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7 Days Kenya Big 5 Budget Safari

4.8/5 (50 reviews)
Duration7 Days / 6 Nights
Group SizeMax 7 People
VehiclePrivate Vehicle
AccommodationLion's Cave Camp, Comfort Gardens Camp, Eseriani The Resort, Wild Nest Mara Camp
MealsFull Board
DestinationMasai Mara Safaris, Naivasha, Samburu Safari
From $2,430 /per person sharing
Free Cancellation up to 14 days Secure Booking Instant Confirmation

Safari Overview

Embark on an exhilarating 7-day journey through Kenya, beginning with the iconic Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic Big 5 Budget Safariand rare northern species. From the rugged landscapes of Samburu and the world-class rhino conservation atOl Pejeta to the adventure of Hell’s Gate and the legendary plains of the Masai Mara, this safari offers a perfect blend of land and water-based wildlife encounters, ensuring every moment is a step closer to your dream of seeing the Big 5 Budget Safari

The Masai Mara National Reserve is globally celebrated for its abundant wildlife and as the stage for the Great Migration, an annual spectacle where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse its vast plains. Beyond this incredible event, the Mara offers year-round exceptional game viewing, making it a cornerstone of any truly memorable Kenyan safari. For many, the dream of a safari is synonymous with seeing the Big 5 Budget Safari, and the Mara delivers on this promise with its thriving populations of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Its diverse ecosystems support an incredible array of species, promising thrilling encounters at every turn.

Highlights of Your Masai Mara Adventure:

  • Big 5 Budget Safari: High-probability sightings of Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and Buffalo.
  • Rare Species: Spot the “Samburu Special 5” and the world’s last Northern White Rhinos.
  • Adventure Activities: Enjoy boat safaris on Lake Naivasha and cycling through Hell’s Gate.
  • Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Visit Kenya’s only home for rescued chimpanzees at Ol Pejeta.
  • Rift Valley Scenery: Breathtaking views of Mt. Longonot and the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Beyond the thrill of spotting the Big 5 Budget Safari, this safari offers a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of Kenya’s conservation efforts. At Ol Pejeta Conservancy, you’ll witness firsthand the dedication to protecting endangered species, including the critically important rhinos, which are a vital part of the Big 5 Budget Safari. This commitment ensures that future generations can also experience the wonder of seeing the Big 5 Budget Safari in their natural habitat, making your journey both exciting and impactful.

Why Choose a Masai Mara Big 5 Safari?

A safari in the Masai Mara offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness nature’s raw beauty and power, especially when tracking the elusive Big 5 Budget Safari. The reserve is home to the highest concentration of big cats in the world, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, often seen hunting on the open grasslands. Beyond the Big 5 Budget Safari, you’ll encounter towering giraffes, herds of elephants, hippos wallowing in the Mara River, and countless species of birds, making every game drive an adventure focused on the incredible diversity of wildlife, including the magnificent Big 5 Budget Safari.

The annual Great Migration, typically occurring between July and October, is undoubtedly the Masai Mara’s most famous event. Witnessing thousands of wildebeest bravely crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River is a breathtaking, emotional experience that stays with you forever. Even outside these months, the resident wildlife population is staggering, ensuring fantastic sightings and photographic opportunities throughout the year, including excellent chances to spot the Big 5.

Beyond traditional game drives, the Masai Mara offers unique activities to enhance your safari. Imagine soaring above the plains at dawn in a hot air balloon, watching the sunrise paint the landscape as wildlife awakens below. This magical experience often concludes with a champagne breakfast in the bush. From the air, you might even spot the Big 5 from a unique perspective, adding another layer to your unforgettable adventure. Cultural visits to a local Maasai village also provide a fascinating insight into the traditions and way of life of this iconic tribe.

Planning Your Unforgettable Masai Mara Adventure

Choosing the right time to visit the Masai Mara depends on your priorities. For the Great Migration, aim for July to October. However, the “green season” from November to May offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and excellent birdwatching, often at more attractive prices. No matter the season, our expert safari planners at Bison Safaris can help you tailor your trip to perfectly match your interests and ensure the best possible experience, with a strong focus on finding the Big 5.

Accommodation options in and around the Masai Mara range from luxurious tented camps that blend seamlessly with the environment to comfortable lodges offering all modern amenities. Each provides a unique way to immerse yourself in the wilderness, often with wildlife visible right from your verandah. Our experienced guides, with their deep knowledge of the ecosystem, will ensure you get the most out of every game drive, tracking animals and sharing insights into their behavior, from the smallest bird to the magnificent Big 5.

This 7-day safari itinerary, while culminating in the magnificent Masai Mara, also introduces you to the diverse ecosystems of Samburu, the critical conservation efforts at Ol Pejeta, and the active adventures of Hell’s Gate. It’s a comprehensive journey designed to showcase the very best of Kenya’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage, promising an unforgettable adventure filled with discovery and wonder. From the rare species of Samburu to the iconic Big 5 Budget Safari of the Mara, this journey is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true. Prepare for a safari that will exceed all your expectations, especially for those eager to tick off the Big 5 from their bucket list.

Safari Route Map

Nairobi
Samburu National Reserve
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Lake Naivasha
Hells Gate National Park
Masai Mara National Reserve

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Day 1: Pick up from JKIA Airport and drive to Samburu

Depart 7:30 AM

Upon arrival and after you are done with the immigration procedures, your driver guide will pick you up at the airport. After meet and greet, he will escort you to your car and commence drive to Samburu national Reserve arriving for lunch at Lion’s Cave Camp Samburu. After check in and lunch, you will go for an afternoon game drive at 16:00hrs and return to the camp at dusk for dinner and overnight stay at Lion’s Cave Camp Samburu.

Lion’s Cave Camp. Lunch, Dinner Pick up in Nairobi and drive to Samburu for an introductory evening game drive.
2

Day 2: Full day Game drives in Samburu National Reserve

Full Day

After early breakfast at the lodge at 07:00 am, join your safari driver guide and depart for full day game viewing drive with picnic lunch boxes to Samburu National Reserve. You will explore the park and its special beautiful sceneries with lots of animals and birds. Dinner and overnight stay at Lion’s Cave Camp Samburu.

Lion’s Cave Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Full day exploring Samburu’s arid beauty and unique northern wildlife species.
3

Day 3: Drive from Samburu to Ol Pejeta

Full Day

After breakfast depart for Ol Pejeta. “Located between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta hosts 2 of the planet’s last remaining northern white rhinos. It’s also home to southern white rhinos, black rhinos, scavengers and the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. There is an equator marker within the conservation area where you can take photos and you may engage in additional activities such as lion tracking, bush and bird walks and rhino rides. Later on return for dinner and overnight stay at Comfort Gardens Sweet Waters.

Comfort Gardens Sweet Waters. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Transfer to Ol Pejeta to visit the rhino sanctuary and chimpanzee home.
4

Day 4: Ol Pejeta to Naivasha

Full Day

After early breakfast at the lodge at 07:00 am, check out and join your safari driver guide and depart for Naivasha arriving in time for lunch and check in, In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat ride in Lake Naivasha in search for hippos and the birdlife. Dinner and overnight stay at Eseriani The Resort.

Eseriani The Resort. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Journey to Lake Naivasha for a relaxing afternoon boat safari among hippos.
5

Day 5: Lake Naivasha Hells Gate Tour & drive to Masai Mara

Full Day

After breakfast, check out and drive to Hell’s Gate National Park. Upon arrival, you will enjoy bike rides cycling to the gorges and back as you explore the park. Exit the park and proceed drive to Masai Mara through the scenic Rift Valley with amazing views of Mt. Longonot with lunch on the way. Arrive at the camp in the evening for check in, dinner and overnight stay at Wild Nest Mara Camp.

Wild Nest Mara Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cycle through Hell’s Gate National Park before driving to the iconic Masai Mara.
6

Day 6: Full day will be spent exploring Masai Mara Reserve

Full Day

This day you will depart after an early breakfast to Masai Mara Reserve for full day game viewing drives. Picnic lunches will be served as you relax under a tree as you see the vast landscape and its beauty. Spend the whole day looking for the Big 5 and we are hopeful you will see almost all if not all of the big 5 among many animals. Thereafter you will return to the camp for dinner and overnight at Wild Nest Mara Camp.

Wild Nest Mara Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner A full-day immersive search for predators and the Big 5 in the Masai Mara.
7

Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi

Return

After breakfast, check out and drive to Nairobi and upon arrival, you will be dropped at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) for your flight home.

Breakfast, Lunch Final morning breakfast followed by a scenic drive back to Nairobi for departure.

What's Included & Excluded

Included in Your Safari

  • Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • All park entrance and conservancy fees
  • Full board accommodation as per itinerary
  • Boat ride in Lake Naivasha
  • Bottled mineral water during game drives

Not Included

  • International flights to/from Kenya
  • Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
  • Drinks at lodges
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature (laundry, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

While wildlife is never 100% guaranteed, this route includes Ol Pejeta, which has the highest density of black rhinos in East Africa, and the Masai Mara, making your chances of seeing the full Big 5 exceptionally high.

Unlike the Big 5, these are species found specifically in northern Kenya: the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx and the Gerenuk (the giraffe-necked antelope).

Yes. Hell's Gate is one of the few parks in Kenya where you can walk or cycle because there are no predators (like lions or leopards) resident in the main gorge area. You will cycle past zebras, giraffes, and warthogs.

Yes, on Day 3 at Ol Pejeta, you have the opportunity to see the world's last two remaining Northern White Rhinos (Najin and Fatu) in their protected enclosure.

Kenya is a large country; some drives take 4–6 hours. We use comfortable 4x4 Land Cruisers with radio calls, and your guide will make stops at scenic viewpoints and for breaks to ensure the journey is part of the adventure.

Traveler Reviews

4.8
Based on 50 reviews
5 star
78%
4 star
16%
3 star
6%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

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