Budget-Friendly Kenya Safari (5 Days) – Maasai Mara & Lake Nakuru
Destinations: Maasai Mara National Reserve & Lake Nakuru National Park
Best Time to Visit: June–October (Great Migration) or January–February (Dry season)
Group Size: Small group (6-8 people) – Shared safari vehicle
Accommodation: Mid-range lodges & tented camps
Transport: Customized 4x4 Safari Van with pop-up roof.
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara
- 7:00 AM: Depart Nairobi after breakfast (pick-up from hotel/airport).
- Scenic Drive: Via the Great Rift Valley (stop at viewpoint for photos).
- Lunch: Picnic lunch en route at Narok Town.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Enter Maasai Mara, spot elephants, giraffes, and lions.
- Evening: Check-in at Mara Sopa Lodge or Enkorok Mara Camp (budget-friendly tented camp).
- Optional: Sunset walk at the camp (escorted by Maasai guides).
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mid-range Tented Camp (Maasai Mara)
Day 2: Full-Day Maasai Mara Game Drive
- 6:30 AM: Early morning game drive (best time for predators).
- Breakfast: Bush breakfast near the Mara River (if migration is ongoing).
- Midday: Continue game drives across the savannah (search for cheetahs & leopards).
- Afternoon: Visit a Maasai Village (optional, ~$20 per person).
- Evening: Return to camp for dinner, optional campfire storytelling.
Optional Upgrade: Hot Air Balloon Safari (~$450 per person – must book in advance).Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mid-range Tented Camp (Maasai Mara)
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru
- 6:00 AM: Sunrise game drive (last chance to spot the Big Five).
- Breakfast at Camp, then depart for Lake Nakuru (~5-hour drive).
- Lunch: Stop in Nakuru Town.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Enter Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for:
- Flamingo-lined shores (thousands of pink flamingos).
- White & black rhinos (best rhino sightings in Kenya).
- Tree-climbing lions (rare but possible).
- Evening: Check-in at Lake Nakuru Lodge or Flamingo Hill Camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mid-range Lodge (Lake Nakuru)
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Hell’s Gate (Bike Safari)
- 6:30 AM: Early morning game drive (rhinos & leopards most active).
- Breakfast at Lodge, then drive to Hell’s Gate National Park (~2 hours).
- Cycling Safari: Rent bikes at the gate (~$10), cycle among zebras, giraffes, and buffalo.
- Hike through Hell’s Gate Gorge (where The Lion King was inspired).
- Afternoon: Optional dip at Olkaria Geothermal Spa (natural hot springs).
- Evening: Drive back to Nairobi (~2 hours), drop-off at hotel/airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Included in the Package:
✔ All park entry fees & game drives
✔ Accommodation in mid-range lodges/tented camps
✔ Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, dinner on safari)
✔ Transport in a shared 4x4 safari van
✔ Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Not Included:
✖ International flights & Nairobi hotel (can be arranged)
✖ Maasai Village visit (10)
✖ Hot air balloon safari ($450)
✖ Tips for guides & lodge staff
Estimated Cost:
- Budget Group Safari: 1,200–1,800 per person
- Private Upgrade: 2,000–2,500 (exclusive vehicle & guide)
Why Choose This Safari?
✅ Affordable yet high-quality wildlife viewing
✅ Mix of classic game drives & unique cycling safari
✅ Great for solo travelers, couples, or small groupsWant Adjustments? I can customize this to:
- Add Amboseli (Kilimanjaro views) +$400
- Extend to Diani Beach (+3 days, +$600)
- Upgrade to luxury lodges (+$800)
Let me know your preferences! 🦓🌍
