5 Days 4 Nights Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha Budget Safari

Mara Nakuru Naivasha Safari Overview

Experience Kenya’s wildlife and Great Rift Valley scenery on this Mara Nakuru Naivasha safari from Nairobi. Begin with two nights in the Masai Mara, including an afternoon game drive and a full wildlife day. Afterward, continue to Lake Nakuru for rhino viewing before spending the final night at Lake Naivasha.

This is a group-joining budget safari designed for travelers who want a varied Kenya itinerary at an affordable price. You travel in a shared pop-up-roof safari van with a professional driver-guide and stay in permanent budget tented accommodation in the Masai Mara, followed by simple hotels or resorts in Nakuru and Naivasha.

The standard package includes scheduled game drives, standard park fees, a Lake Naivasha boat safari, Crescent Island guided nature walk, Hell’s Gate National Park, four nights of accommodation, and meals listed in the itinerary.

Safari Highlights

• 5 days / 4 nights from Nairobi
• 2 nights in the Masai Mara
• 1 night in Nakuru
• 1 night at Lake Naivasha
• Afternoon Masai Mara game drive
• Full-day Masai Mara game drive
• Lake Nakuru rhino-viewing opportunities
• Lake Naivasha boat safari
• Crescent Island guided nature walk
• Hell’s Gate National Park visit
• Shared pop-up-roof safari van
• Maximum 7 safari guests per vehicle
• Permanent budget tented accommodation in the Mara
• Standard park and activity fees included
• Meals as listed in the itinerary
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Bottled drinking water
• Nairobi pickup and drop-off
• Kenyan Citizen, Resident and Non-Resident rates available
• Private safari and 4×4 Land Cruiser upgrades available

Safari at a Glance

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Destinations: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha
Additional Experiences: Crescent Island & Hell’s Gate
Start & End: Nairobi
Safari Style: Group-Joining Budget Safari
Transport: Shared pop-up-roof safari van
Maximum Group Size: 7 safari guests per vehicle
Masai Mara: 2 Nights
Lake Nakuru: 1 Night
Lake Naivasha: 1 Night
Accommodation: Budget tented camp + value hotels/resort
Meals: As listed in the itinerary
Boat Safari: Included
Crescent Island: Included
Hell’s Gate: Included
Standard Park Fees: Included
Non-Resident Price: From USD 750 pp
Kenyan Citizen Price: From KES 54,500 pp
Private Safari: Available on request
4×4 Land Cruiser: Available as an upgrade

Safari Route

Nairobi → Masai Mara → Lake Nakuru → Lake Naivasha → Crescent Island → Hell’s Gate → Nairobi

The route moves through the Great Rift Valley without unnecessary backtracking. Two nights in the Masai Mara provide the main wildlife experience. At the same time, the second half of the safari introduces rhino viewing, a freshwater lake, walking, and the volcanic landscapes of Hell’s Gate.

Why Choose This 5 Day Safari?

This itinerary provides more variety than a standard Masai Mara-only budget safari. The Mara delivers classic savannah wildlife, Lake Nakuru adds an important rhino habitat, and Lake Naivasha introduces boat and walking experiences before the journey finishes at Hell’s Gate.

Because the vehicle and guide costs are shared, the safari remains significantly more affordable than a private Land Cruiser tour. At the same time, the standard package includes the main activities rather than advertising a low base price and then adding the Naivasha experiences later.

Wildlife & Rift Valley Experience

The Masai Mara offers opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas and many other plains species. At times, migration herds may enter the wider Mara ecosystem, although exact herd locations and river crossings depend on natural conditions.

Lake Nakuru is particularly important for black and white rhinos and also supports Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, zebras and varied birdlife. Flamingos may occur along the shoreline, although their numbers change with water and feeding conditions.

Lake Naivasha then provides a quieter wildlife experience. You may see hippos and waterbirds during the boat safari, while Crescent Island offers a guided walk among animals such as giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, and gazelles.

Accommodation

The standard package uses practical budget accommodation rather than mid-range or luxury properties.

Masai Mara – Miti Mingi Eco Camp or Similar

Spend two nights at Miti Mingi Eco Camp or a comparable permanent budget tented camp near the Masai Mara. The tents include proper beds and essential facilities, so travelers don’t need to pitch their own ground tents.

Lake Nakuru – Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort or Similar

Spend one night at Buraha Zenoni or a comparable value hotel in the Nakuru area. Staying outside the national park helps keep the group package affordable while providing convenient access for the scheduled wildlife experience.

Lake Naivasha – Leisure Apex Resort or Similar

Spend one night at Leisure Apex Resort or a comparable value property in the Lake Naivasha area. The accommodation provides a practical base for the boat safari, Crescent Island walk and the following morning’s Hell’s Gate experience.

Tunza Tours will confirm the exact properties before payment. If a preferred property is unavailable, the team will propose a comparable alternative and explain any meaningful difference in accommodation standard or price.

Transportation

The standard safari uses a shared customized safari van with a pop-up roof for road transfers and wildlife viewing. The vehicle should carry no more than seven safari guests so each traveler has reasonable access to the viewing roof.

Because this is a group-joining safari, you share the vehicle, guide and daily schedule with other travelers. Therefore, departure times, meal stops and game-drive arrangements provide less flexibility than a private safari.

Travelers who prefer exclusive vehicle use can request a private safari or customized 4×4 Land Cruiser upgrade.

Mara Nakuru Naivasha Safari Price

From USD 750 Per Person Sharing

The lowest advertised price applies to selected low-season confirmed group departures using the shared safari van and standard budget accommodation described on this page.

Solo travelers and couples can join an existing departure, so you do not need to organize a complete group yourself. A single-room supplement may apply when private accommodation is required.

Non-Resident Group-Joining Rates

Higher July–December pricing reflects increased Masai Mara reserve fees and seasonal accommodation demand.

Kenyan Citizen Rates

Eligible residents receive separate quotations because their park and activity rates may differ from Kenyan citizen pricing. Valid identification or residency documents are required for the relevant rate category.

What Your Quotation Will Confirm

Before payment, Tunza Tours will confirm the departure date, accommodation, room arrangement, safari vehicle, park fees, Naivasha activities, meals, and final safari price. Child prices will depend on age, room arrangements and the applicable park and activity categories.

Optional Activities and Upgrades

Masai Mara Hot-Air Balloon Safari

Add a sunrise hot-air balloon safari over the Masai Mara at additional cost. We recommend booking during peak and migration periods.

Maasai Cultural Experience

A community visit can be arranged during the Masai Mara section at additional cost and according to the group schedule.

Hell’s Gate Bicycle Hire

Travelers who want a more active experience can hire a bicycle at Hell’s Gate. The bicycle fee is separate from the standard package.

Private Safari or 4×4 Land Cruiser Upgrade

Travelers who want exclusive vehicle use and greater schedule flexibility can request a private 4×4 Land Cruiser. The final price depends on group size and travel dates.

Accommodation Upgrade

Mid-range or higher-standard camps, lodges and resorts can be quoted separately without changing the basic route.

Best Time to Travel

This safari operates throughout the year. January to March generally offers warm, relatively dry conditions, while April and May bring greener landscapes, fewer visitors and the lowest starting prices.

July to October attracts the strongest demand in the Masai Mara because it overlaps with the broader Great Migration season. However, exact herd positions and river crossings depend on rainfall, grazing conditions and natural animal movement.

November and early December can provide greener scenery and fewer peak-season crowds. Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate remain rewarding throughout the year, although weather and lake conditions can affect outdoor activities.

What to Carry

• Passport or valid identification
• Residency documents when using a resident rate
• Soft-sided travel bag
• Small day bag
• Lightweight safari clothing
• Warm jacket or fleece
• Comfortable closed shoes
• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Camera or smartphone
• Binoculars if available
• Power bank
• Personal medication
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel insurance information
• Light rain jacket during wetter months
• Suitable walking shoes for Crescent Island and Hell’s Gate

Good to Know Before Booking

This is a group-joining budget safari, so you share the safari vehicle and daily schedule with other travelers. Therefore, departure times, comfort stops, and game-drive arrangements offer less flexibility than a private safari.

The standard accommodation is value-focused rather than luxurious. In the Masai Mara, guests stay in permanent safari tents with beds rather than pitching their own tents. In Nakuru and Naivasha, guests stay in simple hotel or resort accommodation.

The Lake Naivasha boat safari, Crescent Island walk and standard Hell’s Gate entry form part of the revised package. However, optional experiences such as bicycle hire, balloon safaris and cultural visits carry additional charges.

Booking and Payment

To check availability, provide your preferred travel date, number of adults, children’s ages, nationality or residency category and room requirements. Tunza Tours will confirm the group departure, accommodation, activities, park fees, and final price before payment.

The USD 750 starting price applies to selected low-season confirmed group departures. Solo travelers and couples may join when seats are available, while child pricing depends on age and accommodation arrangements.

After receiving the required deposit, Tunza Tours will issue written confirmation with the accommodation, pickup details, payment schedule and balance due date.

Cancellation and Changes

Cancellation and amendment conditions depend on travel dates, confirmed accommodation, group-departure arrangements and supplier policies. Peak and festive departures may have stricter payment or cancellation requirements.

Tunza Tours will provide the applicable conditions before payment. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does the Mara Nakuru Naivasha safari cost?

Non-resident rates start from approximately USD 750 pp on selected low-season group departures. Peak July–October departures start from approximately USD 950 pp.

2. Is this safari private?

No. The standard package is group joining. Tunza Tours can arrange a private version at an additional cost.

3. How many people share the safari vehicle?

The standard vehicle carries up to seven safari guests.

4. What vehicle is used?

The standard package uses a shared customized pop-up-roof safari van. A private 4×4 Land Cruiser is available as an upgrade.

5. What accommodation is included?

Preferred standard accommodation includes Miti Mingi Eco Camp, Buraha Zenoni and Leisure Apex Resort or comparable budget alternatives.

6. Is this the same as Tunza’s luxury Naivasha–Nakuru–Mara safari?

No. This package is the budget group-joining version. The luxury package uses private transport and higher-standard accommodation.

7. Are park fees included?

Yes. The standard Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Hell’s Gate fees required for the listed itinerary are included.

8. Is the Lake Naivasha boat ride included?

Yes. The standard package includes a Lake Naivasha boat safari.

9. Is Crescent Island included?

Yes. A guided Crescent Island nature walk forms part of the standard itinerary.

10. Is Hell’s Gate included?

Yes. Standard Hell’s Gate park entry is included. Bicycle hire remains optional.

11. How many nights do we spend in the Masai Mara?

Two nights, providing an arrival-afternoon game drive and one complete wildlife day.

12. Why isn’t there a Mara game drive on Day 3?

Leaving after breakfast avoids another reserve entry and provides enough time for the journey to Lake Nakuru and the afternoon game drive.

13. Are Kenyan citizen rates available?

Yes. Kenyan citizen rates start from approximately KES 54,500 pp on selected low-season group departures.

14. Can solo travelers join?

Yes, subject to a confirmed departure and available space. A single-room supplement may apply.

15. Can children join?

Yes. Tunza Tours calculates child rates based on age, room arrangements, and the relevant park and activity fees.

16. Can we see the Great Migration?

Migration herds may enter the Masai Mara during parts of the migration season, but exact locations and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.

17. Can I add a balloon safari?

Yes. You can arrange a Masai Mara hot-air balloon safari at an additional cost.

18. Can the safari be upgraded?

Yes. You can upgrade the vehicle, accommodation, or the entire safari to a private arrangement.

Why Book With Tunza Tours?

This five-day itinerary combines Kenya’s most famous safari reserve with two contrasting Rift Valley lakes and Hell’s Gate without making the trip unnecessarily long. The Masai Mara provides the main game-viewing experience, Lake Nakuru adds rhinos, while Naivasha introduces boat and walking activities.

The revised package also makes the buying decision much clearer. Customers know the accommodation level, shared vehicle, maximum group size, included activities, park fees and seasonal price before payment.

Tunza Tours operates in Kenya under a Tourism Regulatory Authority License.

Check Group Availability

Send Tunza Tours your preferred dates, number of travelers, children’s ages, nationality or residency category and room preference.

The team will confirm available group departures, accommodation, activities, and the final price before payment.

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