Kenya
5-Day Big Five Safari Kenya Itinerary with Estleon Adventure
Join Estleon Adventure on an unmissable Big 5 Safari Kenya adventure and experience Kenya’s most incredible safari destinations. This is a 5-day trip that will lead you through the Great Rift Valley, freshwater lakes and the world-famous Maasai Mara, providing you with some of Africa’s legendary Big 5 sightings.
Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
The journey to the spectacular Great Rift Valley starts in Nairobi, where you will be picked up by your Estleon Adventure safari guide before heading off. Enjoy panoramic views from one of Kenya’s most beautiful viewpoints on the way to Lake Nakuru National Park.
Known for its remarkable biodiversity, Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s best locations for rhino conservation and birdwatching. You might see white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras and many other species of birds which thrive around the alkaline lake during the afternoon game drive.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge/ Flamingo Hill Camp.
Approximate Transit time: 2½ hrs
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
After a sunrise safari, head to the peaceful shores of Lake Naivasha. This stunning freshwater lake provides another safari experience, with a boat trip via a guide through the placid waters.
One of the most notable features is a walking safari that takes visitors to Crescent Island to interact with giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other herbivores in an environment free from predators. It is a popular destination for wildlife photographers and nature lovers due to the close encounters with wildlife.
Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge/ Naivasha Simba Lodge
Approximate Transit time: 1hr
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast take off to Kenya’s legendary premier wildlife destination, the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of the most renowned safari destinations in Africa. The vast grasslands, dotted with acacia trees, are teeming with animal life all year round.
This afternoon game drive gives a taste of what the reserve has to offer, and you will see the predators and herbivores living in harmony in one of nature’s most dynamic environments.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Simba Lodge/Mara Sarova Camp.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Approximate transit time: 6hrs
Day 4: Full-Day Big Five Safari in Maasai Mara
Enjoy an entire day of exploration in the expansive wilderness of the Maasai Mara. In a single safari, you have one of the best opportunities to see all five of the Big Five in this reserve.
There are morning game drives, evening game drives and full-day excursions with picnic lunches in the reserve available to choose from. You can also see parts of the Great Migration, which sees thousands of zebra and wildebeest joining in the movement to search for fresh grazing grounds, depending on the season.
A tour to a traditional Maasai community is also available, offering a glimpse into Kenya’s cultural heritage and its history of wildlife conservation.
All meals and overnight at Mara Simba Lodge/Mara Sarova Camp.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Immediately following breakfast, say goodbye to the Mara and head back to Nairobi. I am sure you will enjoy the city and be able to arrange the onwards travel in the city, and in the afternoon you can complete your memorable Kenya wildlife safari.
Approx Transit time: 5½ hrs
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Meet Kenya’s Legendary Big Five Animals.
They call the Top Five of African wildlife the “Big Five”. The sighting of all five animals is regarded as a great safari feat.
Lion – The King of the Savannah
Even now, lions continue to be amongst the most thrilling wildlife experiences on any Kenya safari. The Maasai Mara has one of the largest populations of lions in Africa, with good viewing opportunities also found in Amboseli, Tsavo and Samburu. It is a very memorable experience to watch a pride sleeping under an acacia tree or doing a dawn hunt.
Leopard – The Elusive Predator
Leopards are one of the most elusive cats in Africa, known for their stealthy movements and remarkable climbing skills. These beautiful predators can be spotted in the trees or quietly scuttling through the bush in Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli and in some of the private conservancies in Kenya.
Elephant – Africa’s Gentle Giant
Kenya’s most popular wildlife species are elephants. Amboseli National Park is especially renowned for its large herds of elephants in the company of Mount Kilimanjaro. They are very intelligent, family-orientated and a very large bird, and each sighting is another special occasion.
Buffalo – The Powerful Survivor
African buffalos are found in most Kenyan national parks and reserves. Though they may seem placid, they are strong and resilient. It is common to observe a herd grazing across the open plains or congregating around a water source.
Rhino – A Conservation Success Story
Rhinos are one of the rarest of the Big Five and continue to be a key focus for conservation across Kenya. Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the best rhino sanctuaries in the country to see rhinos of both species in a protected area.
Why Choose Estleon Adventure for Your Big Five Safari in Kenya?
Estleon Adventure is passionate about designing amazing safari trips that allow you to explore all of the incredible wildlife and natural wonders that Kenya has to offer. Each of the itineraries we put together for you has been designed by an experienced team member so that you will have the most enjoyable experience possible when encountering the Big 5 while ensuring that you feel comfortable and safe and have been provided with personalised service throughout your trip by arranging for all of the necessary items needed, i.e., quality accommodation, a spot with your safari guides, etc., to enhance your safari experience.
No matter what type of vacation you are interested in (family vacation, honeymoon, luxury vacation, wildlife photography tour, etc.), we can create the perfect safari package for you to meet your specific desires and/or budget. With our focus on responsible tourism, fair pricing and excellent customer support, we help our clients confidently visit Kenya and have memories that will last a lifetime. Book your Big Five safari in Kenya now with a local safari professional you know and trust to provide you with access to some of the most famous wildlife locations in Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Big 5 safari tour package usually includes your lodging, all meals, transportation (in a safari vehicle), a driver/guide and use of the safari vehicle, game drives, park entry and some extra activities (such as a boat ride or visit to a local community).
The big five animals in Kenya (known as the big five for hunting purposes) are the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. You can see these animals on safari at places like Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Amboseli or Tsavo National Parks.
To maximise your chances of spotting the big five game in Kenya, you should go on safari during the dry season (June – October or late December – March) because animals congregate around water during this time and the long grass has usually died back, making it easier to see them.
It is highly recommended that you plan on at least five days of safari to give you ample opportunity to see all five animals and visit multiple parks (for example, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Maasai Mara).
Estleon Adventure wants to make your trip fantastic! From planning your trip to providing the best safari lodging possible, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime! We can also help you design your own trip so that it meets your individual needs!