Majestic Kenya Safaris

10-Day Budget Kenya Wildlife Safari

Starts from

$2,100 pp (USD)

Overview

4.7 (66) Reviews
4.6/5

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you from the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli, with Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop, to the serene shores of Lake Naivasha. You’ll then explore the flamingo-fringed Lake Nakuru before immersing yourself in the world-renowned Masai Mara ecosystem. This safari offers a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, incredible animal encounters, and insights into local Maasai culture. Throughout your adventure, you’ll stay in budget-friendly accommodations, making this an accessible yet comprehensive Kenyan safari experience.

Your journey will cover approximately 1,000 kilometers of diverse Kenyan landscapes, from savannah grasslands to forests and lakes. You’ll have the opportunity to spot over 50 mammal species and more than 450 bird species across these varied ecosystems. This safari is designed to provide an immersive wildlife experience while also offering glimpses into rural Kenyan life and traditional Maasai culture.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli

    Park 4-5 Hour Drive
    Meals: Lunch & Dinner


    Your Kenyan adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Meet your experienced guide and depart for Amboseli National Park, known for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

    The scenic drive takes you south through the Athi Plains and into Maasai country. You'll pass through small towns and villages, offering glimpses of local life. As you approach Amboseli, the landscape becomes increasingly arid, dotted with acacia trees and the occasional Maasai boma (homestead).

    Arrive at your accommodation, Kibo Safari Camp, a budget-friendly tented camp within the park, in time for lunch. The camp offers comfortable furnished tents with en-suite bathrooms and a view of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.

    After settling in and a short rest, embark on an afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants against the backdrop of Africa's highest peak, as well as other wildlife like zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes. Your guide will explain the unique ecosystem of Amboseli, which is fed by underground springs from the melting snows of Kilimanjaro.

    As the sun sets, painting the sky in vibrant hues, return to Kibo Safari Camp for dinner. Enjoy a hearty meal in the open-air dining area, followed by an overnight stay under the star-filled African sky. Fall asleep to the distant calls of hyenas and perhaps the roar of a lion.

  • Day 2: Full day in Amboseli

    Full Day Game Drives
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


    Spend two full days exploring the wonders of Amboseli. Each day begins with an early wake-up call around 5:30 AM. After a quick coffee or tea, head out for a morning game drive when animals are most active.

    Look for predators returning from their nightly hunts - you might spot a cheetah scanning the plains for prey or a pride of lions resting after a successful hunt. Watch elephant herds making their way across the plains, often with playful calves in tow. Your guide will position the vehicle for the best photographic opportunities, with Kilimanjaro providing a majestic backdrop (weather permitting).

    Return to Kibo Safari Camp for a late breakfast around 9:30 AM. Enjoy some leisure time during the heat of the day. You can relax by the pool, read a book, or take a short nap in your tent.

    After lunch, set out for an afternoon game drive around 3:30 PM. Visit different areas of the park, including Observation Hill, which offers panoramic views of the entire park. From this vantage point, you can see the network of swamps fed by Kilimanjaro's melting snow, which sustains wildlife during the dry season.

    Keep an eye out for some of Amboseli's less famous but equally fascinating inhabitants, such as the long-necked gerenuk antelope, the colorful lilac-breasted roller bird, or the towering giraffe browsing on acacia trees.

    On one afternoon, you may have the option to visit a local Maasai village. Learn about their traditional way of life, see their intricate beadwork, and perhaps join in a jumping dance. This is a great opportunity to gain insights into the culture that has coexisted with wildlife in this region for centuries.

    Evenings are spent back at Kibo Safari Camp. Enjoy dinner in the open-air dining area, followed by time around the campfire. Share the day's exciting sightings with fellow travelers and listen to stories from your guide about life in the African bush.

  • Day 4: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha

    5-6 Hour Drive
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


    After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Amboseli and begin the journey to Lake Naivasha. This drive takes you through diverse landscapes, offering a chance to see more of rural Kenya.

    As you leave Amboseli, watch the arid landscape gradually give way to more lush scenery. You'll pass through small towns and see farmers tending their fields. Your guide will be happy to stop for photo opportunities or to stretch your legs.

    Arrive at your accommodation, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, a budget-friendly lodge near the lake, in time for a late lunch. This rustic lodge offers simple but comfortable rooms and a peaceful garden setting.

    In the afternoon, enjoy an optional boat trip on Lake Naivasha. The lake is a freshwater oasis in the Great Rift Valley, home to a variety of wildlife. Spot hippos wallowing in the shallows and a variety of waterbirds, including fish eagles, pelicans, and cormorants. Your boat captain will skilfully maneuver close to a pod of hippos, allowing for excellent viewing while maintaining a safe distance.

    As the sun sets over the lake, creating a golden glow on the water, return to Fish Eagle Inn. Enjoy dinner in the lodge's restaurant, which often features fresh fish from the lake. Fall asleep to the sounds of hippos grunting in the distance.

  • Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park

    2-3 Hour Drive
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


    After breakfast, take a short morning nature walk along the lakeshore to spot some of the area's abundant birdlife. Lake Naivasha is home to over 400 bird species, including African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, and superb starlings.

    Then, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive takes you through the town of Naivasha and along the floor of the Great Rift Valley, offering stunning views of this geological wonder.

    Arrive at your accommodation, Punda Milias Camp, a budget-friendly tented camp near the park, in time for lunch. The camp offers comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms and a view of the surrounding acacia forest.

    In the afternoon, set out for a game drive around Lake Nakuru. The park is famous for its flamingos, which often create a pink fringe around the shoreline. While the flamingo numbers can vary depending on water levels, the sight of thousands of these birds is truly spectacular.

    Lake Nakuru is also one of the best places in Kenya to spot both black and white rhinos. Your guide will search for these prehistoric-looking creatures, explaining the conservation efforts to protect them from poaching.

    Keep an eye out for other wildlife too. The park is home to large pythons that inhabit the dense woodlands, and you might spot them draped over branches. You may also see baboons, waterbuck, impala, and buffalo.

    Your guide will explain the park's unique ecosystem and its importance as a bird sanctuary. As the day winds down, find a scenic spot to watch the sunset over the lake before returning to Punda Milias Camp for dinner and overnight stay.

  • Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve

    5-6 Hour Drive
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


    After an early breakfast on Day 6, embark on the journey to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. This drive offers stunning views of the Great Rift Valley along the way. You'll pass through the town of Narok, the last major town before the Mara, where you can see Maasai people in their traditional red shukas going about their daily lives.

    Arrive at your accommodation, Enchoro Wildlife Camp, a budget-friendly tented camp just outside the reserve, in time for a late lunch. The camp offers comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms and a view of the surrounding savannah.

    After a short rest, set out for your first game drive in the Masai Mara. Your expert guide will navigate the network of dirt roads, scanning the horizon for wildlife. This afternoon drive offers an excellent introduction to the Mara's incredible biodiversity. You might encounter herds of zebra and wildebeest grazing peacefully, spot a family of elephants browsing on acacia leaves, or even catch a glimpse of predators preparing for their evening hunt.

    Afterwards, return to Enchoro Wildlife Camp as darkness falls, ready for dinner and excited discussions about what tomorrow's full day in the Mara might bring.

  • Day 7 and 8: Masai Mara National Reserve

    Full Day Game Drives
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner


    Spend the next 2 days exploring the incredible Masai Mara ecosystem. Early morning game drives start around 6:30 AM, just as the sun is rising and predators are most active. You might witness a thrilling chase as a lion pride brings down their prey, or spot a solitary leopard draped over a tree branch.

    Return to camp for late breakfast and some rest during the heat of the day. After lunch, head out again around 3:30 PM for afternoon game drives. The Mara's vast savannah is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Your expert guide will help you spot and identify numerous species, from the famous Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) to lesser-known but equally fascinating creatures like the bat-eared fox or the elegant serval cat.

    If you're visiting during the Great Migration season (typically July to October), you might witness the spectacular sight of thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing the plains and rivers. The sight and sound of over a million animals on the move is truly one of nature's greatest spectacles.

    One afternoon, you may have the option to visit a local Maasai village. Learn about their ancient culture and traditions, see inside a traditional mud-and-dung hut, and perhaps try your hand at throwing a spear or lighting a fire the Maasai way.

    For the adventurous, there's an optional early morning hot air balloon ride (at additional cost) on one of the days. Float silently over the plains as the sun rises, watching wildlife from a unique perspective and enjoying a champagne breakfast upon landing.

    Evenings are spent at Enchoro Wildlife Camp, enjoying dinner and recounting the day's adventures around the campfire. Fall asleep to the sounds of the African night - perhaps the whooping of hyenas or the distant roar of a lion.

  • Day 9: Masai Mara to Nairobi

    5-6 Hour Drive
    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch


    Rise early for a final morning game drive in the Masai Mara, offering last chances for wildlife sightings and to soak in the beauty of the African savanna. Watch the sun rise over the plains, casting a golden light that's perfect for photography.

    After breakfast, begin the journey back to Nairobi. The drive offers a last chance to see rural Kenyan life and the changing landscape as you approach the capital city.

    Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon. If you're extending your stay, you'll be dropped off at your hotel. For those departing, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

  • Day 10: Nairobi

    Meals: Breakfast

    For those with evening flights or extending their stay, this day is at leisure to explore Nairobi. Optional activities (at additional cost) include visits to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where you can watch young orphaned elephants being fed and bathed, or the Giraffe Centre, where you can feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes.

    You might also visit the Karen Blixen Museum, former home of the "Out of Africa" author, or the National Museum of Kenya to learn about the country's rich history and culture.

    For last-minute souvenir shopping, visit the bustling markets of Nairobi, where you can find traditional crafts, colorful fabrics, and beaded jewelry.

    Your amazing Kenyan safari adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward journey. As you leave, you'll take with you unforgettable memories of Kenya's stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and warm hospitality.

Accommodation

Kibo Safari Camp
Naivasha Kongoni Lodge
Punda Milias Nakuru Camp
Punda Milias Nakuru Camp
Enchoro Wildlife Camp in Masai Mara National Reserve
Enchoro Wildlife Camp

Rates

Season2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5 Pax6 Pax
Jan - Jun$2700$2450$2350$2250$2100
Jul - Dec$2900$2650$2550$2450$2350

Includes & Excludes

A Family Safari to Remember

Our Kenya safari exceeded expectations! Expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable wildlife sightings. Highly recommend!

Kenya safari testimonial - The smiths

The Smiths

USA

An Unforgettable Solo Adventure

Solo traveler, felt safe and well-cared for. Guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Mark Davis testimonial of our Kenya safaris

Mark Davis

Australia

Honeymoon Paradise in Kenya

Honeymoon was a dream come true! Luxurious accommodations, personalized service, and romantic atmosphere. Perfect!

The Harris Testimonial

David & Emily Harris

UK

Budget-Friendly Safari Adventure

Budget-friendly safari with incredible wildlife sightings. Knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations. Highly satisfied!

Family-Safari-Review (1)

Théo Martin

France

A Luxury Safari Experience

Best safari experience ever! Saw the Big Five, learned about Maasai culture, and enjoyed delicious food. Amazing!

Jennifer Lee Testimonial

Jennifer Lee

Canada

Luxury Honeymoon in the Wild

Our Kenya safari was unforgettable! Expert guides, luxurious accommodations, and incredible wildlife sightings. Highly recommend!

Testimonial by David and Emily Johnson

David and Emily Johnson

United States

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