Kenya · CAMPING SAFARIS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend flying into Nairobi: 15 camping safaris worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Travel from Nairobi to Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru in a pop-up-roof safari van. Expect two nights of camping, one night near Nakuru, expert English-speaking guides, Big Five game drives, a Mara River stop, and optional Maasai village and Lake Naivasha visits. Park fees cost extra.
“Such a unique experience. Really pleased with my guides.”
Travel from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru in four days, using a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof. Expect sunset and full-day game drives, Big Five searches, white rhinos, possible flamingos, and two nights in self-contained tents. Guide Bernardo has earned special praise for his care and animal knowledge. Optional Maasai village, boat trip, and balloon rides cost extra.
“We had a very good experience on our 4-day camping safari in Kenya. Our driver was friendly and knowledgeable, and the trip was well-organised. We were fortunate to see all of the Big Five, along with many other animals. Overall, we felt that the safari offered good value for money. The first two nights, we stayed in a simple but clean bungalow with welcoming staff. The last night, we were pleasantly surprised by a stay at a nice hotel, which was a step up in standard. The food throughout the trip was consistently good. We also took a hot air balloon safari, which was a unique and enjoyable experience. In…”
Leave Nairobi at 7:30 a.m. for a three-day Masai Mara camping safari with morning and afternoon game drives, meals, a possible Maasai village visit, and hotel drop-off. The group can include up to 12 people. Imraan and the Best Camping team are named in the tour correspondence, while park fees are paid separately.
“Fantastic and super packed 3 days of full Safari action. Highly recommended! It’s worth the time and money.”
Leave Nairobi for a four-day, small-group camping safari to Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru. You’ll follow the Great Rift Valley, search for lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and flamingos, and travel with a professional guide such as Kikitu, Andrew, Simon, or James. Pickup, camping accommodation, meals, park fees, water, and drop-off are included.
“This trip was truly unforgettable and one of our favorite adventures we've ever booked (we've been to over 36 countries). Andrew, our guide was THE BEST. He was a phenomenal driver, person, and great at spotting all the different animals. We also got to see the Big 5 plus a cheetah which was the cherry on top. I would rate this 84754748 stars out of 5 if I could.”
Travel from Nairobi to the Masai Mara with a small group of up to 14 people, camping at a private site with gear provided. Your days include morning and afternoon game drives, a full-day Mara River outing, meals, and a hippo and crocodile stop. Ask about the assigned driver, as past trips have included Mohammed, Muhammad, and Ben.
“I have been on Safari 5 times with Best Camping and everything was always perfectly organized. They are very friendly, reliable and always put the guests wishes first. Their drivers are very friendly and we also felt extremely safe with a small child. The accommodation they organized were always great.”
Travel from Nairobi to Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru in a 4WD safari vehicle, with two nights in the Mara and one near Nakuru. Expect full-board meals, self-contained tents, English-speaking guides, and long game drives. Guides such as Peter, Jeff, and Pol have earned strong praise for animal spotting and safe driving, though group arrangements can require patience.
“It was a wonderful experience. We saw lots of animals, met the local people, and the organization was very attentive, taking our requests into account with excellent follow-up! A big thank you to Pol, our guide, always smiling and in a good mood!”
Travel from Nairobi to Maasai Mara for two nights in a tented camp, guided game drives, a Mara River visit, and an optional Maasai village stop. Groups are capped at seven, with pickup, meals, water, and a professional guide included. Guides named in past bookings include Alex, Boniface, Francis, and Stanley.
“My wife and I were very intent on finding two things for our safari: An eco friendly company, and one that wouldn't hand us off to contractors that were not their employees. In finding Gracepatt, an eco friendly company (it's in the name) and eRead more”
Travel from Nairobi to Maasai Mara in a small group of up to eight, using an open-roof 4x4 Land Cruiser. Expect a Rift Valley stop, afternoon and full-day game drives, tented camping, meals, and a possible Maasai village visit for $20. Guides including Benjamin, Simon, and Stephen are praised for safe driving and strong animal spotting.
“I'm so glad I booked our Safari with Gracepatt EcoTours! Grace handled everything from start to finish, and was super responsive and helpful. She was able to get us accomodations at Sarova despite us not getting her a lot of lead time, and she was able to make accomoRead more”
Travel from Nairobi to the Masai Mara for two nights in a budget tented camp, with park fees, meals, bottled water, transport, and game drives included. Your private group travels in a safari van with an experienced driver-guide. Guides named in past arrangements include Peter and Zack, and pickup is available from hotels, residences, or the airport.
“It was so wonderful. It is a experience you really have to do. The feeling when you see lions, giraffes, Zebras, cheetah, elephants, hippos and a lot More is incredible. It feels fantastic and our guide was so nice and Kind, He was really the best. We couldn‘t imagine a better Safari Tour than this was.”
Meet your guide at Elsa Gate at 7:00 am for a private Hell's Gate adventure with hiking in Ol Njorowa Gorge, cycling across open plains, and optional climbing at Fischer's Tower. Eric leads the experience, with climbing guide Nelson handling the rock challenge. Camping and a morning boat ride can be added.
“Eric is such an amazing guide! He took such good care of and showed us so much of authentic Kenyan culture. He is thoughtful, fun, and attuned. We even got to meet his parents!”
Travel from Nairobi to Masai Mara in a 4x4 jeep with a group of up to six. You’ll see the Rift Valley, enjoy an afternoon drive on day one, spend a full day among lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, and birds, then return to Nairobi. Guides such as Jared, David, and Gorgia may be available by request.
“The 3 day trip to Masai Mara was the experience of a lifetime!”
Travel from Nairobi to Maasai Mara for three days of game drives, a Great Rift Valley stop, picnic lunch near the hippo pool, and simple camping or lodge accommodation. The trip costs $450 per person, includes six meals, uses a group vehicle for up to 14 people, and may include guide Edward.
“Amazing price for what we got! We saw the big 4 plus leopards and cheetahs up close. Our guide was punctual and informative and everything was very easy to organise. Accommodation in general wasn’t great and it was particularly annRead more”
Travel from Nairobi to Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru on a four-day shared safari for up to six people. Expect a Rift Valley viewpoint, afternoon and full-day game drives, a Mara River picnic, rhinos at Nakuru, and optional Maasai village visits. Monicah of Trail Tracers Tours and Travels helps arrange the trip, with hotel and airport drop-off included.
“Amaizing and breathtaking senary. Wonderful services from the team. A safari I recommend to everyone. I'd come back again and again”
Travel by safari jeep from Nairobi to Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara. Expect long drives, daily game viewing, picnic lunches, and self-contained tents or guest houses. Guides such as Albert, Benjamin, Stephen, and Moses have led this route, with groups capped at eight people.
“First of all, hats off to our guides, Albert (first 3 days) and Benjamin (last 3 days). They were both EXCELLENT drivers and very good at spotting the animals. We were able to see all of the big five, and the places we stayed were nice. You can't beat this tour for the price!”
Ride from Nairobi to Masai Mara in a pop-up-roof Land Cruiser, stop at the Great Valley Viewpoint, and spend two nights at Lenchada Tourist Camp or a similar camp. You get guided game drives, three meals daily, and a chance to see lions, elephants, hippos, and wildebeest. Park fees and optional Maasai village and balloon visits cost extra.
Pick a park, a lake or a stretch of reef.
