8 Days Guided Backpacking Trip in the Kenyan Savannah
Lake Naivasha | Maasai Mara National Reserve | Hellsgate National Park | Crescent Island Game Sanctuary | Olkaria Geothermal Spa Swimming Pool | 8 Days | 7 Nights
Suitable for: Solo, family, friends
Pickup Location: Nairobi & Narok
Mode of transport: Public Transport, Bush Taxi & van as described
Accomodation Type: Budget Tented Camps and Hotels
Highlight: Game Drive, Bird Watching, Camping
NB: Not suitable for small children
Day, Location, Accommodation, & Meal plan
Day 1. Nairobi
Day 2. Maji Moto Cultural Camp-FB (Full Board)
Day 3. Maji Moto Cultural Camp-FB
Day 4. Greenwood Safari Camp-FB
Day 5. Greenwood Safari Camp-FB
Day 6. Eseriani Resort-HB
Day 7. Eseriani Resort-HB
Day 8. Eseriani Resort-HB
Day 9. Nairobi
This trip is a dynamic blend of wildlife, adventure, and stunning landscapes. Begin with thrilling game drives in the Masai Mara, where you'll encounter the Big Five and witness the famous wildebeest migration (seasonal). Next, explore Hell's Gate National Park, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and opportunities for hiking and biking among wildlife. The journey concludes with a peaceful boat ride and walking safari at Crescent Island, a wildlife sanctuary on Lake Naivasha, where you can get close to giraffes, zebras, and other animals. This trip offers an exciting mix of safaris, scenic beauty, and cultural immersion.
Preparation Day (optional)-Day before trip starts
On your first day, you'll be in Nairobi, preparing for the upcoming adventure. With the guidance of an Africa Unlocked Tours and Travel representative (optional), you will ensure that all necessary items for your backpacking trip are in place including medication, hiking attires like shoes, clothes, swimming costumes, sunblockers, and after-sun lotions among others based on your needs. This day offers a chance for last-minute shopping to secure any forgotten essentials. While transport costs on this day are not included in the package, our guide will be available to assist you with your shopping needs such as shopping locations and directions. You will arrange a meeting point that is either close to the shopping venues or close to your accommodation based on your preference. If all preparations are complete, you can relax and unwind in anticipation of the journey ahead.
Day 1-3: Maji Moto Cultural Camp or Similar – Immerse in Maasai Culture
Accommodation: Full board | Transport: Local Public Transport & Taxi
Your safari begins as you meet our Africa Unlocked guide at the Nairobi Easy Coach Buses booking office or public transport shuttle (matatu) station around 8:00 am for the journey to Narok. The trip from Nairobi to Narok takes about 3.5 hours, followed by a 1-hour bush taxi ride to Maji Moto Cultural Camp.
At Maji Moto, you will have a unique opportunity to experience authentic Maasai culture. Engage in various activities such as nature walks, hot springs baths, traditional Maasai lifestyle practices, wildlife tracking, and learning bush survival skills like fire-making and understanding medicinal herbs. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local Maasai school and interact with the community. The order of these activities is determined by the camp’s pre-set itinerary. Participation in these activities is flexible, allowing you to choose those that interest you most.
Day 3-5: Greenwood Safari Camp or similar – Maasai Mara Adventure
Accommodation: Full board | Transport: Taxi/Tourist Vehicle
On the morning of Day 3 and with the help of Africa Unlocked Tours and Travel Representative, you'll transfer by taxi to Greenwood Safari Camp (or similar camp nearby), located near the Maasai Mara National Reserve's Talek Gate. Upon arrival, the afternoon will be spent preparing for the exciting adventures ahead.
Day 4 will be devoted to a full-day game drive in the Maasai Mara. If your visit coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration (typically between late July and October), you'll witness one of the most awe-inspiring natural events in the world. The game drive begins early, and you’ll depart for the park gates at 6:00 am to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities. Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to spot the "Big Five"—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos—along with cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and many other species. For bird enthusiasts, Maasai Mara is home to over 500 species of birds both native and migratory, 47 of which are predatory.
For an extraordinary experience, you may also opt for a hot air balloon safari at an additional cost of $500 USD per person.
Day 5-7: Eseriani Resort Naivasha – Explore Hell’s Gate National Park & Lake Naivasha
Accommodation: Full-Board/Half-board | Transport: Local Public Transport & Taxi
On Day 5, after breakfast, you’ll transfer from Greenwood Safari Camp to Narok town by public transport matatu or bush taxi, and then continue to Naivasha via public transport. Once you arrive in Naivasha, you’ll head to Eseriani Resort or similar booked accommodation using a taxi or public transport matatu for a relaxing evening in preparation for the next day's activities.
Day 6 begins with a transfer to Hell’s Gate National Park after breakfast, where you'll embark on an exhilarating cycling or walking tour through the park. The park is famous for its dramatic cliffs, gorges, and geothermal activity. You may hike through the Ol-Njorowa Gorge and witness natural hot springs and waterfalls. After the Gorge, you will head for the Olkaria Geothermal Spa for swimming (optional). The spa is known for its natural Sulphur-filled hot water that has a relaxing effect on body muscles. Afterward, lunch can be arranged at Naipanoi Resort or Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp upon request and at your own cost.
On Day 7, you’ll enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, providing excellent opportunities to view hippos and an array of bird species. Afterward, you'll explore the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a walking tour amongst zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife. For those with an interest in cinema, you'll appreciate Naivasha area’s connection to films such as, Lion King, Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life, and Out of Africa.
Day 8: Return to Nairobi
As your adventure comes to an end, you'll check out of Eseriani Resort after breakfast and make your way back to Nairobi using public transport matatu. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you’ll be dropped off at a convenient location, such as Westlands or the Central Business District, where you can easily arrange transport to your pre-booked accommodation. Should you prefer, a private taxi can be arranged from your hotek in Naivasha for an additional fee to take you directly to your accommodation in Nairobi or Kiambu.
End of Tour.
NB:
- Africa Unlocked Tours and Travel helps clients with reccomendations on where to find items such as medication, clothing, and necessary supplies for the trip on request.
- We advise guests to arrive atleast 24 hours before start of the trip so they have time to shop for any items they need for the backpacking trip.
- Accomodation, transport and game drive are on a shared basis.
Adults (Non-Citizens)
1807 USD for 1 pax
1657 USD per person for 2 pax
1607 USD per person for 3 pax
1557 USD per person for 4 pax
1507 USD per person for 5 pax
1405 USD per person for 6 pax and above
Children (Non-Citizens)
819 USD for 1 pax
750 USD per child for 2 pax and above
Adult (Resident)
1581 USD for 1 pax
1431 USD per person for 2 pax
1372 USD per person for 3 pax
1313 USD per person for 4 pax
1254 USD per person for 5 pax
1136 USD per person for 6 pax
Children (Resident)
740 USD for 1 pax
670 USD per child 2 pax and above
Citizen (Adult)
1460 USD per person for 1 pax
1310 USD per person for for 2 pax
1270 USD per person for for 3 pax
1230 USD per person for 4 pax
1190 USD per person for 5 pax
1150 USD per person for 6 pax and above
Citizen (Children)
720 USD per person for 1 pax
650 USD for 2 pax and above
Accomodation children rates apply to 3-12 years
Infants, under 3 years, have free entrance and accomodation
Starting from
USD 1405
Per person sharing Non-Citizen
Includes
A dedicated backpacking guide with experience in wildlife and local communities to help navigate Kenya’s interior
A maasai community experience including their way of life, dressing, and culture
All transport costs for public transport, taxi, and tour van
1 Full Day Game drive in Masai Mara
All park entrances at Maasai Mara, Hellsgate, and Crescent Island
Manual Bicycle hire
Ol-Njorowa Gorge hike fees up to the Pride Rock viewpoint
Swimming fee at Olkaria Geothermal Swimming Pool (on availability)
Boat ride at Lake Naivasha
A walking safari on Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Excludes
Food and drinks of alcoholic or non-alcoholic nature besides those provided with meals in booked accommodations
Additional Masai Mara Game Drive can be arranged on request at an extra charge (150-400 USD depending on the size of the group and tourism period)
Hot air balloon safari 500 USD (optional)
Bush lunch or dinner (optional)
Electric bicycle rental at Hellsgate 30 USD (optional)
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary (feel free to inquire where not clear)