7-Day Kenya Budget Safari: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha, and Amboseli
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, driving through the picturesque Great Rift Valley. As you approach the reserve, the landscape transforms into the iconic African savannah teeming with wildlife. Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for lunch, and after a brief rest, embark on your first thrilling game drive. The Masai Mara is home to the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—as well as a plethora of other species. As the sun sets, return to your lodge or camp for a delicious dinner and overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Today is dedicated to exploring the vast expanses of the Masai Mara. After breakfast, set out on a full-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch, ensuring you maximize your time in the reserve. Traverse the rolling plains and riverine forests, witnessing the incredible wildlife that makes the Masai Mara so famous. You may opt for an early morning hot air balloon safari for a unique aerial perspective of the park (additional cost). Throughout the day, your knowledgeable guide will help you spot and identify various animals, from the stealthy cheetah to the towering giraffe. Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for dinner and another night under the African sky.
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Masai Mara and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, a sanctuary known for its stunning birdlife, particularly the flocks of flamingos that paint the lake pink. Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive around the park, where you can spot rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and a variety of bird species. The park's diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to open grasslands, offer a rich wildlife-viewing experience. After an exhilarating day, return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Start your day with breakfast at the lodge or camp before departing for Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake nestled in the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, check into your lodge or camp and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, you have the option to take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha (additional cost), where you can see hippos wallowing in the water and a variety of waterfowl. Alternatively, explore the nearby Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, known for its walking safaris among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Dinner and overnight at your Lake Naivasha lodge or camp provide a tranquil end to the day.
Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, set off for Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The drive takes you through diverse landscapes before arriving at your lodge or camp in Amboseli. After lunch and some rest, embark on an afternoon game drive. Amboseli's open plains and swamps are home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and numerous bird species. The sight of elephants against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro is truly iconic. Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Today, enjoy a full day of exploration in Amboseli National Park. Begin with an early morning game drive when animals are most active, followed by breakfast at your lodge or camp. Continue with game drives throughout the day, with a picnic lunch allowing you to stay out in the park. Visit Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park and its inhabitants. Amboseli is renowned for its photographic opportunities, especially the scenes of elephants traversing the plains with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. In the evening, return to your lodge or camp for a final dinner and overnight stay in this remarkable park.
Day 7: Amboseli to Nairobi and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Amboseli National Park before making your way back to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will have some time to do some last-minute shopping or visit local attractions depending on your flight schedule. Later, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible 8-day Kenya safari adventure.
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.
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
- Walking safari on Crescent Island.
- 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