8-Day Budget Safari: Masai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha & Amboseli Adventure
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by your private safari guide and driver. Enjoy a warm Kenyan greeting and seamless transfer to Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands, a contemporary hotel known for its vibrant ambiance and convenient location. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore Nairobi’s attractions, such as the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum (additional cost). In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Accommodation Option: Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands – a modern hotel with stylish rooms, dining options, and excellent service.
Meals: Dinner at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant featuring international and local cuisine.
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart for the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Your journey takes you through the scenic Great Rift Valley, offering breathtaking views of its escarpments. Stop en route for photo opportunities and refreshments. Arrive at Sentrim Mara Camp in time for lunch. After a brief rest, embark on your first game drive in the reserve.
The Masai Mara is teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. Keep an eye out for cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and a myriad of bird species as you explore the plains. As the sun sets over the savannah, return to your camp for a sumptuous dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Mara Camp – a comfortable tented camp blending safari charm with modern amenities.
Meals: Breakfast at Ibis Styles Nairobi, lunch, and dinner at Sentrim Mara Camp.
Day 3: Full Day in Masai Mara National Reserve
Today is dedicated to discovering the wonders of the Masai Mara. After breakfast, set out on a full-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch, maximizing your time in the park. Traverse its diverse landscapes, from open plains to riverine forests, with your expert guide helping you spot a variety of animals, including predators and herbivores.
You may opt for an unforgettable early morning hot air balloon safari (available at an extra cost), which offers a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s beauty, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. In the evening, return to the camp for a hearty dinner and a peaceful night under the African stars.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Mara Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner at the camp.
Day 4: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Masai Mara as you embark on a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. This park is famed for its stunning pink flamingos and thriving populations of black and white rhinos. Arrive at Lake Nakuru Lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, head out on a game drive around the park, where you may spot Rothschild giraffes, waterbucks, and baboons. The park’s landscapes range from lush acacia forests to expansive grasslands, creating an exceptional wildlife-viewing experience. After an exhilarating day, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Option: Lake Nakuru Lodge – an eco-friendly lodge offering breathtaking views and proximity to the park’s wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast at Sentrim Mara Camp, lunch, and dinner at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, followed by a scenic transfer to Lake Naivasha, a stunning freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. Check into Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, a charming retreat nestled in lush greenery.
Spend the afternoon exploring Lake Naivasha’s attractions. You can opt for a boat ride (additional cost) to see hippos and waterbirds or visit the nearby Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, which offers walking safaris among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening at the lodge.
Accommodation Option: Naivasha Kongoni Lodge – a tranquil haven offering spacious cottages and serene views of the lake.
Meals: Breakfast at Lake Nakuru Lodge, lunch, and dinner at Naivasha Kongoni Lodge.
Day 6: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, depart for Amboseli National Park, famed for its majestic elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The drive takes you through diverse landscapes before arriving at Sentrim Amboseli Lodge in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, head out on a game drive. Amboseli’s open plains, swamps, and acacia woodlands are home to lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. Capture iconic photos of elephants silhouetted against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Amboseli Lodge – a comfortable lodge offering panoramic views and easy access to the park.
Meals: Breakfast at Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, lunch, and dinner at Sentrim Amboseli Lodge.
Day 7: Full Day in Amboseli National Park
Spend the day exploring the incredible Amboseli National Park. After an early breakfast, embark on a morning game drive when wildlife activity is at its peak. Visit Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park, its swamps, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Enjoy a picnic lunch to maximize your time in the park, followed by an afternoon game drive. Amboseli offers unparalleled photographic opportunities, especially of elephants roaming freely against the dramatic Kilimanjaro backdrop. Return to your lodge in the evening for a final dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Option: Sentrim Amboseli Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner at the lodge.
Day 8: Amboseli to Nairobi and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Amboseli National Park. Bid farewell to the wilderness as you journey back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you can visit local attractions, such as the Maasai Market or Kazuri Beads Women’s Cooperative, for last-minute shopping (time permitting).
Later, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible 8-day Kenya safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast at Sentrim Amboseli Lodge.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: 7 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), and Sentrim Amboseli Lodge (Amboseli).
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the safari, starting from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 8.
- Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional guide and driver for game drives and transfers.
- Game Drives: Morning and afternoon game drives in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and Lake Naivasha, led by an experienced safari guide.
- Boat Ride & Walking Safari: A boat ride on Lake Naivasha and a walking safari on Crescent Island.
- Park Fees: All entrance fees to national parks and reserves (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli).
- Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water provided during the safari.
- Guided Tours: Expertly guided game drives and activities by a knowledgeable local safari guide.
Exclusions:
- International Flights: Flights to and from Nairobi are not included.
- Personal Expenses: Items such as souvenirs, personal tips, and extra drinks or snacks are not covered.
- Travel Insurance: Travel and medical insurance must be arranged separately.
- Optional Activities: Optional excursions, such as a visit to a Maasai village or additional activities at Lake Naivasha, are at an extra cost.
- Gratuities: Tips for the driver/guide and lodge staff are not included.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and beverages are not included in the package.
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
