Kenya Safari Route: Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha, Maasai
This 558 km route through Kenya connects Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha, and Maasai Mara, covering the classic safari circuit. The route spans key wildlife destinations across the Great Rift Valley region, ideal for a week-long safari experience.
- Distance
- 557.9 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Nairobi
- End
- Naivasha
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Nairobi — Starting point of the safari trip, with a stay at Hotel Boulevard Nairobi.
- Lake Nakuru — Famous Rift Valley lake and national park, first stop after leaving Nairobi.
- Naivasha — Second stop along the Rift Valley, with a stay at Great Rift Valley Lodge.
- Maasai Mara — Final destination — three days of jeep safaris, Maasai warrior encounters, and the Great Migration.
- Lake Nakuru
- Naivasha
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Fly to Nairobi via Doha from London. The journey is approximately 14 hours but can experience delays.
- Where to stay
- Stay at Hotel Boulevard Nairobi for accommodation in the capital city.
- Food
- Visit Carnival restaurant in Nairobi for all-you-can-eat meat buffet. The place is popular with tour groups.
- Where to stay
- Stay at Sarova Lion Hill for Lake Nakuru accommodation. The lodge is inside the national park.
- Tip
- Plan for full day jeep safaris in national parks. You will need a guide to track wildlife effectively.
- Where to stay
- Stay at Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha with scenic lake views. Pool facilities available.
- Tip
- Book a boat tour on Lake Naivasha. You are guaranteed to see hippos (approximately 7000 in the lake). Tours last about 2 hours.
- Tip
- Plan a hot air balloon ride over Maasai Mara at sunrise for views of the Great Migration.
- Tip
- Lake Nakuru has white rhinos (only found here) and black rhinos (only 7 remaining, critically endangered). See them on game drives.
- Timing
- Visit during dry season for best weather. Note that weather patterns may be unpredictable; rain occurs even in dry season.
- Transport
- Travel between Lake Nakuru and Naivasha takes approximately 2 hours by road.
- Tip
- Consider booking a bespoke group tour with Intrepid Travel for guided safari experiences across multiple national parks.
Video on this route
KENYA 🇰🇪 1 Week SAFARI | Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha