If you have found yourself overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options online when it comes to a 5-day safari in Kenya, you came to the right place.
Many of the tours available online involve cram-packed itineraries with an average of 6 hours of driving per day – not including game drives. I don’t know about you, but that’s not my idea of an enjoyable vacation.
This highly optimised itinerary gives you a solid chance of seeing all Big 5 safari animals in Kenya while ticking off three of the top locations.
It includes 3 days in the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, ‘home of the big cats’ – which is widely known for having one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the entire African continent. Any itinerary that leaves you with less than 3 days in Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve is a con, in my opinion!
You’ll also stop off in Lake Nakuru National Park, a vast saltwater lake filled with flamingos and known for its healthy Rhino population, and Naivasha, where you can get up close and personal with some hippos on a boat safari.
If that sounds like exactly what you’re looking for, skip the next section and use the table of contents to dive into the ultimate 5-day Kenya safari in more detail.
There are plenty of African safari tours that will take you on a similar route to the one below. While this may cost slightly more, it offers an ease of travelling with all transfers and accommodation booking taken care of.
You’ll also find safaris for every budget, just make sure you check with your tour operator what is included in the price before you book.
A Simplified 5-Day Safari in Kenya
If you want to minimise your travelling time even further, you can easily spend a 5-day Kenya safari solely in the Masai Mara, which is what we did during our honeymoon to Kenya and the Seychelles.
This might be recommended if your trip involves lots of other travelling alongside the safari portion, for example, if you’re venturing to other countries in Africa or planning some time on the beaches of Kenya’s glimmering coastline.
If that sounds more up your street, you can simply use day 1 for a leisurely journey from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, either by plane (1 hour) or by car (6 hours). Days 2, 3 and 4 can be spent soaking up all of the incredible wildlife opportunities and meeting Masai tribes, with travel back to Nairobi at a convenient time on day 5.
I recommend Safarilink for flights to and from the Masai Mara from Nairobi. Just remember to pack light, since these tiny planes cannot carry large, hard-shell suitcases. **Check out my full packing list for a Kenya safari for more tips on what to take with you!**
It’s more expensive than going by car, but ultimately way more comfortable, and you’ll even get a unique bird’s eye view of wildlife traversing the Masai plains.
For more info on the national park itself and where to stay, skip to the Masai Mara section of the ultimate 5-day Kenya safari itinerary below.
Another option for a 5-day safari in Kenya would be 2 days in Amboseli National Park followed by 3 days in the Masai Mara. Amboseli is particularly known for its elephant population and also for having an incredible backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The downside is that it is located a very long distance from the Masai Mara, meaning you will have to take a connecting flight via Nairobi to get from one to the other.
This is why I prefer the itinerary below, which minimises travelling time, offers a better chance to see all big 5, and should still get you up close and personal with beautiful African elephants,
The Ultimate 5-Day Safari in Kenya: Itinerary in Brief
If you prefer a more action-packed itinerary and are hoping to tick off the big 5 safari animals while you’re in Kenya, this itinerary is for you. Here’s how it breaks down:
Day 1: Lake Nakuru
Day 2: Lake Naivasha
Day 3: Masai Mara
Day 4: Masai Mara
Day 5: Masai Mara
Below, I’ll go into more detail for each portion of this 5-day safari in Kenya, including travel information, approximate costs, and recommendations on where to stay. At the end, I’ll also include a cost breakdown for the whole trip.
Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru
Travelling Time: 3.5 Hours
Highlights: Flamingos and Rhinos
Approximate Daily Cost Per Person: £380 (incl. transfers, full board accommodation, game drives and park entrance fees).
Chances are, you’ll be arriving in Kenya via Nairobi. With a well-serviced international airport, this sprawling city is often considered the gateway to East Africa.
Day 1 will see you travelling out of the city and into Kenya’s vast wilderness, with a 3.5-hour transfer to Lake Nakuru. You can book a private transfer here and as of 2024, it costs about £150 for the one-way trip for two passengers, plus bags.
I recommend leaving Nairobi as early as you can to allow yourself a full afternoon in Nakuru. Hopefully, you’ll get to your lodge in time for lunch, with an afternoon game drive for your first wildlife encounters.
The lake’s game reserve is also a protected rhino sanctuary, so ask your guide to see if you can seek any out on your afternoon game drive. These endangered creatures are now few and far between in other parts of Africa, so this may be your best chance of spotting one!
In the evening enjoy an included dinner at your lodge in an atmospheric setting overlooking the lake.
Where to Stay
Since you only have a flying visit to this flamingo-filled paradise, I recommend staying right within the park itself, at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or Flamingo Hill Tented Camp.
Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Naivasha
Travelling Time: 2 Hours
Highlights: Hippos and Boat Safari
Approximate Daily Cost Per Person: £194 (incl. transfers, full board accommodation, boat safari and park entrance fees).
On day two, get up early to enjoy breakfast at the lodge before setting off for your second stop on your 5-day Kenya safari.
Book a transfer to pick you up as early as you can manage so you have plenty of time to explore Lake Naivasha. You can ask your lodge in either Nakuru or Naivasha to arrange the transfer in advance.
On arrival, relax and enjoy the facilities of your lodge, before having lunch with a view of the lake. In the afternoon, take a boat safari to get up close and personal with the resident hippos of Naivasha and the varied and plentiful birdlife.
You can usually make a stop at Crescent Island, where you can go on a walking safari to learn more about the local flora and fauna while keeping an eye out for zebra, gazelles, and giraffes munching on the treetops.
In the evening, enjoy an included dinner at your lodge and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Great Rift Valley with a spot of stargazing. Alternatively, venture into the nearby national park known as Hell’s Gate for an exhilarating night-time game drive.
Where to stay
For the ultimate luxury experience, Loldia is a gorgeous and historic ranch overlooking the lake. If your budget can’t stretch to Loldia, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge is a mid-range alternative in a great location.
Day 3: Naivasha to Masai Mara
Travelling Time: 2 Hours
Highlights: Seeing Masai Mara from above
Approximate Daily Cost Per Person: £893 (incl. flight transfers, full board accommodation, game drives and park entrance fees).
In the high season, Safarilink operates a daily flight from Naivasha to the Masai Mara, meaning you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge before leaving for the airstrip at about 9am.
Governor’s Aviation also offer daily flights in case the Safarilink flights are sold out – this company is the same one that runs Loldia and several luxury camps in the Masai Mara, so may be worth looking into if you have chosen to stay there.
The 45-minute flight offers an incredible perspective of the Masai wilderness from above and a show-stopping entrance into this enchanting natural paradise. On arrival, your Masai lodge can arrange a shuttle waiting at the airstrip to collect you.
If flying is not an option for you, you can also book a transfer, which takes around 5 hours. Be sure to leave as early as possible to enjoy a full afternoon in the Masai Mara. Again, you can usually ask your accomodation provider to arrange a transfer for you.
On arrival, I recommend enjoying lunch before heading out on an afternoon or evening game drive.
No two days are the same in the Masai mara, so there’s no knowing what you’ll see, but keep an eye out for majestic elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo, if you’re hoping to tick off the big 5.
In the evening, settle into your new home for the next few nights and enjoy any entertainment on offer at your lodge. If you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to see some wildlife right from your accommodation.
We regularly saw bush babies in the trees as we walked back to our tent at night, and one evening, the staff called us at dinner to come and see a male lion drinking down by the river.
Where to Stay
For the two nights you’ll be spending in the Masai Mara, I can personally recommend Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Lodge, which is located in the Mara North Conservancy. If you want to be right in the action in the heart of the national park, Emboo River is a sensational, sustainability-focused camp with electric game vehicles.
For uninterrupted game viewing, Olare Mara Kempinski is an ultra-luxurious tented camp nestled within its own private conservancy, meaning you’re likely to be the only one there for each wildlife encounter.
Day 4: Full Day Masai Mara
Travelling Time: 0 Hours
Highlights: Hot air balloon or cultural village visit
Approximate Daily Cost Per Person: £708 (incl. full board accommodation, game drives, park entrance fees and cultural Masai village visit).
With a full day to explore the Masai Mara and no travelling to be done, you have plenty of options for day 4. If your budget will stretch and you don’t mind an eye-watering early start, a hot air balloon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the morning, followed by a champagne breakfast on the Mara plains.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing or enjoying a full-day game drive with the option to visit a local Masai village to learn about the local culture.
If you are on safari for your honeymoon or want an extra special experience, why not ask your lodge to arrange sundowners or dinner in the bush?
In the Masai Mara, every lodge is unique and offers different experiences and activities, so always ask your accommodation what is on offer in advance. Some host cultural shows and theme nights that are also fun to take part in.
Day 5: Masai Mara to Nairobi
Travelling Time: 2 Hours
Highlights: Sunrise game drive
Approximate Daily Cost Per Person: £430 (incl. game drive, park entrance fees and flight transfers back to Nairobi).
As your 5-day Kenya safari comes to an end, make the most of your last Masai moments with a sunrise early morning game drive. Heading out first thing is the best chance to find big cats like Lions, leopards and cheetahs. If you’re lucky, you may even catch one of them on the hunt!
Enjoy a picnic breakfast in the bush and aim to return to your lodge just before lunchtime. Enjoy a final meal at the lodge before saying your farewells and heading to the nearest airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi.
In the high season, Safarilink operates multiple flights per day from the Masai Mara to Nairobi, with one taking off in the mid-afternoon.
On arrival in Nairobi, take a taxi to connect to the international airport or a layover hotel.
How Much is a Safari in Kenya for 5 Days?
The total cost for a 5-day safari in Kenya following the itinerary above comes to approximately £2,605 per person. This is the approximate cost per person if you are travelling in a couple and staying in mid to high-range accommodation. You can cut costs dramatically by travelling in the low season and/or choosing more budget-friendly accommodation.
Below I will include a more detailed cost breakdown for a 5-day safari in Kenya so you can accurately budget for your trip.
Cost of a Safari in Kenya: Breakdown
All of the costs listed below are per person, assuming two-person occupancy of a double room. These are approximate estimates based on a trip that takes place during the high season (July to December) in 2024. Actual rates may vary depending on when you travel.
Day One – £380
Vehicle Transfer from Nairobi to Nakuru: £65
Park entrance fee: £50
Game drive with a guide: £100
Full board accommodation at Flamingo Hill Tented Camp: £165
Day Two – £194
Vehicle Transfer from Nakuru to Naivasha: £27.50
Park entrance fee: £25
Boat safari with a guide: £50
Full board accommodation at Naivasha Kongoni Lodge: £91.50
Day Three – £893
Flight Transfer from Nakuru to Naivasha: £215
Park entrance fee: £160
Game drive with a guide: £80
Full board accommodation at Neptune Mara Rianta: £438
Day Four – £708
Park entrance fee: £160
Game drive with a guide: £80
Masai Cultural Village Visit: 30
Full board accommodation at Neptune Mara Rianta: £438
Day Five – £430
Flight transfers from Masai Mara to Nairobi: £190
Park entrance fee: £160
Game drive with a guide: £80
5 Day Safari Kenya Tips
A few 5-day safari Kenya tips to help you plan, from someone who’s already been there and made all the classic mistakes:
- Bring plenty of cash to pay for your park entrance fees and gratuities for your game drives.
- Withdraw cash in Nairobi or bring some from home. You can pay in USD or Kenyan Shillings.
- Pack light for the domestic flights. The small propellor planes can only accommodate soft-shell bags up to 15kg in weight.
- Travel in September if you want to witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara.
- Pack warm clothes for the early mornings and evenings under canvas. Read the full packing guide here.
FAQs
Is a 5-day safari in Kenya enough?
We spent 5 days on safari in Kenya and I can confirm it was plenty of time to see everything we wanted to see, with a little time for relaxation as well. If you want to maximise your game viewing time, I recommend flying straight to the Masai Mara and spending the whole five days here before flying back to Nairobi.
If you don’t mind a little travelling, the itinerary above offers the chance to see more of Kenya’s incredible diversity.
Since Rhinos are so rare in the Masai Mara, it also gives you more of a chance of ticking off the Big 5 safari animals while you’re in Kenya. The national park at Lake Nakuru is also a rhino sanctuary with one of the largest populations in East Africa.
Would this itinerary work for a honeymoon safari in Kenya?
Absolutely! However, if you are planning a honeymoon safari in Kenya, I recommend going on a simplified 5-day Masai Mara safari and then travelling to the Seychelles afterwards for some relaxing time on the beach.
Check out my full planning guide for a Kenya safari and Seychelles honeymoon here.
What are the big 5 safari animals of Kenya?
The big 5 safari animals are lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. These can all be found in the Masai Mara, although leopards and rhinos (particularly) can be hard to come across.
This is why I recommend a stop in Lak Nakuru as per the itinerary above. Here you’ll find one of the healthiest rhino populations in Kenya.
Is it safe to go on safari in Kenya?
Going on safari in Kenya is perfectly safe, as long as you are sensible and follow the instructions of your guide at all times. All guides are well-equipped with the necessary first aid essentials and often also carry weapons in case of a (very rare) wildlife attack. We found the animals showed very little interest in us and for the most part, went about their business as though we were invisible.
Always book game drives and tours through a reputable provider to avoid scams. Most things can be arranged via your accommodation provider.
When is the best time to do a safari in Kenya?
The best time to go on a 5-day safari in Kenya is during the dry season, between June and October. The peak of high season is in September when an iconic spectacle known as the great migration sees some million zebra and wildebeest crossing the Mara River as they travel into Kenya from the Serengeti.
Despite this, there isn’t really a bad time to go on safari in Kenya since wildlife is abundant at any time of the year and different seasons bring different things to see.
There is another dry season in January and February, when temperatures reach their peak and you’re more likely to see wildlife gathering at watering holes. This period is also the birthing season for many species, so you are more likely to see baby animals and witness some of the big cats stalking easy prey.
Have more questions about going on a 5-day safari in Kenya? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to help out with your plans.
Wow, this is incredible!