Kenya · Group joining · Budget safari
Three classic parks on a budget
Six days covering the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli, with a full day in both the Mara and Amboseli, on a group-joining budget basis.
From USD 720 pp
The journey in brief
The experience
This safari links the Maasai Mara's plains, Lake Nakuru's rhino sanctuary and Amboseli's elephant herds below Kilimanjaro. Each stop has its own character, and the route gives you a full day in both the Mara and Amboseli.
Nights are at Miti Mingi Eco Camp, Buraha Zenoni in Nakuru and Nyati Safari Camp in Amboseli. On the final morning there is a sunrise drive before the return.
Full days in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli
Morning game drive at Lake Nakuru
Picnic lunch at the foot of Kilimanjaro
Optional Maasai community visit
The route
Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Nakuru
Amboseli
Nairobi
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nakuru → Amboseli → Nairobi
Day by day
Timings are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Nairobi → Maasai Mara
The journey from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara is a good introduction to Kenya's landscapes: highland farms, the sudden drop of the Great Rift Valley, where you stop at the viewpoint, then the valley floor and the town of Narok. Arrive at Miti Mingi Eco Camp for lunch and check-in, then head out on an introductory game drive until sunset, getting to know your guide and fellow travellers as the wildlife watching begins.
Day 2 / Maasai Mara National Reserve
Spend a full day in the Maasai Mara National Reserve with picnic lunches, exploring the plains, acacia woodland and river courses that make up the reserve. On a group-joining safari, your group agrees with the guide when to wait at a sighting and when to move on, whether that means watching a pride of lions at rest or covering ground in search of cheetahs, elephants and the herds of the plains. The day ends back at camp with dinner.
Day 3 / Maasai Mara → Nakuru
Start the morning with an optional visit to a Maasai community near the reserve, a chance to learn how families live alongside the Mara's wildlife. Then leave the Mara and drive north through the Rift Valley, stopping for lunch and, if you wish, an optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha to look for hippos and waterbirds. Arrive in Nakuru for the night at Buraha Zenoni.
Day 4 / Lake Nakuru National Park → Amboseli
Enter Lake Nakuru National Park for a morning game drive along the lakeshore and through the acacia woodland, looking for rhinos, buffalo and the birdlife that gathers in the shallows. Leave the park before 11am for the long drive south, across the highlands and down to the dry plains of southern Kenya near the Tanzanian border, arriving at Nyati Safari Camp in Amboseli for the night.
Day 5 / Amboseli National Park
A full day in Amboseli National Park, a landscape shaped by Kilimanjaro: the mountain dominates the southern horizon on clear days, and water filtering down from its slopes feeds the swamps that keep the park green. Elephant families spend much of the day in and around these marshes, alongside buffalo, hippos and herons. Explore the open plains and the viewpoint, and enjoy a picnic lunch facing Kilimanjaro.
Day 6 / Amboseli → Nairobi
A sunrise game drive in Amboseli is often the best time to see Kilimanjaro, before the clouds gather around its summit, and the cool morning light suits photographs of elephants on the plains. Return to camp for breakfast, then drive back to Nairobi. If you are travelling on to Mombasa or to Tanzania, we can help arrange the onward connection.
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
Amboseli · 2 nights
The budget camp used for Amboseli nights, with views towards Kilimanjaro on clear days.
About Nyati Safari CampAccommodation pattern: Budget · Miti Mingi Eco Camp + Buraha Zenoni + Nyati Safari Camp.
Prices are in US dollars per person. 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.
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6 days · Kenya
From USD 720 pp
