4 Days
Safari Overview
Discover the magic of Kenya on our 7 day Kenya budget shared safari, designed for travelers who want to experience the country’s most iconic parks without breaking the bank. This social and cost-effective journey takes you through the world-famous Masai Mara, the birdwatcher’s paradise of Lake Nakuru, the scenic waters of Lake Naivasha and the elephant-rich plains of Amboseli.
This carefully curated budget shared safari offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with fellow adventurers from around the globe, fostering a vibrant group dynamic as you explore Kenya’s stunning natural wonders together. It’s the perfect solution for solo travelers or small groups seeking an authentic safari experience without the premium price tag of a private tour. You’ll share incredible moments, from thrilling game drives to breathtaking sunsets, making memories that last a lifetime.
From Big 5 Tracking to Kilimanjaro Views on Your Budget Shared Safari
Your adventure begins in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where you will spend two nights searching for the Big 5 across the vast savannah. Transition to the Great Rift Valley for a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its rhino sanctuary and diverse birdlife.
The Masai Mara is not just a park; it’s a living documentary, famous for the annual Great Migration where millions of wildebeest and zebra cross its plains. Beyond this spectacle, the reserve boasts an incredible density of predators – lions, leopards, and cheetahs – alongside vast herds of elephants, buffalo, and giraffes. Every game drive on this budget shared safari promises new discoveries and unforgettable wildlife encounters, guided by experts who know these lands intimately.
Experience a unique perspective of Kenya’s wildlife with a boat ride and walking safari at Crescent Island in Naivasha – one of the few places in the world where you can walk alongside giraffes and zebras.
Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a haven for conservation. While its iconic flamingos may vary in numbers, the park remains a critical sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, offering some of the best chances to spot these magnificent creatures. You’ll also encounter Rothschild’s giraffes, waterbucks, and a myriad of other bird species, making it a photographer’s dream. This leg of your budget shared safari highlights Kenya’s commitment to protecting its precious biodiversity.
Lake Naivasha provides a refreshing change of pace with its serene freshwater lake, home to hippos and a rich array of birdlife. The unique boat ride and walking safari at Crescent Island offer an intimate, unhurried encounter with wildlife, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Imagine walking freely among zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species – an experience rarely found elsewhere. It’s a tranquil interlude before the grand finale of your adventure.
The journey concludes in Amboseli National Park, offering breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the chance to see the park’s legendary large-tusked elephant herds.
Amboseli National Park is renowned for its large elephant herds, often seen silhouetted against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park’s dry, dusty plains are fed by underground springs from Kili, creating lush oases that attract a diverse range of wildlife. Witnessing these gentle giants up close, with Africa’s highest peak looming in the distance, is an iconic Kenyan experience. Your expert guide will ensure you find the best vantage points for photography and wildlife viewing, making every moment count on this incredible journey.
Choosing a budget shared safari doesn’t mean compromising on quality or experience. Instead, it offers a smart way to explore Kenya’s premier destinations, benefiting from shared costs while enjoying the same incredible wildlife sightings and professional guiding as private tours. You’ll travel in comfort, stay in well-appointed lodges or tented camps, and enjoy delicious meals, all while knowing you’ve made a sustainable and economical choice for your African adventure. Prepare for an authentic and enriching experience that exceeds expectations.
Embarking on this 7-day budget shared safari is more than just a trip; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Kenya’s wilderness, designed to be both affordable and unforgettable. We prioritize your comfort and safety, ensuring that every aspect of your adventure, from transportation in custom-built 4×4 Land Cruisers to hand-picked accommodations, meets high standards. This tour offers exceptional value, allowing you to witness the Big 5, experience diverse ecosystems, and create lasting bonds with fellow travelers, all while adhering to your budget. It truly is the best way to experience Kenya without compromise.
Safari Highlights:
- Best Value for Money: Enjoy a high-quality safari experience at an accessible price point, starting from $980 per person.
- Expertly Guided: Travel in a shared 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser (max 8 pax) led by a professional English-speaking guide.
- Safari Essentials: Your package includes park entry fees, full-board accommodation, bottled water and even the Crescent Island boat excursion.
- Social Atmosphere: A fantastic way to meet fellow travelers while exploring Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations.
Safari Route Map
Nairobi
Masai Mara
Lake Nakuru
Lake Naivasha
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Amboseli National Park
Nairobi
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1: Drive Nairobi to Masai Mara
Depart 7:30 AMYou will be picked at your hotel/ place of stay in Nairobi at 7:00 am and your driver guide will meet and greet you and afterwards escort you to the car and commence drive southwest to Masai Mara. Have a stopover at the great Rift Valley view point enroute where you will have a breathtaking view of the floor of the Rift Valley. Arrive for check in and hot lunch at the camp. Enjoy relaxation at the camp with dinner and overnight stay at Mara Ntulele Camp.
Mara Ntulele Camp
Lunch, Dinner
A breathtaking stop at the edge of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment
2
Day 2: Spend most of the day exploring Masai Mara National Reserve
Full DayThis day you will depart after an early breakfast to Masai Mara Reserve for morning and afternoon game viewing drives. Picnic lunches will be served as you relax under a tree as you enjoy breathtaking views of the vast landscape and its beauty. Spend the day looking for the big 5 and an abundant of wildlife that the Mara has to offer. Thereafter you will return to the camp for dinner and overnight stay at Mara Ntulele Camp.
Mara Ntulele Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Big 5 Game drives
3
Day 3: Drive to Nakuru
Full DayAfter breakfast check out and you may opt to visit the Maasai village, where you will interact with the Maa community and learn about their way of life and culture at 30 USD per person. Later on, proceed drive to Nakuru with lunch on the way. Arrive at Nakuru in the evening for dinner and overnight stay at Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort.
Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cultural immersion with an optional traditional Maasai village visit before heading to Nakuru.
4
Day 4: Morning Game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park and drive to Naivasha
Full DayEnjoy a morning game drive at the great Lake Nakuru National Park. Thereafter drive to Niavasha as you enjoy lunch on the way. Arrive in Naivasha for dinner and overnight stay at Sweet Lake Resort.
Sweet Lake Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Search for rare black and white rhinos and colorful birdlife in the sanctuary of Lake Nakuru.
5
Day 5: Crescent Island visit, boat ride and drive to Amboseli National Park
Full DayAfter breakfast depart for a boat ride in Lake Naivasha where you will spot hippos and the abundant birdlife. Continue on a walking safari at the Crescent Island where you can walk among giraffes, zebras and antelopes in a beautiful predator free setting. Thereafter proceed drive to Amboseli with lunch on the way. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight at Manjaro Tented Camp.
Manjaro Tented Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a scenic boat ride among hippos followed by a unique walking safari on Crescent Island
6
Day 6: Game drive in Amboseli National Park
Full DayVery early morning weather permitting you should be able to see Mt Kilimanjaro which has a spectacular view. Proceed for a morning game drive in the park where you will enjoy Amboseli Jumbos among other wildlife. You will also visit the observation point and have a look at the park from here. Dinner and overnight stay at Manjaro Tented Camp.
Manjaro Tented Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Capturing majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its legendary "Jumbo" elephant herds in Amboseli.
7
Day 7: Drive to Nairobi
ReturnAfter breakfast, check out and commence drive to Nairobi with lunch on the way. Upon arrival you will be dropped off at Nairobi CBD.
Breakfast, Lunch
What's Included & Excluded
Included in Your Safari
- Full board accommodation at the hotels of stay
- Park Fees
- Transportation in a shared safari land cruiser vehicle driven by an English speaking driver guide (Max 8 Pax)
- Pick up and drop off in Nairobi CBD
- Bottled water while on safari
- Boat ride and Crescent Island visit in Naivasha
Not Included
- Visa fee to Kenya
- International flights
- Items of personal nature
- Drinks in the hotels
- Travel Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Optional Maasai Village visit at 30 USD per person
Frequently Asked Questions
A shared safari means you will be joined by other travelers, making it a social and cost-effective way to travel. We use a 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with a maximum of 8 passengers to ensure everyone has a window seat for the best wildlife viewing and photography.
Yes. Unlike many budget safaris that use vans, we provide a custom-built Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. This vehicle is essential for navigating the rugged terrain of the Masai Mara and Amboseli, providing a smoother and more authentic experience.
Full board means your stay includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During full days in the parks (like Day 2 in the Mara), we provide picnic lunch boxes so you can maximize your time viewing wildlife without returning to camp. Bottled water is also provided during all game drives
Yes, the price is all-inclusive of all government park fees for the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli, as well as the boat ride and walking safari at Crescent Island. There are no hidden "entrance fees" to pay upon arrival at the gates.
While wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed, this circuit is the best in Kenya for the Big 5. Masai Mara: Excellent for Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and Elephant. Lake Nakuru: One of the best places in Kenya to see the endangered Black and White Rhino. Amboseli: Famous for its massive herds of free-ranging Elephants.
This is a highlight of the trip! Unlike the national parks where you must stay in the vehicle, Crescent Island is a private sanctuary without predators. This allows you to walk right alongside giraffes, zebras - a truly immersive experience.
We recommend: Clothing: Layers are key. Early mornings in Amboseli and Mara can be chilly ($12\degree\text{C}$ to $15\degree\text{C}$), while afternoons are warm. Gear: Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, binoculars and a good camera. Cash: Small denominations of USD or Kenya Shillings for tips, drinks at hotels and the optional Maasai Village visit ($30).
To keep the tour on schedule, we offer pickup and drop-off within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). If you are staying outside the CBD or arriving at JKIA Airport on the morning of Day 1, please let us know so we can arrange a private transfer for a small additional fee.
Traveler Reviews
T
Tangqianyi(Lucy)
"Compared to local tour groups of China Travel Service, this one is far from overpriced—it’s totally great value! At only $1,000 per person, it includes stays in top-notch hotels. All three daily meals are varied and absolutely delicious, perfect for my Chinese palate. Our guide Mike has one of the best service attitudes I’ve ever seen; he’s amazing at providing emotional support, kept us entertained throughout the trip by chatting and helping us whenever needed. We also spotted plenty of animals—thanks to Mike, we got to witness a cheetah hunt, which was spectacular and breathtaking. I highly recommend Mike, we all absolutely adored him and will miss him dearly when we head home!"
NK
Nea Karvetti
"We had an amazing time on our 8 day wildlife adventure with Bison Safaris. We visited three national reserves - Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara - and took a scenic trip to Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island to walk with giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and more. The highlights of the trip were the game drives around the national reserves where we experienced Kenyan wildlife at its finest, including the Big 5. Our guide Antony, who took care of us during our whole trip, was extremely helpful, kind, and really knew his way around to show us the best the reserves had to offer. Thanks to Antony we were able to see amazing sightings on every game drive and had some really unforgettable moments especially in Maasai Mara. We had a truly wonderful trip, and were also very happy with all accommodations and meals (especially the bush lunch experience!) and communication with Maggie and Lawrence. We would definitely recommend Bison Safaris for an unforgettable safari experience."