5 Day Discover Kenya Camping Safari

This affordable Discover Kenya Camping Safari visits top destinations in Kenya, including the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Departing from Nairobi this safari visits the Great Rift Valley Lakes of Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, famous for its massive flocks of flamingos and home to one of the highest concentrations of rhino in Kenya. After game viewing in Naivasha, Hells Gate National Park and Lake Nakuru Park we head south to the famous Masai Mara Reserve.

We spend two days exploring the vast plains of the scenic Masai Mara Reserve teeming with wildlife. The Masai Mara Game Reserve is best known for the annual Great Migration where thousands upon thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migrate between the Masai Mara and Serengeti Park in Tanzania. Home to the Big Five and sizable big cat populations the game viewing in this world-class game reserve is excellent year-round.

From the Masai Mara its back to the bustling city of Nairobi where this fantastic budget Kenya Wildlife Safari comes to an end.

Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha – Kenya

Departing from Kenya’s capital Nairobi this Discover Kenya Camping Safari heads northwest to Lake Naivasha National Park.

We spend the day relaxing on the shores of freshwater Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. Over 400 bird species are found at the papyrus-fringed lake, which is also home to a healthy population of hippos.

At Lake Naivasha we enjoy excellent bird watching and keep an eye open for game in this compact game park. You have the option of going on a short hike near Naivasha or heading into the bush on a bicycle for some game viewing.

Alternatively we can visit nearby Elsamere, formerly the home of Joy Adams, author of Born Free her famous autobiographical novel about her work with a lioness. At Elsamere you have the option of enjoying high tea in the afternoon. Tonight we camp just south of Lake Naivasha inside the Hells Gate National Park. 

Optional Activities: Bicycle hire,High Tea at Elsamere

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Lake Nakuru – Kenya

In the morning we embark on an included game drive in Hells Gate National Park, home to a variety of wildlife.

Named after a narrow break in the tall cliffs in this area, the tiny park established in 1984 covers a mere 68 km² of mostly savannah terrain. Wildlife commonly sighted includes lion, leopard and even cheetah. The game park is also home to zebra, buffalo, baboons and numerous antelope species as well as over 100 bird species.

This afternoon we drive north to Lake Nakuru, a Great Rift Valley soda lake famous for the huge numbers of flamingos found here. In the afternoon we head out into the savannah on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

This recently expanded 180km² game park is home to more than 25 black rhinos, one of the highest concentrations in Kenya, as well as about 70 white rhinos. Wild animals commonly sighted include impala, gazelle, warthog, waterbuck, resident hippos and large tree pythons. Lion, cheetah, buffalo, Rothschild giraffe, eland and leopard also inhabit Lake Nakuru Park. Originally established as a bird sanctuary this national park is home to a wide array of birds, with over 400 resident species as well as various migratory birds.

We spend the night camping inside Lake Nakuru National Park at one of the park’s campsites. Be warned to keep your tents zipped up or the monkeys and baboons may raid your supplies.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Masai Mara Game Reserve – Kenya

On day three we get up early and set off on our final game drive in Lake Nakuru Park. From Lake Nakuru we make our way southwest to the world-renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve, home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Kenya.

Located along the Kenya-Tanzania border the Masai Mara Reserve is best known for the great annual migration that takes place between its vast plains and the Serengeti Park in Tanzania. In the afternoon our game viewing adventure in Masai Mara begins as we enter this game-rich park known for its spectacular scenery. The rolling grasslands inhabited by an abundance of game make for excellent photographic opportunities and game sightings.

We are almost guaranteed to see the Big Five of Africa – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo - in Masai Mara, as well as cheetah, hyena, giraffe and zebra. Masai Mara is also home to hippo, jackal, the bat-eared fox, wildebeest, baboon, warthog and numerous antelope species, such as impala and topi.

The Great Migration as the annual wildebeest migration is called is an awe-inspiring wildlife spectacle where thousands of wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle stampede across the open plains dashing through the Mara River dodging the Nile crocodiles lying in waiting.

Our overnight Safari Camp is located in the Masai Mara Reserve at the foot of Naunare Hills along the scenic banks of the Sekenani River. The safari bush camp features a dining area, bar, shared ablutions and a basic shop.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Masai Mara Game Reserve

We spend today game viewing in the Masai Mara, one of the best game parks in Africa. Our game drives take us in search of the Big Five, the big cats and the abundance of other interesting wild animals found in this beautiful 1500km² game reserve.

The large herds of plains game and plenty of predators move freely between the unfenced Masai Mara and Serengeti Park in Tanzania. You have the option of taking a scenic hot-air balloon ride over the fertile woodlands and open plains of Masai Mara, teeming with wildlife (at extra cost). The Masai Mara Reserve is known as an excellent place for game viewing balloon rides over the open savannah plains.

Optional Activities: Balloon Safari over Masai Mara (must be booked in advancde)

We stay at the Safari Camp in the Masai Mara again tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Nairobi – Kenya

In the morning we enjoy one last game drive in the world-class Masai Mara Game Reserve returning to the hustle and bustle of Nairobi in the afternoon.

This memorable Discover Kenya Camping Safari ends when we arrive in Nairobi, but most people choose to share a meal together at one of Nairobi's excellent restaurants and sample some of the lively nightlife of this vibrant city on the last night.

Optional Activities: Dinner out in Nairobi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch