4-Day Masai Mara & Nakuru Migration Safari

Masai Mara National Reserve

Rates From $2,615

About This Tour

This migration safari balances the high energy of the Masai Mara with the quiet birdlife and rhino sightings of Lake Nakuru National Park. It is designed for travellers who want a short but deep immersion into Kenya’s most famous wildlife regions. The journey suits couples and small groups looking for a focused and efficient route.

The trip moves from the open plains of the Mara to the wooded shores of the Great Rift Valley. It follows a steady rhythm that allows for extensive game viewing without long, draining transitions. Guests experience a mix of iconic savannah landscapes and serene lakeside environments.

Travel is steady and reliable throughout the journey. The sequence of destinations ensures that the intensity of the Mara is followed by the calm of Nakuru. This flow provides a sense of balance and completeness for a four-day escape.

Our Community Impact

JohnBow prioritises lodges that employ staff from local communities. This safari supports the Maasai people through conservancy fees and employment at Entim Mara. We believe in travel that provides direct economic benefits to the people living alongside wildlife.

Our Sustainability Promise

We partner with camps that use solar power and manage waste responsibly. Our guides follow strict off-road driving rules to protect the fragile savannah soil. We aim to leave a minimal footprint while providing an authentic nature experience.

Why This Safari Works

The itinerary follows a logical path that minimises travel time and maximises wildlife sightings. By starting in the Masai Mara, the trip captures the heart of the migration early while energy levels are high. The move to Lake Nakuru offers a change in scenery and a more relaxed pace to conclude the journey. This structure works well for those with limited time who still want to see diverse ecosystems.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • All-Inclusive Meals
  • Big Five Experience
  • Bird Watching
  • Couple
  • Cultural Visits
  • Family
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Great Migration
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari
  • Private Safari
  • Road Transfer

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara
  • Day 2: Full Day Safari, Masai Mara
  • Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru via Maasai Village
  • Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi via Lake Naivasha

Destinations

  • Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Lake Naivasha (Stopover)

Where You Stay

  • Entim Mara (2 Nights)
  • Sarova Lions Hill Game Lodge (1 Night)

Safari Highlights

  • Crossing the Great Rift Valley
  • Open plains of the Masai Mara
  • Watching the Great Migration herds
  • Soft morning light on game drives
  • Searching for the elusive leopard
  • Rhino sightings at Lake Nakuru
  • Lakeside calm at Nakuru
  • Boat ride at Lake Naivasha

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Drive across the Great Rift Valley floor.
  • Afternoon game drive in the Mara.

Itinerary information

The journey begins with a drive from Nairobi, descending the escarpment into the Rift Valley. The landscape changes as the vehicle enters the Masai Mara National Reserve. After lunch, the first game drive explores the rolling hills and grasslands. Guests can see herds of zebra and wildebeest scattered across the plains. The day ends with a quiet evening at the camp as the sun sets over the horizon.

  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner

  • Accommodation: Entim Mara

Itinerary Highlights

  • Full day of wildlife viewing.
  • Picnic lunch in the wild.

Itinerary information

This day is dedicated to exploring the vast reaches of the Masai Mara. The vehicle travels to different sectors of the reserve to track predators and the migration herds. Guests spend the hours observing animal behaviour in its natural state. A picnic lunch is served under a lone acacia tree in the middle of the savannah. The pace is steady, allowing for long periods of observation and photography.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Entim Mara

Itinerary Highlights

  • Visit to a Maasai Village.
  • Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru.

Itinerary information

The morning begins with a cultural visit to a Maasai village to learn about local traditions. Afterward, the journey moves north toward Lake Nakuru National Park. The environment shifts from open plains to yellow-fever acacia woodlands. An afternoon game drive focuses on finding white and black rhinos near the lakeshore. The atmosphere here is peaceful, with many water birds lining the banks.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Sarova Lions Hill Game Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Morning game drive in Nakuru.
  • Boat ride at Lake Naivasha.

Itinerary information

The final morning includes a drive through the park to catch the early light on the lake. The route then heads to Lake Naivasha for a boat excursion to see hippos and eagles. After a relaxed lunch, the vehicle climbs the escarpment back toward Nairobi. The safari concludes with a transfer to the airport or hotel. The transition back to the city is smooth and unhurried.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We designed this route to offer a high-impact wildlife experience for guests with limited time. It balances the Mara’s intensity with the calm of the Rift Valley lakes. ❞

~Johnbow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

SeasonDate Range2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
Peak Migration SeasonJuly – Sept, 2026$2,990$2,700$2,615

Important Rate Notes

  • Rates vary based on seasonal availability and room types.
  • A single room supplement applies for solo travellers.
  • Child policies differ by lodge and require confirmation at booking.
  • Similar standard lodges may be used if the listed ones are full.

What's Included

  • All accommodations during the safari
  • Transportation on a safari Jeep 4x4.
  • Game drives
  • Meals
  • Park Entry fees
  • Government Taxes/VAT
  • Professional tour driver/guide
  • Mineral-bottle drinking water

Optional Addons

  • Hot Air Balloon Safari in Masai Mara
  • Horseback riding at Naivasha
  • Maasai Village cultural visit
  • Guided nature walk

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Tips and gratitude for guides and staff
  • Boat Rides
  • Tips and gratitude for guides and staff
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest drive is about five to six hours between Nairobi and the Mara.
Yes, children are welcome and will enjoy the diverse wildlife and boat rides.
A private four-by-four Land Cruiser is provided for all transfers and game drives.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 3rd Floor Room 3-8. Moi Avenue, Nairobi