11-Day Budget Safari: Kenya's Top National Park
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
After an early breakfast, you will depart from Nairobi and embark on a scenic drive to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley, offering stunning vistas and photo opportunities. As you arrive at your budget-friendly lodge or camp, settle in and prepare for your first afternoon game drive. The Masai Mara is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. As the sun sets over the rolling plains, you’ll return to your lodge for a hearty dinner and an evening at leisure, perhaps around a campfire under the starry African sky.
Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara
Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of the Masai Mara. You will embark on early morning and late afternoon game drives, when animals are most active. The reserve's vast plains are home to a plethora of wildlife, and you may witness thrilling predator-prey interactions. An optional hot air balloon ride at dawn offers a unique perspective of the Mara's landscapes and wildlife, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Between game drives, relax at your lodge, enjoy the amenities, and soak in the natural beauty surrounding you. The Masai Mara never ceases to amaze with its endless horizons and rich biodiversity.
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
After a hearty breakfast, you will leave the Masai Mara and travel to Lake Nakuru National Park. Known for its stunning flamingo population that paints the lake pink, Lake Nakuru is a birdwatcher's paradise. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your lodge before setting out on an afternoon game drive. Besides flamingos, the park is also a sanctuary for rhinos, and you may spot both black and white rhinos among other wildlife. The park's acacia forests and grasslands provide a picturesque backdrop as you explore. As night falls, return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Your journey continues to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake renowned for its beauty and wildlife. Upon checking into your budget lodge, you will embark on a serene boat ride on the lake, offering close encounters with hippos and a variety of bird species. You can also visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, where you can walk among freely roaming animals such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. The island's tranquility and scenic views make it a perfect spot to unwind. In the evening, return to your lodge for a peaceful night, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
Departing Lake Naivasha, you will travel to Amboseli National Park, known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large elephant herds. The drive takes you through varied landscapes, each offering unique sights. Upon arrival in Amboseli, you'll have lunch and some rest before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Amboseli's landscape is characterized by vast open plains, swamps, and acacia woodlands, providing diverse habitats for a range of wildlife. As the day ends, the sight of Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak during sunset is a highlight. Return to your budget-friendly camp for dinner and rest.
Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli
Today, you will have the opportunity to explore Amboseli's wonders with morning and afternoon game drives. The park's elephants are a major attraction, and you can observe these gentle giants up close. Amboseli is also home to lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and numerous bird species. Between game drives, relax at your camp, enjoy the facilities, and take in the stunning surroundings. The park's marshes and swamps, fed by the melting snows of Kilimanjaro, support a rich diversity of wildlife. Your day will be filled with incredible sightings and experiences. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at your camp, reflecting on the day's adventures and the beauty of Amboseli.
Day 7: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
Leaving Amboseli behind, you will journey to Tsavo West National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity. The drive offers a chance to see more of Kenya's diverse terrain. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your budget lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a game drive to explore the park's unique features. One of the highlights is the Mzima Springs, where you can watch hippos and crocodiles from an underwater viewing chamber. The park's rugged hills, lava flows, and dense bush provide a striking backdrop for wildlife viewing. As dusk falls, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, enveloped by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Day 8: Full Day in Tsavo West
Dedicate this day to further exploring Tsavo West. Early morning and late afternoon game drives provide the best opportunities to see the park's varied wildlife, including lions, elephants, and the elusive leopard. You might also visit the Chaimu Crater, a volcanic cone offering panoramic views of the park. Between game drives, enjoy leisure time at your lodge, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or relaxing with a book. The mixture of open plains and dense bush in Tsavo West makes each game drive a unique adventure. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and a restful night.
Day 9: Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park
After breakfast, travel from Tsavo West to the adjoining Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s largest and oldest parks. The contrasting landscapes between the two parks offer a new perspective on Kenya's natural beauty. Upon arrival, check into your budget lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive to explore Tsavo East’s vast open spaces, characterized by red-hued earth and dramatic scenery. The Galana River, Mudanda Rock, and the Yatta Plateau are some of the park’s notable features. As night falls, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation, listening to the night sounds of the savannah.
Day 10: Full Day in Tsavo East
Spend the day discovering the wonders of Tsavo East. Morning and afternoon game drives will take you through different parts of the park, where you can spot large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species. Tsavo East is also home to the famous “red elephants” that bathe in the park’s red soil, giving them a distinctive color. In between game drives, relax at your lodge, enjoying the serene environment and perhaps catching up on some rest. The park’s expansive landscapes and abundant wildlife make for an unforgettable safari experience. End the day with a delicious dinner at your lodge.
Day 11: Return to Nairobi
On your final day, enjoy a morning game drive in Tsavo East for one last chance to spot wildlife before heading back to Nairobi. The journey back offers time to reflect on your incredible safari adventure. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be transferred to your hotel or directly to the airport for your departure flight, depending on your travel plans. If you have time, you may wish to explore more of Nairobi, visiting attractions like the Karen Blixen Museum or the Giraffe Centre. This marks the end of your unforgettable 12-day Kenya safari, filled with memories of extraordinary wildlife encounters and the breathtaking beauty of Kenya’s national parks.
Inclusions:
- All budget-friendly accommodation as detailed in a double occupancy room, with private facilities.
- Full board meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the safari.
- Park fees and conservation charges for all national parks and reserves visited.
- Expert safari drivers/guides who will accompany you throughout your journey.
- Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles, offering optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
- The Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
- Bottled water during game drives
Exclusions:
- International flights and visas.
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
- Optional activities or experiences not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara with a bush breakfast experience.
- Beverages, laundry, items of a personal nature.
- Tips and gratuities for safari guide and camp staff.
Important to Know
- All of our safaris are on a private basis
- Children aged between 0-2 years are free of charge.
- Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing the same room with adults
- Children between 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their separate room from adults
- Children 13 years and above are recognized as adults
