Affordable 3-Day Budget Luxury Masai Mara Safari in Kenya - With Free Night at Nairobi Hotel

Traveler Reviews

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  Vivien4.0•February 2026
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  3-day low-budget safari in the Masai Mara (incl. 1 hotel night) - our experience Here we rate the low-budget 3-day...
  3-day low-budget safari in the Masai Mara (incl. 1 hotel night) - our experience Here we rate the low-budget 3-day safari, which included a hotel night in Nairobi. ???? What we particularly liked ???? Hot air balloon safari & full-day game drive Day 2 was an absolute highlight for us. We booked the optional hot-air balloon safari (approx. €350 per person). We had to get up extremely early for this, but it was worth it: the sunrise over the entire Masai Mara was an incredible experience. We didn't see as many animals from above as we had hoped (mainly antelopes - so some of us were a little disappointed), but for us the panorama alone was worth the experience. Afterwards, there was a very nicely organized breakfast in the middle of the savannah for all balloon participants - really well done! The full-day game drive that followed was simply fantastic. We saw almost all the animals - except rhino and leopard - even a cheetah! The guides were really helpful and dedicated. ???? Excursion to Lake Naivasha We also really enjoyed the excursion to Lake Naivasha. Seeing the hippos up close and the enormous variety of bird species was impressive. Feeding the pelicans was a particularly great experience. The walk on the island (Crescent Island) was also a real highlight - we were able to see a baby giraffe and many other animals up close. It was absolutely worth it! ???? People & atmosphere All the people we met - whether guides, lodge staff or drivers - were consistently friendly and very keen to make sure we had a good time. The visit to a Maasai village was also exciting and culturally interesting. Although there is a lot of pressure to buy souvenirs, it was still a valuable experience. ???? Accommodation & meals The lodge was really very basic - low budget was taken seriously here. For example, the "roof" was more of a sturdy tarpaulin ???? and there was no door to the bathroom (certainly relevant for some). Nevertheless, on the whole you had everything you needed. Dinner (twice at the lodge) was nothing special, but absolutely edible and you could tell that an effort had been made. ❗ What we didn't like ???? Non-transparent additional costs What really bothered us: Two days before departure we received a message from Bonvoyage saying what was not included - visa, tips etc., which we were aware of. Suddenly, however, it was mentioned that we should bring 295 USD per person in cash - for entrance fees and taxes for Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara. We read through all the documents several times - nowhere had this been mentioned before. This was extremely non-transparent and unprofessional. Of course, we didn't cancel (the anticipation was far too great ????), but something like this shouldn't actually happen. ???? Misleading title "3-day safari" Although the title says 3-day safari, it is actually 2 full safari days. On the third day, you drive directly back to Nairobi at around 8 am and arrive at the hotel accordingly early. In our view, this is somewhat misleading. ???? Long travel times We would also have liked to have known beforehand that - At least 3 hours' drive from the hotel in Nairobi to the first stop at Lake Naivasha - Then at least another 2 hours to the lodge in the Masai Mara are required. This is of course feasible, but transparent communication in advance would have been nice. ???? Organization of the guide changes Some of the handovers between guides were poorly organized. Once we waited in the sun for at least 30 minutes because the next guide was apparently only contacted when we were already at the meeting point. This could definitely be better coordinated. ???? Our conclusion Let's be clear: this is a low-budget safari that still costs over €700 per person (excluding optional activities). Those who value comfort, perfect organization and transparent communication should perhaps choose a higher-priced offer. But: Our main goal was to see as many animals as possible - and that absolutely worked. We experienced an incredible amount and collected unforgettable moments. You have to be prepared to make compromises - but if you know that, it can still be a very enjoyable experience. ????Show more
  Traveled in February 2026
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  Echevarria5.0•January 2026
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  Everything was great, Maasai Mara is amazing and our 2 Maasai guides Kiu and Prince were very attentive and went...
  Everything was great, Maasai Mara is amazing and our 2 Maasai guides Kiu and Prince were very attentive and went everywhere to see the animals a few meters away. The Maasai people very original, especially dancing with them. The sandcastle huts are very nice but to put a downside, they should have cold water for the guests. If they had a swimming pool in the garden it would be the bomb. We will recommend you for sure and we will come back to another wonderful destination with TourRadar!Show more
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  Traveled in January 2026
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  Collins5.0•January 2026
  Led by DENNIS
  It was an amazing Safari experience, the private jeep gives you the ability to manage your schedule for visiting the...
  It was an amazing Safari experience, the private jeep gives you the ability to manage your schedule for visiting the park and flexibility around where to go and what to see, we also loved the hotel they booked for us upon request to upgrade and the process.Show more
  Traveled in January 1970
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  Moisset1.0•August 2025
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  SCAM TO FLERRR !!!!! Mr Omondi is a thief and a liar, we have booked with my husband for our honeymoon with his...
  SCAM TO FLERRR !!!!! Mr Omondi is a thief and a liar, we have booked with my husband for our honeymoon with his agency a safari in the Masai Mara, where to start? Catastrophe on catastrophe..... WE WERE GENEROUS AND GENUINE WITH HIM (pair of shoes bought as a token of appreciation + TIPS for the whole team every time) and this is how we were thanked! 1) we hit the road to the Masai Mara for 7 long hours in a vehicle with no seatbelts, the seats were barely fastened, the driver was driving extremely fast, we were even stopped for 1 hour by the police for speeding, a hellish, uncomfortable and unsafe journey. We arrived in the middle of the night 3 hours too late and couldn't get into the Park (obviously no refund) .... 2) 0 organization we were woken up at 5:30 am to enter the Park at 10 am !!! 3) accommodation upgrade paid in cash of 400 USD WE NEVER HAD A UPGRADE and the refund came 3 weeks later and I was given 318€ instead of 350€ with the current exchange rate.... IN SHORT, AN EXPERIENCE RUINED BY LIES AND A LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM. RUN AWAY FROM THIS AGENCY, TRUST ME, EVEN IF IT'S LESS EXPENSIVE, THEY'RE NOT SERIOUS PEOPLE AND WE RECOMMEND THEM!Show more
  Traveled in August 2025
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  hicham1.0•August 2025
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  SCAM TO FLERRR !!!!! Mr Omondi is a thief and a liar, we have booked with my wife for our honeymoon with his agency...
  SCAM TO FLERRR !!!!! Mr Omondi is a thief and a liar, we have booked with my wife for our honeymoon with his agency a safari in the Masai Mara, where to start? Catastrophe on catastrophe..... WE WERE GENEROUS AND GENUINE WITH HIM (pair of shoes bought as a token of appreciation + TIPS for the whole team every time) and this is how we were thanked! 1) we hit the road to the Masai Mara for 7 long hours in a vehicle with no seatbelts, the seats were barely fastened, the driver was driving extremely fast, we were even stopped for 1 hour by the police for speeding, a hellish, uncomfortable and unsafe journey. We arrived in the middle of the night 3 hours too late and couldn't get into the Park (obviously no refund) .... 2) 0 organization we were woken up at 5:30 am to enter the Park at 10 am !!! 3) accommodation upgrade paid in cash of 400 USD WE NEVER HAD A UPGRADE and the refund came 3 weeks later and I was given 318€ instead of 350€ with the current exchange rate.... IN SHORT, AN EXPERIENCE RUINED BY LIES AND A LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM. RUN AWAY FROM THIS AGENCY, TRUST ME, EVEN IF IT'S LESS EXPENSIVE, THEY'RE NOT SERIOUS PEOPLE AND SHOULD BE RECOMMENDED!Show more
  Traveled in August 2025
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  ToChoi2.0•August 2025
  I don't like that they don't tell me the cost upfront, no opt-out choice and change plan without prior notice. I...
  I don't like that they don't tell me the cost upfront, no opt-out choice and change plan without prior notice. I expect to pay the Masai Mara national Park fee. They charged me two days for 400 USD but the second day was only about an hour. I needed to be at the airport before 4pm. They sent me off by 8am and dropped me to a place and told me someone would take me to the airport. I was there for over one hour waiting someone to arrange a drive for me. Eventually they found someone to go Nairobi and they took me along. Then their driver took me to the airport from Nairobi. I arrive the airport after 3pm. I don't understand how they would do the day 3 itinerary and finished before 4pm if you plan to go back to Nairobi or the airport. Day 3 game drive was planned for two hours. We didn't even go to the park entrance. We found some places nearby and took a few pictures of giraffe, etc. I don't have the option to opt-out. Also, the first day boat ride is 75 USDShow more
  Traveled in August 2025
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  Rose5.0•May 2024
  Led by Robert
  great guide of all time well deserved thumbs up
  Traveled in March 2023
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  Maria1.0•January 2024
  DO NOT ruin your Safari! and I suggest anyone considering using this company DO NOT PAY A DEPOSIT. From the initial...
  DO NOT ruin your Safari! and I suggest anyone considering using this company DO NOT PAY A DEPOSIT. From the initial planning stages, to the final day of our trip we came across issues. They changed the lodge for a tent the same day we arrived. While all the other guests were able to enjoy early morning and afternoon games(obviously using different companies) we spent our days driving long distances from one place to another and ended up doing only one & half day safari instead three(we paid for 3 days). On the first day our driver picked us from the hotel at 9:30 am, we drove until 5pm, and we were told there would not be any safari for the first day. whole afternoon was wasted!Is it because the agent want to save the money for entry fees and parking fees for the first day?however, we were charged for 36h Masai Mara safari we barely did 12h. The same things also happened in the final day. We drove in a lost place in Amboseli, no other companies were in the place we were!!!coincidence?!? We drove in circles for more than 2h without explanation!! Poorly organised! Picnic food was not provided day 2 and 3. I never left a negative comment, But this time, I have no reason to be positive since our holiday have been ruined by this company. I would not recommend using this company to plan your safari, USE SOMEONE ELSE!!!!Show more
  Traveled in January 2024
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  Fahrah3.0•August 2022
  We requested a date change for the start of the safari which was accepted. However at pick up and halfway into the...
  We requested a date change for the start of the safari which was accepted. However at pick up and halfway into the drive there, it was then communicated to us that the lodge was changed, our Lake Navasha & Cresent Island excursions would now have to be paid for. This should have been communicated to us at the time of the date change was requested. The safari rides were excellent! We saw all the Big 4 ( except the leopard).Show more
  Traveled in August 2022
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  Ashley5.0•August 2021
  Jon was a wonderful guide! It was amazing to see so many beautiful animals up so close. The accommodations and food...
  Jon was a wonderful guide! It was amazing to see so many beautiful animals up so close. The accommodations and food of this tour are definitely budget level so be prepared for that but the animals you see on are the same whether you stay expensive or budget.Show more
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  Traveled in July 2021