6-Day Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara Budget Camping Safari
Explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya on this budget-friendly 6-day safari. Discover rare species in Samburu, flamingos in Lake Nakuru, and the Big Five in Maasai Mara!
Safari Overview
This 6-day Kenya budget camping safari offers a diverse wildlife experience, taking you from the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve to the bird-rich Lake Nakuru National Park, and finally to Maasai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife destination.
Why Choose This Budget Safari?
✅ See Rare & Unique Wildlife – Spot the Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx) along with the Big Five.
✅ Birdwatcher’s Paradise – Visit Lake Nakuru, home to thousands of flamingos and over 450 bird species.
✅ Affordable & All-Inclusive – Enjoy budget camping with full board meals, game drives, and experienced guides.
✅ Great Migration Experience (Seasonal) – If traveling between July and October, witness the Great Migration in Maasai Mara.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu – Wildlife in a Semi-Arid Landscape
Your adventure starts with an early morning departure from Nairobi, heading north to Samburu National Reserve. Drive through scenic landscapes, passing the Mt. Kenya region and the lush coffee plantations of central Kenya.
Arrive in Samburu in time for lunch at your budget campsite. In the afternoon, set off for a game drive to spot wildlife uniquely adapted to arid conditions, such as:
- Grevy’s zebra (larger and more distinct than the common zebra)
- Reticulated giraffe (with an intricate, net-like pattern)
- Gerenuk (a long-necked antelope that stands on hind legs to feed)
- Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich
Return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.
✅ Main Destination: Samburu National Reserve
Accommodation: Budget Tented Camp (Samburu Riverside Camp or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Samburu – Searching for the Big Cats
Spend a full day exploring Samburu’s rugged landscapes, home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, and crocodiles along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, then continue the adventure with more game viewing.
In the evening, return to camp for dinner and cultural storytelling by the local Samburu warriors.
✅ Main Destination: Samburu National Reserve
Accommodation: Budget Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Samburu to Lake Nakuru – Flamingos & Rhinos
After breakfast, depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, driving through the Great Rift Valley. Stop at the Thomson Falls viewpoint before continuing to Nakuru.
Enjoy lunch at a budget hotel, then embark on an afternoon game drive, where you’ll see:
- Flamingos and pelicans along the lakeshore
- White and black rhinos in the rhino sanctuary
- Leopards, lions, and Rothschild’s giraffes
Later, head to your budget accommodation for dinner and rest.
✅ Main Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation: Budget Hotel (Geneviv Hotel or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara – Afternoon Safari
After an early breakfast, drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch at a budget tented camp.
In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in Maasai Mara, searching for the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino) and other wildlife. As the sun sets, return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.
✅ Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Budget Tented Camp (Miti Mingi Camp or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Full-Day Safari in Maasai Mara – Big Five & Mara River
After an early breakfast, set off for a full-day game drive in Maasai Mara. Visit the Mara River, where the Great Migration (July-October) sees thousands of wildebeest crossing while predators lurk.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, then continue tracking lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
✅ Main Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Accommodation: Budget Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Maasai Mara to Nairobi – End of Safari
Start the day with an early morning game drive (optional), then return to camp for breakfast before departing for Nairobi. Arrive in the afternoon, with drop-off at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
✅ Main Destination: Nairobi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tour Pricing & Inclusions
Safari Cost:
From $850 per person (based on group sharing)
What’s Included?
✔️ 5 nights budget camping accommodation
✔️ All meals as per itinerary
✔️ Custom safari van with a pop-up roof
✔️ Park entry fees for Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara
✔️ Professional English-speaking safari guide
✔️ 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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to visit Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara?
The safari is available year-round, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry seasons (June-October & January-March). If you want to witness the Great Migration, visit between July and October.
2. Is this a group or private safari?
This is a budget group safari, ideal for solo travelers and small groups. Private safari options are available upon request.
3. What type of vehicle is used for game drives?
We use a custom safari van with a pop-up roof for 360-degree game viewing.
4. Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?
Yes, visitors need an eVisa, which can be obtained online before arrival.
Book Your Budget Safari Today!
Ready to explore Kenya’s top wildlife destinations on a budget? Contact us now to reserve your spot!
Call/WhatsApp: +254 728 567 308
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: African Paradise Safaris
- For travelers looking for a luxury Kenya safari experience, check out our Kenya Luxury Safari Packages."
- "Interested in a shorter trip? Explore our 3-Day Maasai Mara Budget Safari."
