Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru: Road Options, Rift Valley Stops and Pacing

This is one of the classic links on a Kenya circuit, moving from the open plains of the Mara to the flamingo lake and rhino-friendly woodland of Nakuru. It crosses farming country, forest edges and part of the Great Rift Valley.

Here we explain the options, what the journey is like and how to pace it. Exact times vary with road works, weather and where you start, so rely on your operator for the current plan.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

The Basic Journey

From the Mara, the road climbs out of the savannah, passes through the town of Narok and then crosses the highlands and the edge of the Rift Valley before reaching the Nakuru area. Parts of the route are well surfaced, while the section near the Mara can be rough and dusty. Safari vehicles are used for the whole trip. Starting at first light gives you time to enjoy the scenery and arrive in time for an afternoon game drive. See the Masai Mara National Reserve guide and the Lake Nakuru National Park guide for what to expect at each end.

Breaking the Journey at Lake Naivasha

Many itineraries pause near Lake Naivasha, either for lunch, a boat trip or an overnight stay, which turns a hard travel day into two easier ones. This is a good option if you want to add Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha to the route, which offers cycling and walking in a gorge landscape. See Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate activities for ideas. An overnight stop adds time but reduces fatigue.

Flying Parts of the Route

Direct flights between the Mara and Nakuru are not a typical standard offering, so air options usually mean flying from the Mara to Nairobi and then driving to Nakuru, or driving to Nairobi and flying elsewhere. This can reduce the amount of rough road, but it adds airport time and baggage limits. Discuss it with your operator and check schedules close to your date. See flying safaris in East Africa for general information.

Road Conditions and Seasons

In the dry months the road is firmer, but dust and heavy trucks can slow progress. In the rains, parts of the Mara tracks become slippery and some stretches have standing water. Ask your driver to monitor conditions and be flexible with the schedule. Lake Nakuru is high and can be cool in the evening, so keep a jacket handy. See the best time to visit Lake Nakuru and the best time to visit the Masai Mara.

How It Fits an Itinerary

The Mara and Nakuru make a natural pair, because they offer different wildlife and scenery. A typical plan gives two or three nights in the Mara, a travel day with a Naivasha stop, then a night or two at Nakuru, followed by a return to Nairobi or onward travel to other parks. For examples, see Masai Mara itineraries and Lake Nakuru itineraries.

What to Prepare

Pack soft bags, water, snacks, a light jacket, sun protection and binoculars. Keep documents and park receipts accessible and charge cameras and phones overnight before the drive. If you suffer from motion sickness, tell your driver and sit in the front. Check the East Africa packing list for a full checklist and confirm lunch and comfort stops with your guide.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team