Kenya · Private or group · Budget safari
The Rift Valley loop at an easier pace
Two nights in the Maasai Mara, a night in Nakuru and two nights by Lake Naivasha, with Hell's Gate and time on the lake.
USD 830–1,030 pp by season
The journey in brief
The experience
This is the Mara–Nakuru–Naivasha loop with an extra night, so you are not rushing. After two nights at Miti Mingi Eco Camp and a morning game drive, you travel north to Nakuru.
Lake Nakuru National Park comes next, then two nights at Leisure Apex by Lake Naivasha. That leaves a full day for Hell's Gate, the lake and optional visits before the short drive back to Nairobi.
Full day and sunrise drives in the Maasai Mara
Lake Nakuru National Park game drive
Two nights by Lake Naivasha
Hell's Gate by bicycle or vehicle, 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
Leave Nairobi in the morning and head west to the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, where the land drops away to a valley floor dotted with volcanic cones. Continue through Narok, the gateway town for the Mara, to Miti Mingi Eco Camp, arriving for a late lunch. Then set out on an evening game drive, a first look at the Maasai Mara before you return to camp for dinner.
Day 2 / Maasai Mara National Reserve
With packed lunches on board, today is given entirely to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Your guide plans the route around where wildlife has been seen recently, and a full day allows time for both the open grasslands, where big cats and grazing herds are often found, and quieter corners along the rivers and woodland edges. Return to camp in the late afternoon, with the evening free to rest.
Day 3 / Maasai Mara → Nakuru
Head out for a game drive from about 6am to 9:30am, the cool hours when predators are often still active. After breakfast, leave the Maasai Mara and drive north through Narok and across the Rift Valley to Nakuru, arriving in the late afternoon. The night is at Buraha Zenoni, close to Lake Nakuru National Park.
Day 4 / Lake Nakuru National Park → Lake Naivasha
Spend about four hours in Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya's key rhino sanctuaries, with both black and white rhinos protected inside its fence. Your drive takes in the rhino sanctuary, the lakeshore, where pelicans, cormorants and, at times, flamingos feed, and the Baboon Cliff viewpoint high above the water. Then drive to Lake Naivasha for the first of two nights at Leisure Apex.
Day 5 / Hell's Gate National Park · Lake Naivasha
Explore Hell's Gate National Park by bicycle or with your guide in the vehicle. With no need to rush, there is time to stop beneath Fischer's Tower and the red cliffs, watch zebras and giraffes graze on the valley floor and then walk through the gorge with a guide. Spend the afternoon at leisure by Lake Naivasha, or take an optional boat ride to look for hippos, pelicans and fish eagles.
Day 6 / Lake Naivasha → Nairobi
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with no early start before leaving Lake Naivasha. The drive back to Nairobi takes about two hours depending on traffic, climbing out of the Rift Valley on the escarpment road for a last look across the valley floor. Your safari ends on arrival in the city, with time to rest before your onward plans.
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 · 2 nights
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 830 per person
High seasonUSD 1,030 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
Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.
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.
6 days · Kenya
USD 830–1,030 pp by season
