12-Day Budget Safari: Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseli & Tsavo
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), your private safari guide and driver will greet you with a warm Kenyan welcome. Enjoy a seamless transfer to Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands, a modern and comfortable hotel located in Nairobi's bustling Westlands area.
After check-in, unwind at the hotel or explore nearby attractions depending on your arrival time. Optional activities include visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, famous for its elephant orphanage, or shopping for souvenirs at local craft markets.
Accommodation Option: Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands – a stylish hotel offering comfortable rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and vibrant ambiance.
Meals: Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant featuring a mix of Kenyan and international cuisine.
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, traversing the breathtaking Great Rift Valley escarpment. Upon arrival at Sentrim Mara Camp, settle in and enjoy a hearty lunch before heading out on your first afternoon game drive.
The Masai Mara is famed for its vast savannahs teeming with wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the iconic wildebeest migration (seasonal). As the sun sets, return to the camp for dinner and relaxation under the starlit sky.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Mara Camp – a tented camp offering spacious tents with modern amenities amidst the wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch en route, and dinner at the camp.
Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring the Masai Mara on exciting morning and afternoon game drives. Early mornings are the best time to witness wildlife activity, with chances to see predators on the hunt. Midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park while soaking in the beauty of the vast plains.
Optional activities include a hot air balloon safari (additional cost) for breathtaking aerial views of the Mara or a visit to a Maasai village to learn about their vibrant culture and traditions.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch in the park, and dinner at the camp.
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its picturesque lake, diverse birdlife, and rhinos. Arrive at Lake Nakuru Lodge in time for lunch, then embark on an afternoon game drive.
Explore the park’s unique ecosystem, which includes dense forests, grasslands, and rocky cliffs. Spot flamingos, pelicans, Rothschild giraffes, and possibly the endangered white and black rhinos. Return to the lodge for dinner and a restful evening.
Accommodation Option:Lake Nakuru Lodge – a charming lodge with panoramic views of Lake Nakuru and the surrounding park.
Meals: Breakfast at the camp, lunch en route, and dinner at the lodge.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. Arrive at Naivasha Kongoni Lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, where you can spot hippos and diverse birdlife. You can also explore Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for a guided walking safari amidst zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests. Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation Option: Naivasha Kongoni Lodge – a boutique lodge offering comfortable cottages with scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the lodge.
Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
After an early breakfast, head south to Amboseli National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Sentrim Amboseli Lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive through the park, spotting elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species. The dramatic backdrop of Kilimanjaro adds a magical touch to your safari experience.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Amboseli Lodge – a comfortable lodge offering modern amenities and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast at the lodge, lunch en route, and dinner at the camp.
Day 7: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli National Park. Begin with an early morning game drive, the perfect time to witness wildlife against the backdrop of a sunrise-lit Kilimanjaro. Midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.
You’ll also have the option to visit a Maasai village for a cultural experience or relax at the lodge in the afternoon.
Accommodation Option:Sentrim Amboseli Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch in the park, and dinner at the lodge.
Day 8: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park
After breakfast, check out and drive to Tsavo West National Park, one of Kenya’s largest parks, famed for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. Arrive at Ngulia Safari Lodge, located in a scenic area of the park, and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive, visiting attractions like Mzima Springs, known for its crystal-clear waters and opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening of relaxation.
Accommodation Option: Ngulia Safari Lodge – a lodge offering comfortable rooms with views of the stunning park landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 9: Full Day in Tsavo West National Park
After an early breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from rolling plains to rocky outcrops. Look out for Tsavo’s famous red elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife.
Following a picnic lunch in the park, you’ll have the option to explore more remote areas or take part in guided nature walks. Visit Sheldrick Waterfall for a serene escape amidst nature. As the day winds down, head out for a sunset game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation Option: Ngulia Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 10: Tsavo West to Tsavo East National Park
After breakfast, depart for Tsavo East National Park, famous for its vast open landscapes and thriving wildlife. Upon arrival, check into Sentrim Tsavo Camp, a comfortable lodge blending luxury with nature.
After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive, exploring the park’s sweeping plains and iconic wildlife. Admire the scenery, with its distinctive red soil, and watch for elephants, lions, and a variety of bird species.
Return to the camp for dinner and relaxation under the stars.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Tsavo Camp – a comfortable camp with luxurious tented accommodation offering stunning views of the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 11: Full Day in Tsavo East National Park
Rise early for a thrilling morning game drive in Tsavo East, with the best chances of spotting wildlife at its most active. Explore the park’s vast terrain, with its diverse range of animals and scenic beauty.
After a picnic lunch in the park, spend the afternoon at leisure or continue exploring the park’s hidden gems. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the camp, celebrating your incredible safari adventure.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Tsavo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 12: Tsavo East to Nairobi and Departure
After an early morning game drive to capture final memories of Tsavo East, return to the camp for breakfast. Check out and begin your scenic drive back to Nairobi.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in the city and optional shopping or relaxation. Later, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable Kenyan safari journey.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation:11 nights in carefully selected lodges and camps, including Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands (Nairobi), Enkorok Mara Camp (Masai Mara), Lake Nakuru Lodge (Lake Nakuru), Naivasha Kongoni Lodge (Lake Naivasha), Sentrim Amboseli Lodge (Amboseli), Ngulia Safari Lodge (Tsavo West), and Sentrim Tsavo Camp (Tsavo East)
- Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per the itinerary, including picnic lunches during game drives in reserves.
- Transport: Customized 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing, along with a professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout the safari.
- Transfers: Transfers to and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
- Game Drives: Morning and afternoon game drives in Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East, and Lake Nakuru National Parks.
- Park Fees: All government taxes and entrance fees to parks and reserves as outlined in the itinerary.
- Activities:Lake Naivasha boat ride and guided walking safari on Crescent Island, and visit to Mzima Springs and Sheldrick Waterfall in Tsavo West.
- Drinking Water: Bottled water provided during game drives.
- Emergency Evacuation Cover: AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation to a Nairobi hospital (medical costs not included).
Exclusions:
- International Flights: Airfare to and from Kenya.
- Visa Fees: Kenyan entry visa fees.
- Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara, visit a Maasai village in Masai Mara or Amboseli, and guided nature walks (where not specified).
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering personal accident, medical expenses, and trip cancellations.
- Meals & Drinks: Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary, including alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at the accommodations.
- Personal Expenses: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge/camp staff, laundry services, souvenirs, and personal shopping.
- Health Costs: Vaccinations, COVID-19 testing (if required), and other medical-related expenses.
- Other Costs: Any additional costs arising due to delays, weather conditions, or unforeseen circumstances.
Important to Know
- 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
