5-Day Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Maasai Mara Budget Camping Safari

Discover Kenya’s top wildlife destinations on this budget-friendly 5-day safari, featuring flamingos at Lake Nakuru, hippos in Lake Naivasha, and the iconic Big Five in Maasai Mara!

Safari Overview

This 5-day budget camping safari in Kenya takes you to three of the country’s most breathtaking destinations:

Lake Nakuru National Park – A UNESCO-listed sanctuary famous for its pink flamingos, white rhinos, and Rothschild’s giraffes.
Lake Naivasha – A freshwater lake where you’ll enjoy a boat safari among hippos and a guided walking tour at Crescent Island.
Maasai Mara National Reserve – One of Africa’s top safari parks, home to the Big Five and the spectacular Great Migration (seasonal).

This affordable group safari is perfect for budget travelers who want an immersive wildlife and nature experience without breaking the bank.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru – Flamingos, Rhinos & Stunning Landscapes

Your safari adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from Nairobi and a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, passing through the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for breathtaking photos.

Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive in this picturesque park, famous for its thousands of pink flamingos, white and black rhinos, lions, leopards, and Rothschild’s giraffes. Visit the Baboon Cliff viewpoint, where you’ll get stunning panoramic views of the lake.

After a thrilling day, head to your budget hotel in Nakuru for dinner and overnight stay.

✅ Main Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation: Budget Hotel (Geneviv Hotel or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha – Boat Safari & Walking Tour

After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, Kenya’s highest-altitude freshwater lake, known for its rich birdlife and large hippo population.

Upon arrival, check in at your budget campsite and enjoy lunch before heading out for a boat safari on Lake Naivasha. Get up close with hippos, fish eagles, and pelicans while soaking in the tranquil lake scenery.

Later, take a guided walking safari on Crescent Island, where you can walk among giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, and antelopes – a truly unique experience!

✅ Main Destination: Lake Naivasha
Accommodation: Budget Camping (Camp Carnelley’s or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara – Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, depart for the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, a journey through beautiful Rift Valley landscapes and traditional Maasai villages.

Arrive at your budget tented camp in time for lunch, followed by some relaxation. Later, embark on an afternoon game drive, where you’ll have your first chance to spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes.

As the sun sets, return to camp for dinner and a night under the African sky.

✅ Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Budget Tented Camp (Miti Mingi Camp or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Maasai Mara – Big Five & Mara River

Today is a full-day game drive in Maasai Mara, exploring the vast savannahs where wildlife thrives. Your expert safari guide will take you to the best spots to witness the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) and the famous Mara River, where the Great Migration (July-October) occurs.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, surrounded by stunning landscapes. If lucky, you might even witness a cheetah or lion hunt!

Return to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

✅ Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Budget Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Maasai Mara to Nairobi – Optional Maasai Village Visit

After an early morning game drive (optional), return to camp for breakfast before departing for Nairobi. Along the way, you can choose to visit a traditional Maasai village ($20 per person) to learn about the unique culture and traditions of the Maasai people.

Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day safari. Drop-off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.

✅ Main Destination: Nairobi
Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour Pricing & Inclusions

Safari Cost:

From $650 per person (based on group sharing)

What’s Included?

✔️ 4 nights budget camping accommodation
✔️ All meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
✔️ Game drives in a custom safari van with a pop-up roof
✔️ Park entry fees for Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Maasai Mara
✔️ Professional English-speaking safari guide
✔️ Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
✔️ Guided walking safari at Crescent Island
✔️ Airport/hotel transfers
✔️ Bottled water during the safari

What’s Excluded?

✖️ International & domestic flights
✖️ Optional Maasai village visit ($20 per person)
✖️ Travel insurance & personal expenses
✖️ Tips for guides & camp staff
✖️ Soft & alcoholic drinks

Why Choose This Budget Safari?

Affordable & Comprehensive – Covers three major Kenyan parks without exceeding your budget.
Diverse Wildlife – Spot flamingos, hippos, giraffes, and the Big Five.
Breathtaking Scenery – Experience the beauty of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and the Maasai Mara plains.
Unique Safari Activities – Enjoy a boat ride & guided walking safari, not just game drives.
Great Accessibility – Perfect for travelers seeking a budget-friendly Kenyan safari with a mix of adventure and wildlife.