The cost of 5-Day Great Rift Valley & Maasai Mara
Are you planning a safari that takes you through some of Kenya’s most breathtaking landscapes? This 5-day journey covers three iconic destinations: the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara. You start at Lake Naivasha, where calm waters and rich birdlife set a peaceful tone for the trip. Next, you travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, home to important rhino and giraffe conservation work. Finally, you arrive in the Maasai Mara, where wide savannas and the legendary Big Five create unforgettable moments. The trip mixes full-day game drives with comfortable eco-lodge stays, so every day delivers both adventure and rest. Travel between July and October, and you may also catch the Great Migration, one of nature’s most remarkable sights in maasai mara.
Pricing Details for this Safari
The price of this safari changes depending on the season you pick. Each rate includes two people sharing mid-range rooms at Avian Court in Naivasha, Sarova Woodlands at Lake Nakuru, and Sentrim Mara Lodge in the Maasai Mara, along with transport for the entire trip.
Low season runs from January to June, and during this period, the cost is USD 1,820 per person. Peak season falls between July and December, and prices rise to USD 2,150 per person then. Groups that grow larger often pay less per person, so bringing friends or family along can lower your overall cost.
Detailed Travel Plan
Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha
Your safari starts at 08:00 AM with pickup from Nairobi. From there, you descend into the dramatic Great Rift Valley, enjoying sweeping views along the way. You reach Lake Naivasha in time to check in and eat a fresh lunch at the lodge. Afterward, a peaceful boat ride takes you close to hippo pods and many bird species. The boat then drops you at Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, where you walk freely among giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, and impalas without any vehicles around. Once the walk ends, you return to the lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 2: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park
A relaxed breakfast starts your second day before you head deeper into the Rift Valley toward Lake Nakuru. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. At 3:30 PM, an afternoon game drive begins along the lake’s shoreline, an area known for its birdlife and protected status. During this drive, you watch for endangered black and white rhinos, rare Rothschild’s giraffes, and elusive leopards. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Breakfast comes early so you can begin the scenic drive across the Rift Valley floor toward the Maasai Mara. Small towns and rural landscapes pass by as you travel toward Kenya’s top wildlife destination. Once you arrive, you check into your camp and enjoy lunch before heading out. At 3:30 PM, your first game drive across the famous savanna begins, giving you early views of the open plains while you search for the Big Five. Evening brings dinner and time around the campfire.
Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in the Maasai Mara
This entire day focuses on exploring the reserve as much as possible. Many guests choose an early start with a picnic breakfast, since predators stay active during the cool morning hours. Throughout the morning, you track large herds and follow resident lions, cheetahs, and leopards. At midday, your guide sets up a picnic lunch at a safe, scenic spot, often under an acacia tree or near the Mara River, so you never lose viewing time by returning to camp. Afternoon hours bring more exploration through different habitats before you head back for a relaxed evening and dinner.
Day 5: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Your final morning unfolds slowly, giving you time to enjoy breakfast while taking in the surrounding wilderness one last time. Once you check out, the drive back to Nairobi begins. You arrive in the capital around 2:30 PM, where the team drops you at your hotel, residence, or the airport for onward travel.
What’s Included in the cost
Transport covers round-trip private travel from Nairobi through Naivasha, Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara in a 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof. Fuel, highway tolls, and driver allowances come included as well. Accommodation includes four nights at quality lodges or tented camps.
Meals follow a full board plan starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 5. Picnic lunches are prepared fresh for the full-day safari on Day 4, and bottled water stays available throughout every drive.
Activities include a private boat ride on Lake Naivasha and a guided walk at Crescent Island. A certified, English-speaking guide leads every game drive, and mileage stays unlimited throughout the scheduled itinerary.
Park fees, government taxes, vehicle entry costs, and daily conservation fees for Naivasha, Crescent Island, Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara all come included in the price.
What’s Excluded in the cost
International flights, visa costs, and Kenya’s electronic travel authorization fees stay outside the package. Optional activities like hot air balloon rides over the Mara and cultural village visits also cost extra.
Alcoholic drinks, sodas, and specialty coffees or teas remain excluded unless your lodge states otherwise. Personal costs such as room service, laundry, souvenirs, and phone calls fall outside the package too.
Tips for your guide, boat captain, and lodge staff stay optional and are not included. Travel insurance, including medical and baggage coverage, also falls outside this package, so arranging your own is wise.
How to Book this Adventure
Booking this trip is simple, and you can choose whichever method suits you best. Once you reach out, one of our safari consultants will respond within 12 hours or less.
You can send an email to info@iconicafricasafaris.com with your travel dates and any special requests. Alternatively, you can chat with us on WhatsApp at +256767585369, or simply tap the WhatsApp icon on the side of your screen for a quick response. You can also fill out our booking form, and our team will reach out with confirmation and next steps.
No matter which option you pick, our consultants will walk you through every step, check availability, and help shape the trip around what you want. So, whenever you are ready, reach out and let your Kenyan adventure begin.
