5-Day Budget Naivasha, Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari

Safari Overview

This 5-Day Budget Naivasha, Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari is a well-rounded introduction to Kenya's Great Rift Valley, built for travellers who want a proper safari experience without the luxury price tag. It's one of our most requested budget itineraries — ideal for families, honeymooners, photographers and solo travellers looking for a taste of everything: lakes, rhinos, and the Mara's open plains.

You'll travel in a private Pop-Up Minivan with an experienced local guide, staying in comfortable budget-friendly camps and hotels along the way. This is a fully private safari — you won't share your vehicle with strangers, and every stop, sighting and detour is entirely up to you and your guide.

All park entry fees, transport from Nairobi, and accommodation are arranged by PMK Tours. You just show up and enjoy.

Safari Highlights

Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha — spot hippos and waterbirds from the water on arrival day

Cycling Safari at Hell's Gate — pedal beneath towering cliffs and geothermal steam vents

Rhino Country — Lake Nakuru National Park, home to hundreds of black and white rhino

Maasai Cultural Village Visit — guided walking safari and cultural tour with Maasai Morans

Full-Day Mara Game Drive — an entire day in the Masai Mara with a picnic lunch out on the plains

Budget-Friendly Camps — comfortable tented camps and hotels chosen to keep this trip affordable

Safari Itinerary

Day 1 — Nairobi to Lake Naivasha

Day 1

You'll be picked up from Nairobi and head for Lake Naivasha, arriving in the afternoon in time for lunch. From there, choose a boat ride on the lake followed by a walking safari in the animal sanctuary, or take the afternoon relaxing at your lodge along the shores of the lake. Freshen up and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, then overnight at your lodge/camp. Guests on a boat safari on Lake Naivasha

Guests on a boat safari on Lake Naivasha

Day 2 — Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru

Day 2

Breakfast at the lodge, then head to Hell's Gate National Park for a cycling safari and a walking safari through its dramatic gorges. Named for its intense geothermal activity, Hell's Gate is one of the most atmospheric parks in Africa — towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges and belching plumes of steam, with the chance to spot raptors and other wildlife along the way. In the afternoon, continue the drive to Lake Nakuru, arriving in time to freshen up before dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 3 — Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara

Day 3

Breakfast, then an early morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park — home to hundreds of black and white rhino, along with flamingos and a wide variety of other wildlife. Afterwards, set off for the Masai Mara, arriving in time for lunch and a chance to relax after the drive. At 5pm, you'll be collected from your camp by Maasai Morans (warriors) for a guided walking safari through the Mara, followed by a cultural visit to a traditional Maasai homestead. Return to camp for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 4 — Full Day Game Drive in the Masai Mara

Day 4

Today belongs entirely to the Mara. After breakfast, head out with your guide and a picnic lunch for a full day exploring the reserve — no rushing back to camp at midday. Your guide will use their knowledge of the terrain and recent sightings to track down the Mara's icons: lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, hippo, and — with some luck — a leopard. Stop for a picnic lunch out on the plains, then keep exploring as the afternoon light softens over the grasslands before heading back to camp for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 5 — Masai Mara to Nairobi

Day 5

Enjoy one last sunrise game drive before breakfast at camp (optional — sleep in if you'd rather). Check out and begin the drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the evening with drop-off at your hotel, JKIA, or any city-centre location.

What's Included & Excluded

✓ Included

Private Pop-Up Minivan for the whole safari
Professional English-speaking guide/driver
All park entrance fees (Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara)
Accommodation as per itinerary (4 nights)
All meals (full board) at camps/hotels
Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
Cycling safari at Hell's Gate National Park
Maasai cultural village visit
Drinking water during game drives
Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off
PMK 24/7 support throughout

✗ Excluded

International flights
Kenya visa fees
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Tips for guides and camp staff
Personal expenses & souvenirs
Hot air balloon safaris (optional add-on)
Alcoholic beverages

Why Book This Value Safari With PMK?

Private Safari Experience

Your own safari vehicle and guide give you greater flexibility without requiring a luxury-level budget.

Smart Local Planning

Our Nairobi team selects an efficient route and value-focused stays without compromising the essential safari experience.

Transparent Quotation

Your quote clearly explains park fees, accommodation, transport, meals and any optional upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this 5-day budget Kenya safari private?

Yes. You travel in a private safari vehicle with your own professional guide rather than joining a shared group departure.

How does this itinerary keep the safari affordable?

The route combines three popular destinations efficiently and uses comfortable value-focused accommodation while retaining private transport and guided game drives.

What is included in the starting price?

Your quotation clearly lists private transport, guide services, park entry fees, accommodation, itinerary meals, drinking water and Nairobi transfers.

Can I upgrade selected lodges or activities?

Yes. PMK can adjust accommodation and optional activities to balance your comfort preferences with your overall budget.