6-Day Aberdare, Nakuru, Naivasha and Mara Safari

The safari travels north from Nairobi into the Aberdare highlands. On entering the park, the landscape changes to forested slopes and valleys, with stops at viewpoints and waterfalls along the approach. The programme introduces the forest habitat before reaching the treetop waterhole setting. Wildlife observation from the lodge’s viewing areas continues into the evening, focusing on animals that visit the waterhole and salt lick without promising a particular species or visit.

Vehicle-based excursions explore the Aberdare forest and its highland scenery. The waterfall programme includes Karuru, Gura and Chania, with the guide explaining the surrounding forest and looking for birds and animals along the park tracks. Morning and afternoon outings cover different forest sectors, including clearings and bamboo areas. Waterhole observation provides a further perspective on the park, complementing the drives with time to watch animals visiting the water and salt lick.

The route descends from the Aberdare highlands to Lake Nakuru National Park. An afternoon game drive explores the lake margins, grassland and yellow fever tree woodland. The guide searches for black and white rhinos, giraffes and other wildlife while also identifying birds encountered around the alkaline lake. The changing habitat provides the focus of the outing, from wooded tracks to more open areas overlooking the water; bird concentrations and animal sightings vary.

A morning game drive continues the exploration of Lake Nakuru before the safari moves to Lake Naivasha. The afternoon includes a boat ride on the freshwater lake, observing hippos from the vessel and looking for birds along the papyrus and shoreline. A guided Crescent Island walk follows as part of the included programme. Walking among the sanctuary’s plains animals offers a different perspective from the vehicle drives and the boat excursion.

The route continues from Lake Naivasha to the Maasai Mara. The afternoon game drive introduces the reserve’s grasslands, acacia trees and wildlife corridors. The guide follows the available tracks through suitable viewing areas, looking for grazing herds and predators and allowing time to observe animals encountered along the way. The Mara outing contrasts with the highland forest and freshwater habitats already explored on the circuit.

The final day is the road return from the Maasai Mara to Nairobi. There is no scheduled departure-day game drive. The route leaves the reserve area and continues through the Rift Valley highlands towards the capital, bringing the circuit’s sequence of forest, lake and savannah environments to a close. The safari finishes in Nairobi at the arranged drop-off point.