Kenya · Group joining · Budget safari
Kenya's essential circuit in a week
A week covering four of Kenya's best-known destinations: the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha with Crescent Island, and Amboseli beneath Kilimanjaro.
From USD 840 pp
The journey in brief
The experience
Our seven-day budget circuit is one of the most complete short Kenya safaris. It suits solo travellers, couples and friends who want to see a lot without paying for private transport.
You spend two nights in the Maasai Mara, cross the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, including a walk on Crescent Island, then finish with two nights in Amboseli.
Full days in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli
Rhinos and lakeshore birdlife at Lake Nakuru
Guided walk on Crescent Island, Lake Naivasha
Kilimanjaro views from Amboseli
The route
Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Nakuru
Lake Naivasha
Amboseli
Nairobi
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nakuru → Lake Naivasha → Amboseli → Nairobi
Day by day
Timings are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Nairobi → Maasai Mara
Meet your group in central Nairobi and depart around 8am. The Mara is roughly 250–280 km away, about five hours with stops at the Rift Valley viewpoint and Narok. Lunch and check-in, then an afternoon game drive until sunset.
Day 2 / Maasai Mara National Reserve
A full day in the reserve with packed lunches. Your guide plans the day around where animals are being seen, including the Mara River area.
Day 3 / Maasai Mara → Nakuru
An optional Maasai community visit after breakfast, then the drive to Nakuru via Narok with an optional stop at Lake Naivasha.
Day 4 / Lake Nakuru National Park → Lake Naivasha
A morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, from about 7:30am to midday, then on to Lake Naivasha. In the afternoon, choose optional visits such as Elsamere or a lakeshore sanctuary.
Day 5 / Lake Naivasha → Crescent Island → Amboseli
A boat transfer to Crescent Island for a guided walk among giraffes, zebras and waterbuck, then the drive to Amboseli, arriving in the late afternoon.
Day 6 / Amboseli National Park
A full day in Amboseli with packed lunches: elephant families, swamps and plains, with a picnic in view of Kilimanjaro.
Day 7 / Amboseli → Nairobi
A short morning game drive, then the return to Nairobi, aiming to reach the airport by about 2pm. Guests continuing to Arusha can be dropped at the Namanga border.
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 Apex
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 + Leisure Apex + 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
On your terms
The former home of Joy Adamson on the shore of Lake Naivasha, now a museum and conservation centre.
Look for hippos, fish eagles and pelicans from the water.
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.
Keep exploring
Group joining6 days · Kenya · Group joining
Three classic parks on a budget
Wildlife safari · 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
Group joining9 days · Kenya · Group joining
From the Mara to the coast road
Wildlife safari · Budget
Nine days across southern Kenya: the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate, Amboseli, then Tsavo West and Tsavo East, ending in Nairobi or Mombasa.
Price on request
Group joining5 days · Kenya · Group joining
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
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.
7 days · Kenya
From USD 840 pp
