7 Day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara Safari: Rhinos & Lions

This 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari combines rhinos at Solio Game Reserve, a Lake Naivasha boat ride and Hell’s Gate, and three nights in the Masai Mara Triangle by private 4×4 from Nairobi.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

Safari Map

FAQs

Overview

This 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari is a private road safari from Nairobi. You spend 2 nights at Solio Game Reserve for black and white rhinos, 1 night at Lake Naivasha with a boat ride and Crescent Island walk, and 3 nights in the Masai Mara Triangle. The page lists the best season as all year round, and the price is on request. It suits rhino lovers, photographers and repeat visitors.

The trip travels in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional driver guide, on full board, staying at Rhino Watch Lodge, Lake Naivasha Resort and Mara Serena Safari Lodge, in accommodation rated 4 to 5 stars on the trip page.

Why choose a 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari?

Solio Game Reserve is a private rhino reserve north of Nairobi, and it is one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos on open plains. Few safari routes include it, so game drives there feel quiet compared with the busiest parks. Read more in our Solio Game Reserve guide.

The Masai Mara Triangle is the western corner of the Masai Mara National Reserve, run by the Mara Conservancy and known for big male lions, leopards and the Mara River. Three nights there, with two full days, give you time for big cats and, in season, the migration herds.

Rhino seekers: two nights and a full day at Solio Game Reserve.
Active travellers: cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park and a walking safari on Crescent Island.
Big cat fans: two full days in the Masai Mara Triangle.

What to expect on the 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari

Day 1 starts with a meet-and-greet and safari briefing in Nairobi, then a drive of about 4 hours to Solio Game Reserve, an afternoon siesta and an evening game drive, with the night at Rhino Watch Lodge. Day 2 is a full day of game drives in Solio with a picnic lunch, looking for black and white rhinos, lions, buffalo, giraffes and zebras.

On day 3 you drive about 4 hours to Lake Naivasha, stopping at Thomson’s Falls in Nyahururu, then take an evening boat ride and a guided walk on Crescent Island among giraffes, zebras and antelopes, staying at Lake Naivasha Resort. Day 4 begins with cycling and a gorge walk in Hell’s Gate National Park, then the drive to the Masai Mara with lunch on the way and an evening game drive in the Mara Triangle.

Days 5 and 6 are full days in the Masai Mara with picnic lunches on the plains, staying at Mara Serena Safari Lodge, with an optional hot air balloon flight. On day 7 you visit a Maasai village, then drive about 5 hours back to Nairobi for your flight.

Is 7 days enough for Solio, Naivasha and the Masai Mara?

Seven days is enough for this route because each stop gets at least one full day or a busy activity day: a full day in Solio, a boat ride, Crescent Island and Hell’s Gate around Lake Naivasha, and two full days in the Mara. If you want to time the Mara for the Great Migration, check our Great Migration month by month guide before choosing dates.

What is included in this Solio and Masai Mara safari?

The safari includes a meet-and-greet and safari briefing, all transport in a 4WD Land Cruiser, 6 nights of accommodation as per the itinerary, all park entry and conservation fees, full board meals, an English or bilingual driver guide, unlimited game drives on the itinerary and drinking water. The Maasai village visit and the Lake Naivasha boat ride are included free.

Not included are the optional Masai Mara hot air balloon safari (USD 500 per person), travel insurance, visas, international flights, tips (about USD 10 per person per day is suggested), drinks and personal items. Ask us whether the Hell’s Gate bicycle hire and Crescent Island walk are covered for your dates. Compare Mara lodges in our Masai Mara camps by budget guide.

How much does the 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari cost?

Price on request. The cost depends on your travel dates, group size, the season and the lodges you choose, so we prepare every quote personally rather than showing one fixed price.

WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or request a free tailor-made quote, and we will share a detailed quote for your dates.

Safari Highlights

Black and white rhinos on game drives in Solio Game Reserve
Thomson's Falls stop on the way to Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island walking safari
Cycling and a gorge walk in Hell's Gate National Park
Two full days in the Masai Mara Triangle, staying at Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Maasai village visit included

Day 01 :

Nairobi - Solio Game Reserve

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by Divulge Adventures representative for meet, greet and safari briefing. Afterward, you will depart Nairobi for Solio Game Reserve to the north of Nairobi, approximately 4 hours drive. Arriving at around lunchtime for check-in and lunch, followed by afternoon siesta.

Later in the evening, set out for evening game drive at the ranch. An evening game drive at Solio Game Reserve offers a breathtaking safari experience, featuring close encounters with black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalo, and giraffes. As the sun sets over the vast plains, the golden light creates a magical atmosphere.

With fewer crowds, abundant wildlife, and a scenic sundowner stop, Solio’s exclusive setting makes for an unforgettable African adventure. Afterwards, return to the camp / lodge for dinner and overnight at Rhino Watch Lodge.

Day 02 :

Full Day at Solio Game Reserve

After breakfast, set out for a full day game drive at Solio Game Reserve. The ranch offers an immersive safari experience in one of Kenya’s premier rhino conservancies. The drive takes you through breathtaking landscapes, where you’ll encounter black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras.

Mornings provide the best wildlife activity, while midday offers a chance to enjoy a picnic in the wild. Afternoon drives reveal more game as temperatures cool, ending with a stunning sunset. With exclusive access and diverse wildlife, a full-day safari at Solio Game Reserve promises an unforgettable adventure in a serene, uncrowded setting.

Dinner and overnight at Rhino Watch Lodge

Day 03 :

Solio Game Reserve - Lake Naivasha

After a delightful morning breakfast, checkout and proceed to Lake Naivasha approximately 4 hours drive. Embark on a scenic drive to Lake Naivasha, making a stop at the stunning Thompson Falls along the way, a stunning 74-meter waterfall in Nyahururu, Kenya, surrounded by lush greenery and offering breathtaking scenic views.

Continue the journey, arriving at Lake Naivasha just in time for lunch and a relaxing afternoon siesta. In the evening, enjoy a serene boat ride on the lake, followed by a guided walk on the renowned Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary known for its walking safaris among giraffes, zebras, pythons and antelopes.

Originally a peninsula, it became an island after rising lake levels. It gained fame as a filming location for *Out of Africa* (1985), enhancing its historical significance. As the day winds down, return to the resort for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Naivasha.

Later return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Resort

Day 04 :

Lake Naivasha - Masai Mara Triangle

After a steamy hot delicious breakfast set out for Hells Gate National Park for cycling and take a walk at the gorges before exiting Lake Naivasha for Masai Mara Reserve. You will have an enroute lunch as you head to Masai Mara arriving late in the afternoon. You will check in and have relaxing moments.

In the evening, you will have and evening game drive at the Mara Triangle Reserve mainly known for large male lions and leopards before returning to the lodge for dinner and at Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Day 05 & 06 :

Two Full Days at Masai Mara Triangle

After breakfast, you will have a full day at Masai Mara National Reserve for game viewing during your stay. This allows you a chance to thoroughly explore this wonderful reserve while you're here.

Stay on the lookout for the big cats with magical scenes when hunting, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, hippos and dangerous crocodiles feeding on the wildebeests as they cross the Mara River. Elephants, giraffes, lion prides, thousands of impalas, topi, grants and Thomson's gazelles, and different bird species could all be seen.

So, make sure to carry your phone or camera to capture these moments. You will have picnic lunch served in the vast plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve. In addition, optional balloon safari over the Masai Mara which offers you a magnificent aerial view of the park and viewing the wildlife and meandering Mara River from above.

Dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Day 07 :

Masai Mara Triagle - Nairobi - Departure

After breakfast at your camp, you will check out and head for Masai Village Visit; Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Masai people by visiting a traditional village. Learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life, witness their intricate beadwork and warrior dances, and perhaps even purchase a handcrafted souvenir to support their community.

Afterwards, exit Masai Mara for Nairobi approximately 5 hours’ drive. Upon arrival, drop off at the airport for your outbound flight.

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When is the best time for the 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari?

The 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari runs all year round, as the trip page shows. Rhinos live in Solio year-round. If you want the Great Migration herds in the Masai Mara Triangle, July to October is usually best, while the drier months of January and February are also good for game drives.

What is included in the 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari?

This Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari includes a 4WD Land Cruiser with a driver guide, 6 nights on full board, all park and conservation fees, unlimited game drives on the itinerary, drinking water, a Lake Naivasha boat ride and a Maasai village visit. Flights, visas, insurance, tips, drinks and the USD 500 balloon flight are extra.

Where do you stay on the Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari?

On this Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari you stay 2 nights at Rhino Watch Lodge for Solio Game Reserve, 1 night at Lake Naivasha Resort and 3 nights at Mara Serena Safari Lodge in the Masai Mara Triangle. We confirm every lodge in your written quote, based on availability for your dates.

Is the 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari good for families?

Yes, the 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari suits families and active travellers. It is a private safari, so the pace can be adjusted, and the Crescent Island walk and Hell’s Gate cycling add variety for older children. Some drives take 4 to 5 hours, so tell us your children’s ages and we will plan rest stops.

How do I book the 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari?

To book the 7 day Solio Naivasha and Masai Mara safari, send the enquiry form on this page, WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888 or email [email protected] with your dates and group size. The price is on request, so we reply with a written quote and lodge availability for your dates.