7-Day Budget Safari – Masai Mara, Nakuru & Amboseli
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya!
Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a friendly representative from our team will be waiting to welcome you to Kenya. You will then be transferred to Ibis Styles Westlands Nairobi or a similar budget-friendly hotel for your overnight stay. After check-in, you may choose to rest after your journey or explore Nairobi at your own pace. For those eager to start their adventure early, optional excursions can be arranged at an extra cost, such as a visit to the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with the endangered Rothschild giraffes, or the Karen Blixen Museum, which provides insight into Kenya’s colonial history. In the evening, you can dine at a local restaurant, experiencing Kenya’s vibrant culinary scene before returning to the hotel to prepare for the safari adventure ahead.
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara
Your safari adventure begins with an early breakfast before departing Nairobi at approximately 7:00 AM. As you leave the bustling city behind, you will embark on a scenic drive towards the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. En route, a brief stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view of this geological wonder, perfect for capturing stunning photographs. Continuing the journey, you will pass through small towns and the picturesque countryside, eventually arriving in the Masai Mara around midday.
Upon arrival, you will check in at Enkorok Mara Camp or a similar budget camp and enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. After some rest, you will embark on an afternoon game drive, your first opportunity to spot the diverse wildlife of the Masai Mara. With its wide-open plains, acacia-dotted landscapes, and an abundance of predators, the reserve is home to the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and an impressive variety of bird species. As the sun sets over the golden savannah, you will return to the camp, where a hearty dinner awaits, followed by relaxation under the star-filled African sky.
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Masai Mara
A full day of exploration in the Masai Mara begins early in the morning, when wildlife is most active. After a pre-dawn game drive, you will witness the magical sight of the sun rising over the plains, casting golden hues over the landscape as predators like lions and leopards complete their nighttime hunts.
Following breakfast, you will spend the day traversing different areas of the reserve, tracking wildlife and enjoying the ever-changing scenery. If visiting between July and October, you may have the chance to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural events, as millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, braving hungry crocodiles and other predators.
A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic spot within the park, possibly near the Mara River, where hippos and crocodiles bask in the sun. In the afternoon, the safari continues as your guide takes you to explore hidden corners of the reserve. For those interested in cultural experiences, an optional visit to a Maasai village can be arranged, where you will learn about the Maasai people's traditions, dances, and way of life (at an additional cost). As the day winds down, you will return to camp for a well-earned dinner and relaxation.
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
After an early breakfast, you will check out and begin the journey towards Lake Nakuru National Park, a drive of approximately 5-6 hours through Kenya’s picturesque countryside. Along the way, enjoy the stunning landscapes, passing farmlands and small towns that offer a glimpse into local life.
Arriving at Lake Nakuru Lodge or a similar budget lodge in time for lunch, you will check in and have a short rest before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Lake Nakuru is famous for its pink-hued shores, where thousands of flamingos gather, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The park is also one of Kenya’s best rhino sanctuaries, home to both the endangered black and white rhinos. Other wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, baboons, and elusive leopards. As the sun sets, you will return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Amboseli
After breakfast, you will check out and set off for the drive to Amboseli National Park, a journey that takes approximately 6-7 hours. En route, you will pass through Nairobi, with an optional lunch stop before continuing south towards Amboseli. The landscape transforms as you enter the open plains of Amboseli, with Mount Kilimanjaro—Africa’s highest peak—looming majestically in the distance.
Upon arrival at Sentrim Amboseli Lodge or a similar budget lodge, you will check in and enjoy a late lunch before setting off for an afternoon game drive. Amboseli is renowned for its large elephant herds, often seen wandering against the backdrop of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro, creating one of Africa’s most iconic safari scenes. The park is also home to cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, and a rich variety of birdlife. After an eventful game drive, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Amboseli
An early morning game drive presents an incredible opportunity to see Amboseli at its finest. The clear morning air provides the best chance of viewing Mount Kilimanjaro in all its glory, with golden light illuminating the landscape.
After breakfast, you will continue exploring the park, visiting the swamps, where large herds of elephants, hippos, and a variety of waterbirds gather. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic location within the park before resuming the afternoon game drive.
For those interested, an optional visit to a Maasai village can be arranged, where you will interact with the local community, learn about their customs, and witness traditional dances. As the day comes to an end, you will return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Day 7: Amboseli to Nairobi – Departure
On your final morning, enjoy a sunrise game drive, soaking in the last breathtaking views of Amboseli’s wildlife. After breakfast, you will check out and begin your journey back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. You will be dropped off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home or at your preferred hotel if extending your stay.
Inclusions:
✔ Accommodation: 6 nights in budget lodges/tented camps as per the itinerary.
✔ Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the safari.
✔ Transport: Comfortable pop-up roof safari vehicle for optimal game viewing.
✔ Game Drives: Unlimited game drives as per the itinerary.
✔ Professional Guide: Services of an experienced English-speaking safari driver-guide.
✔ Park Fees: All applicable park entrance fees for Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli.
✔ Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
✔ Drinking Water: Complimentary bottled drinking water during game drives.
✔ Government Taxes: All relevant government taxes and levies.
Exclusions:
✖ International Flights: Airfare to and from Kenya.
✖ Visa Fees: Kenyan visa charges.
✖ Optional Activities: Maasai village visit, hot air balloon safari, night game drives, etc.
✖ Personal Expenses: Laundry, beverages, telephone calls, and other personal expenses.
✖ Travel Insurance: Highly recommended but not included.
✖ Tips & Gratuities: For guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
✖ Extra Accommodation: Additional hotel stays before or after the safari (available on request).
