Quick Facts
Style: Budget Private Safari (shared game drives)
Transport: Custom 4x4 Land Cruiser with Pop-Up Roof
Accommodation: Budget Guest Houses & Tented Camps
Activities: Game Drives, Boat Safari, Guided Nature Walk
Start/End: Nairobi / Nairobi
Nairobi to Lake Naivasha
Your adventure begins with a pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Depart the city and descend into the Great Rift Valley, stopping at a panoramic viewpoint for stunning photos of this geological wonder. Continue to the freshwater Lake Naivasha, arriving in time for lunch at your accommodation. In the afternoon, embark on a tranquil boat ride across the lake’s sparkling waters. Glide past basking hippo pods and observe a magnificent array of birdlife, including fish eagles, cormorants, and kingfishers. Disembark at Crescent Island Sanctuary for a rare and thrilling guided walking safari. Walk freely among giraffes, zebras, impala, and waterbuck in this predator-free sanctuary—an unforgettable opportunity for close-up wildlife photography. Return to your lakeside camp as the sun sets for dinner and your first night under the African sky.
Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, bid farewell to Lake Naivasha and journey southwest towards the iconic Masai Mara. The drive offers a fascinating transition in landscapes, passing through Maasai homesteads and open plains. If traveling between July and October, you’ll traverse the path of the legendary Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra brave crocodile-infested rivers in search of fresh grazing. Arrive at your eco-friendly camp in time for a late lunch and some relaxation. In the late afternoon, experience a Maasai-guided nature walk in the conservancy areas bordering the reserve. Learn about local flora, animal tracks, and the rich cultural heritage from your Maasai guide (warrior). This immersive walk provides a different perspective on the ecosystem before returning to camp for a hearty dinner.
Full Day Exploring the Masai Mara
Today is dedicated entirely to the wonders of the Masai Mara. Opt for a full-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch to explore the reserve’s remote corners, such as the Mara River where migration crossings occur (seasonal). This maximizes your time in the field and chances of witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions. Alternatively, you can choose a schedule of morning and afternoon game drives, returning to camp for lunch and a midday rest. Your expert driver-guide will track the wildlife, seeking out prides of lions, solitary leopards, cheetahs on the hunt, elephants, and massive buffalo herds. The vast, rolling grasslands offer breathtaking panoramas and unparalleled photographic opportunities. Return to camp in the evening to share stories of the day’s sightings over dinner.
Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
Enjoy one final early morning game drive in the Mara, capturing the landscape in the beautiful soft light and searching for any elusive species. Return to camp for a full breakfast before checking out and beginning your journey north to Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your accommodation. After lunch, head into the park for an afternoon game drive. This compact park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, famously dotted with thousands of pink flamingos along its shoreline. It is also one of Kenya’s best rhino sanctuaries, offering an excellent chance to see both the endangered black rhino and the white rhino. Look out for the rare tree-climbing lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, and herds of waterbuck. Dinner and overnight are at your lodge near the park.
Lake Nakuru to Nairobi Departure
After breakfast, you have the option for a short, final morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Afterwards, begin your journey back to Nairobi, crossing the equator and enjoying final views of the Rift Valley escarpment. You will be dropped off at your Nairobi hotel or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time for your onward travel arrangements, marking the end of your memorable safari.
Safari Pricing Guide
Prices are per person depending on group size.
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person (Solo Traveler) | $2,050 |
| 2 People (Per Person) | $1,415 |
| 4 People (Per Person) | $1,150 |
| 5 People (Per Person) | $1,100 |
| 6+ People (Per Person) | $1,040 |
- Transpor in a 4x4 landcruiser
- All national park and game reserve entry fees as per the itinerary (for non-resident guests).
- All scheduled game drives and activities mentioned in the day-by-day itinerary, conducted in a custom safari 4x4 vehicle.
- The services of a professional, English-speaking driver/guide for the entire safari duration.
- All road transportation throughout the tour in a dedicated, well-maintained vehicle.
- All applicable government taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT).
- Roundtrip airport transfers on the first and last day between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and your Nairobi hotel or residence.
- Drinking water provided in the vehicle during all road transfers and game drives.
- International airfare to and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
- Any additional accommodation required before the tour start date or after its conclusion.
- Gratuities for your driver/guide and camp/lodge staff (a guideline of USD $10-$15 per person, per day is customary).
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, telephone calls, and travel insurance.
- Visa fees for entry into Kenya.
- Any increases in park fees or taxes imposed by the government after the booking date.
- Meals and drinks not explicitly stated in the itinerary (e.g., some beverages at lodges).
- Optional activities, such as hot air balloon safaris, Maasai village visits, or specific cultural experiences, unless otherwise noted.