10-Day Great Migration & Lamu Island Retreat (Budget Safari)
Tour Type: Solo / Group Tour
Style: Budget Safari – Affordable lodges and guesthouses with essential amenities, guided wildlife and cultural activities, and authentic local hospitality
Destinations: Maasai Mara National Reserve • Nairobi • Lamu Island (Shela & Old Town)
Kenya’s Wildest Show & Coastal Soul
This 10-day itinerary offers the best of Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage—from the thunderous spectacle of the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara to the laid-back, dhow-sailed rhythms of Lamu Island. Witness wildebeest and zebra crossing crocodile-infested rivers, lions on the hunt, and elephants roaming the savannah. Then unwind on Lamu’s car-free streets, explore centuries-old Swahili architecture, and relax on pristine beaches. It’s a journey that balances adrenaline and tranquility, all within a budget-friendly framework.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- Game drives in Maasai Mara during the Great Migration season (July–October)
- Visit to a Maasai village for cultural immersion and storytelling
- Scenic flight or road transfer to Lamu Island via Nairobi
- Guided walking tour of Lamu Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Sunset dhow cruise along the mangrove-lined coast
- Beach relaxation in Shela Village with optional yoga or kayaking
- Budget accommodations with local charm, group-friendly amenities, and authentic cuisine
- Ideal for solo travelers, student groups, couples, and budget-conscious explorers
Major Attractions
| Location | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Maasai Mara NR | Great Migration, Big Five, endless savannah |
| Nairobi | Giraffe Centre, local markets (optional) |
| Lamu Island | Swahili architecture, dhow sailing, beach life |
| Shela Village | Sand dunes, yoga retreats, artisanal shops |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Nairobi → Maasai Mara (~5–6 hours), Nairobi → Lamu (not recommended by road)
- By Air (Recommended): Nairobi → Maasai Mara (~1 hour), Maasai Mara → Nairobi (~1 hour), Nairobi → Lamu (~1.5 hours)
- Transfers: All ground and domestic air transfers provided in licensed safari vehicles and scheduled flights with bottled water and onboard guide
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi & Transfer to Maasai Mara
Activities:
- Morning arrival in Nairobi and scenic drive or flight to Maasai Mara
- Afternoon game drive to spot elephants, lions, and giraffes
Accommodation: Budget Option: Enkorok Mara Camp / Miti Mingi Eco Camp
Amenities: En-suite tents, hot showers, local meals, campfire area
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Maasai Mara
Activities:
- Morning game drive focused on Great Migration herds and predators
- Afternoon visit to a Maasai village for cultural exchange
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 3: Sunrise Safari & Transfer to Nairobi
Activities:
- Early morning game drive with bush breakfast
- Transfer back to Nairobi by road or flight
Accommodation: Budget Option: Wildebeest Eco Camp / Manyatta Backpackers
Amenities: Shared or private rooms, garden restaurant, Wi-Fi
Day 4: Flight to Lamu Island & Shela Beach Walk
Activities:
- Morning flight from Nairobi to Lamu
- Afternoon beach walk in Shela Village and sand dune exploration
Accommodation: Budget Option: Jambo House Lamu / Shela Bahari Guesthouse
Amenities: Rooftop terrace, en-suite rooms, Wi-Fi, breakfast included
Day 5: Lamu Old Town Tour & Sunset Dhow Cruise
Activities:
- Morning guided walking tour of Lamu Old Town (UNESCO site)
- Evening dhow cruise with snacks and coastal sunset views
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 6: Beach Leisure & Optional Yoga or Kayaking
Activities:
- Morning relaxation or optional yoga session in Shela
- Afternoon kayaking or visit to Takwa Ruins (optional)
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 7: Optional Dolphin Watching & Cultural Workshop
Activities:
- Morning dolphin watching excursion (seasonal)
- Afternoon Swahili cooking class or henna art workshop
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 8: Leisure Day & Local Market Visit
Activities:
- Morning beach leisure or spa treatment
- Afternoon visit to Lamu market for crafts and spices
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 9: Flight to Nairobi & Optional City Tour
Activities:
- Morning flight to Nairobi
- Optional visit to Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum
- Overnight in Nairobi or transfer to airport for departure
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Day 10: Departure from Nairobi
Activities:
- Group check-out and airport transfer
- Farewell from Kenya’s wild and coastal wonders
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Kenyan visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight safari clothing (neutral colors)
- Swimwear and beachwear
- Sturdy walking shoes and sandals
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Respectful attire for cultural visits
- Moderate fitness level for game drives and walking tours
✅ Inclusions
- All ground and domestic air transfers
- 9 nights budget accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Game drives in Maasai Mara with professional guide
- Maasai village visit
- Lamu Old Town tour and sunset dhow cruise
- Park entry fees and ranger support
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Kenyan visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed (e.g., yoga, kayaking, spa treatments)
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Enkorok Mara Camp | Maasai Mara | En-suite tents, local meals, campfire area |
| Wildebeest Eco Camp | Nairobi | Garden restaurant, shared/private rooms |
| Jambo House Lamu | Lamu Island | Rooftop terrace, Wi-Fi, breakfast included |
Witness the Migration & Unwind in Swahili Paradise?
This budget safari offers the perfect balance of wilderness spectacle and coastal charm-ideal for solo travelers and group explorers.