5-Day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Naivasha Budget Camping Safari

Begin your adventure early with pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by your friendly Pita Safaris driver-guide. Journey through the scenic Great Rift Valley, stopping at viewpoints for breathtaking photo opportunities before proceeding via Narok, Kenya’s vibrant Maasai town.

Arrive at your Camp in time for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in Masai Mara National Reserve — Kenya’s most famous wildlife haven. Spot herds of elephants, zebras, giraffes, and, with luck, the elusive big cats: lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Return to camp for dinner and relaxation under the star-filled African sky.
Travel Tip: Sunset game drives in the Mara offer the best light for golden-hour photography.

Distance: ~280 km | Drive Time: ~5–6 hours

Accommodation Options:

Miti Mingi Eco Camp, Lenchada Tourist Camp (Budget Section), Manyatta Camp (Budget Camping Section), Rhino Tourist Camp (Budget Camping Section), Enchoro Wildlife Camp (Budget Camping Section)

After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive across the vast Mara plains with a packed picnic lunch. Track the Big Five — lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos — as well as gazelles, wildebeest, and abundant birdlife.

During the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October), witness one of the world’s most dramatic natural events as millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River.

Enjoy lunch amid the wild landscapes before continuing your exploration until late afternoon. Return to camp for dinner and storytelling around the campfire.
Photography Tip: Early mornings and evenings offer the best wildlife action and light.

Accommodation Options:

Same as Day 1

After breakfast, enjoy an optional visit to a traditional Maasai village (extra cost) to learn about Maasai culture, dances, and beadwork. Later, depart the Masai Mara and travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley, with a hot buffet lunch en route. Arrive in the afternoon at Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO-listed park, famous for flamingos, black and white rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, and dramatic Rift Valley viewpoints. After the game drive, proceed to your budget accommodation in Nakuru for dinner and overnight.

Highlights:
• Optional Maasai village cultural experience
• Scenic Great Rift Valley drive
• Flamingos, rhinos, and rich birdlife

Distance: ~250 km | Drive Time: ~5–6 hours

Accommodation Options:

Hotel CityMax Nakuru, K.W.C guest House, Tumaini Budget Camp, Lanet Matfam Resort

After breakfast, begin with an early morning game drive around Lake Nakuru National Park, spotting flamingos, gazelles, rhinos, and other wildlife along the lakeshore. After the game drive, depart for Lake Naivasha, a peaceful freshwater lake surrounded by acacia trees and dramatic volcanic landscapes in the Great Rift Valley.

On arrival, enjoy a boat safari across the lake’s calm waters, getting up close to hippos, pelicans, cormorants, and African fish eagles. Continue to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari, where you can safely walk among giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles — a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience in Kenya.

Spend the afternoon relaxing at your budget-friendly lakeside lodge, enjoying scenic views, fresh air, and a freshly prepared dinner by the lake.

Highlights:
• Morning game drive at Lake Nakuru
• Flamingos, rhinos & lakeshore wildlife sightings
• Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley
• Boat safari on Lake Naivasha with hippos & birdlife
• Guided walking safari on Crescent Island
• Relaxing lakeside stay with beautiful views

Travel Tip: Crescent Island is one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk freely among wildlife — offering a truly magical and intimate safari experience.

Distance: ~80 km | Drive Time: ~2–3 hours

Accommodation Options:

Camp Carnelley’s Camp, Fisherman’s Camp, Naivasha Crayfish Camp, Chambai Safari Resort

After breakfast, head to Hell’s Gate National Park for an exciting cycling or hiking safari through its dramatic cliffs, gorges, and geothermal scenery. Spot zebras, giraffes, and antelopes roaming freely as you explore Kenya’s only park that allows walking and biking among wildlife.

After a picnic lunch, begin your return journey to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or the city center.
Unique Experience: Hell’s Gate inspired Disney’s The Lion King landscapes — a perfect finale to your Kenya adventure.

Distance: ~95 km | Drive Time: ~2–3 hours