If you’re dreaming of an affordable Kenya safari adventure but are on a budget, there’s no better way to explore the country’s premier wildlife parks than the way that we did this 6 day budget Kenya Safari.
For only $900 USD per person, we experienced six days of thrilling game drives, stunning landscapes, and comfortable accommodations without breaking the bank. This post will take you through the ins and outs of our six-day budget Kenya safari, offering candid insights into the highs and lows of this trip, which took us on a Masai Mara safari for 2 days, a Lake Nakuru safari for a day, and an Amboseli safari for 2 days.
When we researched the possibilities for an affordable Kenya Safari, our heads were spinning and honestly, the experience was just overwhelming. There were 100’s of Kenya safari tour agency names and the prices, on the most part, were just outrageous. After quite a bit of digging we came upon Karibu Safaris in Kenya.
As many of our readers already know, this is an honest review of our experience. We did not receive any compensation or discount for this post from anyone.
Why We Chose Karibu Safaris in Kenya for our Budget Kenya Safari
When researching affordable Kenya safari options, we found a wide range of prices, from luxury packages costing thousands to this budget-friendly option from Karibu Safaris, which promised a full six-day experience, including accommodations, park entrance fees, meals, transportation, and game drives.
After reading numerous reviews, we felt confident in our choice. While other operators offered more upscale amenities, Karibu Safaris had excellent feedback regarding the overall experience and value for money.
At $900 USD per person, it was the best-priced tour option that we could find, given that the park entry fee alone for a 12 hour Masai Mara safari is $200 per person (during the last 6 months of the year) and we did 2 of those alone!
This was a major draw for us. However, this itinerary offered not much time between game drives and time to unwind, making it a more fast paced immersive wildlife experience.
Keep in mind that each of the 3 pieces of this 6 day Kenya safari (Masai Mara safari, Lake Nakuru safari and Lake Amboseli safari) were a component of the overall package. Therefore, there were people in our Land Cruiser who were using more expensive tour package options but were combined with us to maximize scale.
Detailed 6 Day Affordable Kenya Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to our Masai Mara Safari
Our adventure kicked off early. We were picked up from our hotel, Crowne Plaza Nairobi (which we did on points), at 6:30 am. After a quick stop at Karibu Safaris’ office, we were driven to the meeting point where we waited for the rest of our group.
Admittedly, waiting for nearly two hours wasn’t ideal, but it allowed us to get to know some of the people we’d be spending the next few days with. Luckily one of the other 2 couples were actual Kenya safari guides enjoying a free trip from Karibu Safari as clients.
Tasha and George were a wealth of information and made the Masai Mara safari even better. In case you are looking for independent guides, we provide their information below in the Guides for an affordable Kenya safari section below.
Our driver-guide, George (yes, another George), made several stops en route to our Masai Mara safari, including a scenic lookout over the Great Rift Valley. The drive itself was around five hours, but with plenty of rest stops, it felt manageable.
When we finally arrived at Flair Camp Experiences, our accommodation for the next two nights, we were pleasantly surprised by the setup: glamping-style tents with real beds, electricity, and private bathrooms.
The camp also served gourmet meals that wouldn’t be out of place in a high-end restaurant. We enjoyed a delicious four-course lunch before heading out for our first Masai Mara safari.
The game drive that evening was fantastic. Masai Mara is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, and we quickly spotted cheetahs, lions, elephants, zebras, and countless antelope species. The sunset was magical, and George made sure to get us to the perfect viewing spot. The Land Cruiser that we used had a pop-up roof, which gave us great visibility throughout.
We returned from our first Masai Mara safari to enjoy another 4 course meal at the main restaurant hall. It was evening and the wifi was operational at that point. There was also a campfire provided after dinner for the guests to enjoy.
Keep in mind that water and other beverages are not provided and need to be purchased from the restaurant. Coffee and tea were provided for free. However, the prices were low enough that this was not a big deal.
Day 2: Full-Day Masai Mara Safari
Day 2 was all about maximizing our time at our full day Masai Mara safari experience. After a hearty breakfast, we set out for a full-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch. We saw even more animals up close, including two cheetahs that walked right past our vehicle. This was one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Another memorable sight was a lion and lioness lounging together in the grass. We spent a lot of time observing them from a close distance, an experience that truly felt like being in the heart of the wild.
By the end of the day, we were exhausted but exhilarated. Dinner back at the camp was another gourmet affair, and despite the camp’s spotty wi-fi, we were more than satisfied with the day’s experience.
One of the camp’s guides (a Masai man) walked us back to our tent to ensure that none of the animals of the region ate us!
Masai Mara Village Visit
If you would like to add an hour Masai Mara Village visit to your itinerary, it is only a $20 USD per person additional fee. The Masai prepare for the visit and dance for the tourists who visit their camp.
There is also a tour of the village. Our Japanese Masai Mara safari tour friends did that excursion and quite enjoyed it. For us, such touristy experiences are not as appealing, so we skipped it.
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru Safari – A Bumpy Transition
Unfortunately, the day didn’t start smoothly. There was a miscommunication with the team, and instead of heading directly to the Lake Nakuru safari, we began driving back towards Nairobi with our original group. It wasn’t until after lunchtime that we were transferred to another group heading in the right direction.
After a less-than-spectacular buffet lunch at a roadside restaurant, we continued to Lanet Matfam Resort in Nakuru. The hotel was quite lovely; with a large pool and a fun viewing tower on the premises. The rooms were more spacious, there was wifi throughout and even hot water for the shower!
Before dinner, Rob enjoyed a beer by the pool, and we even ventured out into the nearby village, meeting friendly school children eager to practice their English. The resort was accommodating to my vegan diet, and dinner was served buffet-style with enough variety to keep us both satisfied.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru Safari and Transfer to Amboseli
The next morning, after a quick buffet breakfast, we set out for a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. This Lake Nakuru safari is known for its large population of rhinos, and we were not disappointed. Spotting these majestic creatures in the wild was an incredible experience.
The park is also famous for its flocks of flamingos, and the sight of the lake with its pink-tinged shores was truly breathtaking. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on top of a hill overlooking the whole park. From a distance we could see hippos and a variety of different birds. Monkeys visited us as we were eating as well.
Along the way we visited Makalia Falls, which are tucked away in the southern end of Lake Nakuru. It’s a relatively small waterfall, cascading down a rocky cliff into a plunge pool below. A big surprise came as we were driving back out of the park. Our guide/driver Sammy (who was fabulous) saw a lioness in a tree. We waited and saw more lions. It was truly breathtaking. The lions joined each other and strutted right in front of our vehicle. This was pure magic!
After the Lake Nakuru safari, in the late afternoon, we began our journey to Amboseli National Park. This time, we weren’t as lucky with the vehicle. Saying goodbye to our Norwegian friends, we switched to a 4×4 minivan.
The new vehicle was still functional with a pop-up roof, but didn’t have the same level of comfort or suspension as the Land Cruiser that we used for the 2 previous parks.
After a long drive with our new Spanish friends, we arrived at Manjaro Tented Camp, where we were pleasantly surprised by an upgrade to a huge, standalone structure with a spacious room and modern bathroom.
A modest yet delicious buffet was served in the main hotel structure where wifi was also working. The staff of the Manjaro Tented Camp are phenomenal, ensuring that their guests are fully satisfied with their experience.
The view of Mt. Kilimanjaro from the camp was stunning, and the campfire at night was the perfect way to unwind.
Day 5: Amboseli Safari – Full Day
Our full-day game drive in Amboseli National Park was unforgettable. An Amboseli safari is famous for its large herds of elephants with long tusks, and we saw dozens of them throughout the day. The park also offers fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, which served as a dramatic backdrop for many of the animal sightings.
The highlight of the day was watching a group of six lionesses attempt to hunt a herd of wildebeests and later try their luck with two buffalo. The whole scene played out over several hours, with the buffaloes and even a few elephants defending themselves against the predators. Watching these interactions in real-time was awe-inspiring.
We had our picnic lunch on a hill overlooking the park, taking in the beauty of Amboseli before heading back to camp for another relaxing evening by the campfire.
Fun Fact: Dik-Dik Antelope
On our way back from the campfire we encountered the elusive and smallest of the antelopes – the dik-dik. It darted out from the bushes, gave us a quick glance with those big eyes, and then disappeared just as quickly. It was yet another magical moment! ead more about this tiny creature below.
Dik-diks are among the smallest antelopes in the world, typically standing around 30-40 centimeters (12-16 inches) tall at the shoulder. That’s about the size of a large housecat or a small dog.
They have large eyes, a pointed snout, and a distinctive whistling sound that gives them their name. These shy creatures are native to the bushlands of eastern and southern Africa and are known for their agility and ability to hide quickly in dense vegetation.
In addition, dik-dik’s mate for life. Once one member of the bonded pair dies, the other stops eating and passes away quickly as well.
Day 6: Final Safari and Return to Nairobi
On our final day, we rose early to catch the sunrise over Mt. Kilimanjaro —a truly spectacular sight. After a quick breakfast, we embarked on one last Amboseli safari where we saw more elephants before beginning the long drive back to Nairobi.
The drive was eventful, with two fatal accidents blocking the main road. Fortunately, our guide navigated us through dirt roads and hilly countryside. However, it was a tense journey, especially as we were cutting it close to our flight time. Thankfully, we made it to the Nairobi International airport just in time, where we relaxed in the business lounge before our flight.
About the 3 Parks: Best Kenya Safari Parks
Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara, perhaps Kenya’s most famous wildlife destination, is known for its unparalleled diversity of animals and landscapes. It’s most famous for hosting the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River from Tanzania’s Serengeti into the Mara from July to October. This spectacle draws predators like lions, leopards, and crocodiles, offering breathtaking wildlife experiences.
Animals to See: Masai Mara Safari
The Masai Mara is home to Africa’s Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Of these, lions are particularly abundant. Sightings of the majestic predators, often lounging on the savannah or stalking prey, are common. The park also has cheetahs, known for their incredible speed, and leopards, which are elusive but can be spotted resting in acacia trees.
Other mammals include large herds of elephants, towering giraffes, zebras, warthogs, hyenas, and various antelope species like impalas, topis, and gazelles. Birdwatchers will enjoy seeing over 470 bird species, from the striking secretary bird to the colorful lilac-breasted roller.
Masai Mara Safari Park Highlights
The sheer density of wildlife in Masai Mara makes it ideal for game drives, and the open grasslands offer excellent visibility. The Mara River is particularly famous for dramatic crocodile attacks during the wildebeest migration. Beyond game viewing, many travelers also visit Masai villages, offering a glimpse into the culture of the Masai people who have coexisted with wildlife for generations.
Lake Nakuru National Park
A Lake Nakuru safari is best known for its population of pink flamingos that, at times, gather in massive flocks along the lake’s shallow shores. The park is a sanctuary for endangered species, including both black and white rhinos, and is fenced off to protect these vulnerable animals from poaching.
Animals to See: Lake Nakuru Safari
During a Lake Nakuru safari, one can see a wide array of wildlife, notably four of the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes, though it lacks elephants due to space limitations). The park is known for its rhino sanctuary, where both black and white rhinos thrive. White rhinos are more frequently spotted, grazing on the park’s grassy plains, while the black rhinos prefer the bushy, more secluded areas.
Other notable animals include Rothschild’s giraffes, which were reintroduced to the park in the 1980’s and are now a key attraction. We saw the last of these giraffes, in the wild, during our Niger trip.
Additionally, visitors can spot waterbucks, zebras, hippos, baboons, and vervet monkeys. Predators such as lions and leopards also reside in the park, though they are more elusive. Hyenas are occasionally spotted as well. We were super lucky to see lions and hyenas here as well as the elusive rhinos.
Lake Nakuru Park Highlights
In addition to rhino conservation, a Lake Nakuru safari is a birder’s paradise. While the number of flamingos fluctuates with water levels, the lake is still home to a stunning diversity of bird life, including pelicans, cormorants, and African fish eagles. The acacia woodlands and unique euphorbia forests (tall succulent rainforest trees) provide scenic backdrops to the game drives.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The contrast between the snow-capped mountain and the park’s arid landscape creates one of the most iconic settings in Africa. Amboseli is one of the best places in Kenya to observe large herds of free-roaming elephants.
Animals to See: Amboseli Safari
Elephants dominate the Amboseli landscape. The park is home to some of Africa’s largest tuskers, and visitors can expect close-up sightings of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Other mammals in Amboseli include buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest.
Predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are also present but harder to spot compared to Masai Mara. However, we were super lucky to see lions and hyenas here as well!
Amboseli’s bird life is equally impressive, with over 400 species recorded. Birdwatchers will enjoy sightings of pelicans, kingfishers, African jacanas, and, during the rainy season, wading birds such as egrets and herons. The park’s swamps, fed by Kilimanjaro’s underground rivers, attract a variety of waterbirds, including flamingos.
Amboseli Park Highlights
The expansive swamps of Amboseli act as a lifeline for the wildlife, providing water in an otherwise dry environment. The elephants here are notable for their relaxed behavior, allowing for excellent photographic opportunities.
The park’s proximity to Masai communities also offers a chance to experience the local culture, and many tours incorporate visits to Masai villages.
These parks, each with its distinct ecosystem and animal residents, offer a well-rounded Kenya safari experience.
In summary, a Masai Mara safari provides heart-pounding predator sightings and the awe-inspiring Great Migration. A Lake Nakuru safari offers rare glimpses of rhinos and a birdwatcher’s haven, while the Amboseli National Park enchants with its elephants and spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. Together, they provide an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s rich and diverse wildlife.
Affordable Kenya Safari Guide Information
Tasha and George are independent Kenya safari guide experts. If you recall, they were our vehicle mates on the Masai Mara safari portion of our trip and although not working at the time provided all of us incredible information about the animals in the region.
What’s App for Tasha and George: +254 715 258 455
The Kenya Safari tour company that we used was Karibu Safari in Kenya. Their email address is: [email protected]
Wrap Up: A Perfect Budget Kenya Safari Experience
Looking back, this six-day safari exceeded our expectations in many ways. The price of $900 USD per person was unbeatable, especially considering the quality of the accommodations, the meals, and the expertise of our guides.
Yes, there were a few hiccups, like the confusion on Day 3 and the less comfortable 4×4 minivan for the Amboseli safari portion of our trip. However, the incredible wildlife sightings and overall experience far outweighed these minor issues.
If you’re considering a safari in Kenya but want to keep costs down, we highly recommend Karibu Safaris in Kenya. The trip was packed with unforgettable moments, and we saw all the wildlife we had hoped for and more.
Why spend thousands when you can have the same amazing experience for a fraction of the cost?
Have you been on an affordable Kenya safari? What did you like about it most? Please let us know in the comments as we absolutely love safaris and keep coming back.
