6-Day Kenya Budget Safari: Amboseli, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara

Summary

Affordable Kenya Safari Adventure: Wildlife & Local Culture

You’ll travel across Kenya’s most famous parks—Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara—with real local guides who know every shortcut and story. Expect close-up wildlife encounters, simple but friendly camps, and plenty of small moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Leaving Nairobi just after sunrise, the city slowly faded behind us. The road to Amboseli had that familiar dry-earth scent, and our guide, Peter, kept us laughing with stories about growing up near the park. By midday, we’d checked in at Nyati Camp—simple but comfortable, with a view of acacia trees swaying in the breeze. Lunch was chapati and stew, nothing fancy but filling. Later, we headed out for our first game drive. I’ll never forget the moment we spotted a herd of elephants ambling across the dusty plain, Kilimanjaro’s snowy cap peeking through the clouds behind them. The air was warm but not stifling, and you could hear distant calls from hornbills as we watched hippos wallow near Sinet Delta.

The next morning started early—Amboseli is best before the sun gets too high. We caught sight of giraffes nibbling on thorny bushes and watched as zebras kicked up little puffs of dust. Peter pointed out over a dozen bird species before breakfast; he even spotted a lilac-breasted roller I’d have missed completely. After lunch back at camp, we took another drive through wetlands and savanna patches, each corner revealing something new—a lone buffalo here, a family of warthogs there.

On day three, we packed up for Lake Nakuru. The drive was long enough for a nap or two, but arriving at City Max Hotel felt like a reward—hot showers and real beds! In the afternoon, we entered Lake Nakuru National Park. The flamingos were impossible to miss: thousands lined the shore in a pink haze that almost didn’t look real. Our guide explained how the lake’s become a safe haven for both black and white rhinos; we actually saw two grazing not far from the road, their horns catching the late afternoon light.

The journey to Maasai Mara took us past small towns where kids waved as we passed by. Enchoro Wildlife Camp was our base—basic tents but surprisingly cozy once you settled in. That first afternoon in the Mara, we saw lions lounging under a lone tree and herds of wildebeest moving together like one big shadow across the grasslands. The air smelled faintly of wild sage after a short rain shower.

Our full day in Maasai Mara was packed—literally! We set off with picnic lunches and spent hours tracking animals across the plains. There’s something about eating sandwiches under an acacia while watching elephants cross the horizon that just sticks with you. If you’re up for it (and don’t mind an early wake-up), there’s an option for a balloon safari—some folks from our group did it and came back grinning ear to ear.

The last morning felt bittersweet as we left the Mara behind. On the way back to Nairobi, talk turned to favorite moments—mine was probably seeing those rhinos up close at Nakuru. Lunch at Carnivore Restaurant was a fun finish: smoky grills, lively chatter, and more food than I could manage. Afterward, we said our goodbyes at the hotel or airport, tired but happy—and already swapping photos on WhatsApp.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nairobi to Amboseli Park

• Drive from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park, check-in and lunch
• Afternoon game viewing in Amboseli National Park
• Dinner and overnight at Nyati Camp

Day 2 — Full Day in Amboseli Park

• Morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli National Park
• Dinner and overnight at Nyati Camp

Day 3 — Amboseli to Lake Nakuru

• Drive to Lake Nakuru, check-in and lunch
• Afternoon game viewing in Lake Nakuru National Park
• Dinner and overnight at City Max Hotel

Day 4 — Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara

• Drive to Maasai Mara, check-in and lunch
• Afternoon game viewing in Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Dinner and overnight at Enchoro Wildlife Camp

Day 5 — Full Day in Maasai Mara

• Extensive game drive with packed lunch in Maasai Mara
• Dinner and overnight at Enchoro Wildlife Camp

Day 6 — Maasai Mara to Nairobi City

• Drive back to Nairobi, lunch at Carnivore restaurant
• Drop off at city hotel or JKIA Airport

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. We can provide infant seats or prams if needed.

Are meals included during the safari?

All meals are covered from lunch on day one through lunch on the last day—including picnic lunches during game drives.

Can I join if I use a wheelchair?

Absolutely—the vehicles and accommodations are wheelchair accessible. Just let us know your needs when booking.

What kind of accommodation should I expect?

You’ll stay in budget-friendly camps or hotels close to each park—simple but clean and comfortable, with hot showers where possible.

Is there Wi-Fi or phone signal during the trip?

You’ll find Wi-Fi in most hotels (like City Max), but coverage can be spotty inside parks—best to download maps or music ahead of time.

What’s included

This tour covers all park entry fees, guided game drives with experienced local drivers, accommodation (Nyati Camp, City Max Hotel, Enchoro Wildlife Camp), all meals from lunch on day one to lunch on day six, transport in a safari van with pop-up roof for better viewing, bottled water during drives, plus airport or city hotel drop-off at the end.