If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing lions on the hunt, hippos in the river, or flamingos painting a lake pink, Kenya’s safari circuit is a must. The Masai Mara, often called the ‘Wildlife Safari Capital of the World‘ offers unmatched big cat sightings, while Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru bring in a mix of birdlife, rhinos, and dramatic landscapes – the ultimate wilderness experience.
The best part? Traveling during the off-season (April–May or November) makes it budget-friendly, with fewer crowds and greener scenery.
This 5-day, 4-night budget-friendly plan balances adventure, culture, and relaxation – without burning a hole in your pocket.
5-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Lake Naivasha
- Morning: Arrive in Nairobi. Join a shared safari van for the journey.
- Drive: Head towards the Great Rift Valley (~2 hrs). Stop at scenic viewpoints for photos.
- Afternoon: Boat ride on Lake Naivasha (~US $30 for two) to spot hippos, birds, and giraffes along the shore.
- Optional: Visit Crescent Island (walking safari with zebras & antelopes, entry ~US $25 pp).
- Evening: Overnight at a budget lodge or guesthouse near Naivasha.
Day 2: Lake Naivasha → Lake Nakuru National Park
- Morning: Depart Naivasha (~1.5 hrs drive).
- Safari: Enjoy game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park – famous for rhinos, flamingos, giraffes, and lions.
- Lunch: Picnic or affordable lodge lunch inside the park.
- Afternoon: Continue game drive until late afternoon.
- Evening: Overnight at a budget hotel in Nakuru town.
Day 3: Nakuru → Masai Mara
- Morning: Early breakfast, then drive (~5 hrs) to Masai Mara.
- Afternoon: Check in at a budget tented camp near the park gate.
- Evening: Optional short evening game drive (or relax at camp)
- Dinner & Overnight: Budget tented camp (full board)
Day 4: Full-Day Masai Mara Safari
- Morning–Afternoon: Full-day game drive with packed lunch.
- Highlights: Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), cheetahs, wildebeests, and hippos in the Mara River.
- Evening: Return to camp, bonfire, and cultural dance (some camps offer free Masai dance shows).
- Overnight: Budget camp.
Day 5: Masai Mara → Nairobi
- Early Morning: Short sunrise game drive (optional if budget allows).
- Breakfast: Back at camp.
- Drive: Return to Nairobi by shared van (~6 hrs).
- Afternoon: Drop off at airport/hotel
Estimated Budget for 2 People (5 Days)
|
Item |
Cost (USD) |
|
Transport (shared safari van for 5 days) |
$250–300 |
|
Accommodation (4 nights budget stays) |
$250–320 |
|
Park Fees – Masai Mara (2 days x $80 x 2 people) |
$320 |
|
Park Fees – Lake Nakuru (1 day x $70 x 2 people) |
$140 |
|
Activities (Naivasha boat ride + optional Crescent Island) |
$55–80 |
|
Meals (outside camps) |
~$100 |
|
Miscellaneous (tips, snacks, entry to Maasai village $20 pp) |
~$60 |
|
Total (approx.) |
$1200 – 1500 for 2 people (INR 1,10,000 – 1,35,000) |
|
|
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Budget Tips:
- Off-season rates mean more flexibility – bargain with lodges for discounts.
- Stay in budget tented camps just outside park gates – cheaper but still close.
- Carry snacks/water from Nairobi → saves money inside parks.
Travel Safety Tips:
- In order to travel to Africa,
- Yellow Fever vaccination is a mandatory requirement for travelers coming from or transiting through certain high-risk areas.
- For travel to Kenya, other recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Polio.
- Meningitis vaccine is recommended for travelers visiting during the dry season (December–June).
- All international visitors require an (eTA), along with a valid passport lasting at least six months beyond entry and two blank pages, confirmed flight details, and proof of accommodation.
- Always confirm the latest requirements for your nationality and any specific health guidelines on the official government portal or with your airline.
How to Travel?
You can take a flight from Mumbai to Delhi, to Nairobi (Kenya’s capital city) and arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The airlines that can facilitate this include
- Direct flights (non-stop): Air India operates a direct service New Delhi → Nairobi (Flight time – approx. 7 hours)
- One-stop / Two-stop Options: Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), KLM / Lufthansa (via Amsterdam/Frankfurt) and several Indian carriers with connections (IndiGo, Vistara/others via hubs). You can book through these when directs are unavailable or expensive.
- Best low-fares could range from USD 35000 – 45000 for via locations. However, Kenya Airways and Air India direct/official fares are often higher – could cost INR 50,000 – 1,00,000/- depending on the dates and travel period for a round trip.
Visa for Kenya Travel
- Indian Passport Holders must apply for Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before travel. The eTA application/fee and process have to be completed online — and travelling without prior approval is not permitted. For detailed information and online application, you must visit Home.
A 5-day safari through Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara is proof that Kenya can be both breathtaking and budget-friendly. From gliding past hippos on Lake Naivasha to spotting rhinos in Lake Nakuru and witnessing the Big Five in Masai Mara, this trip balances adventure, culture, and affordability.
