5-Day Kenya Safari | Ol Pejeta, Naivasha & Masai Mara | Sunup Adventures
Safari Overview
Experience the best of Kenya’s diverse landscapes and wildlife in this action-packed 5-day adventure. From the rare rhinos of Ol Pejeta and the serene waters of Lake Naivasha to the iconic plains of the Masai Mara, Sunup Adventures takes you into the heart of the wild.
🌍 Trip Highlights
Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Home to the world’s last two Northern White Rhinos.
Lake Naivasha: A guided boat safari and walking tour among giraffes on Crescent Island.
Masai Mara National Reserve: Africa’s premier destination for the “Big Five” and the Great Migration.
Equator Crossing: A unique photo opportunity at the center of the world.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (The Rhino Capital)
07:00 AM: Departure from Nairobi/JKIA. The drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, crossing the equator with stunning views of Mount Kenya.
Morning: Arrival and check-in at your camp/lodge followed by lunch.
Afternoon: Safari in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa.
Key Highlights: * Meet Baraka the blind black rhino at the Morani Center.
Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya to see rescued chimps.
Optional: A night game drive to spot nocturnal hunters like lions and leopards.
Day 2: Ol Pejeta to Lake Naivasha (The Great Rift Valley)
Morning: Early breakfast and a final short game drive as you exit the conservancy. Drive toward Lake Naivasha via the Nyahururu Thompson Falls (approx. 4.5 hours).
Lunch: Served at a lakeside lodge.
Afternoon: Take a private boat safari across the freshwater lake to view pods of hippos and over 400 species of birds.
Highlight: A guided walking safari on Crescent Island. Since there are no predators, you can walk alongside giraffes, waterbucks, and zebras—an “up-close” experience rare in other parks.
Day 3: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve
Morning: Depart Naivasha for the world-famous Masai Mara. The drive takes about 5 hours, transitioning from the lush Rift Valley to the golden savanna.
Afternoon: After lunch and a brief rest, head out for an introductory game drive.
The Experience: First sightings of the “Big Five.” If traveling between July and October, keep an eye out for the Great Wildebeest Migration columns.
Evening: Sundowners overlooking the Mara plains.
Day 4: Full Day Immersion in the Masai Mara
Full Day: Embark on a comprehensive game drive with a packed picnic lunch to reach the Mara River, where crocodiles and hippos bask.
Wildlife Focus: High concentrations of lions, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard.
Cultural Add-on: Visit a traditional Maasai Manyatta (village). This is a powerful cultural exchange where you can learn about their nomadic lifestyle, traditional dances, and fire-making skills.
Optional: A Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Safari for a bird’s-eye view of the plains (requires pre-booking).
Day 5: Masai Mara to Nairobi (The Final Farewell)
Morning: Enjoy a final “Gold Hour” breakfast. Take a slow drive out of the reserve, capturing last-minute photos of the wildlife.
The Journey Back: Ascend the Rift Valley escarpment with a stop at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint for photos and souvenir shopping at local curio markets.
Evening: Arrival in Nairobi (approx. 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM). Transfer to JKIA for your flight home or to your hotel.
✅ Inclusions (What is Covered)
These items are typically covered in your total package price.
Transport: Private use of a customized 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for 360-degree game viewing.
Professional Guide: Services of a certified, English-speaking silver-level safari driver-guide.
Park & Conservancy Fees: All entrance fees for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara National Reserve.
Accommodation: 4 nights’ stay in your chosen level of lodge or tented camp (Budget, Mid-range, or Luxury).
Meals: Full board basis (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with Breakfast on Day 5.
Drinking Water: At least 2 liters of bottled mineral water per person, per day, provided in the safari vehicle.
Game Drives: Unlimited game viewing drives as per the itinerary within park operating hours (typically 06:00 to 18:00).
Lake Naivasha: Boat ride and Crescent Island walking tour
Government Taxes: All relevant VAT and tourism levies.
❌ Exclusions (What is Not Covered)
These items are typically paid for separately by the traveler.
International Flights & Visas: Round-trip airfare to Nairobi and the Kenya ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
Optional Activities:
Masai Mara: Hot Air Balloon Safari (approx. $500), Maasai Village Visit ($30).
- Ol Pejeta: Night game drives, Lion Tracking, or visiting the Northern White Rhinos (Boma).
Tips & Gratuities: Customary tips for your safari guide (recommend $15–$25 per day) and lodge staff ($5–$10 per day via the communal tip box).
Personal Insurance: Comprehensive travel, medical, and evacuation insurance (highly recommended).
Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, sodas, and premium spirits (unless staying at an “Ultra-Luxury All-Inclusive” camp).
Personal Items: Laundry services, telephone calls, and souvenirs.
Estimated Budgeting Tips (2026)
Pro Tip: Keep a small amount of Kenya Shillings (KES) for local tips and curio shops, but ensure you have USD (printed after 2013) for larger optional activities like the balloon safari or park-specific extras.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a Visa for Kenya in 2026?
Kenya has replaced traditional visas with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). All visitors (including infants) must apply online at etakenya.go.ke at least 3 days before travel.
Cost: Approx. $30 USD.
Validity: Single entry for up to 90 days.
2. What are the 2026 Masai Mara Park Fee rules?
The Masai Mara now operates on a 12-hour ticket (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
High Season (July–Dec): $200 per adult per day.
Low Season (Jan–June): $100 per adult per day.
3. What should I pack for a safari?
Clothing: Pack neutral colors (khaki, olive, beige). Avoid bright blue and black, as they attract tsetse flies.
Layers: Mornings in Ol Pejeta and the Mara are cold (around 10°C/50°F), while afternoons are hot.
Luggage: Use soft-sided duffel bags. Hard suitcases are difficult to fit into safari vehicle compartments.
4. Is there a risk of Malaria?
While Ol Pejeta is high-altitude (lower risk), the Masai Mara is a malaria-risk zone.
Precautions: We recommend consulting your doctor for anti-malarial profilactics before travel.
Protection: Most camps provide mosquito nets, and you should wear long sleeves and repellent during “mosquito hour” (dusk and dawn).
5. What is the tipping etiquette?
Tipping is a common way to show appreciation in Kenya’s tourism industry:
Safari Guide: $15–$25 per day (per group/vehicle).
Lodge Staff: $5–$10 per day, usually placed in the communal “Tip Box” at reception to be shared by the crew behind the scenes.
Porters: $1–$2 per bag.
6. Will I have internet or power?
Power: Safari vehicles have charging ports for your phone/camera. Lodges use solar power; some may turn off the “heavy load” power (like hair dryers) overnight.
WiFi: Most lodges offer WiFi in the common lounge areas, though it can be slow due to the remote locations.
7. Is the water safe to drink?
Do not drink tap water. We provide bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle, and lodges provide glass carafes of treated water in your rooms for brushing teeth.