This 3-day budget safari package offers an affordable way to explore the Masai Mara, departing from Nairobi by road. Accommodation is provided at your choice of budget camps—Kambu Mara Camp, Greenwood Safari Camp, or Miti Mingi Eco-Camp—all located near the main entry gates to the Masai Mara. The package includes daily guided game drives, transport from Nairobi, and meals, ensuring a worry-free and immersive safari experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara
- Pick-Up in Nairobi: Your safari adventure begins with a 7:30 AM pick-up from your hotel or preferred location in Nairobi. You will join your fellow travelers and head out on a scenic drive to the Masai Mara.
- Drive to Masai Mara: Enjoy the scenic 5-6 hour drive to the Masai Mara, passing through the Great Rift Valley. Stop at a viewpoint to take in the breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding escarpments.
- Arrival and Lunch: Arrive at your camp—Kambu Mara Camp, Greenwood Safari Camp, or Miti Mingi Eco-Camp—in time for lunch. After settling in, prepare for your first game drive.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Head out on an afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where you’ll have your first opportunity to spot wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and more. Your experienced guide will take you to prime locations for wildlife viewing, offering insights into the behavior and habitats of the animals.
- Dinner and Overnight: Return to your camp for dinner. Relax around the campfire and enjoy a peaceful night in the heart of the African wilderness.
- Accommodation: Choose between Kambu Mara Camp, Greenwood Safari Camp, or Miti Mingi Eco-Camp—all offering comfortable budget accommodations with essential amenities such as hot showers and shared facilities.
Day 2: Full Day in the Masai Mara
- Morning Game Drive: Begin your day early with a sunrise game drive. The cool early morning hours are the best time to spot predators like lions and cheetahs on the hunt. You’ll also see large herds of herbivores such as zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest grazing in the plains.
- Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: For an additional cost, you can experience the Masai Mara from above with a hot air balloon safari at sunrise. The ride offers stunning aerial views of the savannah and wildlife, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
- Bush Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring the Masai Mara in the afternoon, focusing on areas known for their large populations of elephants, buffaloes, and big cats like leopards and cheetahs. Your guide will take you to different parts of the reserve to maximize your chances of spotting a variety of wildlife.
- Dinner and Overnight: Return to camp for dinner and an evening of relaxation. Gather around the campfire with your group, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi
- Morning Game Drive: After breakfast, embark on a final game drive in the Masai Mara. This is your last chance to spot any wildlife you may have missed, including elusive species like the rhinoceros or the leopards that often hide in trees.
- Drive Back to Nairobi: After the game drive, you will depart the Masai Mara and begin the journey back to Nairobi, stopping for lunch en route.
- Arrival in Nairobi: Arrive back in Nairobi in the late afternoon, where you’ll be dropped off at your preferred location in the Nairobi CBD.
What’s Included in the Package
- Transport: Round-trip transport from Nairobi to the Masai Mara in a shared safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
- Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or location in Nairobi CBD.
- Accommodation: 2 nights’ accommodation at Kambu Mara Camp, Greenwood Safari Camp, or Miti Mingi Eco-Camp.
- Meals: Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) provided during the safari.
- Game Drives: Guided game drives each day, led by a professional driver-guide.
- Park Fees: Entrance fees to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Camping Gear: Basic camping equipment provided by the camp (for Miti Mingi Eco-Camp or Greenwood Safari Camp).
Optional Add-Ons
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: A sunrise balloon safari followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
- Maasai Village Visit: An optional cultural visit to a Maasai village where you can learn about traditional Maasai customs and daily life.
- Walking Safari: Enjoy a walking safari guided by a Maasai warrior for an additional fee, offering a closer look at the flora and smaller fauna of the Mara.
What to Bring
- Clothing: Neutral-colored clothing for game drives, a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings, and comfortable shoes.
- Binoculars and Camera: Essential for wildlife viewing and capturing the beauty of the Masai Mara’s landscapes and animals.
- Sunscreen and Hat: Protection from the sun is important, especially during the day.
- Personal Items: Toiletries, a flashlight, and any personal medications you may need.
Benefits of a Budget Safari
- Affordable Pricing: This package is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience the Masai Mara without compromising on the quality of the safari experience.
- Comfortable Camping: Budget camps like Kambu Mara Camp, Greenwood Safari Camp, and Miti Mingi Eco-Camp offer basic but comfortable accommodations in beautiful locations near the Masai Mara, ensuring you’re close to the action without overspending.
- Social Experience: Group safaris allow you to share the adventure with like-minded travelers, making it a fun and social experience.
Final Thoughts
This 3-day budget safari package to the Masai Mara is perfect for those seeking an affordable yet immersive safari experience. With comfortable camping accommodations at Kambu Mara Camp, Greenwood Safari Camp, or Miti Mingi Eco-Camp, and plenty of opportunities to see the Big Five and other wildlife, this package provides excellent value for money and a memorable adventure in the heart of the African wilderness.