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

Traveler Reviews

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  Vivien

  February 25th, 2026
  4
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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
• J

  Justin

  February 13th, 2026
  4
  Though short, this safari was action-packed. We saw cheetahs sprinting across the plains and huge herds of...
  Though short, this safari was action-packed. We saw cheetahs sprinting across the plains and huge herds of wildebeest. The tented lodge was comfortable and well-located for game drives. Transport was punctual, and meals were tasty and sufficient after long days on safari. My wife and I were so thrilled.Show more
  Traveled in September 2025
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  Ivy

  February 13th, 2026
  4
  Despite its short duration, the itinerary was dynamic, focusing on peak wildlife hours. The guide demonstrated...
  Despite its short duration, the itinerary was dynamic, focusing on peak wildlife hours. The guide demonstrated excellent spotting skills, identifying cheetahs and distant herds with precision. The tented accommodation gave an authentic safari atmosphere while remaining comfortable. Road transfers were efficiently organized with strategic rest stops. Meals were freshly prepared and satisfying after full game-drive days.Show more
  Traveled in February 2024
• A

  Angelique

  February 13th, 2026
  5
  Even though it was only three days, it felt powerful and intense in the best way. I saw lions up close, spotted...
  Even though it was only three days, it felt powerful and intense in the best way. I saw lions up close, spotted cheetahs in the distance, and experienced the thrill of driving through vast open plains. The energy of the Mara is something you feel in your chest. It's alive and dramatic. The free Nairobi night helped me rest before the early departure, which made the whole experience smooth. If you’re short on time but still want something unforgettable, this is it.Show more
  Traveled in April 2025
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  Stephanie

  February 13th, 2026
  5
  Even though it was only three days, it felt powerful and intense in the best way. I saw lions up close, spotted...
  Even though it was only three days, it felt powerful and intense in the best way. I saw lions up close, spotted cheetahs in the distance, and experienced the thrill of driving through vast open plains. The energy of the Mara is something you feel in your chest. It’s alive and dramatic. The free Nairobi night helped me rest before the early departure, which made the whole experience smooth. If you’re short on time but still want something unforgettable, this is it.Show more
  Traveled in April 2025
• M

  Mitchelle

  February 9th, 2026
  4
  Intense game drives in Maasai Mara, lion and cheetah sightings, short but exciting safari experience, scenic road...
  Intense game drives in Maasai Mara, lion and cheetah sightings, short but exciting safari experience, scenic road trip, and stress-free arrival thanks to the free Nairobi hotel night. If you dont have much time, this is the best way to see the Maasai Mara during peak wildlife action. Comfortable lodges, good guides and very efficient planning.Show more
  Traveled in September 2024
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  Echevarria

  January 9th, 2026
  5
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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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  Collins

  January 5th, 2026
  5
  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
• M

  Moisset

  August 30th, 2025
  1
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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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  hicham

  August 30th, 2025
  1
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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