5 Day Essence of Kenya Safari - Aberdare, Nakuru & Mara
A 5-day Kenya road safari combining the Aberdare Mountains, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara, with shared 4×4 transport, guided game drives and comfortable lodge accommodation. Weekly Monday departures from Nairobi.
Essence of Kenya
Discover three of Kenya’s most rewarding wildlife destinations on our 5-day Kenya safari from Nairobi. Travel by 4×4 safari vehicle to the forested Aberdare National Park, the scenic Lake Nakuru National Park and the wildlife-rich Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Along the way, look out for rhino, elephant, leopard, lion, giraffe and abundant birdlife, with two nights in the Maasai Mara providing time for game drives across its iconic savannah plains.
The safari includes comfortable lodge accommodation, meals as specified, park and reserve fees and guided game drives. Weekly set departures operate every Monday, making this an accessible way to experience some of Kenya’s classic safari landscapes.
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
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Tour Experiences
Day 1 - Aberdares
Your safari adventure begins with a pickup by our 4×4 safari vehicle, featuring a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing. You will enjoy a scenic drive to Aberdare National Park, where you will arrive at the Aberdare Country Club for a delightful lunch.
In the afternoon, you will transfer to The Ark Tree Lodge , where you can spend your evening observing the fascinating wildlife as they visit the nearby salt lick and waterhole. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at The Ark Tree Lodge .
Day 2 - Lake Nakuru
After enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, you will check out of The Ark Tree Lodge and board the transfer vehicle to Aberdare Country Club for breakfast. Following your meal, our driver will assist you in collecting the remainder of your luggage before continuing your journey in a 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle down the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park.
En route, you will embark on a game drive, arriving at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge for check-in and lunch. After a relaxing afternoon at the lodge, you will proceed on an afternoon game drive in the park, returning later for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Days 3 & 4 - Maasai Mara
After breakfast, check out and drive Southwest in the 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle to the world-famous Maasai Mara, arriving for lunch at Mara Leisure Camp/Mara Ardhi, where you will stay for 2 nights (Full Board). Enjoy game drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve with an option to take a dawn balloon ride over the savannah.
Overnight at Mara Leisure Camp/Mara Ardhi Camp.
Day 5 - Nairobi / Kenya Coast
After breakfast transfer back to Nairobi, arriving mid/late afternoon. Drop off at the international airport for your flight home. Alternatively, fly to the Kenya coast to relax on the beach for a few days before flying back to Nairobi (optional and at a supplement).
Tour Experiences
Day 1 - Aberdares
Your safari adventure begins with a pickup by our 4×4 safari vehicle, featuring a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing. You will enjoy a scenic drive to Aberdare National Park, where you will arrive at the Aberdare Country Club for a delightful lunch.
In the afternoon, you will transfer to The Ark Tree Lodge , where you can spend your evening observing the fascinating wildlife as they visit the nearby salt lick and waterhole. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at The Ark Tree Lodge .
Day 2 - Lake Nakuru
After enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, you will check out of The Ark Tree Lodge and board the transfer vehicle to Aberdare Country Club for breakfast. Following your meal, our driver will assist you in collecting the remainder of your luggage before continuing your journey in a 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle down the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park.
En route, you will embark on a game drive, arriving at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge for check-in and lunch. After a relaxing afternoon at the lodge, you will proceed on an afternoon game drive in the park, returning later for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Days 3 & 4 - Maasai Mara
After breakfast, check out and drive Southwest in the 4×4 pop-up roof safari vehicle to the world-famous Maasai Mara, arriving for lunch at Mara Leisure Camp/Mara Ardhi, where you will stay for 2 nights (Full Board). Enjoy game drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve with an option to take a dawn balloon ride over the savannah.
Overnight at Mara Leisure Camp/Mara Ardhi Camp.
Day 5 - Nairobi / Kenya Coast
After breakfast transfer back to Nairobi, arriving mid/late afternoon. Drop off at the international airport for your flight home. Alternatively, fly to the Kenya coast to relax on the beach for a few days before flying back to Nairobi (optional and at a supplement).
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Talk to a Specialist
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari.
Kenya
North America & Canada
North America & Canada
North America
UK & Europe
South America
Australia
India
Kenya
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can email our Nairobi team here or call at +254-722-509-200.
North America & Canada
Rick Mcintyre
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.
North America & Canada
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com
North America
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
UK & Europe
Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com
South America
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Australia
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.
India
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
Looking to unwind after your safari?
A stay at one of Kenya’s beach resorts is the ideal add-on to your wildlife safari.
Discover our recommended beach hotels and complete your journey with the perfect coastal escape.
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