

Hot air balloons being prepared for launch at dawn with people gathered on the grassland
From $5,585 p/p sharing

Ultimate Kenya Luxury Safari Adventure

From the vibrant streets of Nairobi to the iconic landscapes of Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Naivasha, and the Masai Mara—experience Kenya’s best on this 10-day luxury safari.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Luxury safari tent interior with twin beds and ambient lighting overlooking the bush in Kenya’s Masai Mara
From $3,285 p/p sharing

Kenya Safari Adventure: Nairobi to Mara

Travel through Kenya’s premier landscapes on this 10-day safari—from vibrant Nairobi to the wilds of Samburu, Mount Kenya, Lake Naivasha, and the legendary Masai Mara.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
African elephant spraying water at a muddy waterhole in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park
From $3,450 p/p sharing

Kenya Safari Journey : Amboseli to Mara

Experience Kenya’s top wildlife spots in comfort—elephants in Amboseli, flamingos at Lake Nakuru, and big cats in the Masai Mara—on this 4-star safari adventure across iconic landscapes.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Maasai warriors performing traditional jumping dance in a rural Kenyan village
From $7,250 p/p sharing

Kenya Luxury Safari: Meru to Mara

Experience Kenya’s wild beauty and elite safari camps on this 11-day journey—featuring rhino tracking in Meru, panoramic game drives in Loisaba, and thrilling wildlife encounters in the Masai Mara.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Leopard resting on a tree branch in Kenya's Meru National Park
From $6,985 p/p sharing

Kenya Explorer Safari: Meru to Mara

Track rhinos in Meru, explore Lewa’s conservation success, and witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara—all on this 11-day 4-star safari adventure through Kenya’s iconic reserves.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Safari vehicle with tourists observing a lion in the Kenyan savannah
From $6,685 p/p sharing

Luxury Kenya Safari: Ol Pejeta to Mara

Uncover Kenya’s iconic wilderness over 11 days—from Nairobi’s culture and conservation centers to rhino tracking in Ol Pejeta, rare species in Samburu, and epic wildlife encounters in the Masai Mara.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
African fish eagle swooping down to catch prey on a lake surface, with blurred green background
From $6,350 p/p sharing

Kenya Luxury Safari: Laikipia to Mara

Experience 5-star safari elegance across Kenya’s famed wilderness—from Nairobi’s cultural charm and Laikipia’s conservation heartland to the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Maasai host standing beside a luxury breakfast setup with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background
From $6,250 p/p sharing

Kenya Luxury Safari: Nakuru to Mara

Journey through Kenya’s top wildlife reserves on this 11-day luxury safari—from rhino tracking in Ol Pejeta and birdwatching in Lake Nakuru to the sweeping savannahs of the Masai Mara.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Group of hippos partially submerged in a lush wetland during daylight
From $6,150 p/p sharing

Kenya Safari Escape: Laikipia to Mara

Experience Kenya’s premier wilderness areas over 9 days—from cultural gems in Nairobi to rhino tracking in Lewa and thrilling game drives in the Masai Mara.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Breakfast table set on a terrace overlooking the African savanna at sunrise
From $5,950 p/p sharing

Kenya Luxury Safari: Mount Kenya to Mara

Discover Kenya’s iconic wilderness in high style on this 9-day journey—combining wildlife encounters in Ol Pejeta, cultural immersion in Nairobi, and luxury game drives in the Masai Mara.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Open safari vehicle with tourists observing a lioness in the Kenyan savannah
From $5,950 p/p sharing

Luxury Kenya Safari: Amboseli to Mara

Discover Kenya in luxury—from Nairobi’s cultural charm to the elephant-studded plains of Amboseli and the wildlife drama of the Masai Mara, with serene lakefront relaxation in Naivasha.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Two lions resting on the branches of a tree against a clear blue sky in the African savanna
From $5,750 p/p sharing

Big 5 Kenya Luxury Safari: Amboseli & Mara

Explore Kenya’s iconic wilderness on a 9-day luxury safari—from the elephant herds of Amboseli beneath Kilimanjaro to the predator-rich plains of the Masai Mara.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Elephant near water
From $4,890 p/p sharing

Kenya Safari: Nairobi, Amboseli, Mara & Diani

Experience the perfect Kenya combination — city culture in Nairobi, elephant-filled plains of Amboseli, Big Five safaris in the Masai Mara, and white-sand relaxation on Diani Beach.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Outdoor safari dining setup under a large acacia tree with clear skies
From $3,985 p/p sharing

Great Masai Mara Luxury Safari Tour

Delve into Kenya’s wilderness with 5-star stays in Nairobi and the Masai Mara, featuring exclusive game drives and unforgettable cultural encounters.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Two white rhinos facing each other, touching horns in a grassy green savanna in Kenya
From $3,950 p/p sharing

Kenya Northern Safari: Samburu to Mara

Explore Northern Kenya’s unique landscapes and wildlife—rhinos at Ol Pejeta, rare species in Samburu, and the Big Five in the Masai Mara—on this immersive 4-star luxury safari.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Sunset in Kenya
From $3,920 p/p sharing

Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Naivasha & Masai Mara

An unforgettable 8-day Kenya safari featuring elephant herds in Amboseli, lakeside serenity in Naivasha, and Big Five game drives in the legendary Masai Mara.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Grey crowned cranes and zebras in the grassy plains of Amboseli, Kenya
From $3,685 p/p sharing

Kenya Big 5 Safari: Amboseli & Mara

Experience Kenya’s finest wildlife destinations on this 9-day adventure—from iconic elephants beneath Kilimanjaro in Amboseli to big cat action in the Masai Mara.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Person relaxing by a fire pit with lanterns at sunset, overlooking African wilderness and distant mountains
From $3,650 p/p sharing

Kenya Safari Explorer: Mount Kenya to Mara

Experience Kenya’s diverse landscapes and vibrant wildlife across 9 days—from Nairobi’s cultural gems to the tranquil foothills of Mount Kenya and the game-rich plains of the Masai Mara.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Smiling Maasai woman in traditional beaded attire and jewelry, representing Maasai culture in Kenya
From $1,985 p/p sharing

Great Masai Mara Safari Experience

Explore Kenya’s Masai Mara in comfort with immersive game drives, cultural excursions, and a vibrant introduction to Nairobi.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Traditional dhow floating on crystal-clear turquoise waters under a deep blue sky at Diani Beach, Kenya
From $890 p/p sharing

Kenya Beach Add-On: Diani in 5-Star Style

Unwind in paradise with a 4-day luxury beach add-on at Diani—complete with powdery sands, coral reefs, and boutique comfort at Elewana AfroChic.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary
Secluded palm-lined beach with golden sand and gentle waves in Mombasa, Kenya
From $500 p/p sharing

Mombasa Beach Add-On: 4-Star Escape

Unwind in coastal luxury at Sarova Whitesands, Mombasa—where white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and Swahili culture meet 4-star beachfront relaxation.

Luxury Level:
Luxury StarLuxury StarLuxury StarLuxury Star
View Itinerary