7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Nairobi

Day 1: City Exploration

Nairobi, Kenya

8:00AM

Breakfast at City Market

Start your day with a local breakfast at City Market, where you can try traditional Kenyan dishes like Mandazi and Chai.
City Market is located in the city center, easily accessible by walking or a short taxi ride from most accommodations.
500 KES, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Nairobi National Museum

Explore the rich history and culture of Kenya at Nairobi National Museum, home to exhibits on paleontology, ethnography, and art.
From City Market, take a taxi or matatu to the museum. It will take around 20 minutes to get there.
1200 KES, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Talisman Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious and affordable meal at Talisman Restaurant, known for its cozy ambiance and diverse menu.
Talisman Restaurant is a short taxi ride away from the museum.
1000 KES, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Karura Forest

Spend the afternoon hiking or biking through the peaceful Karura Forest, a green oasis in the heart of Nairobi.
Take a taxi or public transport to Karura Forest. It is about a 30-minute drive from the restaurant.
200 KES (entrance fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nyama Mama

End your day with a hearty dinner at Nyama Mama, a popular restaurant serving authentic Kenyan dishes with a modern twist.
Nyama Mama is located in the city center, easily reachable by taxi or a short walk from most accommodations.
800 KES, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum

Nairobi, Kenya

8:00AM

Breakfast at Java House

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Java House, a popular chain known for its coffee and pastries.
Java House has multiple locations across Nairobi. Choose the nearest one to your accommodation.
700 KES, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Giraffe Centre

Interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes at Giraffe Centre, where you can feed and learn about these majestic creatures.
Take a taxi or matatu to Giraffe Centre. It's about a 30-minute drive from Java House.
1000 KES (entrance fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, set in a tranquil environment with lush gardens.
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden is a short drive from Giraffe Centre.
900 KES, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Karen Blixen Museum

Step back in time at Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the renowned Danish author known for 'Out of Africa'.
The museum is within walking distance from the coffee garden.
1200 KES, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at The Souk

Browse unique African crafts and souvenirs at The Souk, a vibrant market offering a variety of handmade goods.
Take a taxi to The Souk for a diverse shopping experience.
Varies based on purchases, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant

Indulge in a carnivore's feast at Carnivore Restaurant, famous for its all-you-can-eat meat selection grilled to perfection.
Carnivore Restaurant is a short taxi ride away from The Souk.
1500 KES, 2 hours
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Day 3: Safari Day at Nairobi National Park

Nairobi, Kenya

6:00AM

Sunrise Game Drive at Nairobi National Park

Embark on a sunrise game drive at Nairobi National Park, where you can spot a variety of wildlife against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Book a safari tour or take a taxi to Nairobi National Park for the morning game drive.
2500 KES (safari tour), 3 hours

10:00AM

Brunch at Rangers Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty brunch at Rangers Restaurant inside Nairobi National Park, overlooking the beautiful landscape and wildlife.
Rangers Restaurant is located within the park and accessible after the game drive.
1000 KES, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Meet and learn about orphaned baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a sanctuary dedicated to elephant conservation.
From Nairobi National Park, take a taxi to the trust's location.
500 KES (donation), 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Nairobi Safari Walk

Stroll through Nairobi Safari Walk, a conservation facility showcasing Kenya's diverse habitats and wildlife species.
Nairobi Safari Walk is adjacent to the wildlife trust and can be reached on foot.
800 KES, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Oloolua Nature Trail

Unwind in nature at Oloolua Nature Trail, offering serene walking paths and a chance to spot indigenous flora and fauna.
Take a taxi to Oloolua Nature Trail for a peaceful evening walk.
200 KES, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ranalo Foods

Savor authentic Kenyan cuisine at Ranalo Foods, known for their flavorful dishes and welcoming ambiance.
Ranalo Foods is a short taxi ride from Oloolua Nature Trail.
700 KES, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Day Trip to Hell's Gate National Park

Naivasha, Kenya

7:00AM

Breakfast at Fisherman's Camp

Start your day with a scenic breakfast at Fisherman's Camp in Naivasha, overlooking Lake Naivasha.
Travel by matatu or private taxi from Nairobi to Naivasha. Fisherman's Camp is a short distance from the town center.
800 KES, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Hell's Gate National Park

Hike or bike through the stunning landscapes of Hell's Gate National Park, known for its towering cliffs and geothermal features.
From Fisherman's Camp, take a taxi to the park entrance. Entry fees may vary.
1500 KES (park entry), 4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Fischer's Tower

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Fischer's Tower, a unique rock formation within Hell's Gate National Park perfect for a scenic break.
Hike or bike to Fischer's Tower within the park for a picturesque lunch spot.
500 KES, 1 hour

2:00PM

Swim at Olkaria Geothermal Spa

Relax and rejuvenate with a dip in the natural hot springs of Olkaria Geothermal Spa, a hidden gem near Hell's Gate.
Take a taxi or bike to Olkaria Geothermal Spa for a soothing thermal bath experience.
700 KES, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

Explore Crescent Island Game Sanctuary on foot, where you can walk among giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests in a natural setting.
From Olkaria Geothermal Spa, take a taxi to Crescent Island for a unique wildlife encounter.
1000 KES (entrance fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Naivasha Kongoni Lodge

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, offering a blend of international and local cuisine with a serene ambiance.
Naivasha Kongoni Lodge is a short distance from Crescent Island, accessible by taxi.
1200 KES, 2 hours
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Day 5: Maasai Mara Safari Experience

Maasai Mara, Kenya

6:00AM

Depart for Maasai Mara

Start your journey to Maasai Mara, one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa, known for its abundant wildlife and annual Great Migration.
Take a morning bus or book a safari tour from Naivasha to Maasai Mara. The journey may take several hours depending on the mode of transport.
2000 KES (bus fare), 6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mara Explorers Camp

Enjoy a simple lunch at Mara Explorers Camp, a budget-friendly accommodation option within Maasai Mara offering stunning views of the savannah.
Arrive at Mara Explorers Camp and savor a quick meal before your afternoon safari activities.
600 KES, 1 hour

2:00PM

Afternoon Game Drive

Embark on an afternoon game drive in Maasai Mara, where you can encounter lions, elephants, and other iconic African wildlife in their natural habitat.
Join a group safari or hire a local guide for the game drive within the reserve.
3000 KES (safari guide), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mara Sidai Camp

Savor a delicious dinner at Mara Sidai Camp, known for its traditional Maasai cuisine and warm hospitality under the starlit sky.
Return to Mara Sidai Camp for a cultural dining experience after the evening game drive.
1000 KES, 2 hours
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Day 6: Hot Air Balloon Safari and Cultural Experience

Maasai Mara, Kenya

5:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Experience the breathtaking Maasai Mara sunrise from a hot air balloon, offering a unique perspective of the savannah and wildlife below.
Book a hot air balloon safari in advance for a sunrise departure from Maasai Mara. The experience includes aerial views and a bush breakfast.
10000 KES, 4 hours

10:00AM

Visit Maasai Village

Immerse yourself in Maasai culture with a visit to a local Maasai village, where you can interact with the community, learn about their traditions, and shop for handmade crafts.
Take a guided tour to a nearby Maasai village for an authentic cultural experience.
1500 KES, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mara Sopa Lodge

Enjoy a buffet-style lunch at Mara Sopa Lodge, offering a variety of international and local dishes amid the Maasai Mara landscape.
Travel to Mara Sopa Lodge for a relaxing midday meal before your afternoon activities.
1500 KES, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Nature Walk with Maasai Guide

Embark on a guided nature walk with a Maasai guide, who will share insights into the local flora, fauna, and traditional uses of plants in the area.
Join a nature walk starting from Mara Sopa Lodge with the Maasai guide.
800 KES, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner and Traditional Dance Performance

End your day with a festive dinner at the lodge accompanied by a traditional Maasai dance performance, showcasing the vibrant culture of the Maasai people.
Relax at Mara Sopa Lodge for dinner and entertainment after the nature walk.
1200 KES, 2 hours
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Day 7: Return to Nairobi and Departure

Nairobi, Kenya

8:00AM

Breakfast at Java House

Have a final breakfast at Java House in Maasai Mara before departing for Nairobi.
Enjoy a quick meal at Java House within the camp premises before starting your journey back to Nairobi.
700 KES, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel back to Nairobi

Take a bus or private transport from Maasai Mara back to Nairobi, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Choose a reliable bus company or arrange for a private transfer to return to Nairobi.
2000 KES, 6 hours

4:00PM

Explore Maasai Market

Visit Maasai Market in Nairobi to shop for authentic African souvenirs, jewelry, and crafts before your departure.
Head to the nearest Maasai Market location from your accommodation for some last-minute shopping.
Varies based on purchases, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mama Oliech Restaurant

End your budget-friendly adventure with a delicious dinner at Mama Oliech Restaurant, known for its fresh fish dishes and local delicacies.
Mama Oliech Restaurant is a great spot for affordable and authentic Kenyan cuisine, easily accessible from Maasai Market.
900 KES, 1.5 hours
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