3-Day Lake Naivasha and Maasai Mara Safari | Midrange Kenya Safari

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel, residence, or the airport in Nairobi. You will drive towards Lake Naivasha, passing through the beautiful Great Rift Valley. A short stop may be made at a viewpoint, where you can enjoy the wide landscape and take photographs before continuing to the lake.

Lake Naivasha Boat Ride

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. It is famous for its large population of hippos, rich birdlife, peaceful surroundings, and beautiful views of the surrounding hills. The lake is home to many bird species, including fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, cormorants, and herons.

During the boat ride, you will travel across the calm waters while observing hippos from a safe distance. You may also see fishermen working on the lake and different water birds feeding or resting along the shoreline. The boat ride offers an enjoyable and relaxing introduction to Kenya’s natural environment.

After the boat ride, you will visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. Crescent Island is a private wildlife sanctuary located on the eastern side of Lake Naivasha. Although it is called an island, changing water levels sometimes connect it to the mainland.

The sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to walk among freely roaming wildlife without the barriers of a safari vehicle. During the guided walk, you may see giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, and other herbivores. The walk is led by an experienced guide who will explain the animals, plants, bird species, and natural features of the sanctuary.

Crescent Island is especially known for its peaceful atmosphere and close wildlife encounters. There are no large predators such as lions inside the walking area, which makes it suitable for a guided nature walk. The elevated sections of the sanctuary also provide beautiful views of Lake Naivasha and the surrounding landscape.

After the activities, you will have lunch and continue your journey to Maasai Mara. You will arrive in the evening, check in at Pride Mara Camp, enjoy dinner, and relax after the day’s journey.

Accommodation: Pride Mara Camp
Meals: Lunch and dinner

After an early breakfast, you will leave the camp with a packed picnic lunch for a full-day game drive in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. It is known for its wide open grasslands, beautiful savannah scenery, rich wildlife population, and excellent opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat. The reserve forms part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which extends across the Kenya-Tanzania border.

During the game drive, you will explore different areas of the reserve while searching for wildlife. The Maasai Mara is home to the Big Five, which include lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses. You may also see cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, antelopes, and many bird species.

The reserve is particularly famous for its large lion population and its open landscape, which makes wildlife viewing easier. Depending on the season and location, you may witness animals hunting, feeding, resting, or caring for their young. Your safari guide will explain animal behaviour, conservation efforts, and the importance of the Maasai Mara ecosystem.

You will enjoy a picnic lunch at a suitable location inside the reserve, surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness. The game drive will continue in the afternoon before returning to the camp in the evening.

Optional Maasai Village Visit

An optional visit to a traditional Maasai village can be arranged during the safari. This cultural experience provides an opportunity to learn about the Maasai people, who have lived alongside the wildlife of the Mara region for generations.

During the visit, local community members may welcome you with traditional songs and dances. You will also learn about Maasai homes, family life, clothing, livestock, traditional practices, and the importance of cattle within their culture. The village visit is optional and may involve an additional fee paid directly to the community.

You will return to Pride Mara Camp for dinner and your second overnight stay.

Accommodation: Pride Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner

After breakfast, you will check out of Pride Mara Camp and begin your journey back to Nairobi. You will travel through the scenic Kenyan countryside, with short stops available for refreshments or souvenirs when time allows.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch