Kenya · Group joining · Budget safari
From the Mara to the coast road
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
The journey in brief
The experience
This is Kenya at length. Starting from Nairobi, you spend two nights in the Maasai Mara before travelling to Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate. From there you head south to Amboseli for elephants and Kilimanjaro views.
The final days are in Tsavo, Kenya's largest protected area, with Mzima Springs in Tsavo West and the open country of Tsavo East. You can finish in Mombasa for time at the coast or return to Nairobi.
Two nights in the Maasai Mara
Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park
A full day in Amboseli
Mzima Springs and Tsavo East's red elephants
The route
Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Lake Naivasha
Amboseli
Tsavo West
Tsavo East
Mombasa or Nairobi
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Lake Naivasha → Amboseli → Tsavo West → Tsavo East → Mombasa or 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. After a short rest at camp, head out on an evening game drive.
Day 2 / Maasai Mara National Reserve
A full day exploring the reserve's grasslands, with a picnic lunch near the hippo pools.
Day 3 / Maasai Mara → Lake Naivasha
An early game drive from about 6 to 9:30am, then breakfast and the drive back up the Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha.
Day 4 / Hell's Gate National Park · Lake Naivasha
A nature walk or game drive in Hell's Gate National Park, then free time by Lake Naivasha with an optional boat ride.
Day 5 / Lake Naivasha → Nairobi → Amboseli
Drive via Nairobi to Amboseli, with an evening game drive if time allows.
Day 6 / Amboseli National Park
Game drives across the swamps and plains, where elephants and hippos gather, with Kilimanjaro's summit visible when the weather allows.
Day 7 / Amboseli → Tsavo West National Park
A morning drive in Amboseli, then on to Tsavo West, visiting Mzima Springs, where hippos and fish can be seen in clear water.
Day 8 / Tsavo West → Tsavo East National Park
A dawn game drive, then cross to Tsavo East, known for large numbers of elephants. In the afternoon, visit Aruba dam.
Day 9 / Tsavo East → Mombasa or Nairobi
A final morning game drive, then drop-off at a Mombasa hotel or the return to Nairobi for onward travel.
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
Lake Naivasha · 2 nights
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 CampTsavo West · 1 night
Tsavo East · 1 night
Accommodation pattern: Budget · Miti Mingi Eco Camp + Leisure Apex + Nyati Safari Camp + Other stops: overnight at the camp/lodge.
This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know 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.
Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.
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.
9 days · Kenya
Price on request
