Skip to main content
Absolute Holiday Safaris
Two white rhinos grazing with a pink line of flamingos behind

Kenya · Group joining · Budget safari

4 Days Maasai Mara & Lake Nakuru Budget Safari

Savannah and a Rift Valley lake

Two nights in the Maasai Mara, then a night in Nakuru and a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its rhino sanctuary and lakeshore birdlife.

  • 4 days
  • Kenya
  • Wildlife safari

From USD 420 pp

The journey in brief

Duration
4 days
Destinations
Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru
Start
Nairobi
End
Nairobi
Travel type
Group joining
Accommodation
Budget
Transport
4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, shared with other travellers on the same departure.
Price
From USD 420 pp

The experience

At a glance.

One of Kenya's best-loved short combinations. The Maasai Mara gives you open plains and big herds; Lake Nakuru National Park adds a protected population of black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffe and a lake that can be ringed with flamingos.

After two nights at Miti Mingi Eco Camp you travel to Nakuru, with an optional stop at Lake Naivasha, and stay at Buraha Zenoni before the final morning in the park.

Highlights

  • 01

    Afternoon and full-day drives in the Maasai Mara

  • 02

    Optional Maasai community visit

  • 03

    Rhino sanctuary and lakeshore at Lake Nakuru

  • 04

    Optional boat ride at Lake Naivasha on the way

The route

Your journey.

  1. Stop 01

    Nairobi

  2. Stop 02

    Maasai Mara

  3. Stop 03

    Nakuru

  4. Stop 04

    Lake Nakuru National Park

  5. Stop 05

    Nairobi

Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nakuru → Lake Nakuru National Park → Nairobi

Send to a friend

Day by day

The journey, in detail.

Timings are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.

  1. Cheetah crouched low in golden grass

    Day 1 / Nairobi → Maasai Mara

    To the Mara

    Leave Nairobi in the morning and stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint before continuing through Narok to the Maasai Mara. Arrive at camp for a hot lunch and check-in, then head out for an introductory afternoon game drive.

    Timing
    Drive approx. 5–6 hours
    Meals
    Lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Miti Mingi Eco Camp · Maasai Mara
  2. Male lion and lioness pressed close together

    Day 2 / Maasai Mara National Reserve

    Full day in the Mara

    A full day in the reserve with packed lunches, covering open plains and the Mara River area, with a picnic in the bush.

    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Miti Mingi Eco Camp · Maasai Mara
  3. Pelicans taking off from the water

    Day 3 / Maasai Mara → Nakuru

    Maasai visit and Nakuru

    An optional Maasai community visit after breakfast, then leave for Nakuru between 9 and 10am. There is an optional stop at Lake Naivasha for a boat ride or lakeshore walk, arranged at extra cost.

    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Buraha Zenoni · Nakuru
  4. Flamingos crowding the shallows of Lake Nakuru

    Day 4 / Lake Nakuru National Park → Nairobi

    Lake Nakuru and Nairobi

    Breakfast, then a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park: the lakeshore, the rhino sanctuary and the forested slopes where Rothschild's giraffe browse. Drive back to Nairobi in the afternoon.

    Meals
    Breakfast and lunch
    Overnight
    Journey ends · Nairobi

Where you stay

Room to settle in.

This budget safari uses the camps and hotels listed below. Where a stop says 'camp/lodge', we confirm the property with your quote.

Accommodation pattern: Budget · Miti Mingi Eco Camp + Buraha Zenoni.

Pricing

A clear way forward.

From USD 420 per person

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

What is included.

Included

  • Transport in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing
  • Park and reserve entrance fees for the parks in the itinerary
  • Game drives as described in the itinerary
  • Accommodation as listed for each night
  • Meals as listed for each day
  • Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi

Not included

  • International flights and visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities, such as a Maasai village visit or boat ride
  • Drinks, unless stated
  • Tips for your guide and camp staff
  • Items of a personal nature

Before you travel

Good to know.

  • Travel documents

    Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.

  • Health and insurance

    Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.

  • Luggage

    A soft bag is easiest in safari vehicles. If any part of your trip includes light-aircraft flights, baggage limits apply.

  • Seasons

    Weather and wildlife movement change through the year. Tell us your dates and we will explain what to expect.

Questions travellers ask

A few useful answers.

Can this itinerary be changed?

Group-joining safaris follow the published route so everyone travels together. If you want changes, ask us about running the route privately.

Is the price per person?

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.

What happens after I enquire?

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.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings vary. Your guide will plan each day around conditions to give you the best chances.

Keep exploring

  • Cheetah resting under a tree with a cub

    4 days · Kenya · Private or group

    4 Days Maasai Mara & Lake Nakuru Midrange Safari

    Kenya's favourite short combination, in comfort

    Wildlife safari · Mid-range

    Two nights at a lodge in the Maasai Mara and a night at Buraha Zenoni in Nakuru, with a morning in Lake Nakuru National Park before returning to Nairobi.

    Price on request

  • Lioness and cubs on a fallen log in golden grassGroup joining

    4 days · Kenya · Group joining

    4 Days Kenya Safari Holiday – Maasai Mara & Lake Nakuru

    Mara plains and Nakuru's rhinos, with lodge stays

    Wildlife safari · Mid-range

    A mid-range version of the Mara–Nakuru route: two lodge nights in the Maasai Mara, a night at Buraha Zenoni in Nakuru and a final game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

    Price on request

  • Male lion walking across open ground in golden lightGroup joining

    5 days · Kenya · Group joining

    5 Days Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha Budget Safari

    Kenya's classic Rift Valley loop

    Wildlife safari · Budget

    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 840 pp

The next step

Ready to shape this safari around you?

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?

Tell us what you have in mind.

If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.

4 days · Kenya

From USD 420 pp

Plan this safari
WhatsApp