5-Day Kenya Migration Tour 2026–2028: Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari
Experience three nights in the Masai Mara during the seasonal Great Migration, followed by rhino viewing and spectacular Rift Valley scenery in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Private Budget Safari from USD 950 Per Person Sharing
5 Days / 4 Nights • Private Safari • Nairobi to Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Nairobi
The starting price is based on two or more guests sharing, using budget accommodation and a private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser.
Plan This Safari | View Full Itinerary | WhatsApp Us
Tour Type: Private
Safari Level: Budget – Upgradeable
Accommodation: Budget Camps and Hotels
Price from: USD 950 per person sharing
Quick Safari Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Destinations | Masai Mara National Reserve • Lake Nakuru National Park |
| Starting Point | Nairobi |
| Ending Point | Nairobi |
| Safari Type | Safari Type: Private Safari |
| Safari Vehicle | Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof |
| Best Travel Months | July–October (Great Migration Season) |
| Wildlife Highlights | Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five, Rhinos, Big Cats |
| Accommodation Options | Budget Camps • Mid-Range Lodges • Luxury Safari Camps |
| Game Drives | Morning & Afternoon Game Drives |
| Optional Activities | Hot Air Balloon Safari • Maasai Village Visit |
| Guide | Professional English-Speaking Safari Guide |
| Customisation | Private departures can be tailored to your preferred travel dates and accommodation style. |
Why This 5-Day Kenya Migration Safari Is Different
Travel between July and October for the best opportunity to see large wildebeest and zebra herds. Read our Great Migration in Kenya Guide for 2027–2028 for migration timing and river-crossing advice.
This private safari includes three nights in the Masai Mara, providing an arrival-day game drive and two full days to explore different wildlife areas. Lake Nakuru completes the itinerary with a contrasting Rift Valley landscape and valuable rhino-viewing opportunities.
| Safari Highlight | What You’ll Experience |
|---|---|
| Three nights in the Masai Mara | Enjoy an afternoon game drive and two full days of wildlife viewing, giving your guide time to explore different areas without rushing. |
| Seasonal Great Migration | Travel between July and October for the best opportunity to see large wildebeest and zebra herds. Their exact location depends on rainfall and grazing conditions. |
| Mara River exploration | Explore areas around the Mara River when herd movements and road conditions make it appropriate. River crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Big cats and Big Five | Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and buffaloes across the Mara’s open plains and riverine habitats. |
| Lake Nakuru rhinos | Look for white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes and seasonal flamingos during your Lake Nakuru game drive. |
| Private, flexible travel | Travel with your own guide and safari vehicle, with flexible game-drive planning and a choice of budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation. |
Why Combine Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru?
The Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru offer two contrasting wildlife experiences within a practical five-day route from Nairobi. Three nights in the Masai Mara provide sufficient time for migration-focused game drives, Big Five viewing and predator sightings. Lake Nakuru complements the Mara with a compact rhino sanctuary, distinctive lake scenery and prolific birdlife.
| Destination | Why Visit? | Wildlife Highlights | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masai Mara National Reserve | Kenya's premier safari destination, renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five sightings and vast open plains. | Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Wildebeest, Zebras, Giraffes, Hyenas, Hippos and Crocodiles. | July–October for the Great Migration; excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year. |
| Lake Nakuru National Park | One of Kenya's best parks for rhino conservation, scenic landscapes and exceptional birdlife in the Great Rift Valley. | Black Rhinos, White Rhinos, Rothschild's Giraffes, Lions, Buffaloes, Zebras, Waterbucks, Flamingos (seasonal) and over 450 bird species. | Excellent year-round, with the dry seasons (June–October and January–March) offering particularly good wildlife viewing. |
Which destination is the main focus?
The Masai Mara is the principal destination and receives most of the itinerary’s time because wildlife and migration herds move across a large ecosystem. The two full days allow your guide to explore different areas according to current sightings and seasonal conditions.
Lake Nakuru is a valuable final addition rather than another migration destination. Its smaller game-viewing area offers strong opportunities to search for rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes before returning to Nairobi.
Important: The Great Migration is normally present in the Masai Mara between July and October, but exact herd locations and river crossings depend on rainfall and grazing conditions. Specific wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Kenya Safari Route 2026–2028
This 5-Day Kenya Migration Tour follows one of Kenya's most rewarding short safari routes, combining the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve with Lake Nakuru National Park before returning to Nairobi. The itinerary is carefully planned to maximise wildlife viewing while keeping driving times practical and allowing plenty of time for game drives.
Route Overview
| Destination | Stay | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | Departure & Return | Safari briefing, hotel or airport pick-up and drop-off. |
| Great Rift Valley Viewpoint | Scenic Stop | Panoramic views and photo opportunity overlooking one of Africa's most spectacular geological features. |
| Masai Mara National Reserve | 3 Nights | Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal), Big Five, predator sightings, optional hot air balloon safari and Maasai cultural visit. |
| Lake Nakuru National Park | 1 Night | Black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, lions, buffaloes, flamingos (seasonal) and excellent birdwatching. |
| Nairobi | End of Safari | Afternoon arrival with optional airport or hotel drop-off. |
Why This Route Works
Unlike many shorter itineraries that rush between destinations, this route dedicates three nights to the Masai Mara, giving you multiple game drives and greater flexibility to follow wildlife movements during the migration season. Ending with Lake Nakuru National Park adds a different ecosystem and one of Kenya's best opportunities to see both black and white rhinos, creating a well-balanced safari before returning to Nairobi.
Wildlife You May See
One of the highlights of this 5-Day Kenya Migration Tour (2026–2028) is the opportunity to experience Kenya's incredible wildlife across two of its most celebrated national parks. The Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, exceptional predator sightings and the Big Five, while Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes and a remarkable variety of birdlife.
If you're travelling during the migration season (July–October), you may witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River as they move between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. To learn more about migration timing, river crossings and the best viewing locations, read our Great Migration in Kenya Guide. If you're still deciding when to travel, our Best Time to Visit Kenya guide explains how wildlife viewing changes throughout the year.
Wildlife Viewing Chances
| Animal | Chance of Seeing | Best Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lion | Excellent | Masai Mara National Reserve |
| African Elephant | Excellent | Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru |
| African Buffalo | Excellent | Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru |
| Leopard | Very Good | Masai Mara National Reserve |
| Black Rhino | Excellent | Lake Nakuru National Park |
| White Rhino | Excellent | Lake Nakuru National Park |
| Cheetah | Very Good | Masai Mara National Reserve |
| Spotted Hyena | Excellent | Masai Mara National Reserve |
| Rothschild's Giraffe | Excellent | Lake Nakuru National Park |
| Hippopotamus | Excellent | Mara River |
| Nile Crocodile | Excellent | Mara River |
| Plains Zebra | Excellent | Masai Mara National Reserve |
| Wildebeest | Excellent (Seasonal) | Masai Mara National Reserve |
| African Fish Eagle | Very Good | Lake Nakuru |
| Flamingos* | Seasonal | Lake Nakuru National Park |
*Flamingo numbers vary throughout the year depending on water levels and food availability.
Day-by-Day 5-Day Kenya Migration Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Rift Valley Views and Afternoon Game Drive
Your private safari begins with an early-morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After meeting your professional guide, travel through the Great Rift Valley and stop at a viewpoint for photographs of the escarpment. Continue through Narok and the surrounding countryside toward the Masai Mara.
Depending on traffic, road conditions and your camp’s location, the journey normally takes approximately five to six hours. Arrive for lunch, check in and rest briefly before your first afternoon game drive. Look for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and the Mara’s resident predators. During migration season, large wildebeest herds may also be present.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mara Olodare Camp or selected alternative
Day 2: Full-Day Masai Mara – Great Migration and Big Five Safari
After an early breakfast, enter the Masai Mara for a full day of wildlife viewing with a picnic lunch. Your guide will plan the route according to recent sightings, weather, road conditions and the seasonal location of the migration herds.
Between July and October, the drive may include areas around the Mara River where wildebeest and zebras gather. River crossings occur naturally and cannot be predicted or guaranteed. Throughout the year, the reserve offers excellent opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, hyenas and, with some luck, leopards. Stop for a picnic lunch at a designated location before continuing the afternoon game drive. Return to your camp or lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mara Olodare Camp or selected alternative
Day 3: Masai Mara – Wildlife Exploration and Optional Activities
Enjoy another full day in the Masai Mara, giving your guide the flexibility to explore areas not covered the previous day. Depending on wildlife movements, the game drive may focus on the Mara River, Musiara Marsh, Talek region or other productive sections of the reserve.
Look for lion prides, cheetahs scanning the plains, elephants travelling in family groups, hippos in the rivers and crocodiles near the water. During migration season, you may encounter large concentrations of wildebeest and zebras, although their precise location changes with rainfall and grazing conditions. An optional sunrise balloon safari or Maasai village visit can be arranged at an additional cost. Return for dinner and your final night in the Masai Mara.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mara Olodare Camp or selected alternative
Day 4: Masai Mara to Nakuru – Scenic Rift Valley Journey
After breakfast, check out and leave the Masai Mara for the journey to Nakuru. The drive normally takes approximately five to six hours, depending on your camp’s location, traffic, weather and road conditions. Along the way, observe the changing Rift Valley scenery, rural communities, farms and busy market towns.
Your guide will make suitable stops for lunch, refreshments and comfort breaks. Arrive at your Nakuru hotel or lodge in the late afternoon, check in and spend the remainder of the day relaxing after the road journey. This overnight stop positions you close to Lake Nakuru National Park for an early entrance and productive morning game drive the following day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Citymax Hotel or selected alternative
Day 5: Lake Nakuru Game Drive and Return to Nairobi
After an early breakfast, enter Lake Nakuru National Park for a morning game drive. The park is one of Kenya’s important rhino sanctuaries and offers good opportunities to see white rhinos and, occasionally, the more elusive black rhino. Other possible sightings include Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, baboons, lions and numerous bird species.
Explore the lakeshore, acacia woodland and open grasslands while watching for seasonal flamingos, pelicans and African fish eagles. Wildlife sightings and flamingo numbers vary according to natural conditions. After the game drive, leave the park and drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Your guide will drop you at your hotel, the airport or another agreed location within the city.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Not included – end of safari
Important departure advice: Schedule international flights for the evening or arrange an additional night in Nairobi. Return time depends on traffic, road conditions and the duration of the Lake Nakuru game drive.
Safari Price Options for 2026–2028
| Safari Option | Typical Accommodation | Price Per Person Sharing | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Private Safari | Budget camps and tourist-class hotels | From USD 950 | Couples, families and private groups |
| Mid-Range Private Safari | Comfortable lodges and tented camps | From USD 1,350 | Travellers seeking additional comfort |
| Luxury Private Safari | Premium lodges and luxury camps | From USD 2,200 | Honeymooners, photographers and luxury travellers |
What Is Included
- Private transport in a customised 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- 4 nights’ accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru park fees
- Game drives as mentioned
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
What Is Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Balloon safari
- Maasai village visit
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal drinks
- Laundry and personal expenses
- Optional activities not mentioned as included
Recommended Add-On Extensions for This Tour
Travelers can easily extend this 5 Days Kenya Migration Tour with additional safari destinations or relaxing beach holidays to create a longer and more diverse East Africa experience.
Popular Safari Add-Ons
- See elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro and enjoy a Lake Naivasha boat ride on our 6-Day Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara Safari
- Combine with Samburu National Reserve to see the rare Samburu Special Five
- Combine rhino conservation with the Masai Mara on our 6-Day Ol Pejeta and Masai Mara Fly-In Safari.
- Continue to Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park for classic red-elephant safaris
Beach Holiday Extensions
After the safari, travelers can unwind along Kenya’s beautiful Indian Ocean coastline:
- Continue to Kenya’s coast with our 7-Day Masai Mara and Diani Beach Safari
- Watamu – marine parks and snorkeling
- Mombasa – cultural sites and beach relaxation
Tanzania Add-On Option
For guests wanting a longer migration adventure, this safari can also connect with northern Tanzania destinations including:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
Best Time to Visit
The 5-Day Kenya Migration Tour can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the experience varies depending on the season and your wildlife interests. The most popular time to visit is between July and October, when the Great Wildebeest Migration reaches the Masai Mara National Reserve. During these months, visitors have the best opportunity to witness vast herds of wildebeest and zebras, dramatic predator-prey interactions and, with some luck, the famous Mara River crossings.
For detailed seasonal comparisons, rainfall patterns and destination advice, see our Best Time to Visit Kenya and Tanzania for a Safari.
Outside the migration season, the Masai Mara continues to offer exceptional year-round wildlife viewing, including excellent opportunities to see the Big Five, while Lake Nakuru National Park remains one of Kenya's top destinations for rhino conservation and birdwatching.
Best Time to Visit by Season
| Season | Months | What to Expect | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Migration Season | July – October | Peak wildebeest migration, Mara River crossings, excellent predator sightings and outstanding wildlife photography. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Short Dry Season | January – March | Warm weather, fewer visitors, excellent Big Five sightings and clear skies for photography. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Green Season | April – May | Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, attractive accommodation rates and excellent birdwatching. Afternoon rain showers are common. | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Short Rains | November – December | Fresh scenery, newborn animals, fewer crowds and good wildlife viewing despite occasional rainfall. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Who Is This Safari Best Suited For?
This five-day migration safari is ideal for travellers who want substantial time in the Masai Mara while also experiencing Lake Nakuru’s rhinos and Rift Valley scenery.
- First-time safari travellers: Visit two of Kenya’s most rewarding wildlife destinations in one practical itinerary.
- Couples and honeymooners: Enjoy private game drives, memorable sunsets and optional luxury accommodation.
- Families: Private departures allow flexible game-drive times, meal arrangements and comfort stops.
- Wildlife photographers: Two full days in the Masai Mara provide more opportunities to follow wildlife activity and photograph predators.
- Solo travellers and small groups: Enjoy an exclusive vehicle and an itinerary adjusted to your interests, travel pace and accommodation preferences.
This tour involves two substantial road journeys: Nairobi to the Masai Mara and Masai Mara to Nakuru. Travellers who prefer less driving can request scheduled flights or an adjusted itinerary.
Compare Our Kenya Migration Safaris
| Safari | Duration | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Masai Mara Migration Safari | 3 Days / 2 Nights | Travellers with limited time | Big Five game drives, Great Migration (seasonal), Mara River and optional hot air balloon safari. |
| 4-Day Great Migration Safari Kenya | 4 Days / 3 Nights | More time in the Masai Mara | Three nights in the Masai Mara, multiple game drives, migration viewing and excellent wildlife photography opportunities. |
| 5-Day Kenya Migration Tour | 5 Days / 4 Nights | Best Overall Value | Three nights in the Masai Mara plus Lake Nakuru National Park, Great Migration, Big Five and rhino tracking. |
| 6-Day Kenya Budget Group Safari | 6 Days / 5 Nights | Solo and budget travellers | Shared safari, Masai Mara wildlife and additional Kenya destinations |
| 7-Day Kenya Great Migration Safari | 7 Days / 6 Nights | Complete Kenya wildlife experience | Great Migration, Big Five, multiple national parks and a broader safari itinerary. |
- 3 Days – Ideal if you're short on time but want to experience the Masai Mara and search for the Big Five.
- 4 Days – Choose our 4-day Great Migration safari in Kenya if you want three nights in the Masai Mara and two full migration-focused game drives without adding Lake Nakuru.
- 5 Days – Our most popular itinerary, combining three nights in the Masai Mara with a visit to Lake Nakuru National Park for one of Kenya's best short wildlife adventures.
- 6 Days – Perfect for travellers who prefer a more relaxed safari with extra wildlife viewing time.
- 7 Days – Best for visitors wanting to explore several of Kenya's iconic national parks in one comprehensive safari.
Planning Tip: If your schedule allows, compare this itinerary with our 4-Day Great Migration Safari Kenya for a shorter safari focused entirely on the Masai Mara, or consider a 7-Day Kenya Great Migration Safari if you'd like to include additional national parks and even more game-drive opportunities.
Accommodation Options
The advertised USD 950 starting price includes the budget accommodation option shown below. Mid-range and luxury properties are available at an additional cost.
Use Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser for all three levels:
| Safari Level | Masai Mara – 3 Nights | Nakuru – 1 Night | Safari Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Mara Olodare Camp or similar | Citymax Hotel or similar | Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser |
| Mid-range | Jambo Mara, Mara Sopa or similar | Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar | Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser |
| Luxury | Entim Mara, Mara Serena or similar | Sarova Lion Hill or similar | Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser |
Guide & Travel Expert Insights
A successful five-day migration safari depends on practical routing, accommodation location and sufficient time in the Masai Mara. Three nights provide an arrival-day game drive and two full days to explore different wildlife areas.
Accommodation and game-drive planning
Camps outside the reserve may cost less but can add travel time through the gates. For migration and Mara River viewing, choose accommodation with convenient access to the river sector. Because the herds move constantly, your guide will plan each drive using recent sightings, rainfall and road conditions.
Wildlife and photography
Early mornings offer cooler weather, active predators and soft photography light, while late afternoons are ideal for warm landscape photographs. Photographers should carry binoculars, spare batteries, memory cards and a camera support.
Vehicle and road travel
Every departure, including the budget package, uses a customised 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. It provides comfortable wildlife viewing and reliable performance on the Masai Mara’s rough or muddy roads.
Families and luggage
Families may prefer separate morning and afternoon drives instead of a full-day game drive. A private safari allows greater flexibility with meals, comfort stops and driving times. Use soft-sided luggage if adding a domestic flight and confirm the airline’s baggage allowance before travelling.
Migration expectations
The main wildebeest herds are usually in the Masai Mara from July to October, but their location depends on rainfall and grazing. River crossings cannot be predicted or guaranteed. Outside migration season, the Mara still offers excellent resident wildlife and big-cat viewing.
John Peter’s recommendation: Prioritise three nights in the Masai Mara, a well-positioned camp and a private vehicle before upgrading to luxury accommodation. Location and game-drive flexibility usually influence wildlife viewing more than room category.
Travel Information (Official Resources)
| Official Resource | Why It's Important |
|---|---|
| Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) | Find official information on Kenya's national parks, wildlife conservation, park regulations, visitor guidelines and conservation updates. (Kws) |
| Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) | Check the latest entry requirements and apply for your Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling to Kenya. Most international visitors require an approved eTA before departure. (Kenya eTA) |
| Magical Kenya | Explore Kenya's official tourism website for destination information, travel inspiration and practical visitor advice. |
| World Health Organization (WHO) – International Travel and Health | Review the latest international travel health guidance, vaccination recommendations and public health advice before your safari. |
Before You Travel
For a smooth safari experience, we recommend that you:
- Apply for your Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) well before your departure date.
- Review the latest Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) visitor regulations and park information.
- Check current travel health and vaccination recommendations for your country of residence.
- Confirm your passport is valid for the required period and carry copies of important travel documents.
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations and baggage.
Expert Travel Advice
Our team regularly reviews this itinerary to reflect changes in park regulations, entry requirements, seasonal wildlife movements and travel recommendations. If you have any questions before your departure, our Kenya safari specialists are happy to help you prepare for a safe, enjoyable and memorable safari experience.
Getting There
This 5 Days Kenya Migration Tour starts and ends in Nairobi, Kenya’s main safari gateway city. Most travelers arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where our safari representative will meet and transfer them to the tour starting point or hotel.
By Road
The safari is mainly operated by road using a comfortable 4x4 Land Cruiser or safari van. The journey from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve takes approximately 5–6 hours with scenic stops along the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. The route then continues to Lake Nakuru National Park before returning to Nairobi.
By Air (Optional Upgrade)
Travelers looking for a faster and more luxurious experience can upgrade to scheduled domestic flights between Nairobi and Masai Mara. Daily flights operate from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to several airstrips inside Masai Mara, significantly reducing travel time and offering breathtaking aerial views of Kenya’s landscapes.
Airport Transfers
Airport pick-up and drop-off can be arranged before and after the safari depending on your arrival and departure flights. Extra hotel nights in Nairobi can also be organized upon request.
What To Pack
Packing properly for your 5 Days Kenya Migration Tour will help you stay comfortable during game drives, cool mornings, warm afternoons, and occasional evening chills in the safari parks.
Essential Safari Clothing
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts
- Comfortable safari trousers or shorts
- Warm fleece or light jacket for early morning game drives
- Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, beige, brown)
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses
Safari Essentials
- Camera or smartphone with extra memory cards
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medications
- Travel documents and passport copies
Optional Items
- Rain jacket during the green season (April–May & November)
- Power bank and universal travel adapter
- Small backpack for daily use
- Swimwear for lodges with swimming pools
- Lightweight scarf or buff for dusty roads
Luggage Recommendation
Soft-sided bags are highly recommended, especially for travelers using domestic safari flights. A medium-sized suitcase or duffel bag plus a small daypack is usually ideal for this Kenya safari tour.
Why Book With East Africa Jungle?
- 16+ years of safari experience: Our locally based team uses first-hand route and destination knowledge to plan practical Kenya safaris.
- Professional local guides: Travel with experienced guides who understand wildlife behaviour, migration movements and the best areas for photography.
- Flexible private safaris: Adjust your accommodation, vehicle, departure date and daily game-drive schedule to suit your interests and budget.
- Clear, confirmed pricing: Your quotation shows the accommodation, park fees, transport, meals and activities included, with optional extras listed separately.
- Support throughout your journey: Our team assists with planning before arrival and provides local support throughout your safari.
Our promise: We will provide a realistic itinerary, suitable accommodation and honest advice about seasonal wildlife viewing. Although migration movements and individual sightings cannot be guaranteed, we will plan your safari around the best available local information.
Verified Guest Reviews
★★★★★ “An unforgettable Great Migration safari”
“Witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara was the highlight of our Kenya trip. We saw thousands of wildebeest, lions, elephants and even a leopard. The safari was well organised, and our guide was exceptional.”
“Witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara was the highlight of our Kenya trip. We saw thousands of wildebeest, lions, elephants and even a leopard. The safari was well organised, and our guide was exceptional.”
Guest: Sarah & Daniel
Travel period: August 2025
Country: United Kingdom
Group type: Couple
Accommodation level: Budget
Safari highlights: Great Migration, wildebeest herds, lions, elephants and leopard sighting
Verification: Verified East Africa Jungle guests
★★★★★ “Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru were a perfect combination”
“This five-day safari gave us everything we hoped to experience in Kenya. The Masai Mara was breathtaking, and Lake Nakuru surprised us with its rhinos and beautiful scenery. Our accommodation was comfortable, and the game drives were unforgettable.”
“This five-day safari gave us everything we hoped to experience in Kenya. The Masai Mara was breathtaking, and Lake Nakuru surprised us with its rhinos and beautiful scenery. Our accommodation was comfortable, and the game drives were unforgettable.”
Guest: Maria & Carlos
Travel period: September 2024
Country: Spain
Group type: Couple
Accommodation level: Budget
Safari highlights: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, rhinos, scenery and game drives
Verification: Verified East Africa Jungle guests
★★★★★ “A safe and memorable family safari”
“Travelling during the migration season was absolutely worth it. Our children loved seeing zebras, giraffes and elephants in their natural environment. The safari felt safe, well planned and family-friendly from beginning to end.”
“Travelling during the migration season was absolutely worth it. Our children loved seeing zebras, giraffes and elephants in their natural environment. The safari felt safe, well planned and family-friendly from beginning to end.”
Guest: James Family
Travel period: July 2025
Country: Australia
Group type: Family with children
Accommodation level: Budget
Safari highlights: Great Migration season, zebras, giraffes, elephants and family game drives
Verification: Verified East Africa Jungle guests
★★★★★ “Excellent wildlife viewing without the peak-season crowds”
“January was an excellent time to visit. We experienced fewer crowds, pleasant weather and memorable predator sightings in the Masai Mara. Lake Nakuru was peaceful and offered wonderful birdlife and rhino viewing.”
“January was an excellent time to visit. We experienced fewer crowds, pleasant weather and memorable predator sightings in the Masai Mara. Lake Nakuru was peaceful and offered wonderful birdlife and rhino viewing.”
Guest: Sophie
Travel period: January 2023
Country: France
Accommodation level: budget
Safari highlights: Predator sightings, uncrowded game drives, Lake Nakuru birdlife and rhinos
Verification: Verified East Africa Jungle guest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Great Migration in the Masai Mara?
The main wildebeest herds are usually present in the Masai Mara between July and October. Their exact arrival and departure dates vary according to rainfall, grazing conditions and natural herd movements.
2. Are Mara River crossings guaranteed?
No. River crossings are natural, unpredictable events and cannot be scheduled or guaranteed. Spending three nights in the Masai Mara gives your guide more flexibility to follow recent sightings and explore areas where the migration herds are active.
3. What is included in the starting price?
The starting price includes four nights’ budget accommodation, meals specified in the itinerary, private transport in a safari van, park entrance fees, scheduled game drives, bottled drinking water and the services of a professional English-speaking safari guide. Your quotation will confirm all inclusions before booking.
4. Is this a private or group-joining safari?
This itinerary is offered as a private safari, giving you an exclusive vehicle and greater flexibility with game-drive times, accommodation and daily activities. Group-joining departures may be available separately on selected dates.
5. Where will we stay?
The budget package typically uses Mara Olodare Camp or a comparable camp for three nights and Citymax Hotel or a similar property in Nakuru for one night. Mid-range and luxury upgrades are available. All accommodation is subject to availability and confirmed before payment.
6. How long are the road transfers?
Nairobi to the Masai Mara normally takes approximately five to six hours. The Masai Mara to Nakuru journey also takes around five to six hours, while Nakuru to Nairobi takes approximately three to four hours. Travel times vary with traffic, weather, road conditions and accommodation location.
7. Which safari vehicle is used?
The budget private package includes a safari van with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing. You can upgrade to a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser for additional space, comfort and improved performance on rough or muddy roads.
8. Is this safari suitable for children?
Yes. A private safari is particularly suitable for families because game-drive duration, meal arrangements and comfort stops can be adjusted to suit the children’s ages. Parents should consider the longer road journeys when planning with very young children.
9. Can I add a hot-air balloon safari?
Yes. A sunrise balloon safari over the Masai Mara can be arranged on Day 2 or Day 3, subject to availability and weather conditions. The experience normally includes approximately one hour in the air followed by breakfast. It is charged separately and should be reserved in advance.
10. What happens if I travel outside migration season?
The Masai Mara remains an excellent year-round wildlife destination. Outside July–October, you can still see resident lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and other plains game. Lake Nakuru also offers year-round opportunities to see rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes and diverse birdlife.
Plan Your 5-Day Kenya Migration Safari 2026–2028
Spend three nights exploring the Masai Mara before searching for rhinos and diverse birdlife in Lake Nakuru National Park. We will tailor this private safari to your travel dates, group size, preferred accommodation and vehicle.
Private Safari from USD 950 Per Person Sharing
Based on two or more guests sharing, using budget accommodation and a private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser.
Book This Safari | Request a Custom Quote
WhatsApp: +254 728 567 308
Email: info@eastafricajungle.com
Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation level, and we will send you a personalised itinerary and quotation.
Author
John Peter
Senior East Africa Safari Specialist and Operations Manager
16+ years of safari planning and operational experience
John Peter specialises in planning private and tailor-made safaris across Kenya, Tanzania and the wider East African region. His experience includes safari routing, accommodation selection, Great Migration planning, cross-border logistics and coordinating wildlife itineraries for couples, families, photographers and private groups.
Using first-hand operational knowledge, John reviews each itinerary for realistic driving times, suitable accommodation locations, seasonal wildlife conditions and practical game-drive planning.
Written and reviewed by: John Peter
Last reviewed: 7 September 2026
Editorial Review
Written and reviewed by: John Peter
Position: Senior East Africa Safari Specialist and Operations Manager
Experience: 16+ years of safari planning and operational experience
Last reviewed: 7 September 2026
Available Months
Dates are flexible. Request your preferred month and our team will advise the best safari timing.
Safari Route Map
Plan Your Safari Today
Tell us your travel month, budget level, and group size. We will shape this package around your preferred safari style.
16+ Years
English
