The 5 Days Kenya Big Five Wildlife Safari is an exciting short Kenya safari designed for you to experience some of the country’s most renowned wildlife destinations. The itinerary combines the spectacular Maasai Mara National Reserve with the scenic Lake Nakuru National Park, giving you opportunities to search for the Big Five and enjoy Kenya’s diverse landscapes. You will explore open savannahs, woodland habitats, lakeshores and the beautiful Great Rift Valley while travelling with an experienced safari guide. The safari provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography, with possible encounters with lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos and many other species. Whether you are planning your first Kenya safari or looking for a compact wildlife holiday, this itinerary offers an exciting introduction to Kenya’s remarkable natural heritage.
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Your Kenya Big Five safari begins with an early morning departure from Nairobi towards the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. You will travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley, with a possible stop at a viewpoint where you can admire the dramatic escarpment and surrounding landscapes. Continue towards the Maasai Mara, passing through rural communities and changing countryside before reaching your lodge or camp. After lunch and a short period of relaxation, embark on your first afternoon game drive across the reserve’s expansive savannah plains. Your safari guide will help you search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and other wildlife, with the possibility of spotting leopards and other predators. Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and relaxation after your first exciting day in the Kenyan wilderness.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Full-Day Maasai Mara Big Five Wildlife Safari
Enjoy a full day of wildlife exploration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations. After an early breakfast, set off with your packed lunch for an extensive game drive across the reserve’s open grasslands and wildlife-rich habitats. Your main focus will be searching for the Big Five, namely lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceros, while also watching for cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and various antelope species. You may explore areas around the Mara River and other sections of the reserve where wildlife congregates, depending on seasonal conditions and your guide’s recommendations. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the day’s adventure before continuing your safari into the afternoon. Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for dinner and a well-earned rest after an unforgettable day of Kenya wildlife viewing.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and travel towards Lake Nakuru National Park, located within the scenic Great Rift Valley. The journey allows you to experience Kenya’s changing landscapes as the expansive Mara grasslands gradually give way to the hills, woodland and lake environment surrounding Nakuru. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before embarking on a game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is recognised for its rhino populations and diverse wildlife, and you may encounter buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lions and a variety of other species. Lake Nakuru also attracts numerous bird species, making it an interesting destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Spend the afternoon exploring the park with your safari guide before proceeding to your lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari and Return to Nairobi
Begin your day with an early breakfast before setting out for a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The cooler morning hours provide another opportunity to observe wildlife as you explore the park’s varied habitats and scenic lakeshore areas. Continue searching for rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lions and other wildlife while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Your guide will help you identify different species and select suitable areas for wildlife viewing and photography. After the game drive, depart Lake Nakuru and begin your journey back towards Nairobi, enjoying views of the Kenyan countryside along the way. Arrive in Nairobi later in the afternoon or evening and check into your hotel for dinner and your final overnight stay before departure.
Accommodation: Eka Hotel, Ole Sereni Hotel, Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Departure
Today marks the end of your 5 Days Kenya Big Five Wildlife Safari. After breakfast, you will have some free time at your hotel depending on your flight schedule and onward travel arrangements. If your departure time permits, you may enjoy an optional short Nairobi city experience, visit a local craft market or purchase souvenirs before leaving Kenya. Your Silverback Tour representative will arrange your transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or another agreed departure point. Before leaving, ensure that you have all your luggage, travel documents and personal belongings with you. Your safari will have provided memorable opportunities to explore the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru while searching for Kenya’s famous Big Five. You will then depart Nairobi with lasting memories of your Kenyan wildlife adventure.
Accommodation: No accommodation, departure day
Meals: (Breakfast)
Included in the 5 Days Kenya Big Five Wildlife Safari
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
- Game drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Park entry fees for scheduled safari activities
- Nairobi airport transfers where applicable
- Bottled drinking water during safari activities
- All scheduled road transfers between destinations
- Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities
- Applicable government taxes and service charges
Excluded from the 5 Days Kenya Big Five Wildlife Safari
- International and domestic flights unless specifically included
- Kenya visa and related travel documentation
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and internet charges
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Optional activities not included in the agreed programme
- Maasai cultural experiences unless specifically arranged
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Any services not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.