5-Day Hakuna Matata Budget Safari
5-Day Hakuna Matata Budget Safari
Overview
Hakuna Matata is a Swahili phrase meaning no worries, popularised in English by the 1994 Disney movie The Lion King. This is precisely what you experienced during this tour. The Masai Mara National Reserve, where you have a 99% chance of spotting all the Big Five—lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalos, and elephants to Lake Nakuru National Park is known for black rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, flamingos, and many other herbivores, at the Hell’s Gate National Park which inspired the Lion King.
Places You’ll See :
1Nairobi
Masai Mara, located in Kenya, is one of the most iconic and spectacular wildlife destinations in the world. Here's why you should go, where to go, when to go, and some travel advice:
1. Why Go
Wildlife Safari: Masai Mara offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, including the chance to witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. Stunning Landscape: The vast savannah plains dotted with acacia trees provide a breathtaking backdrop for your safari adventures. Cultural Experience: Interact with the Maasai people, known for their vibrant culture and traditional way of life. Photography Opportunities: Capture incredible moments of wildlife in their natural habitat, against the backdrop of stunning landscapes.2. Where to Go
Maasai Mara National Reserve: This is the most popular destination within the region, known for its abundance of wildlife and picturesque scenery. Mara Conservancies: Private conservancies surrounding the national reserve offer exclusive safari experiences with fewer crowds and more intimate encounters with wildlife. Mara River: Witness the dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebra brave crocodile-infested waters.3. When to Go
Great Migration: The best time to visit Masai Mara is during the Great Migration, typically from July to October. During this period, millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara in search of greener pastures. Dry Season: The dry season from June to October offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. Shoulder Seasons: The months of January to March and November to December are also good times to visit, with fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.4. Travel Advice
Book Accommodation in Advance: Accommodation options within and around Masai Mara can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. It's advisable to book well in advance. Pack Appropriate Clothing: Masai Mara can get hot during the day and chilly at night. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime safaris and warmer layers for the evenings. Respect Wildlife and Local Culture: Always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and follow the guidance of your guides. Similarly, respect the customs and traditions of the Maasai people. Use a Reputable Safari Operator: Choose a reputable safari operator or tour company with experienced guides who prioritize safety and responsible tourism practices. By following these tips and recommendations, you can make the most of your visit to Masai Mara and create unforgettable memories amidst Africa's stunning wilderness.2Masai Mara National Reserve
Lake Nakuru National Park, nestled in Kenya, is indeed a captivating wildlife destination offering a range of unique experiences. Here's why you should consider visiting, along with recommendations on where to go, when to go, and some travel advice:
1. Why Go
Flamingo Spectacle: Lake Nakuru is renowned for its vast flocks of flamingos that turn the lake's shores pink, creating a mesmerizing sight. Rhino Sanctuary: The park is home to one of Kenya's most successful rhino sanctuaries, offering excellent opportunities to spot both black and white rhinos. Diverse Wildlife: Besides rhinos and flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park boasts a variety of other wildlife including lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. Scenic Beauty: The park is set against the backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, providing stunning vistas and photographic opportunities.2. Where to Go
Baboon Cliff: Head to Baboon Cliff for panoramic views of the park and Lake Nakuru. It's an excellent spot for photography and birdwatching. Makalia Falls: Take a scenic drive or hike to Makalia Falls, where you can enjoy picnics and nature walks amidst lush greenery and cascading waters. Rhino Sanctuary: Visit the rhino sanctuary within the park for a chance to see both black and white rhinos up close, along with other wildlife species.3. When to Go
Birdwatching Season: The best time to witness the spectacular flamingo displays is during the dry season from July to October, when the water levels in the lake are lower, attracting large flocks of flamingos. Wildlife Viewing: Wildlife can be seen year-round in Lake Nakuru National Park, but the dry season (from June to October) offers better visibility as animals gather around water sources.4. Travel Advice
Safari Essentials: Bring along essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera to enhance your safari experience and capture memorable moments. Respect Wildlife: Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and adhere to park regulations. Avoid feeding or disturbing the animals. Choose Accommodation Wisely: There are various accommodation options near Lake Nakuru National Park, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites. Research and choose accommodation that suits your preferences and budget. Support Conservation Efforts: By visiting Lake Nakuru National Park, you contribute to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting the park's diverse wildlife and habitats. By following these tips and recommendations, you can make the most of your visit to Lake Nakuru National Park and immerse yourself in the beauty and biodiversity of this remarkable wildlife destination in Kenya.3Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Naivasha, situated in Kenya, is a captivating wildlife destination with its own set of unique experiences. Here's why you should consider a visit, along with recommendations on where to go, when to go, and some travel advice:
1. Why Go
Rich Birdlife: Lake Naivasha is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting a diverse array of bird species including African fish eagles, herons, pelicans, and many more. Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by lush vegetation and with the backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Naivasha offers breathtaking scenery perfect for relaxation and photography. Hippo and Wildlife Viewing: Take a boat ride on the lake to observe hippos wallowing in the water, along with sightings of other wildlife such as giraffes, buffalo, and zebras along the shores. Crescent Island Game Sanctuary: This sanctuary, located within the lake, provides an opportunity for walking safaris amidst wildlife including giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.2. Where to Go
Crescent Island: Explore Crescent Island for a unique walking safari experience where you can get up close to wildlife including giraffes, wildebeest, and gazelles. Hell's Gate National Park: Located nearby, Hell's Gate offers scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and opportunities for rock climbing and cycling amidst towering cliffs and geothermal features. Boat Safari: Take a boat safari on Lake Naivasha to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Many boat tours also include a visit to Crescent Island.3. When to Go
Birdwatching Season: The best time for birdwatching at Lake Naivasha is during the wet season from November to April when migratory bird species are present in the area. Wildlife Viewing: Wildlife viewing can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the dry season (from June to October) offers better visibility as animals congregate around the lake shores and water sources.4. Travel Advice
Choose Accommodation Wisely: There are various accommodation options around Lake Naivasha ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites. Research and choose accommodation that suits your preferences and budget. Respect Wildlife and Nature: While exploring the area, maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and adhere to park regulations. Avoid feeding or disturbing the animals. Stay Safe on the Water: If taking a boat safari, ensure you're accompanied by experienced guides and follow safety instructions, especially regarding hippos and crocodiles. Pack Essentials: Bring along essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera to enhance your experience and capture memorable moments. By following these tips and suggestions, you can make the most of your visit to Lake Naivasha and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this remarkable wildlife destination in Kenya.4Lake Naivasha
Schedule Details
Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
Our professional driver-guide will pick you up from the airport or at your hotel in Nairobi for a scenic drive to Masai Mara National Reserve. You'll have a stopover at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint to stretch your legs and photograph the contrasting landscapes, including Mt. Longonot. You'll proceed through the Rift Valley floor to the Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving at the lodge in good time for lunch. You'll embark on your first game drive this afternoon.
The Masai Mara National Reserve highlights include incredible wildlife like big cats (lions, leopards, and cheetahs) and elephants. There is a good chance you will also see giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, hyenas, and impalas. Bring your binoculars because more than 500 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve. The area's beautiful savannah landscape and lots of acacia trees add to the splendor of the environment.
Note- The accommodations can be upgraded at an extra cost.
Accommodation
Spend a night at Miti Mingi Eco Camp a Budget tented camp located just outside Masai Mara NR
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Will be Provided
Masai Mara National Reserve
This is a full day spent wildlife viewing across the rich tree-studded grassland and rolling hills of the famous savannah. The Mara is renowned for its great herds of plains game animals like leopards, cheetahs, lions, and other herbivores. It has virtually every other type of wildlife to be found in Kenya. You will have a full-day game drive in Masai Mara Savannah.
Your lunch today is picnic lunch boxes in the savannah under a lone flat-top acacia tree while watching the animals grazing. You'll continue with the wildlife viewing arriving at your lodge late in the evening after thoroughly exploring this massive grassland savannah measuring 1,500 sq km.
You have an option of booking a balloon ride today which takes off early in the morning. After landing, the crew helps you out of the basket and escorts you to a setting for a bush champagne breakfast which is a lifetime experience and worth the price. Later, you'll join your driver-guide and proceed with your full-day game drive.
Accommodation
Spend a night at Miti Mingi Eco Camp a Budget tented camp located just outside Masai Mara NR
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Will be Provided
Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
Today after breakfast, you'll drive north through Narok to Njoro Road, which crosses the beautiful sceneries of the fertile wheat lands of Mau and the Mau Forest complex (the source of the Mara River). You will arrive at the lodge in good time for lunch, and check into your lodge. Later, you'll depart for an afternoon game drive in this gorgeous park and return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Lake Nakuru National Park is among Kenya's finest national parks. The park is gorgeous all year round and boasts rocky escarpments, patches of yellow-barked acacia forest, and a waterfall. It is home to flamingos, black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, and the endangered Rothschild's giraffes. The southern end of the lake is the best place to see wildlife! The forested area below the Rhinos Cliff is a favorite lion-spotting point where lionesses love to sleep in the trees, and leopards frequent the same site.
Note- The accommodations can be upgraded.
Accommodation
Spend a night at Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort a Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Lake Nakuru NP
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Will be Provided
Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
You'll start the day with a leisurely breakfast, then drive east to Lake Naivasha, which is approximately 2 hours from Lake Nakuru. Upon arrival, you will check-in and head to the lake for a boat ride and walking excursion at the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. Afterward, you will return to the camp for a late lunch. Later in the day, you will be picked up and driven to the nearby Naivasha town to visit the market and witness the day-to-day life of the locals. You'll wrap up the day by returning to the lodge at sunset.
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, located outside the town of Naivasha, northwest of Nairobi. The area is famous for its abundant population of hippos, giraffes, wildebeest, and over 400 bird species in the forest surrounding the lake, making it a perfect destination for birdwatchers. Boat rides on the lake offer refreshing experiences that allow you to explore the diverse bird life and wildlife in the area.
Note- The accommodations can be upgraded.
Accommodation
Spend a night at Fisherman's Campa At Lake Naivasha (Naivasha)
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Will be Provided
Lake Naivasha to Nairobi via Hell's Gate National Park
After a leisurely morning breakfast, you will check out of your lodge, pack up, and drive to the nearby Hell's Gate National Park. You can choose to cycle, walk, or drive through the park, as it is one of the few national parks that allow these activities. You can rent a bicycle at the park gate upon arrival. Later, you will proceed back to Nairobi. On arrival in Nairobi, you have the option to have lunch at the famous Carnivore restaurant. Afterward, you will be dropped off at your respective hotel or the airport, marking the end of your safari.
Depending on your homebound flight departure time, you will need to organize the departure time from Lake Naivasha with your driver-guide.
Although, unfortunately, the safari has to come to an end, we are confident that you will return home with many exciting and happy memories, and we hope that you will join us again on safari sometime in the future.
(End of Tour) No accommodations
Breakfast Will be Provided
NOTE: Additional Accommodation can be arranged at the end of your tour for an added fee
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Airport Transfer
- All Taxes
- Drinking Water
- Driver Guide
- Meals
- Outing Ticket
- Park Entry Tickets
- Transport
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Insurance
Location Map
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- info@gatelinks.co.ke