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Masai Mara Safari, Kenya by Michael Herrera

8 Day Kenya Family Safari to Masai Mara Lodge & More

Tour Length8 days
Priced from pps $2298 R43566 £1806 2113 A$3504 C$3110 NZ$3778 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Safari

  • Max. Group Size 8 Travellers
  • Starts & ends in Nairobi, Kenya
  • Transport Game Viewing Vehicle / 4x4 Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Chimpanzees, Exceptional Birding, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

This private Kenya Family Safari takes you to an exciting mix of top Kenya safari destinations offering loads of activities to keep you and the kids enthralled.

After a short stay in Nairobi, you are whisked off to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, near Mount Kenya. At Sweetwaters Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta, you have the unique experience of meeting our closest relatives in Kenya's only chimpanzee rescue center. Then it is on to Lake Nakuru National Park for superb game viewing and bird watching, before exploring Hell's Gate National Park on foot or by bicycle. Next, take an optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha. Then we head to our authentic Masai Mara lodge and the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Here we look out for the Big 5 of Africa and a rich array of other wildlife, before visiting a local Maasai village to get a taste of traditional Kenyan culture. 

Accommodation on this private Kenya Safari is at family-friendly safari lodges and luxury tented camps. The trip is designed to keep driving distances to a minimum making this the ideal mid-range African safari for families with children

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Nairobi – Kenya

On day one of this budget-friendly Kenya Family Safari, you arrive in Nairobi, where you and your family will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Kenya's capital, Nairobi, is jam-packed with activities to suit all tastes. Visit the world-famous David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or go for a stroll in the Karura Forest. Alternatively, find a cafe and sample some genuine Kenyan coffee on Kenyan soil.

The first day is yours to explore the city or relax at the hotel and enjoy the rooftop swimming pool.

  • Travel: Transfer from airport to hotel
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Nairobi

Day 2: Nairobi to Sweetwaters & Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Kenya

After breakfast on day two of our Kenya Family Safari, you are collected from the hotel in Nairobi. From there you are driven north towards Mount Kenya. The whole afternoon is spent visiting rescued chimpanzees at Sweetwaters game ranch.

Set inside the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweetwaters gives rescued chimps a second chance at a normal life. Sweetwaters is Kenya's only sanctuary for the rehabilitation of chimpanzees. Numbering nearly 40 animals, Sweetwaters provides an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. The chimps are split into two groups separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River. You and your family will have the opportunity to learn all about our closest relatives, as well as other African wildlife! The Conservancy is also a dedicated black rhino breeding area making it an unforgettable stopover.

In the evening we enjoy dinner and spend the night at a tented camp. Sweetwaters is geared towards families and there are activities that will keep everyone engaged from board games and camel rides to lion tracking and night drives.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Travel: 220km (about 3.5hrs)
  • Accommodation: Tented safari camp at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
  • Included Activities: Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary
  • Optional activities (own cost): Night game drive, guided bird walks, lion tracking (morning only), board games and library, camel rides, tree planting, and watercolor painting

Day 3: Sweetwaters to Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya

This morning, we leave Sweetwaters after breakfast and head for Lake Nakuru National Park. We arrive at our safari lodge in good time for lunch and after a refreshing stop, head out for an afternoon game drive.

Lake Nakuru, a soda lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley is rich in birdlife and home to over 400 different species. Its claim to fame, however, is its large flocks of seasonal flamingos. The sight of millions of flamingoes making the lake appear ringed in pink is spectacular. In addition to the abundant birdlife, it is also an important haven for the endangered species of Rothschild's giraffe and both black and white rhino. The first national park visited on our Kenya Family Safari, Lake Nakuru is rich in wildlife. Our game drive gives you and your family the chance to spot lions, waterbuck, buffalo, baboons, zebras, hippos, and much more.

This evening we settle down at our family-friendly safari lodge overlooking Lake Nakuru and its wild surroundings. Sit back and relax, taking in the lovely views, swimming in the pool, and enjoying a hearty meal.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Travel: 300km (about 4.5hrs)
  • Accommodation: Safari lodge overlooking Lake Nakuru
  • Activities: Game drive, Lake Nakuru National Park

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Hell's Gate National Park – Kenya

On day four of this budget Kenya Family Safari, we indulge in a leisurely breakfast before driving to Lake Naivasha. Reaching Lake Naivasha, we visit the nearby Hell's Gate National Park which can be explored without a safari vehicle.

Hell's Gate National Park is characterized by diverse topography and stunning geological scenery. It is a rarity in Kenya because, due to a lack of large predators like lions, you can explore on foot. While exploring the park you can see African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, baboon, and over 100 bird species including vulture, Verreaux’s eagle, augur buzzards, and swifts. Rare lammergeier vultures, as well as Chandler’s mountain reedbuck and klipspringer antelope also inhabit the park.

To get the most out of Hell's Gate, visitors are encouraged to hire bicycles (own cost) and explore nature's wonders.

After an active day of exploring Kenya, we drive to one of two comfortable safari lodges near Lake Naivasha for a tasty meal and a laid-back evening. We usually stay at a family-friendly safari lodge located along the shores of Lake Naivasha on expansive grounds where giraffes, monkeys, and waterbuck are regularly spotted, with hippos grazing on the lawns at night. Alternatively, we stay at another family-friendly safari lodge near Lake Naivasha, boasting large grounds with plenty of recreational activities for the whole family.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Travel: about 100km (about 1.5hrs)
  • Accommodation: Family-friendly safari lodge at Lake Naivasha
  • Activities: Hell's Gate National Park
  • Optional activities (own cost): Bicycle ride in Hell's Gate

Day 5: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

There is time to relax after breakfast this morning or take an optional boat ride (own expense) on Lake Naivasha. This boat trip offers the more adventurous a different perspective on the land-based animals, exceptional scenery, and plenty of up-close hippo encounters.

After your morning adventures, we set off for the world-famous Masai Mara National Park, the highlight of many a Kenya Safari! We travel to Masai Mara via the scenic Great Rift Valley and arrive at our camp in time for lunch. Then you have time to settle in and relax before our thrilling afternoon game drive in Masai Mara.

The iconic Masai Mara National Reserve is the backdrop for our amazing full-afternoon game drive. Welcome to the great plains of Africa! Masai Mara is an unfenced wilderness area that stretches over more than 579 mi² (1500 km²). The national reserve is home to the most famous East African tribe, the Maasai, whom you will see alongside the road herding cattle in their red robes. Masai Mara is home to herds of wildebeest, zebra, and other antelope as well as giraffe and buffalo. There are plenty of predators too with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. We stay out until dusk when the animals are at their most active.

Day five of our budget Kenya Family Safari ends at our overnight safari lodge, arriving in time for dinner. We stay at one of two luxury tented camps near Masai Mara National Reserve. One of the tented camps is situated along the Oloirigynyisho River, looking out over Oloolotikoshi Hills. This comfortable camp offers beautiful sunset views and frequent sightings of zebras, wildebeests, elephants, and other wildlife at the river. The other mid-range safari camp is also close to Masai Mara Reserve, providing an authentic African safari experience in comfort and style, surrounded by the untamed bush.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Travel: about 250km (about 5.5hrs)
  • Accommodation: Tented safari camp near Masai Mara
  • Activities: Masai Mara National Reserve game drive
  • Optional activities (own cost): morning boat ride on Lake Naivasha

Day 6: Masai Mara National Reserve & Maasai Village – Kenya

On day six, we rise with the sun in the great African wilderness of Masai Mara National Reserve. We set off on an early morning game drive before returning to safari camp for breakfast. The cool morning is perfect for seeing the wild game at their most active before the heat of the day sets in. We return to the base camp where you can relax and soak up the wild African setting at your leisure.

After lunch, we embark on a two-hour nature walk with a local Maasai guide. The Maasai have lived on these plains for centuries and your guide will share his experience and expertise with you. Learn about the fauna and flora of the region and the way that the Maasai people use the plants. Your guide will teach you the hidden secrets of the African savannah, like how to find medicine in the bush and how to track wildlife and birds. In addition to this, your children can learn some bush survival tips like knowing how to behave in the presence of wild animals.

After this thoroughly informative and fascinating excursion, visit the Maasai manyattas. At this local village, a local Maasai guide will give you an intriguing account of the Maasai people and their age-old traditions. You will have the opportunity to see first-hand an ancient way of life that still survives on the plains of Mara today. Finally, participate shoulder-to-shoulder in some local Maasai traditional dances.

As the sun sets on a fulfilling day on safari in Kenya, return to your scenic tented safari camp for dinner and a relaxing overnight surrounded by nature.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Travel: Game drive in Masai Mara
  • Accommodation: Tented safari camp near Masai Mara
  • Activities: Masai Mara National Park, game drive, Masai nature walk, Maasai Manyatta visit

Day 7: Masai Mara Safari – Kenya

Spend a full day exploring the Masaai Mara National Park on day seven of your budget Kenya Family Safari. We go in search of the Big Five of Africa and the Great Migration (in season). From July to October, you are likely to see the spectacular annual wildebeest migration. There is also an option (own expense) to take an unforgettable hot air balloon safari. Dinner is served back at the well-equipped safari camp, where we spend the evening telling tales around the campfire and gazing at the stars.

The famous Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most popular and most visited wildlife sanctuary. It was used as the location of the well-known film ‘Out of Africa’ because of its spectacular scenery and outstanding natural beauty. Mara is home to a huge variety of plains wildlife from wildebeest and zebra to lions, cheetah, and hyenas. From July to August the park hosts one of nature's truly great events. Millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migrate from the Serengeti, across the Tanzania border and the Mara River to reach the sweetgrass plains of the Masaai Mara National Park. It is awash with high drama. Crocodiles lurk in the river and lions and other predators lie in ambush in the long grass. In addition to the unforgettable game-viewing experience, about 452 species of birds have been recorded in this Kenyan national park.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Travel: Big 5 game drive
  • Accommodation: Tented safari camp near Masai Mara
  • Activities: Masai Mara National Park, Big 5 game drive.

Day 8: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Kenya

After a leisurely breakfast, we exit Masai Mara and drive back to Nairobi, taking a packed lunch to enjoy along the way. In the afternoon we visit the famous Giraffe Centre in Nairobi. Here you have the chance to feed the giraffes by hand - a favorite with children and adults alike. In the evening, we enjoy dinner at the renowned carnivore restaurant where your budget Kenya Family Safari comes to a close.

After dinner, you will be dropped off at the airport for your onward flight or at your post-safari hotel.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Travel: About 250km (about 6hrs)
  • Activities: Nairobi Giraffe Centre

Kenya Safari Transport

The Kenya Safari will be conducted in a custom-made 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing. The 4x4 Land Cruisers are adapted for game viewing and fitted with refrigerators to keep your drinks cold out in the bush.

The maximum group size on this safari is six people, to guarantee each person a window seat on game drives.

Wildebeest Great Migration Explained

Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.

The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1200 miles (1931km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek, the animals disperse or slow down, whilst at other times the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.

Please talk to a travel expert from African Budget Safaris about seeing the Wildebeest Great Migration on your safari to find out more. Also, check out our detailed article about the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

  • Night game drives
  • Guided bird walks
  • Lion tracking* (morning only) 
  • Board games and library
  • Camel rides
  • Tree planting 
  • Watercolor painting
  • Hot-air balloon safari in Masai Mara

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

Children of all ages, travelling with accompanying parents or guardian, are accepted on this family safari, on a private basis.

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+Where does the tour go to?
+Optional Activities & Day Trips
For confirmed pricing on these optional items, please drop us an enquiry
  • Night game drives
  • Guided bird walks
  • Lion tracking* (morning only) 
  • Board games and library
  • Camel rides
  • Tree planting 
  • Watercolor painting
  • Hot-air balloon safari in Masai Mara
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Transport in a custom-made 4x4 van with a pop-up roof (guaranteed window seat per person)
  • Service of an English-speaking professional driver/guide
  • Full board safari lodge accommodation
  • Lunch and dinner on the last day
  • Bottled water whilst on safari
  • All park entry fees including government taxes
  • All game drives as per the itinerary
  • Visit to Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
  • Nature walk & Maasai cultural tour
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Tips and laundry services
  • Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages
  • International flights and visas
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Optional activities
  • Holiday supplements
  • Post-safari accommodation in Nairobi
+Departure Dates

Scheduled Tour Departures
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If you do not see departures listed for your dates, please do contact us for further info.

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