Lakes & Lions Expedition
From tranquil lakes to the roar of the savannah.
Overview
Itinerary
Begin your safari adventure with a morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Travel northwest through the scenic Great Rift Valley, pausing for stunning photo opportunities along the way. Arrive at Lake Naivasha, a freshwater gem known for its tranquil beauty and abundant birdlife. After lunch at your lodge, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Naivasha, spotting hippos and a variety of waterbirds. You may also take an optional guided walk on Crescent Island, where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam freely.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley.
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
- Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Optional Activities:
- Walking Safari on Crescent Island — USD 36 / person
- Horseback Safari in Sanctuary Farm — USD 50 / adult
- Cycling in Hell's Gate National Park — USD 60 / adult
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, a short and scenic drive through the Rift Valley floor. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive around the lake’s shores and acacia forests. Look out for rhinos, flamingos, pelicans, giraffes, zebras, and possibly lions lounging in the trees.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive to Lake Nakuru.
- Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Chance to see rhinos, flamingos, giraffes, zebras, and lions.
- Dinner and overnight at your lodge / camp.
Enjoy breakfast overlooking the lake, then check out and begin your drive to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Pass through farmlands and Maasai villages as you approach the Mara’s rolling savannahs. Arrive at your lodge / camp in time for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in the reserve, where you might spot elephants, lions, and herds of antelope as the sun sets over the plains.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the Rift Valley to Masai Mara.
- Lunch and rest at your lodge / camp.
- Afternoon game drive in Masai Mara.
- Dinner and overnight at your lodge / camp.
Today is the highlight of your safari — a full day dedicated to exploring the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife of the Masai Mara National Reserve. After an early breakfast, head out with a packed lunch for a full-day game drive across the Mara’s endless plains. This iconic reserve is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including prides of lions, graceful giraffes, mighty elephants, stealthy leopards, and massive herds of buffalo. Spend the day tracking these magnificent animals in their natural habitats, as your guide shares insights into the Mara’s ecosystems and animal behavior. Pause at a scenic spot to enjoy your picnic lunch amid the wilderness, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the savannah. In the afternoon, continue your exploration as the golden light of sunset bathes the plains, offering prime opportunities for photography and predator sightings. Return to your camp in the evening for dinner and a relaxed night under the stars, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable encounters.
Highlights:
- Full-day exploration of Masai Mara’s rich wildlife and vast savannah landscapes.
- Opportunity to spot four of the “Big Five” — lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes.
- Scenic game drives across rolling plains and along the Mara River.
- Picnic lunch in the wild surrounded by grazing herds and diverse birdlife.
- Dinner and overnight at your lodge / camp.
Start your day before sunrise with an optional hot air balloon safari, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a bird’s-eye view of the Masai Mara’s breathtaking landscapes. As the first light touches the plains, watch herds of wildebeest, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes moving gracefully across the savannah below. After landing, enjoy a champagne bush breakfast in the wild — an experience that perfectly captures the magic of Kenya’s wilderness. Continue your morning with a mid-morning game drive, exploring the Mara’s varied ecosystems. While July to September brings the Great Migration, the reserve teems year-round with incredible wildlife — from prowling lions and cheetahs to grazing zebras and majestic elephants. Return to camp in time for lunch and a bit of rest before heading out again for an evening game drive. This is one of the best times to witness predators becoming active as the day cools and the sky glows in golden hues.
Highlights:
- Optional sunrise hot air balloon safari with panoramic views of the Mara plains.
- Champagne bush breakfast in the wild after your balloon landing.
- Morning and evening game drives offering excellent opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo.
- Lunch and relaxation at camp, followed by an evening drive as predators become active.
- Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge / camp, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
Optional Activities:
- Hot Air Balloon Safari — USD 480 / adult
Enjoy an early breakfast before bidding farewell to the Masai Mara. On your way out of the reserve, you may choose to make an optional visit to a traditional Masai village, where you’ll learn about the community’s fascinating culture, customs, and way of life. Continue your scenic drive back to Nairobi, retracing your route through the Great Rift Valley. Soak in the changing landscapes—from open savannahs to rolling highlands dotted with farms and villages. Depending on timing, you may stop briefly for panoramic photos or to shop for local handicrafts. Arrive in Nairobi by early to mid-afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable 6-Day Lakes & Lion's Expedition Safari. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, carrying lasting memories of Kenya’s wild beauty and warm hospitality.
Highlights:
- Optional visit to a Maasai village.
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley.
- Photo and souvenir stops en route.
- Drop-off at your hotel or airport.
Optional Activities:
- Masai Village Tour — USD 30 / person
- Flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi — USD 200 / person*
Camps & Lodges
Expected Sightings
The Predators
HighThe vast plains of Kenya reveal nature’s untamed power. Stealth and speed rule here, where every hunt becomes a display of instinct and survival. The balance of life is written in every chase, every moment of stillness, and every heartbeat of the wild.
Best time: All round the year
The Giants
HighAcross the savannah, nature’s titans move with grace and power. Towering shapes march across open fields and riverbanks, reshaping the land as they go. Their presence defines the rhythm of the wilderness — timeless, majestic, and eternal.
Best time: All round the year
The Nomads
SeasonalEndless herds travel the ancient migration routes, driven by rain and renewal. Their journey across plains and rivers is one of courage and instinct — a breathtaking cycle that sustains life and tells the story of Africa’s eternal migration.
Best time: July to October
The Skyfolk
HighAbove the plains, the skies come alive with motion and song. From silent gliders to swift hunters, they command the air with freedom and purpose. Each flight writes its own story against the endless horizon.
Best time: All round the year
The Plainsfolk
HighLife thrives across the golden grasslands. Agile and alert, these grazers embody the pulse of the savannah — harmony in motion, survival in numbers, and grace in every stride beneath the open sky.
Best time: All round the year
The Waterfolk
MediumWhere rivers flow and lakes shimmer, life gathers in abundance. The waters nurture both calm and chaos — a realm of reflection, movement, and grace that sustains the heart of the wild.
Best time: June to October
What's Included
Essentials
- All National Park Entry Fees - access to Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara National Reserve.
- All Transfers as per the Itinerary — airport, inter-park, and lodge transfers as scheduled.
- Professional KPSGA-Certified Safari Guide cum driver — expert wildlife interpretation and personal attention.
- Safari Accessories — binoculars, cooler box with sodas and unlimited drinking water in the vehicle.
- Travel Consultation — free guidance on visas, packing, and travel requirements.
- All Government Taxes & Levies — no hidden costs.
Experience
- Exclusive & Unlimited Safari Experiences — enjoy twice-daily game drives or full-day expeditions, with exceptional opportunities to encounter the Big Five and more.
- Lake Naivasha Experience — private boat safari.
- Signature Sundowner Experience — enjoy drinks against an African sunset.
- Curated Safari Lodges & Camps — authentic safari stays with full-board dining throughout your safari journey.
- Exclusive Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop up roof — comfortable, all-window seats, ideal for photography.
What's Not Included
- International and Domestic Flights.
- Personal Expenses — laundry, shopping, and beverages.
- Gratuities — suggested USD 10 - 15 per adult per day for your guide.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (Kenya eTA / Visa).
Safari Gallery
Guest Reviews
“Firstly, this trip felt surreal, out of a movie. All credit to Marvels of Africa for organising it so well taking into consideration our needs and requirements.”
Renee Ronald
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lakes and Lions Expedition is ideal from November to June, outside the busy migration season. During these months, the parks are quieter, vegetation is lush, and the scenery is stunning. You’ll enjoy excellent birdwatching, especially around Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, and still have great opportunities to spot big cats and other wildlife in the Masai Mara.
Yes! This safari is perfect for families. The travel distances are manageable, and the variety of landscapes — from lakes to savannah — keeps every day exciting. Children can enjoy boat rides on Lake Naivasha, marvel at flamingos in Lake Nakuru, and experience close-up wildlife encounters in the Masai Mara. Family-friendly lodges with spacious rooms, swimming pools, and kid-oriented activities ensure a comfortable stay for everyone.
You can look forward to a delicious mix of local African flavors and international cuisine throughout your safari. Most lodges and camps serve buffet-style meals, but depending on the number of guests and occupancy, they may also offer a set menu with freshly prepared dishes by the chef. Expect hearty breakfasts with fruits, cereals, eggs, and baked goods, followed by flavorful lunches and three-course dinners under the stars. On full-day game drives, lodges often provide packed lunches, which are convenient but come with limited options — typically sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and juice. Special dietary requests — including vegetarian, vegan, Indian, halal, or gluten-free meals — can usually be arranged with prior notice. In general, the better the lodge, the more elaborate and refined the dining experience, often featuring gourmet presentations, fine wines, and personalized service.
This is one of the most common questions — and a very practical one! While exploring Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara, there are generally no permanent restroom facilities inside most parts of the parks, as these are natural wilderness areas. However, your guide will plan comfort stops at designated safe points, such as ranger stations, picnic sites, or specific rest areas where facilities are available. For longer game drives, especially in the Masai Mara, your guide can also arrange discreet “bush stops” in safe, private spots when needed. Morning and afternoon drives are usually scheduled around your lodge or camp, so you’ll have access to proper restrooms before and after each outing.
A full day on a Lakes & Lions Expedition in Masai Mara is designed to give you the best chance to spot wildlife from sunrise to sunset. The day begins early with an extended morning game drive, when animals are most active, and you’ll enjoy a packed bush breakfast in the park surrounded by incredible scenery. Afterward, you return to your lodge or camp for a hot lunch and some time to relax or swim. In the late afternoon, you’ll head out again for another game drive until sunset, when the golden light creates perfect conditions for photography and predator sightings. The day ends back at your lodge with a delicious dinner and stories by the campfire — the perfect finish to a day filled with adventure and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
For questions or booking inquiries:
Call +254 769 024321