Kenya · Group joining · Budget safari
Kenya's classic Rift Valley loop
Two nights in the Maasai Mara, a game drive at Lake Nakuru, a night by Lake Naivasha and a final morning in Hell's Gate National Park.
USD 690–890 pp by season
The journey in brief
The experience
This five-day safari covers three very different places on the floor and rim of the Great Rift Valley. After two nights in the Maasai Mara, you drive north to Nakuru for a night at Buraha Zenoni.
Day four is spent in Lake Nakuru National Park before continuing to Lake Naivasha. The last morning is in Hell's Gate National Park, where you can cycle or walk among wildlife and explore the gorge with a guide.
Full day and sunrise drives in the Maasai Mara
Lake Nakuru's rhino sanctuary and Baboon Cliff viewpoint
An evening by Lake Naivasha
Cycling or driving in Hell's Gate, with a gorge walk
The route
Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Nakuru
Lake Naivasha
Hell's Gate
Nairobi
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nakuru → Lake Naivasha → Hell's Gate → Nairobi
Day by day
Timings are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Nairobi → Maasai Mara
Three Rift Valley destinations lie ahead, starting with the Maasai Mara. Leave Nairobi in the morning, stopping at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, and cross the valley floor to Narok before the last leg into the rolling Mara grasslands. Arrive at Miti Mingi Eco Camp in the late afternoon, check in and head out for an evening game drive as the plains turn golden and the reserve's wildlife becomes active in the cooler air.
Day 2 / Maasai Mara National Reserve
Spend more than eight hours in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with packed lunches so nothing needs to be cut short. The route crosses the grasslands towards the Mara River, and along the way your guide looks for the big cats, elephants and buffalo the reserve is known for, as well as giraffes, topi and gazelles. At the river, scan the banks for crocodiles and the pools for hippos. Back at camp, choose an optional village visit or a relaxed evening before dinner.
Day 3 / Maasai Mara → Nakuru
An early game drive until about 9am gives one last chance to enjoy the Mara at its liveliest. After breakfast, leave the reserve and drive north through Narok and up the Rift Valley, with an optional stop at Lake Naivasha on the way. Arrive in Nakuru for the night at Buraha Zenoni, a convenient base for tomorrow's game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Day 4 / Lake Nakuru National Park → Lake Naivasha
Spend about four hours in Lake Nakuru National Park, a fenced sanctuary that protects black and white rhinos. Drive along the lakeshore, where buffalo, waterbuck and waterbirds gather, visit the rhino sanctuary, then climb to Baboon Cliff for a view over the whole lake and the wooded escarpment beyond. Afterwards, continue south to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake fringed with papyrus, and enjoy a free evening at Leisure Apex, with the option of a boat ride to look for hippos and fish eagles.
Day 5 / Hell's Gate → Nairobi
The final morning is spent in Hell's Gate National Park, a dramatic landscape of cliffs, volcanic towers and steam rising from the area's geothermal activity. Cycle the 14 km down to the gorge or travel with your guide in the vehicle, passing zebras, giraffes and buffalo on the way. At the gorge, walk between its narrow, water-carved walls with a guide before driving back to Nairobi.
Where you stay
This budget safari uses the camps and hotels listed below. Where a stop says 'camp/lodge', we confirm the property with your quote.
Maasai Mara · 2 nights
The budget tented camp used for Absolute's Maasai Mara budget safaris, close to the reserve.
About Miti Mingi Eco Camp
Nakuru · 1 night
The Nakuru hotel used for overnight stays before or after a Lake Nakuru National Park game drive.
About Buraha Zenoni
Lake Naivasha · 1 night
The Naivasha base for budget safaris that include Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate.
About Leisure ApexAccommodation pattern: Budget · Miti Mingi Eco Camp + Buraha Zenoni + Leisure Apex.
Pricing
Low seasonUSD 690 per person
High seasonUSD 890 per person
Prices are in US dollars per person, with separate low- and high-season rates. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
Before you travel
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
A soft bag is easiest in safari vehicles. If any part of your trip includes light-aircraft flights, baggage limits apply.
Weather and wildlife movement change through the year. Tell us your dates and we will explain what to expect.
Questions travellers ask
Group-joining safaris follow the published route so everyone travels together. If you want changes, ask us about running the route privately.
Yes. Prices are in US dollars per person, as published in our catalogue. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
No. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings vary. Your guide will plan each day around conditions to give you the best chances.
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The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
5 days · Kenya
USD 690–890 pp by season
