6-Day Budget Camping Safari
The classic Rift Valley circuit on a backpacker budget — Mara, Nakuru and Naivasha over six days in serviced campsites, with the same parks and wildlife for a fraction of the price.
6 days · 5 nights · Year-round
About this experience
Kenya's great parks don't have to cost a fortune. This six-day camping safari runs the classic Rift Valley loop — three nights in the Maasai Mara, and nights at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha — staying in serviced public campsites with a cook who handles the meals. You share a 4x4 with a small group, which keeps the cost right down while you still see the lions, the rhino, the flamingo and the migration. The most popular way for younger travellers and overlanders to do Kenya.
Best for
- Budget travellers
- Backpackers & overlanders
- Young & first-time
Trip features
- Private vehicleYour own 4x4 and driver-guide
- Starts any dayPick your own date, 7+ days ahead
- Can be tailoredChange lodges, add days or parks
- Children welcomeAges 3–12 at half price
- Pickup in NairobiAirport or your hotel
- English · SwahiliGuide languages
Signature experiences
Optional extras we can add to this trip. Prices are per person and confirmed when you book.
Lift off at dawn over the plains, drift silently above the herds, and land to a champagne bush breakfast. The definitive Mara morning.
A boat out among the hippos and fish eagles of Naivasha, then a walk on Crescent Island where the game roams free.
Spend an hour in a working manyatta — the jumping dance, fire-making, and a look at daily Maasai life, hosted by the community itself.
A lantern-lit table set out under the stars, your own chef and a crackling fire — the safari dinner people remember for years.
Day by day
What each day looks like, from pickup in Nairobi to drop-off.
Drive down to the Mara, camp set up on arrival, and an afternoon game drive.
Mara public campsite · Full-board
A full day of game drives in the reserve with a picnic lunch — big cats and, in season, the migration.
Mara public campsite · Full-board
A final Mara drive, then north to Lake Nakuru. Afternoon drive for rhino and flamingo.
Nakuru campsite · Full-board
Morning around Nakuru, then to Lake Naivasha. Afternoon boat ride among the hippos.
Naivasha campsite · Full-board
A walking safari on Crescent Island and an optional cycle through Hell's Gate.
Naivasha campsite · Full-board
A relaxed morning, then the short drive back to Nairobi.
Where you'll stay
Lodges we book on this trip. If one is full on your dates, we'll offer a comparable property before you pay anything.
What's included
Included
- Full-board accommodation (serviced camping / basic lodges)
- All park & reserve entry fees
- Shared 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- 24/7 WhatsApp support
Not included
- International flights
- Kenya eTA (USD 30 government fee — we help you apply)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Optional experiences (see below)
- Sleeping bags, drinks, tips & personal expenses
Route & pickup
Where the trip goes, and where we meet you. Pickup is confirmed the day before you set off.
Drag to pan · pinch or buttons to zoom
- 01 NairobiDay 1 · City
- 02 Maasai MaraDay 1 · National park & reserve
- 03 Lake NakuruDay 3 · Rift Valley lakes
- 04 Lake NaivashaDay 4 · Rift Valley lakes
- 05 NairobiDay 6 · City
Good to know
Bookara started running trips in 2026, so there are no guest reviews on this trip yet. Ask us anything on WhatsApp before you book; you'll talk to one of the two founders.
A 30% deposit holds your dates, and the balance is due 45 days before you travel (book closer than that and you pay in full). Cancel 90+ days before departure for a full refund, 60–89 days before for 50% back. Full terms.
Common questions
What's the camping like?+
Serviced public campsites — dome tents (provided), shared ablutions with cold/hot showers, and a safari cook who prepares all the meals. It's simple but comfortable, and the value is unbeatable.
Is the safari itself any different from a lodge trip?+
No — same parks, same game drives, same wildlife. The savings come from the accommodation and the shared vehicle, not from seeing less.
Book on WhatsApp
Your chat opens with the trip pre-filled — no payment needed now. Our team replies between 7am–10pm EAT.
Request saved
WhatsApp is opening with your details pre-filled — just hit send.
- 1 Send the pre-filled messageYour trip details are already written for you.
- 2 Confirm in chat — or pay the deposit onlineSame reference either way. Our team replies 7am–10pm EAT.
- 3 Instant confirmationWhatsApp message + email receipt the moment your deposit lands.
Your request ref becomes your booking reference once the deposit is paid.
Book direct with the operator
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Licensed & certified
Kenya-registered operator in Nairobi with experienced driver-guides.
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Run from Nairobi
We plan and run your trip ourselves, with driver-guides we know, and stay reachable on WhatsApp throughout.
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Secure payment
Card or Apple Pay through Paystack (USD). Taxes and park fees are in the price you see.
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Flexible cancellation
Full refund up to 90 days before departure; a 30% deposit holds your dates.
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