This is a 5 night luxury fly-in safari from Nairobi to Lake Naivasha and then into the Masai Mara. This safari blends to very different sides of Kenya, creating a short journy rich in contrast and character. This experience draws subtle inspiration from Kenya's early safari era, where travel was unhurried and time was spent absorbing the atmosphere as much as seeking out wildlife.
A couple of days on the shore of Lake Naivasha makes a tranquil and evocative start to this Governors Rift Valley & Mara safari. Take it easy, soaking up the colonial ambience of the homestead, riding, boating or walking. Or take a trip up to Lake Nakuru for flamingoes, leopard, rhino and stunning scenery. This is followed by a flight to the magnificent Masai Mara . And a stay in the heart of 'Big Cat Diary' country.
This itinerary works with any incoming international flight and extra nights can easily be added in the Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha. The Paired Back option uses Governors camp instead of Little Governors. Whilst the Upgrade Option swaps out Loldia House for Governors Mugie Lodge in the game-rich Laikipia region.
Replace Loldia House with Governors Mugie House in the Laikipia region
Climate and When to Travel - Kenya has a very even, pleasant climate. December to Mid March is the warmest time of the year when it can reach approximately 35° C during the day. July and August are the coolest months and are often overcast especially in the morning. But this is the peak season for the wilderbeest migration in the Mara.
Solo Travellers - We have selected this safari as ideal for Solo travellers as there is no single supplement for most of the year. Except August and September. But even then, it is only 15% extra.
Is this safari suitable as a first-time visit to Kenya?
Yes. The itinerary combines gentle introductions to safari life with outstanding wildlife viewing, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
Can this itinerary be extended?
Absolutely. Additional nights can easily be added at Lake Naivasha or in the Masai Mara. Or explore other fantastic areas of Kenya.
How does the fly-in aspect improve the experience?
Flying between regions avoids long road transfers, maximising time on safari and maintaining a relaxed overall pace.
Use the scroll button to see the full itinerary.
You will be transferred from your Nairobi hotel to Wilson Airport for a scheduled flight to Lake Naivasha.
At Naivasha, you will be collected by a vehicle and driver from Loldia House and transferred to the lodge on the shores of the lake. Loldia House is a home-from-home and a suitably romantic base from which to explore the region made infamous by the ‘Happy Valley’ set.
Over the next two days you will be able to enjoy morning and afternoon activities. A two night stay allows time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for quintessential images of Kenya such as acacias silhouetted against golden grasses and flamingoes carpeting the lake with pink. A longer stay allows for more leisurely guided walking on the estate and boating and birding on the fresh-water lake.
After a final morning activity and lunch at Loldia House, you transfer to the airstrip for a mid-afternoon flight from Naivasha to the Masai Mara.
At the Musiara airstrip, you will be met by a vehicle and driver from Governors’ Camps and transferred to your lodge. This is quite likely to turn into a game drive, en route to the lodge. Over the next three days you will have morning and afternoon game drives.
Little Governors’ Camp is located in an extremely game-rich area where the ‘Big Cat Diary’ documentary is filmed. Little Governors’ is a good choice for those planning to indulge themselves by taking a balloon safari (at extra cost) as the launchsite is right by the camp so guests staying here forfeit as little sleep as possible before the dawn launch!
Game drives at Little Governors’ Camp will be with the same driver/guide throughout your stay and each party tends to have their own vehicle though small groups may be asked to share.
A final morning game drive in the Mara. Lunch at the camp and then take an afternoon scheduled flight back to Nairobi Wilson Airport and transfer for your onward travel arrangements.
Optional add-on
Alternatively, it is easy to connect from the Masai Mara to Governors’ Camps comfortable “fishing lodge” on Lake Victoria’s Mfangano Island. Activities include fishing, walking, bird-watching and sightseeing – or just relaxing after a safari.
This is a set tour using specific camps. However many tours can be adapted. Chat to us about your options. It excludes international flights but includes an estimate for all domestic or regional flights within the tour.
Accommodation and all meals, transfers, scheduled domestic flights, game drives, park fees, game walks at Loldia House
EXCLUDESDrinks and gratuities
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