Kenya · Safari

5-Day Kenya Budget Safari to Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Naivasha

5 Days Round trip from Masai Mara National Reserve Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track the Big Five on extensive game drives in the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru
02 Visit the Mara River, famous for seasonal wildebeest crossings, hippos, and Nile crocodiles
03 Experience an active safari in Hell's Gate, Kenya's park for walking and cycling
04 See flamingos and abundant birdlife at Lake Nakuru, with hundreds of species recorded
05 Enjoy a boat ride at Lake Naivasha and spot hippos and other wild animals
06 Join an optional visit to a Maasai village for traditional culture and local insight

Embark on a 5-day Kenyan budget safari through the Great Rift Valley, combining the legendary plains of the Masai Mara with the birdlife of Lake Nakuru, the freshwater scenery of Lake Naivasha, and the dramatic landscapes of Hell's Gate National Park. Enjoy extensive game drives in search of the Big Five, visit the Mara River and Hippo Pool, and experience a more active side of safari with walking or cycling in Hell's Gate. This shared group journey is designed for adventurous travellers seeking strong wildlife viewing, varied landscapes, and excellent value.

Embark on a 5-day Kenyan budget safari through the Great Rift Valley, combining the legendary plains of the Masai Mara with the birdlife of Lake Nakuru, the freshwater scenery of Lake Naivasha, and the dramatic landscapes of Hell's Gate National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Naivasha, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Hell's Gate National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

Pick up from the airport or your hotel around 7:30 am and depart from Nairobi for Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint before continuing to arrive in time for a late lunch.

Proceed for an evening game drive, then enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Lenchada Camp or a similar en-suite camp with a private hot shower and toilet inside the tent.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02

Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara

After an early breakfast, set out with a picnic lunch for a full day exploring this unique park, which forms the northern part of the famous Serengeti National Park. You will have the chance to visit the Mara River, the border of Masai Mara and the famous Serengeti Park, where there is a concentration of many animals depending on the time of year you travel.

You will have lunch at Hippo Pool, where you can watch hippos along with other wild animals. All meals and overnight stay will be at the camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03

Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, enjoy an optional visit to a Maasai village before departing for Nakuru National Park with a picnic lunch on the way, arriving in the evening.

There is also an optional visit to Lake Naivasha Crescent Island for a boat ride on the way to Nakuru, which takes around one hour, before proceeding to Nakuru and arriving in the evening.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at Buraha Zenoni Resort or a similar budget accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04

Lake Nakuru Game Drive and Transfer to Lake Naivasha

After an early breakfast, spend the morning in Nakuru Park, where you have a chance to see flamingos among other birds, with about 350 species recorded. This is also home to both the black and white rhinoceros.

The park has been established for the protection of endangered species such as the rhino and is also home to Columbus monkeys, leopards, giraffes, and a variety of plain antelope.

Afterward, depart for nearby Lake Naivasha with a picnic lunch on the way. Enjoy an evening boat ride on Crescent Island, then later have dinner and an overnight stay at Hotel Chambai Safari or a similar property.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05

Hell's Gate National Park and Return to Nairobi

After an early breakfast, proceed to Hell's Gate National Park, where you will have a chance to visit the Geothermal Power Plant in Ol Karia and the hot springs. This is the only park that allows transport by walking and cycling.

There is an optional visit to Crescent Island for a boat ride, where you can watch hippos and other wild animals. Later, with a picnic lunch on the way, depart for Nairobi, arriving at around 3 pm for drop-off at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Masai Mara National Reserve 5 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees (for non-residents)
All activities
All accommodation
A professional driver/guide
All transportation
All taxes/VAT
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Roundtrip airport transfer
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Clothing: Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, tan). Avoid bright whites, which get dusty, and dark blue or black, which attract Tsetse flies. Include a warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots for the Hell's Gate nature walk. Sandals are fine for evening relaxation at the camp.
Sun protection: A wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses to combat the equatorial sun.
Electronics: A camera with a zoom lens (at least 200mm-300mm for wildlife), extra batteries, and a power bank, as some budget camps rely on generators that may be turned off at night.
Health & hygiene: Insect repellent (containing DEET), personal prescriptions, and a basic first-aid kit (antiseptics, bandages, and anti-diarrheal medication).
Cash: Small denominations of US Dollars (printed after 2006) or Kenya Shillings (KES) for tips, souvenirs, and drinks.

Know before you go

The "joining" aspect: you will be sharing a vehicle with up to 6 other travellers. This is a social experience, but it requires punctuality and patience as the group moves together.
Plastic ban: Kenya has a strict ban on single-use plastic bags. Ensure your luggage does not contain thin plastic carrier bags, as these can result in fines at the airport.
The Great Migration timing: if your primary goal is the wildebeest river crossing, you must book between July and September. Outside these months, the Big Five are still present, but the massive herds are in the Serengeti.

Logistics