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Best of Kenya 10 Days Budget Safari

4.8/5 (50 reviews)
Duration10 Days / 9 Nights
Group SizeMax 7 People
VehiclePrivate Vehicle
AccommodationLion's Cave Camp, Comfort Gardens Sweet Waters, Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort, Manjaro Tented Camp, Chambai Safari Hotel, Wild Nest Mara Camp
MealsFull Board
DestinationMasai Mara Safaris, Naivasha, Nakuru Safari, Samburu Safari, Amboseli Safari
From $3,190 /per person sharing
Free Cancellation up to 14 days Secure Booking Instant Confirmation

Safari Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 10 days budget safari, a comprehensive journey through Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations, including the iconic Masai Mara, without breaking the bank. This budget-friendly expedition takes you from the arid landscapes of Samburu and the rhino sanctuaries of Ol Pejeta to the world-famous plains of the Masai Mara. Experience diverse ecosystems, encounter the “Special 5,” and witness the legendary herds of Amboseli under the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This adventure promises an unforgettable immersion into Kenya’s rich biodiversity and vibrant culture, making it the perfect 10 days budget safari.

Your journey begins in Samburu, a unique semi-arid region known for its distinct ‘Special 5’ – the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Here, the Ewaso Ng’iro River provides a lifeblood for a remarkable array of wildlife, offering fantastic game viewing opportunities against a dramatic backdrop. This leg of your 10 days budget safari truly showcases Kenya’s diverse ecosystems. From Samburu, you’ll transition to the vital conservation efforts at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a sanctuary renowned for its black and white rhino populations and home to the last two northern white rhinos.

The expedition continues to the stunning landscapes of Lake Nakuru National Park, another crucial stronghold for rhinos and a birdwatcher’s paradise, often painted pink by thousands of flamingos. Following this, you’ll venture south to Amboseli National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The sheer scale of the landscape and the majestic ‘tuskers’ roaming freely create truly iconic safari moments that will stay with you long after your trip concludes, making this 10 days budget safari an incredible value.

This carefully curated 10 days budget safari ensures that you experience the very best of Kenya without compromising on quality or adventure. We believe that an authentic safari experience should be accessible to everyone, and this 10 days budget safari delivers exceptional value, combining thrilling wildlife encounters with comfortable accommodations and expert guiding. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime that proves a truly memorable 10 days budget safari doesn’t have to break the bank.

Masai Mara Safari Highlights for Your 10 Days Budget Safari:
  • The Special 5: Spot unique species in Samburu, including the Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy’s Zebra.
  • Rhino Sanctuaries: Visit Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru, Kenya’s strongholds for black and white rhinos.
  • Land of Giants: Marvel at Amboseli’s massive “Tuskers” with Mt. Kilimanjaro as your backdrop.
  • Cultural Immersion: Enjoy an authentic visit to a traditional Masai village.
  • Great Rift Valley: Explore Lake Naivasha by boat and witness the floor of the Rift Valley.
  • The Big 5: Cap off your adventure with a full-day exploration of the iconic Masai Mara.

While every destination on this itinerary offers unique wonders, the ultimate highlight for many on this 10 days budget safari is the time spent in the Masai Mara National Reserve. This vast savannah ecosystem is globally celebrated for its exceptional wildlife viewing, particularly during the Great Migration when millions of wildebeest and zebra traverse its plains. Beyond the migration, the Mara boasts a resident population of all the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – making every game drive an exhilarating experience on your 10 days budget safari.

During your full-day exploration of the iconic Masai Mara, you’ll have ample opportunity to witness incredible predator-prey interactions, observe prides of lions, and perhaps even spot the elusive leopard. Beyond the thrilling wildlife encounters, this 10 days budget safari also offers a profound cultural immersion. An authentic visit to a traditional Maasai village provides a unique chance to learn about their ancient customs, vibrant dances, and their deep connection to the land and its wildlife, offering a truly holistic understanding of Kenya through your 10 days budget safari.

To make the most of your safari in the Masai Mara, consider an early morning hot air balloon ride for a breathtaking aerial perspective of the plains at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Our expert guides, with their extensive knowledge of the ecosystem, will ensure you’re in the best spots for wildlife viewing, sharing fascinating insights into animal behavior and the natural history of the region. Remember to pack light layers, a good camera with a zoom lens, and binoculars to enhance your viewing experience on this incredible 10 days budget safari.

This 10-day adventure is meticulously designed to offer a comprehensive and affordable exploration of Kenya’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. From the unique species of Samburu to the conservation success stories of Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru, the majestic elephants of Amboseli, and the unparalleled wildlife spectacle of the Masai Mara, every day brings a new discovery on this 10 days budget safari. Prepare for an unforgettable journey that combines thrilling game drives, cultural encounters, and stunning natural beauty, creating memories that will last a lifetime with our 10 days budget safari.

Safari Route Map

Nairobi
Samburu National Reserve
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Lake Nakuru National Park
Amboseli National Park
Naivasha
Masai Mara National Reserve
Nairobi

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 before dusk for dinner and overnight stay at Lion’s Cave Camp Samburu.

Lion’s Cave Camp. Lunch, Dinner Arrival in Nairobi and scenic drive to Samburu for an 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 unique wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
3

Day 3: Drive from Samburu to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

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. Dinner and overnight stay at Comfort Gardens Sweet Waters.

Comfort Gardens Sweet Waters. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Visit Ol Pejeta Chimpanzee Sanctuary and cross the Equator marker.
4

Day 4: Drive to Lake NaKuru National Park

Full Day

After breakfast check out and   proceed drive to Nakuru with lunches on the way. Lake Nakuru is “A beautiful wildlife haven”. On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by wooded and bushy grassland, lies the beautiful. Arrive at Nakuru for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park where we hope you will have the sight of flamingos. Have your cameras ready as here you will see lots of Rhinos. Later on exit the park in the park for dinner and overnight stay at Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort.

Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Search for flamingos and elusive rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park.
5

Day 5: Nakuru to Amboseli

Full Day

Drive from Nakuru to Amboseli National Park arriving for lunch. After check in and lunch proceed to Amboseli National Park for an evening game drive. Amboseli is a popular park, and the place to go for those picture postcard views of elephants trundling across the plains with the magnificent back drop of a snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Don’t forget your camera! Home to over 50 animal species, Amboseli is known as the ‘Land of the Giants’ thanks to the large herds of elephants who roam the sun-baked savannah. It’s quite a rare spectacle, especially if you’re lucky enough to encounter some of the famous large tuskers. Dinner and overnight stay at Manjaro Tented Camp.

Manjaro Tented Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Journey to Amboseli for sunset views of snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro.
6

Day 6: Full day exploring Amboseli National Park

Full Day

Wake up to spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting). Spend the day on a comprehensive game drive exploring the “Land of Giants.” While rhinos are absent from this park, you will encounter its famous population of over 1,500 elephants, many of which carry massive tusks. Track lions, cheetahs, and hyenas across the open plains, and visit the park’s lush swamps to see buffaloes and hippos cooling off. Return for dinner and overnight stay at Manjaro Tented Camp.

Manjaro Tented Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Full day tracking massive elephant herds and predators in Amboseli.
7

Day 7: Drive to Naivasha

Full Day

After breakfast,check  out  and  depart for Naivasha. Arrive for lunch at Sweet  Lake   Resort , In the afternoon enjoy a boat ride in Naivasha in search for hippos and the birdlife. Dinner and overnight stay at Sweet  Lake   Resort

Sweet Lake Resort Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Drive to Naivasha for a relaxing boat safari on Lake Naivasha.
8

Day 8: Drive Naivasha to Masai Mara

Full Day

After breakfast, check out and commence drive to Masai Mara. Have a stopover at the great Rift Valley view point where you will have a breathtaking view of the floor of the Rift Valley.  Arrive for check in and hot lunch at the camp.  After lunch, visit Maasai village where you will interact with Maasai and learn their way of life and culture. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Wild Nest Mara Camp.

Wild Nest Mara Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Travel to the Masai Mara and immerse yourself in Masai tribal culture.
9

Day 9: Masai Mara full day exploring the 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 five 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 An epic full-day quest for predators and prey in the Masai Mara Reserve.
10

Day 10: Masai Mara to Nairobi

Return

After breakfast, check out and depart for Nairobi with lunch on the way. Upon arrival you will be dropped off at the airport or your hotel in Nairobi.

Breakfast, Lunch Final morning in the wild before returning to Nairobi for your departure.

What's Included & Excluded

Included in Your Safari

  • Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • All National Park and Reserve entry fees
  • Full board accommodation
  • Bottled water during game drives
  • Boat ride in Naivasha & Masai village visit
  • Pick up and drop off in Nairobi

Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Kenya Entry Visa (eTA)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides/staff
  • Drinks at lodges
  • Travel insurance and personal items
  • Optional activities (e.g., Balloon Safari)

Frequently Asked Questions

While nature has no guarantees, this itinerary is strategically designed to visit Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru, which are Kenya's premier rhino sanctuaries, making your chances of seeing the full Big Five very high by the end of the trip.

You will travel in a private, customized 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, ensuring you have a personalized experience with your guide.

The mountain is most visible in the early mornings and late evenings during the dry seasons (June–October and January–February) when the air is clear of dust and clouds.

Yes, all entry fees for Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and the Masai Mara are included in the safari price.

Tipping is a standard practice in the Kenyan safari industry and is greatly appreciated for good service. A general guideline is $15–$20 USD per person per day for your driver-guide, usually given at the end of the safari. For camp staff, a communal tip box is often available in the lobby.

Major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at larger lodges and hotels. However, for "Budget" camps, souvenir shops, and local markets, cash is king. We recommend carrying some Kenya Shillings (KES) for small purchases and USD (notes printed after 2013) for larger tips or optional activities.

Kenya is a malaria-risk zone; we strongly advise consulting your doctor about malaria prophylactics before arrival. A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from a country with a risk of transmission. Always drink bottled water (provided in your vehicle).

Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, our partner camps can accommodate you. Please notify us at the time of booking so the bush chefs can prepare specialized meals in advance.

Traveler Reviews

4.8
Based on 50 reviews
5 star
78%
4 star
16%
3 star
6%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
CB
Crystal Beecken
Google · September 2025

"Absolutely amazing experience! We did a 4 night 5 day safari including Masai Mara and Naivasha. Maggie and Lawrence were so helpful with planning and customizing our package before arrival and extremely quick to respond. Our guide Phillip was amazing! He made sure we saw tons of animals and that we got great photos without other cars. He answered all of our questions and made sure we had the best experience possible. I am already saving for another safari with Bison and will recommend them to anyone I know who wants to go on safari!"

K
Kookie
Safari Bookings · February 2026

"Manager Maggie is very professional and responsible, with quick and thoughtful response every time. She provided us with great support and made our trip smooth and enjoyable. Thank you, Maggie, for your patience and warm service. Mike, our guide and driver, is friendly, reliable and full of energy. He is very experienced and takes good care of us along the way. We had a wonderful time and will highly recommend him to all our friends."

HJMI
Harvey J McGrub III
TripAdvisor · September 2025

"Exceeded expectations! Everything was smooth from start to finish, and the rooms that were booked for us at each location seemed extra special. It turns out everybody breaks the rules at Masai Mara in terms of driving off road etc. but I appreciated that our guide tried to stick to the correct way of doing things, respecting the animals, and still providing a great immersive experience for us. There are a million tour companies out there but I would book with Bison again given the chance."

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