$550 pp (USD)
Get ready for an incredible 3-day budget Masai Mara safari that showcases Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve without emptying your wallet. This trip packs in the essential Mara experiences, perfect for those new to safaris or travelers watching their budget.
You’ll sleep in no-frills but cozy tented camps, letting you soak up the authentic sights and sounds of the African wilderness. Twice-daily game drives put you in the thick of the action, where you’ll have a shot at spotting lions, elephants, and a whole zoo’s worth of other animals roaming free. If you time it right (usually July to October), you might catch the Great Migration – a wildlife spectacle that’ll make your jaw drop.
The adventure starts and ends in Nairobi. We’ve got all your meals covered, so you can focus on what really matters – making memories in the Mara.
Accommodation:
Travel Time: 5-6 Hour Drive
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Your safari adventure kicks off with an early morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the airport. Settle into your shared safari minivan for the journey to the Masai Mara. The drive takes you through rural Kenya, offering glimpses of everyday life and stunning views of the Great Rift Valley. Your driver will make a couple of stops at viewpoints where you can stretch your legs and snap photos of the dramatic landscape.
As you near the Masai Mara, the scenery shifts to the iconic African savanna - endless grasslands dotted with acacia trees. Arrive at your budget-friendly tented camp in time for a late lunch. These camps, while simple, offer comfortable beds, shared bathroom facilities, and an authentic bush experience. After a quick orientation and time to freshen up, head out for your first game drive in the Masai Mara.
The afternoon drive gives you a taste of the incredible wildlife viewing to come. Look out for herds of zebra and antelope, towering giraffes, and if you're lucky, some of the big cats. As the sun starts to set, your guide will find a scenic spot for you to hop out (safely!) and enjoy the spectacular African sunset. Return to camp for a hearty dinner served under the stars, followed by gathering around the campfire to share stories with fellow travelers before retiring to your tent for the night.
Travel Time: Minimal (game drives within the reserve)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up to the sounds of the bush coming alive. After an early breakfast, pack your day bags and set off for a full day of game viewing in the Masai Mara. Your skilled driver-guide will take you to known wildlife hotspots, sharing insights about the animals and ecosystem along the way.
Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready as you search for the "Big Five" - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. The Mara is also home to cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and an abundance of bird species. If you're visiting during the Great Migration (typically July to October), you might witness the spectacular sight of thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing the plains and rivers.
Stop for a picnic lunch in a safe, scenic area within the park. This is a chance to stretch your legs and soak in the vastness of the Mara landscape. In the afternoon, continue your game drive, perhaps focusing on areas you haven't yet explored. Your guide will work hard to ensure you see a variety of wildlife and landscapes.
As the day winds down, return to your tented camp. Freshen up and then join your fellow campers for dinner. Share highlights of your day's sightings and listen to the night sounds of the African bush as you drift off to sleep in your tent.
Travel Time: 5-6 Hour Drive back to Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Rise early for your final Masai Mara game drive. The cool morning air is often ideal for spotting predators returning from their night hunts or herbivores grazing peacefully before the heat of the day sets in. This is your last chance to spot any animals you might have missed or to simply soak in the beauty of the Mara one more time.
Return to the camp for breakfast and to pack up your belongings. Bid farewell to the camp staff and board your safari vehicle for the journey back to Nairobi. Your driver will make comfort stops along the way, including a longer break for a packed lunch at a scenic spot overlooking the Great Rift Valley.
Arrive back in Nairobi in the late afternoon, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport. While this budget safari may be coming to an end, you'll leave with unforgettable memories of the Masai Mara's wildlife and landscapes.
Season | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan - Jun | $900 | $800 | $750 | $600 | $550 |
Jul - Dec | $800 | $700 | $650 | $600 | $550 |
A Family Safari to Remember
Our Kenya safari exceeded expectations! Expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable wildlife sightings. Highly recommend!
The Smiths
USAAn Unforgettable Solo Adventure
Solo traveler, felt safe and well-cared for. Guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Mark Davis
AustraliaHoneymoon Paradise in Kenya
Honeymoon was a dream come true! Luxurious accommodations, personalized service, and romantic atmosphere. Perfect!
David & Emily Harris
UKBudget-Friendly Safari Adventure
Budget-friendly safari with incredible wildlife sightings. Knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations. Highly satisfied!
Théo Martin
FranceA Luxury Safari Experience
Best safari experience ever! Saw the Big Five, learned about Maasai culture, and enjoyed delicious food. Amazing!
Jennifer Lee
CanadaLuxury Honeymoon in the Wild
Our Kenya safari was unforgettable! Expert guides, luxurious accommodations, and incredible wildlife sightings. Highly recommend!
David and Emily Johnson
United States