8 Days Savannah, Lakes & Kilimanjaro Safari
An Affordable Kenya Safari from Mara Plains to Kilimanjaro
8
1
Masai Mara Big Five game drives across Kenya's legendary savannah plains
Great Wildebeest Migration experience during the seasonal migration period
Black and white rhino sightings at Lake Nakuru National Park
Rothschild's giraffes and diverse birdlife around Lake Nakuru
Scenic Lake Naivasha landscapes with hippos and abundant waterbirds
Hell's Gate National Park adventure among dramatic cliffs, gorges and volcanic formations
Walking or cycling safari experience at Hell's Gate, subject to arrangements and conditions
Large elephant herds in Amboseli National Park across its open savannahs and wetlands
Iconic Mount Kilimanjaro views from the Amboseli plains
Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes connecting Kenya's wildlife destinations
Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for comfortable game viewing
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide throughout the journey
Comfortable budget safari lodges, camps and hotels offering excellent value
Excellent wildlife and landscape photography opportunities across five distinctive destinations
Optional Maasai cultural experiences in the Masai Mara or Amboseli area
A diverse 8-day Kenya wildlife and adventure journey from Nairobi
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), you will be warmly welcomed by your Pita Safaris representative and transferred to your comfortable budget hotel in Nairobi. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your flight or, if time permits, enjoy optional excursions such as Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, or the Karen Blixen Museum before your unforgettable Kenya budget safari begins.
Your safari consultant will also provide a briefing about the upcoming journey, including the itinerary, wildlife viewing expectations, accommodation arrangements, and practical safari information.
Day 2: Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Nairobi in your private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser and journey through the spectacular Great Rift Valley towards the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views before continuing through Narok and the scenic Maasai countryside towards your carefully selected budget safari lodge or camp.
Arrive in time for lunch before setting out on your first exciting afternoon game drive across the endless savannah plains of the Masai Mara. Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, antelopes, and many other wildlife species.
Your professional English-speaking safari driver-guide will help you discover the remarkable wildlife, landscapes, and ecosystems that make the Masai Mara one of Africa's most celebrated safari destinations.
Day 3: Full Day Masai Mara National Reserve
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Masai Mara National Reserve on private game drives accompanied by your professional safari driver-guide. This is one of the major highlights of your Kenya budget safari, offering excellent opportunities to search for the legendary Big Five while experiencing the extraordinary diversity of the Mara ecosystem.
Look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, ostriches, and abundant birdlife.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve or return to your budget safari accommodation for lunch before continuing your afternoon wildlife adventure.
Between July and October, the Masai Mara can become part of the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, when huge herds of wildebeests and zebras move through the ecosystem. Depending on seasonal movements, you may witness large herds, predator activity, and potentially dramatic river crossings.
Optional experiences include an early morning Hot Air Balloon Safari, a traditional Maasai cultural village visit, or other locally arranged cultural experiences.
Day 4: Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru National Park
Enjoy an early morning game drive before breakfast as the African wilderness awakens. This is an excellent time to search for predators and other wildlife while enjoying the soft morning light across the Masai Mara plains.
After the game drive, return to your accommodation for breakfast and check-out before travelling through the scenic Great Rift Valley towards Lake Nakuru National Park.
Watch the landscapes change from open Masai Mara savannah to rolling hills, agricultural areas, forests, and spectacular Rift Valley scenery.
Arrive at your budget-friendly safari lodge near Lake Nakuru in time for lunch before enjoying an afternoon game drive. Search for black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, baboons, flamingos, pelicans, and numerous other wildlife and bird species.
Lake Nakuru provides an excellent opportunity to combine wildlife viewing with beautiful lakeside and Great Rift Valley landscapes.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Explore the park's acacia woodlands, grasslands, rocky viewpoints, and lakeshore habitats while searching for black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, baboons, and diverse birdlife.
After the game drive, depart Lake Nakuru and continue through the spectacular Great Rift Valley towards Lake Naivasha.
Arrive at your budget-friendly accommodation near Lake Naivasha and enjoy lunch before relaxing around the lake. Depending on your arrival time and selected package, optional activities may include a boat ride on Lake Naivasha or a visit to Crescent Island, where available.
Lake Naivasha is particularly appealing for nature lovers and birdwatchers, with opportunities to see hippos, fish eagles, pelicans, flamingos, and other water-associated wildlife.
Day 6: Lake Naivasha - Hell's Gate National Park - Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, depart Lake Naivasha and travel to nearby Hell's Gate National Park, one of Kenya's most distinctive wildlife destinations. The park is famous for its dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and unique opportunity for guided walking or cycling experiences.
Enjoy a guided nature walk or optional bicycle safari through designated areas of Hell's Gate, where you may encounter zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, gazelles, baboons, and numerous bird species.
After exploring Hell's Gate, continue your journey south towards Amboseli National Park. The route takes you through changing Kenyan landscapes as you travel towards the famous Amboseli ecosystem.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an afternoon or early evening game drive in the Amboseli area. Search for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, and other wildlife while watching for the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop on clear days.
Day 7: Full Day Amboseli National Park
Spend a full day exploring Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya's most iconic wildlife destinations and one of the best places in Africa to experience large elephant herds.
Begin with an early morning game drive when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is often more active. On clear mornings, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising dramatically above the Amboseli plains.
Continue with morning and afternoon game drives across the park's open savannahs, seasonal wetlands, woodland areas, and wildlife-rich habitats. Search for elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, hippos, and numerous bird species.
The park is especially famous for its elephant photography, with the opportunity to capture memorable images of elephants against the iconic Kilimanjaro landscape.
Enjoy lunch at your budget safari accommodation before continuing your afternoon wildlife adventure.
Optional experiences include a visit to a traditional Maasai village or other locally arranged cultural experiences, providing an opportunity to learn about local traditions, lifestyles, music, and community heritage.
Day 8: Amboseli - Nairobi / Departure
Enjoy an early morning game drive in Amboseli National Park, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures, active wildlife, and potential clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Search for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, and other wildlife while enjoying your final safari experience.
Return to your accommodation for breakfast before checking out and beginning your journey back to Nairobi.
Travel through the changing landscapes of southern Kenya as you make your way towards the capital. Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon for drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your onward flight, or at your Nairobi hotel if you are extending your stay.
Your 8 Day Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate & Amboseli Budget Kenya Safari concludes with unforgettable memories of the Big Five, rhino encounters, Great Rift Valley scenery, Lake Naivasha's natural beauty, Hell's Gate's dramatic landscapes, Amboseli's magnificent elephant herds, and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife Experience
Key reserves, habitats, and wildlife encounters on this safari route
Excellent wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Great Wildebeest Migration experience (seasonal)
Black & White Rhino viewing at Lake Nakuru
Rothschild's giraffes and diverse birdlife
Hippos and waterbirds around Lake Naivasha
Zebras, giraffes, buffaloes and gazelles at Hell's Gate
Large elephant herds in Amboseli National Park
Cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, zebras and wildebeests
Spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro views from Amboseli
Dramatic volcanic landscapes and gorges at Hell's Gate
Excellent African sunrise and sunset photography
Diverse wildlife across Kenya's savannah, lake, forest, and volcanic ecosystems
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months for wildlife viewing and safari experiences in East Africa
Inclusions
Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser throughout the safari
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
Budget hotel accommodation in Nairobi
Budget safari lodge or camp in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Budget safari lodge near Lake Nakuru National Park
Budget accommodation near Lake Naivasha
Budget safari lodge or camp in the Amboseli area
Full board meals during the safari as specified in the itinerary
All scheduled private game drives as per the itinerary
Park entrance fees to Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Hell's Gate National Park, and Amboseli National Park
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Nairobi airport or hotel transfers
Scheduled Hell's Gate National Park visit as included in the itinerary
Government taxes and statutory levies
Lake Naivasha boat ride
Crescent Island visit
Exclude
International and domestic flights
Kenya visa fees (where applicable)
Comprehensive travel insurance
Drinks, beverages, and personal expenses
Tips and gratuities for your safari guide and accommodation staff
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Masai Mara
Optional Maasai cultural village visits
Optional Nairobi excursions
Optional guided activities or bicycle hire at Hell's Gate where applicable
Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
Accommodation upgrades
Personal shopping, souvenirs, laundry, and other incidental expenses
Travel Tips
Practical advice to help you prepare for a smooth and rewarding safari
- Best time: July–October for the Great Wildebeest Migration and excellent wildlife viewing
- June–October generally offers excellent game viewing and comfortable safari conditions
- January–March is another excellent period for wildlife viewing, with generally dry conditions
- April–June can offer lush green scenery, fewer visitors, and potentially better accommodation value
- Book early during the Great Migration and festive seasons to secure your preferred budget accommodation
- Pack lightweight clothing, a warm jacket, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a camera, binoculars, extra memory cards, and spare batteries for wildlife photography
- Carry some cash for tips, drinks, souvenirs, cultural visits, and optional activities
- Start early on game-drive days for the best wildlife activity and cooler temperatures
- Consider a private safari if you prefer greater flexibility and personalized game drives
- Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate offer excellent opportunities to add variety beyond traditional game drives
- Early morning in Amboseli often provides some of the best opportunities for Mount Kilimanjaro views
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this safari itinerary and travelling with Pita Safaris
What is included in the 8 Day Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate & Amboseli Budget Safari?
Is this a private or shared Kenya budget safari?
What wildlife can I expect to see during this Kenya budget safari?
Can I see the Great Wildebeest Migration during this safari?
Can I see Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli?
What can I do at Lake Naivasha?
Can I visit Hell's Gate National Park on foot or by bicycle?
How long is the drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara National Reserve?
Is this Kenya budget safari suitable for first-time visitors?
Can I upgrade the budget accommodation?
Photo Gallery
Explore the beauty of our safari destinations through our photo gallery
Related Safaris
4 Days Mara Big Five Escape Safari
Kenya
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport · Nairobi · Masai Mara National Reserve · Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
6 Days Savannah Wilderness Outposts Safari
Tanzania
Kilimanjaro International Airport · Arusha · Arusha National Park · Arusha · Tarangire National Park · Lake Manyara National Park · Ngorongoro Highlands · Ngorongoro Crater · Kilimanjaro International Airport
10-Day Aberdares, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Nakuru, Naivasha & Masai Mara Safari
Kenya
Nairobi · Aberdare National Park · Samburu National Reserve · Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Lake Nakuru National Park · Lake Naivasha · Masai Mara National Reserve · Nairobi
- $ Per Person