7-Day Budget Kenya Safari

5-6 Hour Drive · Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Your Kenyan adventure begins with an early morning departure from Nairobi. As you leave the city behind, the scenery transforms from urban sprawl to rural farmlands and finally to the open savannah. The drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley, offering stunning views of this geological wonder. Your guide will make a stop at a scenic viewpoint, allowing you to stretch your legs and take in the vast expanse of the valley below.

Arriving at the Masai Mara in the afternoon, you’ll check into Miti Mingi Eco Camp, your home for the next two nights. After a quick lunch, set out for your first game drive in one of Africa’s most famous reserves. The Mara’s diverse habitats support an incredible variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for lions lounging in the grass, herds of elephants moving across the plains, or if you’re lucky, a cheetah on the hunt. As the sun sets, painting the sky in vibrant hues, you’ll return to camp for dinner and a chance to share your first day’s experiences around the campfire.

Dinner and overnight at Miti Mingi Eco Camp.

Game Drives · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wake up to the sounds of the African bush coming alive. Today is dedicated to exploring the vast Masai Mara habitat. You’ll set out early for a morning game drive when animals are most active. The Mara is home to all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), and your expert guide will help track them down. Watch in awe as a pride of lions teaches its cubs to hunt, or witness the comical antics of a family of warthogs.

After returning to camp for lunch and a short rest, head out for an afternoon game drive. Each area of the Mara offers something special, from the Mara River, famous for its wildebeest crossings during the migration, to the open plains where cheetahs stalk their prey. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the animals’ behaviors and the delicate balance of this habitat. As the day winds down, find a scenic spot to watch the sun sink below the horizon before returning to Miti Mingi Eco Camp for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Dinner and overnight at Miti Mingi Eco Camp.

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

Bid farewell to the Masai Mara after an early breakfast and set off for Lake Nakuru National Park. The drive takes you through the heart of Kenya, offering glimpses of rural life and changing scenery. You’ll traverse the Great Rift Valley, with its dramatic escarpments and volcanic hills. Your guide will make stops along the way, allowing you to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.

Arriving at Lake Nakuru in the afternoon, check into the comfortable Hill Court Resort & Spa. After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive in the park. Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos, which often form a stunning pink fringe around the lakeshore. The park is also one of the best places in Kenya to spot both black and white rhinos. Keep your camera ready as you might encounter tree-climbing lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, or leopards. As daylight fades, return to the resort for dinner and a chance to relax by the pool, reflecting on the day’s wildlife encounters.

Dinner and overnight at Hill Court Resort & Spa.

2 Hour Drive · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Start your day with an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The cool morning air offers perfect conditions to spot animals as they begin their day. Look out for buffalo grazing by the lakeshore, zebras moving across the savannah, or perhaps a leopard returning from its nightly hunt. After the drive, return to the resort for breakfast and check-out.

The short drive to Lake Naivasha takes you through beautiful Rift Valley scenery. Upon arrival at Hotel Chambai Safari, settle in and enjoy lunch with views of the lake. In the afternoon, you have the option of taking a boat ride on Lake Naivasha (extra cost). Glide past pods of hippos and watch for fish eagles diving for their prey. Alternatively, you can take a guided nature walk around the hotel grounds, spotting some of the area’s 350+ bird species. As evening falls, enjoy dinner at the hotel, serenaded by the calls of hippos in the nearby lake.

Dinner and overnight at Chambai Safari Hotel.

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

After breakfast, begin your journey to Amboseli National Park. The drive takes you south, skirting Nairobi and offering views of the Ngong Hills. As you approach Amboseli, keep an eye out for your first glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, which forms a stunning backdrop to the park.

Arrive at Manjaro Tented Camp in the afternoon and settle into your comfortable tent. After lunch, set out for your first game drive in Amboseli. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, often photographed against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. Your guide will take you through the park’s diverse habitats, from dried lake beds to lush swamps, in search of wildlife. Watch elephants roll in the dust, zebras grazing on the plains, and numerous water birds in the wetlands. As the sun sets, casting a golden light over the savannah, return to camp for dinner and a peaceful night under the African stars.

Dinner and overnight at Manjaro Tented Camp.

Game Drives · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Rise early to catch the sunrise over Kilimanjaro (weather permitting) before setting out on a morning game drive. Amboseli’s habitat is a study in contrasts, with arid plains punctuated by lush swamps fed by underground springs from Kilimanjaro’s melting snow. These oases attract a wealth of wildlife, especially during the dry season. Watch as elephants submerge themselves in the cool waters, and look out for buffalo, hippos, and numerous bird species.

After lunch and a rest at Manjaro Tented Camp, head out for an afternoon game drive. Visit different areas of the park, including the Observation Hill, which offers panoramic views over the entire park. Your guide will help you spot and identify the park’s diverse wildlife, from the big game to smaller creatures like the bat-eared fox or the colorful lilac-breasted roller. As the day winds down, find a perfect spot to watch the sunset, with Kilimanjaro providing a majestic backdrop. Return to camp for a farewell dinner, sharing memories of your Kenyan safari adventure.

Dinner and overnight at Manjaro Tented Camp.

4-5 Hour Drive · Meals: Breakfast, & Lunch

On your final morning, take one last game drive in Amboseli, soaking in the sights and sounds of the African bush. This is your chance to capture any last photos or simply enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere of the park. After the drive, return to camp for breakfast and to pack up.

Bid farewell to Amboseli as you begin your journey back to Nairobi. The drive offers final views of rural Kenya and, if you’re lucky, a last glimpse of Kilimanjaro. You’ll stop for lunch en route, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and reflect on your safari experiences. Arriving in Nairobi in the late afternoon, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport. As you say goodbye to your guide, you’ll take with you unforgettable memories of Kenya’s diverse scenery and incredible wildlife, from the big cats of the Masai Mara to the elephant herds of Amboseli.