African Majestic Adventures
7-Day Nairobi-Mara-Mombasa Budget Safari | Kenya Safari 2026
Tanzania Safaris

7-Day Nairobi-Mara-Mombasa Budget Safari | Kenya Safari 2026

7 days · Easy

The 7-Day Nairobi-Mara-Mombasa Budget Safari is the ultimate affordable Kenya safari for travellers seeking an unforgettable African adventure without breaking the bank. Covering Nairobi, the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, and the stunning Mombasa coastline, this 7 Days / 6 Nights tour delivers extraordinary wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and beach relaxation at unbeatable value. For more options, browse all our Kenya safari packages.

Tour Highlights

What makes this trip special

Game drives with an experienced local driver-guide
Full board tented camp or lodge accommodation
7-day safari itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Your trip, day by day

D1

Arrival in Nairobi & Urban Safari Experience

Kenya

Your Kenyan budget safari adventure begins upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. You will be met by your dedicated English-speaking driver-guide and transferred to your budget-friendly hotel in Nairobi's city centre or the Karen suburb. After checking in and freshening up, you have the option of an afternoon visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (open 5 PM feeding time) where you can meet rescued baby elephants and learn about this remarkable conservation programme. Alternatively, visit the Giraffe Centre to feed endangered Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform — a unique wildlife experience within the city. Your guide will conduct a safari briefing over dinner, covering the week ahead, wildlife photography tips, and what to expect on your game drives. Morning: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Clear customs and immigration. Your driver-guide will be waiting at the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Transfer to your Nairobi hotel (approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic). Afternoon: Check in to your hotel and take time to rest and refresh. Optional visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (5 PM feeding time) or the Giraffe Centre (open until 5 PM). Alternatively, explore Nairobi's vibrant city centre. Evening: Safari briefing with your guide over dinner. Review the 7-day itinerary, learn about the wildlife you will encounter, and receive photography tips. Early rest recommended. Overnight in Nairobi.

D2

Nairobi to Masai Mara - The Great Migration & Big Five

Kenya

After an early breakfast at 6:30 AM, we depart Nairobi and drive southwest toward the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes approximately 5 hours, passing through the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment with spectacular viewpoint stops overlooking the vast valley floor. You will pass through Maasai territory where warriors in traditional red shuka blankets herd cattle across open plains — a timeless African scene. Arriving at your budget tented camp or lodge by midday, you will enjoy lunch before embarking on your first afternoon game drive from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The Masai Mara's open grasslands offer exceptional wildlife viewing with the highest concentration of predators in Africa — lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena — along with massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, and elephant. During the Great Migration season (July-October), you may witness the spectacular river crossings where thousands of wildebeest brave the crocodile-infested Mara River. Morning: Early breakfast at 6:30 AM. Check out and depart Nairobi for the Masai Mara (approximately 5 hours). The drive crosses the Great Rift Valley with photo stops at the escarpment viewpoint. Pass through traditional Maasai villages along the way. Afternoon: Arrive at your Mara camp by midday. Enjoy lunch before departing for an afternoon game drive (3:30 PM - 6:30 PM). Explore the vast savannah plains searching for the Big Five and other wildlife. Visit the Mara River to see hippos and crocodiles. Evening: Sundowners on the savannah as the sun sets over the Mara plains. Return to camp for dinner. Listen to the sounds of the African night — lions roaring in the distance, hyenas calling. Overnight in the Masai Mara.

D3

Full Day Masai Mara - Sunrise to Sunset Safari

Kenya

Today is dedicated to fully exploring the Masai Mara with a full-day game drive that covers the reserve's diverse ecosystems. An early 6:00 AM start ensures you catch the predators at their most active — lions returning from their night hunt, cheetahs warming themselves in the morning sun, and hyenas at their dens. After a bush breakfast in the wilderness, we continue game viewing across the Mara's vast plains, exploring the Mara River for crocodiles and hippos, the rhino sanctuary areas, and the open grasslands where massive herds of wildebeest and zebra graze. The Mara's 1,510 square kilometres of rolling savannah, riverine forests, and acacia-dotted plains support over 95 species of mammals and 570 species of birds — making it one of the most biodiverse wildlife destinations on Earth. Morning: Pre-breakfast game drive at 6:00 AM. This is prime time for predator sightings — watch lions on the hunt, cheetahs surveying the plains, and leopards in riverine trees. Enjoy a bush breakfast in the savannah surrounded by wildlife. Continue game viewing until midday. Afternoon: Picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the Mara. Continue game drives exploring different sectors of the reserve. Visit the Mara River for hippo and crocodile viewing. Search for black rhinos in the thicket areas. Visit a Maasai manyatta (optional) to learn about traditional Maasai culture, dance, and crafts. Evening: Continue game viewing as the golden hour light transforms the landscape. Sunset photography opportunities as the sun sinks below the savannah horizon. Return to camp for dinner. Overnight in the Masai Mara.

D4

Masai Mara Morning Game Drive & Nairobi Return

Kenya

Our final morning in the Masai Mara begins with a sunrise game drive from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM — your last chance to photograph any species you may have missed and to experience the magic of the Mara in the soft golden light of dawn. After a full breakfast at camp, we check out and begin our journey back to Nairobi. The drive retraces the route through the Great Rift Valley, offering final spectacular views of Kenya's iconic landscapes. Arriving in Nairobi in the late afternoon, you will check into your hotel for an evening of relaxation. This is the perfect opportunity to explore Nairobi's famous Carnivore Restaurant for dinner — renowned for its grilled meats and lively atmosphere — or enjoy a quiet dinner at your hotel. Morning: Sunrise game drive at 6:30 AM for final wildlife sightings in the Masai Mara. Return to camp for a full breakfast. Check out and depart for Nairobi (approximately 5 hours). Afternoon: The drive back to Nairobi crosses the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment with final photo stops. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel. Optional visit to the Kazuri Beads Factory or a craft market for souvenirs. Evening: Evening at leisure. Optional dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. Overnight in Nairobi. Prepare for tomorrow's train journey to Mombasa.

D5

Nairobi to Mombasa - The SGR Train Journey

Kenya

Today marks the transition from safari to beach as we experience one of Kenya's most enjoyable travel experiences — the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train from Nairobi to Mombasa. After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Nairobi South Station for the mid-morning departure. The SGR is a modern, air-conditioned train that covers the 500-kilometre journey to Mombasa in approximately 5 hours, offering comfortable seats, onboard meals, and spectacular views of the Kenyan countryside. The train passes through Tsavo National Park where you may spot wildlife from the window — elephants, giraffes, and zebras roaming the plains visible from the train. Arriving at Mombasa Terminus in the afternoon, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your beach hotel or resort on the south coast (Diani Beach) or north coast (Nyali or Bamburi beaches). Check in and spend the evening relaxing by the pool or taking your first walk on the pristine white-sand beach as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. Morning: Breakfast at the Nairobi hotel. Check out and transfer to Nairobi South Station (SGR terminus). Board the mid-morning train to Mombasa (approximately 5 hours). Enjoy the scenic journey through Kenyan countryside and Tsavo National Park. Afternoon: Arrive at Mombasa Terminus. Meet your driver and transfer to your beach hotel or resort (approximately 30-60 minutes depending on beach location). Check in and settle into your beach accommodation. Evening: Relax by the pool or take a sunset walk on the beach. Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean. The sound of the waves and tropical breeze mark the start of your beach relaxation. Overnight in Mombasa.

D6

Mombasa Beach Day - Relaxation & Optional Activities

Kenya

Today is yours to enjoy the tropical paradise of Kenya's coastline at your own pace. After a leisurely breakfast, you have the full day to relax on the pristine white-sand beach, swim in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or lounge by the hotel swimming pool with a good book. For those seeking adventure, optional activities are available including snorkelling trips to the nearby marine parks where you can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, a traditional dhow sailing cruise along the coast, or a visit to historic Fort Jesus in Mombasa's Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the story of 400 years of East African coastal history. You can also explore the local beach vendors for souvenirs, enjoy a Swahili cooking class, or simply do nothing at all — the choice is yours. The hotel's all-inclusive meal plan (dinner included) ensures you can dine at leisure. Morning: Leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Free time to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, or lounge by the pool. Optional morning snorkelling trip to the marine park to explore coral reefs and tropical fish. Afternoon: Lunch at the hotel (own expense). Continue beach relaxation or choose optional activities: dhow sailing cruise, visit to Fort Jesus and Mombasa Old Town, Swahili cooking class, or water sports including jet skiing, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. Evening: Sunset walk along the beach. Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant with fresh seafood and tropical flavours. Evening entertainment at the hotel or a quiet night under the stars. Overnight in Mombasa.

D7

Mombasa Departure - Final Beach Morning & Airport Transfer

Kenya

Your final morning in Kenya is free to enjoy one last swim in the Indian Ocean, a final walk on the beach collecting seashells, or a leisurely breakfast overlooking the turquoise waters. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute souvenir shopping at the beachfront stalls or a final dip in the pool. Your driver will transfer you to Mombasa's Moi International Airport (MBA) for your onward flight, or alternatively you can take the SGR train back to Nairobi for international departures from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). As you board your flight, you carry with you memories of the Masai Mara's golden savannah, the thrill of watching a lion hunt, the gentle embrace of the Indian Ocean, and the warmth of Kenyan hospitality — proving that an African safari can be both affordable and absolutely unforgettable. Morning: Leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Final swim in the ocean or walk on the beach. Pack and check out. Optional last-minute souvenir shopping. Afternoon: Transfer to Mombasa's Moi International Airport (MBA) for your departure flight. Alternatively, take the SGR train back to Nairobi for international departures. We recommend booking flights departing after 2:00 PM from Mombasa or after 7:00 PM from Nairobi. Evening: Depart Kenya with unforgettable memories of Big Five safaris, stunning landscapes, and tropical beach paradise. End of tour.

What's Included & Excluded

Know exactly what your package covers

Included

  • All national park entrance fees
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Full board accommodation at camps/lodges
  • Game drives per the itinerary
  • Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
  • Airport transfers

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for driver-guide and camp/lodge staff
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional activities (hot air balloon, cultural visits) unless stated
  • Personal expenses

Best Time to Travel

Wildlife viewing is good year-round. The dry season (June-October) concentrates animals around water sources for easier sightings, and the Great Migration's river crossings peak July-October. Calving season in the southern Serengeti runs December-March.

Tented camps and lodges

Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) at camps/lodges

What to Pack

Suggested gear for this trip

Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
Wide-brim hat and sunglasses
High-SPF sunscreen
Binoculars
Camera with charged batteries/power bank
Light rain jacket
Insect repellent
Personal medication
Comfortable closed-toe shoes

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