Maasai Mara · 3 days · 2 nights · Good year-round
Mara on a Budget
Proof that a great Mara safari doesn't have to cost a fortune. You sleep in a proper serviced tent (beds, not bivvies) at a campsite on the edge of the reserve, eat hearty meals cooked fresh by a camp chef, and share a window-seat 4x4 with a small group. The wildlife doesn't know you booked the budget option — you'll see the same big cats, the same plains, the same sunsets. Ideal for backpackers, students and anyone who'd rather spend on experiences than thread count.
From $945 per person
Specimen itinerary for planning purposes only — not a confirmed booking document.
Logistics & transport
- Pickup
- Confirmed 24 hours before departure on WhatsApp
- Guide language
- As selected at booking
- Group
- Private / small group · max 6 guests
Where you'll stay
Lodging varies by trip — tented camp, safari lodge, beach hotel, or city hotel as your package requires. The property for this package is confirmed in writing after you book — ask us on WhatsApp if you want options before paying.
Included in your package price — exact camp, lodge, or hotel confirmed after booking.
Indicative schedule — day by day
Planned rhythm for your trip — your guide may adjust on the day for conditions, light and wildlife.
Day 1: Nairobi → Maasai Mara
Morning departure by road, descending the Rift Valley to the Mara (about 5–6 hours with stops). Lunch at camp, afternoon game drive — first lions usually before sunset.
Day 2: Full day in the reserve
A full day of game driving with a packed picnic lunch out on the plains. Big cats, elephant, giraffe, and the open savannah that made the Mara famous. Campfire and stories at night.
Day 3: Final drive, return to Nairobi
Dawn game drive when the cats are most active, breakfast, then the road back to Nairobi, arriving early evening.
Trip inclusions
- 3 nights serviced camping (tent, bed, bedding)
- All meals cooked in camp
- Reserve entry fees
- Shared 4x4 with pop-up roof + guide
- Transport from/to Nairobi
- 24/7 WhatsApp support
Trip exclusions
- International flights
- Kenya eVisa ($51)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks & snacks
- Sleeping bag hire ($10, optional)
- Tips
Preparation & packing
Before you go
- This section is general Kenya travel guidance — not a substitute for official advice or your doctor.
- We confirm trip-specific details (property, pickup times, park rules) with you on WhatsApp before departure.
- Questions about Mara on a Budget? Message us anytime — we'd rather you ask than guess.
Visa & entry
- Most visitors need a Kenya eVisa before travel — apply at evisa.go.ke and check current fees and rules.
- Passport usually needs 6+ months' validity and blank pages — verify with your airline and immigration.
- Keep a printed copy of this itinerary and your eVisa for border control.
Health
- Yellow fever certificate may be required depending on where you are travelling from — check Kenya's latest entry rules.
- Malaria prevention is commonly recommended for safari areas — ask your doctor well before you fly.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
- Bring personal medication in original packaging.
Weather & clothing
- Safari mornings and evenings are often cooler than midday — layers work better than one heavy coat.
- Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige) are standard for game drives.
- Rain can appear in any season — a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
- We send a short weather note for your dates once your trip is confirmed.
Packing list
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking + sandals for camp or lodge
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Binoculars if you have a pair (optional — ask us if you'd like a recommendation)
- Power bank + travel adaptor (Kenya commonly uses Type G plugs, 240V)
- Soft bag often works better than a hard suitcase if your trip includes light-aircraft legs — we'll confirm luggage limits for your routing
- Some cash in USD (clean, newer bills) or KES for tips and small purchases
- Insect repellent
Money & connectivity
- Cards work in Nairobi and at many properties; cash is still useful for tips and markets.
- M-Pesa is widely used in Kenya — we can walk you through it on arrival if helpful.
- Wi‑Fi varies by property (lodge, camp, or hotel) — signal on game drives is usually limited.
- Tipping customs vary by property and guide — we share current guidelines for your trip before you travel.