Package Overview
Kenya’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. This comprehensive 5 Days Kenya Safari takes you through three iconic locations: the lush mountains of Aberdare National Park, the flamingo-dotted shores of Lake Nakuru, and the world-renowned Masai Mara, before returning to Nairobi. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, this itinerary offers the quintessential East African safari experience.
Day 1: Nairobi to Aberdare National Park
Your 5 Days Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara to Nairobi itinerary begins with morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Travel northward through Kenya’s central highlands, passing coffee and tea plantations that carpet the fertile landscape.
Arrive at Aberdare National Park by midday, where you’ll check into your accommodation—either a treetop lodge or a property at the park’s edge. These unique lodges are designed specifically for wildlife viewing, with many featuring watering holes that attract elephants, buffalos, and various antelope species throughout the day and night.
Highlights of Aberdare National Park:
- Dense rainforests and bamboo groves
- Dramatic waterfalls and streams
- Rare wildlife including black rhinos, giant forest hogs, and the elusive bongo antelope
- Over 250 bird species in diverse habitats
Enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park’s moorlands and forests before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. The elevated position of most accommodations provides extraordinary opportunities for night wildlife viewing directly from your room or dedicated viewing areas.
Day 2: Aberdare National Park to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast at your Aberdare accommodation, continue your 5 Days Kenya Safari journey westward to Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours through the scenic Great Rift Valley, offering spectacular views of the escarpment and valley floor.
Arrive at Lake Nakuru in time for lunch at your selected lodge or tented camp. Lake Nakuru is world-famous for:
- Enormous flocks of flamingos that transform the lake’s edges into a vibrant pink carpet
- One of Kenya’s most successful rhino sanctuaries, protecting both black and white rhino species
- Diverse wildlife including lions, leopards, giraffes, and large python snakes
Embark on an afternoon game drive around the lake and through the acacia woodlands. The elevated viewpoints provide breathtaking panoramas of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight
Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve
Begin early with breakfast before departing on the longest drive of your 5 Days Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara to Nairobi adventure. The journey to the Masai Mara takes approximately 5-6 hours, crossing through traditional villages and the vast plains of Kenya’s southwest.
Arrive at your Masai Mara accommodation in time for lunch, followed by your first game drive in this world-renowned reserve. The Masai Mara represents the northernmost section of the greater Serengeti ecosystem and is famed for:
- The annual Great Migration (July to October), when millions of wildebeest and zebra cross from Tanzania
- Exceptional big cat populations, particularly lions, cheetahs, and leopards
- Diverse ecosystems from riverine forests to open savannah
- Traditional Maasai culture and communities surrounding the reserve
Your afternoon game drive provides your first taste of the Mara’s incredible biodiversity before returning to your lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Dedicate an entire day to exploring the magnificent Masai Mara. You have several options:
Option 1: Full-day game drive with picnic lunch Venture deep into the reserve’s remote areas, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities. Your driver-guide will pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in designated areas, often overlooking the Mara River or beneath shade-giving acacia trees.
Option 2: Morning and afternoon game drives Return to your accommodation for lunch and brief rest between two extensive game drives, exploring different sections of the reserve.
Optional Activities (additional costs apply):
- Hot air balloon safari at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast
- Guided visit to a local Maasai village to learn about traditional culture
- Specialized photography safaris with expert guidance
Whatever option you choose, the Masai Mara offers unparalleled wildlife viewing. Witness dramatic hunting scenes, playful elephant families, towering giraffes, and numerous antelope species. Return to your accommodation for dinner and your final night in the bush.
Day 5: Masai Mara to Nairobi
Conclude your 5 Days Kenya Safari with an early morning game drive—often the best time to spot predators returning from their nightly hunts. Return to your accommodation for breakfast before beginning the journey back to Nairobi.
The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, with the option to stop at viewpoints overlooking the Great Rift Valley. Many tours include lunch at a restaurant in Narok or another town along the route.
Arrive in Nairobi by late afternoon, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your 5 Days Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara to Nairobi itinerary.
5 Days Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara to Nairobi Price
The 5 Days Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara to Nairobi price varies depending on several factors:
Budget Option: $800-$1,200 per person
- Shared safari van transportation
- Basic accommodations (standard lodges or permanent tented camps)
- Park fees and game drives included
- Suitable for budget-conscious travelers
Mid-Range Option: $1,200-$1,800 per person
- Shared 4×4 safari vehicle transportation
- Quality mid-range accommodations with better locations
- All park fees, game drives, and most meals included
- Excellent value for money with upgraded comforts
Luxury Option: $1,800-$3,500+ per person
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Luxury lodges or tented camps with premium locations
- All-inclusive package with gourmet meals
- Added extras such as sundowners, guided walks where permitted, and personalized service
Price Factors:
- Season: Prices increase during peak migration season (July-October)
- Group size: Private safaris cost more than shared options
- Accommodation standard: From basic to ultra-luxury
- Transportation: Safari vans vs. 4×4 vehicles
- Optional activities: Balloon safaris, cultural visits, etc.
Most packages include:
- All transportation and fuel
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Park entrance fees
- Full board accommodation
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Bottled water during game drives
For the most current 5 Days Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara to Nairobi price, it’s recommended to contact tour operators directly as prices can fluctuate based on season and availability.
Best Time for Your 5 Days Kenya Safari
While Kenya offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, certain periods stand out:
July to October (Peak Season)
- Coincides with the Great Migration in the Masai Mara
- Dry weather means animals concentrate around water sources
- Excellent visibility due to shorter grass and fewer leaves on trees
- Higher prices and more crowded parks
January to March (Excellent Alternative)
- Short dry season with good wildlife viewing
- Less crowded parks and lower prices
- Newborn animals and lush green landscapes after the short rains
- Clear skies ideal for photography
November-December and April-May
- Rainy seasons with occasional afternoon showers
- Lush landscapes and fewer tourists
- Lower prices and special offers
- Some roads may become difficult to navigate
What to Pack for Your 5 Days Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara Safari
- Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors and blue, which attracts tsetse flies)
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection
- Warm jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings, especially in Aberdare
- Good quality sunglasses, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hat
- Camera with zoom lens, extra batteries, and memory cards
- Binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing
- Insect repellent and basic first aid supplies
- Small denominations of US dollars for tips and souvenirs
Conclusion: The Perfect Kenya Safari Experience
This 5 Days Kenya Safari through Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara delivers an exceptional introduction to Kenya’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. From the misty mountains of Aberdare to the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru and the predator-rich plains of the Masai Mara, this carefully crafted itinerary maximizes your wildlife viewing opportunities.
The 5 Days Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara to Nairobi price offers excellent value considering the diversity of experiences included. Whether witnessing the Great Migration, tracking the Big Five, or photographing Kenya’s spectacular landscapes, this safari delivers unforgettable memories and a true taste of East Africa’s natural wonders.
For those with limited time but seeking an authentic safari experience, this 5 Days Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara to Nairobi itinerary provides the perfect balance of Kenya’s wildlife highlights, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional guiding—truly the essence of Kenya condensed into five adventure-filled days.
Steve & Richard Safaris
Steve & Richard Safaris is a licensed Kenyan safari operator based in Mombasa. Specializing in safari tours from Mombasa, Diani Beach, Watamu, and Nairobi to Tsavo, Masai Mara, Amboseli, and beyond. KATO-registered · 15+ years · 4.7★ Google.