Multi Day Masai Mara Lake Nakuru Park Hellsgate Park Tour

Traveling through Kenya’s iconic parks can be a rollercoaster of sights, sounds, and unforgettable moments. While many safari options exist, this 5-day package from AXIS AFRICA SAFARIS offers a thoughtful balance of wildlife encounters, cultural touches, and scenic views. Based on numerous reviews and detailed itineraries, this tour seems like a fantastic choice for travelers looking for an authentic, well-organized experience that doesn’t break the bank.

What we love most about this tour? First, the knowledgeable guides who genuinely care about wildlife and local culture. Second, the stunning views of the parks, especially at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint and Lake Nakuru. Third, the value for money, considering the comprehensive itinerary, quality of accommodations, and inclusiveness of most activities. One possible consideration? The group size is limited to 8 travelers, which is great for intimacy but may require early booking. This tour suits those eager for a curated, immersive safari that balances adventure with comfort, perfect for first-timers or seasoned travelers alike.

Key Points

• Authentic & personalized experience with expert guides passionate about wildlife and culture
• Comprehensive itinerary covering Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Hell’s Gate in just five days
• Excellent value, including most activities, all transport, and meals
• Small group size for a more engaging, personalized journey
• Good for all travelers, including solo travelers, families, and first-time safari visitors
• Not suitable if you prefer luxury lodges or longer, more remote safaris

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Kenya Safari Adventure

This tour is designed to give visitors a taste of Kenya’s most famous parks with enough flexibility to enjoy wildlife, scenery, and some cultural moments. The experience is thoughtfully paced, balancing early mornings with leisurely afternoons and optional activities, all while maintaining affordability.

Day 1: Arrival at Masai Mara & First Game Drive

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your Nairobi hotel around 7:00-7:30 am. Then, the journey kicks off with a scenic drive via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint—an absolute highlight for photography buffs. You’ll get your first glimpse of Kenya’s iconic landscapes, with expansive views and perhaps some early wildlife sightings.

By around 1:30 pm, you arrive at your budget tented camp—not just a basic setup but described as “glamping,” with cozy self-contained tents. After settling in, a late afternoon game drive takes you into Masai Mara, where you’ll start spotting wildlife. Reviews note that guides like Jon are exceptional, with a deep knowledge of animal behaviors that makes game drives both educational and fun. The parks close at 6:30 pm, so timing is key to maximize wildlife sightings.

Day 2: Full Day Exploring Masai Mara

This full day is packed with opportunity. An early breakfast is followed by a long day of game drives, including a visit to the Mara River, famous for its crocodiles and crossings—an iconic safari moment. The river marks the border with Serengeti National Park, making this area rich with wildlife, including large herds of animals.

A highlight from reviewer feedback is the picnic lunch served under a tree beside the river—an experience that feels truly wild and intimate. Some guests also opt for a walking safari (extra fee payable directly at the Maasai village) that offers a closer look at local culture and the landscape. Guides like Ken or Jack are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to spot elusive animals, including the Big Five.

Day 3: Transition to Lake Nakuru

After a morning game drive and breakfast, you’ll leave Masai Mara behind and head towards Nakuru. The drive gives you a chance to reflect on the vast savannahs and possibly see more wildlife along the way. You arrive at your hotel—Lanet Matfam Resort or similar—by evening. The shift from the wilderness of Masai Mara to the bird-rich Lake Nakuru area offers a different kind of scenic beauty and wildlife viewing.

Day 4: Birdwatching & Endangered Species at Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru is renowned for its flamingos and diverse bird species, with over 350 recorded. Some reviewers noted that although flamingo season might be off-peak, the lake still attracts pelicans and other seabirds, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts.

Beyond the avian spectacle, Nakuru is home to black and white rhinos, which conservation efforts aim to protect. The park also hosts giraffes, Columbus monkeys, leopards, and antelope, all visible from the game drives. Early morning is best for birdwatching, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some of the predators as well.

In the late afternoon, you’ll proceed to Naivasha, where your stay at Naivasha Taphe Resort or Dove Nest Lodge promises rest and reflection on the day’s sights.

Day 5: Hell’s Gate & Return to Nairobi

The final day begins with a visit to Hell’s Gate National Park, unique for allowing visitors to walk or cycle through the park — a perk not available in many other parks. Some reviews highlight the geothermal features like the Ol Karia Power Plant and hot springs, which add a geothermal adventure to the wildlife and landscape.

Optional crescent island boat rides (extra cost) offer opportunities to see hippos, buffalos, and birds in their natural habitat. After a relaxed lunch, the tour concludes with a drive back to Nairobi, arriving around 4 pm.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews praise guides like Jon, Ken, Jack, and Francis for their friendliness, animal-spotting skills, and ability to share insightful facts. Their passion significantly enhances the experience, making wildlife sightings more than just lucky moments.

Authentic & Comfortable Accommodations: The tents in Masai Mara are described as “glamping,” blending adventure with comfort. Guests seem to appreciate the balance of authenticity without sacrificing cleanliness or safety.

Variety of Parks & Landscapes: Covering Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Hell’s Gate, the tour offers a broad spectrum of wildlife and scenery within just five days. The different environments provide a well-rounded safari experience.

Cost-Effective Pricing: At $850 per person, considering all transportation, most activities, meals, and park fees included, the tour offers solid value. Reviews reflect satisfaction with what’s offered versus the price point.

Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 8 travelers, the group size fosters more personalized interactions and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cultural & Optional Activities: Visiting a Maasai village or taking a walking safari provides a cultural dimension, adding depth beyond just game drives.

Practical Details: What to Expect

Transport & Timing: The tour uses private transportation between parks, with pickups early in the morning ensuring ample time for game drives and scenic stops. The drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara takes around five hours, but the journey is part of the adventure, with frequent stops for photos.

Activities & Flexibility: Most activities are included, like game drives and park entry, but some optional activities—such as walking safaris or village visits—cost extra. Guests highly value guides’ flexibility and willingness to tailor experiences.

Group Size & Atmosphere: The maximum of 8 travelers means more intimate encounters with wildlife and guides. Many reviewers note that guides like Jack and Richard go above and beyond, making the trip both educational and fun.

Meals & Accommodation: Meals are included in the price, with feedback indicating the food is satisfactory—designed to keep guests energized for the long days of wildlife viewing. Tents and lodges are praised for their cleanliness and comfort, especially considering their budget-friendly nature.

Booking & Cancellation: The tour can be booked on average 22 days in advance, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start date. This flexibility is a plus for cautious travelers.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Hell’s Gate tour from AXIS AFRICA SAFARIS offers a well-rounded, authentic safari experience at a competitive price. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see a variety of parks, encounter wildlife, and learn from passionate guides, all within a manageable timeframe.

The tour’s emphasis on small groups, personalized experiences, and high-quality guiding creates a memorable adventure that balances wildlife thrills with cultural insights. The accommodations and meals, while not luxury, meet expectations for comfort and convenience, making it suitable for a broad range of travelers.

If you’re after an adventure that combines scenic landscapes, wildlife sightings, and genuine cultural moments without excessive luxury, this tour could be just what you need for your Kenyan safari.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, and solo travelers have reported feeling safe and well looked after throughout the trip.

What is included in the price?
All transportation, most activities, all park entry fees, as well as dinners, lunches, and breakfasts are included, making it a hassle-free experience.

Are there optional activities?
Yes. Walking safaris and Maasai village visits are optional and paid directly at the site, usually costing between USD $10-$20.

How comfortable are the accommodations?
Guests describe the tents as “glamping”—more comfortable than basic camping, with self-contained amenities, and in some reviews, they are praised for being cute and cozy.

What wildlife will I see?
Expect to see lions, hyenas, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and many species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and more. The parks are home to a significant presence of the Big Five.

How long are the drives?
The drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara takes around five hours, with plenty of stops for photos and stretching. Game drives within parks typically last until late afternoon.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 22 days in advance, but availability can vary. The tour runs year-round, but wildlife viewing can be affected by the season.

Are vegetarian or special meal requests accommodated?
While not explicitly mentioned, most tours are flexible enough to accommodate dietary needs if communicated in advance.

What size is the tour group?
A maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging safari experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start. Refunds are processed promptly if canceled in time.

To sum it up, this 5-day safari with AXIS AFRICA SAFARIS provides a rich blend of wildlife, scenic views, and cultural insights, all at a reasonable price. It’s a strong choice for those seeking a balanced, authentic safari experience in Kenya, especially if you value expert guides, small group sizes, and a mix of parks and landscapes.