Nairobi in 4 Days for Friends - Afternoon and full-day game drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve
In Collaboration with Joyina Safaris Africa. Updated on February 13, 2026.
4-day group safari from Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park. Includes hotel pick-up in Nairobi (city centre & Westlands), full-board while on safari, shared Land Cruiser transport with open roof for game viewing, daily game drives and bottled water on drives. Park entrance fees are excluded.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Joyina Safaris Africa, inspired by the tour 4 Days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Group Safari in a Landcruiser . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Afternoon and full-day game drives in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Pre-dawn game drive option in the Mara for predator activity
- Birdwatching and rhino sanctuary visit at Lake Nakuru National Park
- Scenic stop at a Great Rift Valley viewpoint and visit to Narok town
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup in Nairobi, drive via Rift Valley viewpoint and Narok to Maasai Mara. Afternoon game drive in the Mara. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Hotel pickup — Nairobi city centre / Westlands
Meet your driver at your Nairobi city-centre or Westlands hotel (or outside City Market if outside pick-up zone). Vehicle briefing and depart for Maasai Mara. Start time follows operator pickup schedule; stated group start time 07:30.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your room ready for a quick check-out; keep passport and emergency contact in a small daypack.
- Expect a 4–6 hour drive to Narok/Maasai Mara depending on traffic and stops; bring a light jacket for the morning.
- If you are outside the standard pickup zone, meet at City Market (City Market, Nairobi) for a clear meeting point.
Drive & viewpoint stop — Great Rift Valley
Drive southwest from Nairobi with a scheduled stop at a Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photos and a short stretch. Continue toward Narok.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry sunscreen and a hat for the short viewpoint stop; shade can be limited.
- Keep cameras ready—the viewpoint is a short stop (15–30 minutes) so plan one or two quick shots.
- Road surfaces vary; store valuables securely in the vehicle and wear comfortable shoes for the quick stop.
Lunch and short visit — Narok town
Lunch stop in Narok town. Opportunity to browse local curio stalls known for Maasai beadwork.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring small Kenyan shillings for local purchases; many curio sellers prefer cash.
- If you plan to buy beaded jewellery, check beadwork for secure stitching and consistent colours.
- Allow time to use restroom facilities at the lunch stop; they are limited on the road.
Arrive Maasai Mara — Camp check-in and lunch
Arrive at your camp in or near Maasai Mara, check in and have lunch. Mid-afternoon depart for an afternoon game drive inside the reserve.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a small daypack ready for the game drive with water, binoculars, and sunscreen; leave large luggage at camp.
- Open-roof viewing is provided from the Land Cruiser—wear a hat and sunglasses and secure loose items.
- Battery packs are useful: phone reception is limited; bring spare batteries or power banks for cameras.
Day 2
Full day in Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives and meals at the camp.
Morning game drive — Maasai Mara
Early morning game drive across the plains and woodlands; time for predator and general wildlife sightings.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect an early start; wear layers as temperatures rise quickly after dawn.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife photography.
- Listen to the guide's safety briefing and remain seated when the vehicle is stationary near wildlife.
Midday rest and lunch at camp
Return to camp for lunch and a break during the hottest part of the day. Time to relax and recharge before the afternoon drive.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry any medications you need in your daypack rather than leaving them in luggage.
- Hydrate well between drives—bottled water is provided on game drives.
- If you want to change clothing after the morning drive, use this break to do so.
Afternoon game drive
Late-afternoon drive focusing on different areas of the reserve; return to camp before dusk for dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Golden-hour lighting is best for photography—keep phone/camera ready 30–45 minutes before sunset.
- Wear comfortable trousers and enclosed shoes—there may be short exits from the vehicle in designated safe areas.
- Follow your guide's instructions; animal behaviour changes at dusk and safety distances are enforced.
Day 3
Early morning pre-dawn drive, breakfast and check-out. Optional Maasai village visit, then drive to Lake Nakuru with a lunch stop en route. Evening arrival at Lake Nakuru and short game drive if time allows.
Pre-morning game drive (optional early start)
Early wake-up, hot tea/coffee and a pre-morning game drive (about 3 hours) to see dawn activity and predators returning from night hunts.
Tips from local experts:
- Wake-up call is typically at 06:00; dress in layers as mornings are coolest.
- Carry a small thermos or use the hot drinks provided; avoid hot beverages in open vehicles if unsecured.
- Inform the driver-guide in advance if you prefer to skip this early drive and rest at camp.
Breakfast, check-out and optional Maasai village visit
Return to camp for full breakfast and check-out. Optional one-hour visit to a Maasai village to learn about local culture (if requested).
Tips from local experts:
- The Maasai village visit is optional—notify the guide beforehand to include it in the day's schedule.
- If attending the village visit, carry small change for handcrafted purchases; ask before taking close-up photos.
- Respect local customs: follow the guide's lead on greetings and avoid touching livestock without permission.
Drive toward Lake Nakuru — lunch en route (Narok or Mai Mahiu)
Depart the Mara after check-out and drive northeast toward Lake Nakuru with a designated lunch stop in Narok or Mai Mahiu depending on routing.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect several hours of driving; bring a small daypack with essentials and motion-sickness remedies if needed.
- Roadside facilities are basic—use restroom facilities at designated stops during the lunch break.
- Inform the guide of any dietary needs before arriving at the lunch stop so arrangements can be made where possible.
Arrive Lake Nakuru — short game drive to hotel
Arrive at Lake Nakuru area, check in to the lodge/hotel and, time permitting, enjoy a short late-evening game drive into the park.
Tips from local experts:
- Lake Nakuru is known for birdlife—bring binoculars and a camera with zoom.
- Evening game drives are shorter; confirm pickup times with the lodge at check-in.
- Keep warm layers for dusk—temperatures can drop quickly beside the lake.
Day 4
Morning game drive and birdwatching at Lake Nakuru, including a visit near the rhino sanctuary area. After breakfast depart for Nairobi with drop-off at Nairobi hotels or airport.
Breakfast at lodge
Early breakfast at the lodge before morning game activities.
Tips from local experts:
- Breakfast is typically around 07:30; confirm with your lodge if you need an earlier packed breakfast for the road.
- Pack any remaining personal items into your small daypack before the morning drive to avoid delays at checkout.
- Check with staff about restroom facilities on departure; some stops en route have limited amenities.
Morning game drive — Lake Nakuru (birdwatching & rhinos)
Morning game drive focusing on the lake shores and the rhino sanctuary area; excellent birdwatching opportunities including flamingos when present.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring binoculars specifically for waterbirds; flamingo numbers fluctuate seasonally.
- Stay with the group vehicle: rhino sightings are often from a short distance and guides will position vehicles safely.
- Wear neutral colours for photography and avoid sudden movements that may startle wildlife.
Depart Lake Nakuru for Nairobi — drop-off
Check out after return to the lodge; depart for Nairobi with an expected late-afternoon arrival for hotel or airport drop-off.
Tips from local experts:
- Travel time to Nairobi is several hours; plan onward flights or transfers accordingly and allow buffer time.
- Notify the driver of your preferred drop-off (hotel in Nairobi or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) when boarding.
- Keep your travel documents and any small essentials in a reachable daypack for the return trip.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 4 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Shopping, Hotel, Meal, Culture, Attraction |
