6 Days Savannah, Lakes & Adventure Safari
Big Five, Rift Valley Lakes & Active Safari Adventures
6
1
Masai Mara Big Five game drives across Kenya's iconic savannah
Two nights in the Masai Mara for more time in the reserve
Lake Nakuru rhino safari with opportunities to see black and white rhinos
Lake Naivasha boat ride with hippos, fish eagles and waterbirds
Hell's Gate National Park adventure amid dramatic cliffs, gorges and volcanic landscapes
Scenic journey through the spectacular Great Rift Valley
Opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and wildebeests
Seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration viewing in the Masai Mara
Diverse landscapes ranging from open savannah and lakeshores to volcanic scenery
Private safari vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide
Carefully selected budget safari camps and lodges
Excellent opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography
A balanced combination of wildlife, nature, scenery and outdoor adventure
Ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, friends and first-time safari visitors
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), you will be warmly welcomed by your Pita Safaris representative and transferred to your comfortable budget hotel in Nairobi. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your flight or, if time permits, enjoy optional excursions such as Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, or the Karen Blixen Museum before your unforgettable Kenya budget safari begins.
Day 2: Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Nairobi in your private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser and journey through the spectacular Great Rift Valley towards the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views before continuing through Narok and the scenic Maasai countryside to your comfortable budget safari lodge or camp for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy your first exciting game drive across the wildlife-rich plains of the Masai Mara. Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, antelopes, and many other wildlife species while your professional safari guide helps you discover the remarkable landscapes and wildlife of Kenya.
Day 3: Full Day Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Masai Mara National Reserve on private game drives accompanied by your professional English-speaking safari guide. Enter the reserve during the cooler morning hours when predators and other wildlife are often active, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Search for the legendary Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—while discovering cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, ostriches, and abundant birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve or return to your budget safari lodge for lunch before continuing your afternoon wildlife adventure.
Optional experiences include a visit to a traditional Maasai cultural village, wildlife photography sessions, or relaxing at your accommodation between game drives before returning for dinner and relaxation.
Day 4: Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru National Park
Enjoy an early morning game drive before breakfast as the African wilderness awakens. Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, and other wildlife before leaving the Masai Mara.
After breakfast and check-out, travel through the scenic Kenyan countryside and Great Rift Valley towards Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s important rhino conservation areas. Watch as the landscape changes from the open savannah of the Masai Mara to rolling hills, farmland, forests, and beautiful Rift Valley scenery.
Arrive at your comfortable budget lodge near Lake Nakuru in time for lunch before enjoying an afternoon game drive. Search for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, baboons, and diverse birdlife. Depending on lake conditions and seasonal movements, you may also encounter flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures when wildlife is often particularly active. Search for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, baboons, and numerous bird species while exploring the park’s acacia woodlands, grasslands, and lakeshore habitats.
After the game drive, depart Lake Nakuru and continue through the spectacular Great Rift Valley towards Lake Naivasha. Arrive at your comfortable budget lodge in the Lake Naivasha area for lunch before experiencing the unique freshwater ecosystem of Lake Naivasha.
Enjoy an optional scenic boat ride offering opportunities to see hippos, African fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, kingfishers, and other waterbirds. You will also enjoy a Crescent Island walking safari, where you can explore the island on foot among giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and other wildlife.
Day 6: Lake Naivasha - Hell’s Gate National Park - Nairobi / Departure
After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha for nearby Hell’s Gate National Park, one of Kenya’s most distinctive destinations for an active and affordable safari experience. Explore dramatic cliffs, volcanic rock formations, gorges, grasslands, and geothermal landscapes while enjoying a different style of wildlife adventure.
Enjoy an optional guided walking safari or cycling experience through designated areas of the park. Hell’s Gate is famous for allowing visitors to experience Kenya’s wildlife and spectacular scenery on foot or by bicycle.
Look for zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, gazelles, and other wildlife while exploring the dramatic landscapes. After your Hell’s Gate experience, depart the Great Rift Valley and travel back towards Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon for drop-off at your preferred location, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Wilson Airport, or your Nairobi hotel.
Your 6 Day Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate Budget Kenya Safari concludes with unforgettable memories of Kenya’s Big Five, scenic Rift Valley lakes, dramatic landscapes, unique outdoor activities, and authentic African safari experiences.
Wildlife Experience
Key reserves, habitats, and wildlife encounters on this safari route
Excellent wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Great Wildebeest Migration experience (July–October)
Black & White Rhino conservation experience at Lake Nakuru
Rothschild’s giraffes & seasonal flamingos
Cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas & antelopes
Hippos and African fish eagles at Lake Naivasha
Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and gazelles at Crescent Island
Diverse birdlife across the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha
Walking and cycling safari experiences at Hell’s Gate
Spectacular Great Rift Valley scenery
Excellent African sunrise and sunset photography opportunities
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months for wildlife viewing and safari experiences in East Africa
Inclusions
Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser throughout the safari
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
Budget hotel accommodation in Nairobi
Budget safari lodges or camps in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Budget safari lodge accommodation near Lake Nakuru National Park
Budget lodge accommodation in the Lake Naivasha area
Meals as specified in the itinerary
All scheduled private game drives as per the itinerary
Park entrance fees to Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Hell’s Gate National Park
Crescent Island walking safari
Bottled drinking water during the safari
Airport transfers in Nairobi
Government taxes and statutory levies
Exclude
International and domestic flights
Kenya visa fees (where applicable)
Comprehensive travel insurance
Drinks, beverages, and personal expenses
Tips and gratuities for your safari guide and lodge staff
Optional Maasai cultural village visit
Optional Lake Naivasha boat ride
Optional Crescent Island walking safari
Optional cycling or guided activities at Hell’s Gate National Park
Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
Travel Tips
Practical advice to help you prepare for a smooth and rewarding safari
- Best time: July–October for the Great Wildebeest Migration and excellent wildlife viewing
- June–October generally offers dry weather and excellent game-viewing conditions
- Book early during peak safari and festive seasons to secure preferred budget lodges and camps
- Pack lightweight clothing, a warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a camera, binoculars, and extra memory cards for wildlife photography
- Carry some cash for optional activities, drinks, souvenirs, and gratuities
- Comfortable walking or sports shoes are recommended for Crescent Island and Hell’s Gate activities
- Lake Naivasha boat ride and Crescent Island walking safari for a more complete Rift Valley experience
- Budget safari does not mean compromising on wildlife—the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Hell’s Gate offer outstanding experiences at excellent value
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this safari itinerary and travelling with Pita Safaris
What is included in the 6 Day Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate Budget Kenya Safari?
Is this a private or shared Kenya budget safari?
What wildlife can I expect to see during this Kenya budget safari?
Can I see the Big Five on this 6 Day Kenya safari?
When is the best time to visit the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru?
How long is the drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara National Reserve?
Is the 6 Day Kenya Budget Safari suitable for first-time visitors?
Can I add a boat ride on Lake Naivasha?
Can I visit Crescent Island during the Lake Naivasha stay?
Is Hell’s Gate suitable for a cycling safari?
What type of accommodation is used on this budget safari?
Photo Gallery
Explore the beauty of our safari destinations through our photo gallery
Related Safaris
4-Day Masai Mara & Wildebeest Migration Safari
Kenya
Nairobi · Masai Mara National Reserve · Nairobi
7‑Day Kenya Budget Camping Safari – Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Naivasha & Amboseli
Kenya
Nairobi · Masai Mara National Reserve · Lake Nakuru National Park · Lake Naivasha · Amboseli National Park · Nairobi
Savannah Horizons Safari – 6 Days: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania
Kilimanjaro International Airport · Arusha · Serengeti National Park · Ngorongoro Highlands · Ngorongoro Crater · Kilimanjaro International Airport
- $ Per Person