5-Day Budget Safari: Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will transfer you to Ibis Styles Westlands. This centrally located hotel offers modern amenities, free WiFi, and comfortable rooms, making it a great place to unwind after your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to rest or explore Nairobi’s vibrant culture. Optional activities include a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, or the Giraffe Centre, where you can get up close to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel or try local cuisine at a nearby restaurant before getting a good night’s sleep in preparation for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara
After an early breakfast, your safari adventure officially begins as you depart for Masai Mara. The journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, with a stop at a scenic viewpoint where you can admire the vast escarpment stretching into the horizon.
Continuing toward Masai Mara, you’ll pass through small towns and villages, offering glimpses of local Kenyan life. Upon arrival at Enkorok Mara Camp, you will check in and enjoy a hearty lunch before embarking on your first game drive in Masai Mara.
The afternoon game drive introduces you to the reserve’s stunning wildlife, including herds of elephants, towering giraffes, prowling lions, and elusive leopards. As the golden sun sets over the savannah, you return to camp, where a warm dinner awaits. Relax under the starlit sky, listening to the sounds of the wild before heading to bed, ready for a full day of exploration ahead.
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara
Rise early for a full day of adventure in one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations. After breakfast, set out for a game drive across Masai Mara’s vast plains, keeping an eye out for the famed Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.
Depending on the season, you may witness the dramatic Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the crocodile-infested Mara River, an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. Your experienced guide will take you to the best vantage points for photography and wildlife observation.
A picnic lunch will be served at a scenic spot within the reserve, allowing you to enjoy your meal while surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, you can continue game viewing or opt for an optional visit to a local Maasai village, where you will learn about the rich cultural traditions of the Maasai people.
As the sun dips below the horizon, you return to Enkorok Mara Camp for a relaxing evening. Gather around the bonfire, share stories of the day’s sightings, and enjoy another delicious meal before retiring to your comfortable tent.
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, bid farewell to the rolling plains of Masai Mara as you embark on a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of the beautiful Rift Valley landscapes and spot wildlife even before reaching the park.
Arriving at Lake Nakuru Lodge in time for lunch, you will check in and relax before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to thousands of flamingos that create a pink spectacle along the lake’s shores. The park is also famous for its thriving rhino population, and with a bit of luck, you may spot both black and white rhinos grazing peacefully in the grasslands. Other animals commonly sighted include waterbucks, baboons, giraffes, and elusive leopards.
As the evening sets in, return to the lodge for dinner while enjoying stunning views of the lake from the dining area. Spend the night in the comfortable, budget-friendly accommodations, preparing for your final safari experience the next morning.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi
Your final day begins with an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru, taking advantage of the cool temperatures when animals are most active. Capture your last safari moments as you search for more wildlife, including buffalo herds, warthogs, and eagles soaring above the acacia trees.
After a leisurely breakfast back at the lodge, you will begin your journey back to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon. If time allows, you may visit a local craft market to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a meal at a popular restaurant before being transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
As you say goodbye to Kenya, you’ll carry with you incredible memories of breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating game drives, and encounters with some of Africa’s most majestic wildlife.
Inclusions:
✔ Airport pick-up and drop-off
✔ 1 night in Nairobi at Ibis Styles Westlands (BB)
✔ 2 nights in Masai Mara at Enkorok Mara Camp (FB)
✔ 1 night in Lake Nakuru at Lake Nakuru Lodge (FB)
✔ Park entry fees for Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru
✔ Game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
✔ Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
✔ Meals as per itinerary (BB - Bed & Breakfast, FB - Full Board)
✔ Drinking water during game drives
Exclusions:
✖ International flights
✖ Visa fees
✖ Personal expenses such as beverages and souvenirs
✖ Travel insurance
✖ Optional Maasai village visit ($20 per person)
✖ Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
