Flying Safari6 Days Kenya Flying Safari | Naivasha and Masai Mara
About this safari
Two nights above the Rift Valley floor, three nights on the Oloololo Escarpment in the Mara Triangle, one scenic flight between them, and a Carnivore farewell on the way home.
This is a flying safari built around minimal road time and maximum time in the field. Instead of a long overland transfer to the Masai Mara, guests spend two nights at altitude above Lake Naivasha, then take a short scenic flight directly into the Mara Triangle for three nights of Big Five game drives at Mara Elatia Camp, before flying back to Nairobi for a farewell lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant. One road transfer out of Nairobi, one flight, one flight back. Everything else is game viewing.
Naivasha is not a filler stop here. The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort sits at 7,000 feet on the Eburru Escarpment with the whole floor of the Rift Valley spread out below, and it earns its two nights: an 18-hole golf course, boating on Lake Naivasha, walking and cycling among the gorges of Hell’s Gate National Park, or simply the view. From there, a short flight replaces what would otherwise be a five to six hour drive, and lands guests directly in the Mara Triangle, the quieter, conservancy-managed western section of the Masai Mara, for three full nights at Mara Elatia Camp on the Oloololo Escarpment.
Key Highlights:
- Two nights at 7,000 feet on the Eburru Escarpment above Lake Naivasha with Rift Valley views
- Optional round at the Great Rift Valley Golf Course, boat trip on Lake Naivasha or Hell’s Gate National Park excursion
- Scenic light aircraft flight from Naivasha directly into the Masai Mara
- White rhino encounter at the private Partakilat Conservancy rhino sanctuary on arrival at Mara Elatia
- Full-day Big Five game drives inside the Masai Mara National Reserve with Mara River positioning
- Wildebeest migration Mara River crossings from the western bank, Mara Triangle (July to October)
- Farewell lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi, in operation since 1980
- Minimal road time: one transfer out of Nairobi, flights for the rest of the circuit
Practical Information:
Physical Requirements
This is an easy safari. Game drives take place seated in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, typically for three to five hours per session. Domestic flights use small scheduled aircraft with a strict baggage allowance of around 15 kilograms per person in soft-sided bags. No technical terrain or strenuous activity is involved at any point. Guests with mobility concerns should contact us before booking to discuss vehicle and aircraft configuration.
Best Time to Visit
July through October is the Great Wildebeest Migration crossing season at the Mara River, with August and September seeing the heaviest crossing activity. Park fees run at USD 200 per adult per day during this period (July to December). January through March brings the calving season in Tanzania, fewer vehicles in the reserve and a lower park fee rate of USD 100 per adult per day (January to June). Lake Naivasha and the Rift Valley escarpment are pleasant year-round, with clearest long-distance views typically in the dry months.
Getting There
By road: depart Nairobi for the 90-minute drive to the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, approximately 24 kilometres from Naivasha town on the Eburru Escarpment. By air: on Day 3, a scheduled flight departs Naivasha airstrip for the Masai Mara, landing at Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, 10 kilometres from Mara Elatia Camp, in approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Mara Elatia provides complimentary airstrip transfers. On Day 6, the return flight from the Mara to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, connecting directly to the farewell lunch at Carnivore before an onward airport transfer.
Your itinerary
A guide to your journey — we’ll fine-tune every day around you.
Stop1
Nairobi to Lake Naivasha, Rift Valley Arrival
🍽 Lunch · Dinner 🏕 Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort | Luxury Naivasha Lodge Kenya
Nairobi to Lake Naivasha, Rift Valley Arrival
Depart Nairobi for the 90-minute drive to the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, climbing to the lodge’s position at around 7,000 feet on the Eburru Escarpment. The views from here stretch across Lake Naivasha to the volcanic crater of Mount Longonot and on to the Aberdare Mountains. Arrive in time for lunch, then settle in with an afternoon at leisure: explore the grounds, walk the golf course, or simply take in the Rift Valley views from your private balcony before dinner.
Stop2
Lake Naivasha at Leisure
🍽 Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner 🏕 Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort | Luxury Naivasha Lodge Kenya
Lake Naivasha at Leisure
A full day to enjoy Naivasha. Options include a round on the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course, laid out around the lodge with views over the Rift Valley on nearly every hole and known for its 598-metre 17th, one of the longest holes in Kenya. Alternatively, a boat trip on Lake Naivasha brings guests close to hippo pods and the lake’s rich birdlife, or a half-day excursion to Hell’s Gate National Park offers walking and cycling among its dramatic gorges and cliffs, one of the few Kenyan parks where this is possible on foot. Guests who prefer to stay at the lodge can simply relax by the pool with the Rift Valley laid out below.
Stop3
Fly Naivasha to Masai Mara, Rhino Sanctuary and Sundowners
🍽 Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner 🏕 Mara Elatia Camp |Luxury Safari Camp in Maasai Mara, Kenya
Fly Naivasha to Masai Mara, Rhino Sanctuary and Sundowners
A short scheduled flight from Naivasha airstrip carries the group directly to the Masai Mara, landing at Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in around 30 to 40 minutes and replacing what would otherwise be a five to six hour road transfer. Arrive at Mara Elatia Camp in time for lunch on the open deck, with the Mara Triangle plains below and the Oloololo Escarpment behind, the ridge used as the cinematic backdrop for Out of Africa. The afternoon programme covers the Partakilat Conservancy white rhino sanctuary, home to eight white rhinos managed within a private 3,000-hectare conservancy, at a conservation fee of USD 40 per person. The day closes with Maasai cultural storytelling at the campfire and sundowners on the deck as the first stars appear over the escarpment.
Stop4
Full-Day Big 5 Game Drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve
🍽 Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner 🏕 Mara Elatia Camp |Luxury Safari Camp in Maasai Mara, Kenya
Full-Day Big 5 Game Drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Up before dawn and inside the Masai Mara National Reserve through the Oloololo Gate, minutes from camp, by 6:30am. The Mara Triangle is managed independently by the Mara Conservancy with stricter vehicle limits than the reserve’s eastern sections, producing quieter sightings around kills and river crossings. Picnic lunch is served in the bush. The afternoon focuses on the Mara River crossing sites, active between July and October during the Great Wildebeest Migration, alongside hippo pods, Nile crocodiles and the birdlife of the riverine fig tree galleries. Return to camp at golden hour.
Optional upgrade: hot air balloon safari at sunrise over the Masai Mara, landing for a champagne bush breakfast. Book at the planning stage.
Stop5
Mara River, Talek Corridor and Optional Maasai Village Visit
🍽 Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner 🏕 Mara Elatia Camp |Luxury Safari Camp in Maasai Mara, Kenya
Mara River, Talek Corridor and Optional Maasai Village Visit
The second full game drive day pushes toward the Mara River corridor and the Talek River ecosystem on the reserve’s broader eastern edge, two zones with distinct wildlife patterns from the Mara Triangle plains covered on Day 4. Expect large elephant herds, big buffalo concentrations and open plains where cheetah range. Guides cross-reference sightings by radio throughout the day. An optional Maasai village visit works well on this day, including a traditional welcome and a guided tour of the manyatta, with the fee paid directly to the community fund.
Stop6
Final Morning Drive, Fly to Nairobi and Carnivore Farewell Lunch
🍽 Breakfast · Lunch
Final Morning Drive, Fly to Nairobi and Carnivore Farewell Lunch
A final very early morning sunrise drive in the Mara Triangle, when the light is best and predators are still active. Return to camp for breakfast, then transfer to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip for the scheduled flight back to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, approximately 45 minutes to an hour. From Wilson, transfer directly to the Carnivore Restaurant on Langata Road, in operation since 1980 and Nairobi’s most recognisable dining institution, for an all-you-can-eat “Beast of a Feast” farewell lunch of meats roasted over central charcoal pits on Maasai swords. We book this stop for groups whose international flight departs from 6:00pm or later; guests with earlier flights are transferred directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Where you’ll travel
Nairobi → The Great Rift Valley Lodge, Naivasha → Masai Mara → Wilson, Nairobi
Your lodges & camps
Every property on this safari has its own page on our site — explore the rooms, amenities and gallery before you travel.
Luxury Safari LodgeGreat Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort | Luxury Naivasha Lodge Kenya
Experience Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, a premier Naivasha stay offering luxury rooms, wildlife encounters, golf, and easy access to Kenya’s iconic safari destinations.
Luxury Tented CampMara Elatia Camp |Luxury Safari Camp in Maasai Mara, Kenya
An intimate luxury safari camp in the Maasai Mara offering elegant tented accommodation, personalised service and exceptional wildlife experiences in the heart of Kenya's most iconic safari destination.
What’s included
✓ Included
- Scheduled flights: Naivasha - Masai Mara - Nairobi
- 2 nights full board accommodation at Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Lake Naivasha
- 3 nights full board accommodation at Mara Elatia Camp, Mara Triangle Conservancy
- Professional and Experienced English-speaking guide
- All Masai Mara National Reserve park entrance fees for Days 4 and 5
- White rhino sanctuary visit at the Partakilat Conservancy (Day 3)
- Maasai cultural storytelling at the campfire
- Bottled water during game drives
- Farewell lunch at Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi
- Airport transfers
- Domestic flight from Naivasha to Masai Mara
- Domestic flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi
- 1 Hour Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha
- Guided walking safari at Crescent Island Game Park
- Taxes and VAT
✕ Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional Golf green fees and Hell’s Gate National Park entrance fees
- Hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara: optional upgrade, booked at planning stage
- Optional Maasai village visit
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks beyond lodge and camp inclusions
- Personal items, spa treatments, laundry and souvenirs
- Excess baggage beyond the 15kg domestic flight allowance
Dates & prices
Join one of our guaranteed group departures below — or ask us to run this safari privately on any date you choose.
Tue 1 Sep 2026 – Sat 31 Oct 2026
- 👥 6 of 6 spots left
- 🛏 Private group · 4–6 guests · full board
- 🛡 A flexible deposit secures your seat; balance due before travel (card · PayPal · M-Pesa)
- ✦ Last minute price — save $55 per person (book by 15 Aug 2026)
Sun 1 Nov 2026 – Tue 22 Dec 2026
- 👥 6 of 6 spots left
- 🛏 Private group · 4–6 guests · full board
- 🛡 A flexible deposit secures your seat; balance due before travel (card · PayPal · M-Pesa)
- ✦ Early bird price — save $30 per person (book by 31 Oct 2026)
Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Sat 2 Jan 2027
- 👥 8 of 8 spots left
- 🛏 Private group · 4–6 guests · full board
- 🛡 A flexible deposit secures your seat; balance due before travel (card · PayPal · M-Pesa)
💰 Per person sharing, set-departure group rate. Single supplement +$1,150. Deposit secures your seat; balance due before travel — card · PayPal · M-Pesa.
What guests say about this safari
Monique Willis
Google · August 2025We chose this company because they were both professional and punctual in their responses but we couldn’t have received a more personal and friendly experience. This company thought of everything to make our first time in Africa memorable. Not only did we see so many animals - including the big 5 - but our driver was extremely knowledgeable in everything Kenyan as we drove from one park to the next. Each hotel was chosen to give us the best experiences of what Kenya has to offer. I would not hesitate to recommend this company for your safari
Will
Google · February 2026I recommend Afrikan Accent Adventures very highly, it truly was a trip of a lifetime. They were professional and responsive from initial contact all the way through to departure and the level of service they provided has been absolutely stellar. To provide a comprehensive review, I have covered each element of the trip below. Booking process Following our initial contact, Hellen worked with us to create a bespoke itinerary that had the perfect balance of safari adventure and beach relaxation. The itinerary was fully customisable and could be tailored to fit our specific requirements and budget. Hellen set out a number of add on options that we could choose from and we were able to adjust these as much as we wanted. All of this was done prior to any obligation to pay, which was much appreciated as Hellen clearly put a lot of work in to making the perfect itinerary for us. Once the itinerary was decided, we were provided with a comprehensive digital itinerary to check everything was in order before we confirmed our booking. This was a really handy document as it included a lot a background details and the accommodation which was useful for us to refer back to when getting ready for the trip. Furthermore, I let Hellen know that I was planning to propose to my girlfriend during the safari trip. Hellen and the team did everything they could to ensure that this was special and a moment to remember. The proposal itself was fantastically organised (a simple sundowner in the Masai Mara) and the team even arranged a special meal with our safari lodge that evening to finish off the day. More importantly, Hellen and Nico (our driver) were very discreet about the proposal plans which meant it came as a very happy surprise to my girlfriend! Arrival and Nairobi When we arrived we were picked up straight outside of the airport and dropped off at our hotel by our dedicated driver. The process was super easy which is exactly what you need after a long flight. Hellen met us the next day for the formal briefing to start our trip. This was very useful and included lots of practical guidance (including Kenyan culture on tipping and bartering in souvenir shops) which was invaluable for first time visitors to the country who didn’t necessarily know the ‘tricks of the trade’. We were then driven to David’s Nairobi city tour which was exceptional. This was organised in the afternoon so we had the morning to relax and recover from our flight at the hotel. The tour was comprehensive and featured some of the main sights as well as a tour around the areas lesser explored by tourists which gave an authentic experience of life in Nairobi. The following day, it was time to start our safari. The Safari As part of our trip, we arranged a c.10 day safari trip covering the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli and Tsavo regions of Kenya. We were collected from our Nairobi hotel and were greeted by Hellen and Nico. They provided us with some free gifts (safari hats, personalised metal water bottles and Masai blankets) which were a great touch and helped us get into the safari mood. The vehicle itself was a customised Toyota Land Cruiser and we had exclusive use of this throughout our trip. The vehicle was spacious, comfortable and more than a match for the rough terrain we encountered on safari. It’s worth noting that the vehicle could reach areas that some of the other vehicles we saw on safari (e.g. minibuses) could not which meant we could get a better view of the animals. The vehicle featured all the creature comforts including a drinking water dispenser, cool box and fully reclining seats, useful for a quick nap on the drives between parks. The real star of the show was our driver, Nico, who made our trip unforgettable. He was extremely knowledgeable about the various animals, birds and plants we saw on our trip. His clear passion for his job was infectious and we learned so much about the animals, the landscape and Kenyan culture during our time with him. He also played his role in the proposal perfectly, setting up the sundowner and acting as our personal photographer and DJ whilst I did the proposal. We’ll never forget his choice of ‘smooth music’! We saw all of the Big Five animals and even more including Cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles and flamingoes. Nico had a particular skill of parking the jeep to get the best view of the animals and line up the perfect photos. The accommodations were also top tier and Hellen was clearly working hard behind the scenes to secure us room upgrades throughout the trip. A particular highlight was Zebra Plains River Camp where the staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble for them. The team also arranged some additional activities which were varied and made a nice change of pace to the standard game drives. Particular highlights included the nature walk in the Masai Mara, the Crescent Island boat trip / walking safari, and the bike ride in Hells Gate National Park. I’d also highly recommend the visit to the Masai Village to learn more about the traditional Masai culture. The people were so welcoming and even let us take shelter with them during a particularly sudden downpour! Beach break Finally we spent 3 days at the Neptune Paradise Resort at Diani Beach. We were driven there directly from Tsavo East by our guide and Afrikan Accent even arranged airport transfers for us to the Diani Beach airport for our flight back to Nairobi. The whole process was smooth and efficient. I would recommend arranging the beach extension directly through Afrikan Accent as they dealt with all of the logistics which meant we could focus on relaxing at the end of the safari. There are also various optional activities (including dolphin sighting trips and Mombassa city tours) which the team can arrange. We didn’t have time on this occasion to do any of these, but it was good to have the option. Summary Overall, Afrikan Accent Adventures did everything they could to make our safari holiday an unforgettable experience. They dealt with pretty much every aspect of our holiday excluding flights and the process couldn’t have been smoother. The price was also very competitive. I highly recommend them if you are looking to do an East African safari.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose a flying safari instead of driving?
A flying safari allows you to maximize your holiday by significantly reducing travel time. Instead of spending many hours on the road, you enjoy scenic flights over Kenya's spectacular landscapes and arrive refreshed at your destination. This means more time for game drives, relaxation, and enjoying your lodges.
What wildlife can I expect to see during this safari?
The safari offers excellent opportunities to see the famous Big Five—lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino (rhino sightings are possible but less common in the Maasai Mara). You are also likely to encounter cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, elands, impalas, gazelles, warthogs, and over 500 species of birds.
Is this safari suitable for families with children?
Yes. This itinerary is suitable for families, couples, honeymooners, photographers, solo travelers, and small groups. Children particularly enjoy the boat ride on Lake Naivasha, wildlife sightings, and comfortable accommodations. Some activities may have age restrictions, so it is advisable to check before booking.
What is included in the safari package?
Most packages include: Domestic scheduled flights. Airport transfers. Accommodation at Great Rift Valley Lodge and Mara Elatia Camp. Full-board meals while on safari. Shared or private game drives. Professional English-speaking safari guide. Park entry fees (unless otherwise stated). Bottled drinking water during game drives. International flights, visas, travel insurance, premium drinks, gratuities, optional activities, and personal expenses are usually excluded.
When is the best time to take this safari?
This safari is enjoyable throughout the year. January – March: Excellent wildlife viewing and warm weather. April – May: Green season with fewer visitors and attractive lodge offers. June – October: Peak safari season with superb wildlife viewing. July – October: Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara. November – December: Beautiful scenery, newborn animals, and excellent birdwatching.
Will I see the Great Wildebeest Migration?
If you travel between approximately July and October, you have an excellent chance of witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara. During this period, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, cross from Tanzania into Kenya, often facing dramatic river crossings where crocodiles and predators await.
How long is the flight from Naivasha to the Masai Mara?
The scheduled flight from Naivasha airstrip to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in the Mara Triangle takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, considerably shorter than the equivalent five to six hour road transfer. Mara Elatia Camp provides complimentary transfers from the airstrip, 10 kilometres away.
What should I pack for a flying safari?
Recommended items include: Neutral-colored lightweight clothing. Warm jacket or fleece for early morning game drives. Comfortable walking shoes. Wide-brimmed hat. Sunglasses. Sunscreen. Insect repellent. Camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Binoculars. Personal medications. Soft-sided luggage (required for most domestic flights).
Are there luggage restrictions on domestic flights?
Yes. Most scheduled safari flights within Kenya allow 15 kg (33 lbs) of luggage per person, including hand luggage, in a soft-sided duffel bag. Hard-shell suitcases are generally not accepted due to aircraft storage limitations.
Is the safari physically demanding?
No. This safari is considered easy and suitable for most travelers. Activities mainly involve short walks around the lodges, a boat excursion on Lake Naivasha, optional walking on Crescent Island, and game drives conducted in comfortable 4x4 safari vehicles.
Is Wi-Fi and mobile network available?
Yes. Both Great Rift Valley Lodge and Mara Elatia Camp provide Wi-Fi in the main guest areas, although speeds may vary depending on location. Mobile network coverage is generally good near Lake Naivasha and available in most parts of the Maasai Mara, though occasional interruptions may occur.
Is the safari safe?
Yes. Kenya is one of Africa's leading safari destinations, and this itinerary is operated by experienced professional guides who prioritize guest safety. Lodges have trained security staff, and guests are always briefed on wildlife safety procedures. Following your guide's instructions ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. Afrikan Accent Adventures can tailor this safari to match your interests, budget, and travel style. You can extend your stay in the Maasai Mara, add destinations such as Amboseli, Samburu, or Diani Beach, upgrade your accommodation, arrange a private vehicle and guide, include a hot air balloon safari, or create a personalized honeymoon or family itinerary.

Make this journey your own
Change the dates, the camps, the pace — anything. Tell us your dream and a real specialist will craft it around you, with no obligation.


