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 840 pp
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
Leave Nairobi in the morning and stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint before continuing through Narok to the Maasai Mara. Arrive in the late afternoon for check-in and an evening game drive.
Day 2 / Maasai Mara National Reserve
More than eight hours in the reserve with packed lunches, crossing the grasslands towards the Mara River. In the evening, take an optional village visit or relax at camp.
Day 3 / Maasai Mara → Nakuru
An early game drive until about 9am, then breakfast and the drive north to Nakuru, with an optional stop at Lake Naivasha.
Day 4 / Lake Nakuru National Park → Lake Naivasha
A game drive of about four hours in Lake Nakuru National Park, visiting the rhino sanctuary, the lakeshore and Baboon Cliff. Then drive to Lake Naivasha for a free evening with an optional boat ride.
Day 5 / Hell's Gate → Nairobi
Cycle the 14 km down to the gorge or drive with your guide, then walk through the gorge 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.
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.
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 840 pp
