6-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Kenya

• Day 1: Visit the Nairobi National Park in the morning before it gets too hot. Stop by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage for the 11am feeding. Grab lunch at the Kibera slum, where you can taste some of the best street food in Nairobi. Take a Matatu bus to the Karen Blixen Museum and end the day with a visit to the Giraffe Center to feed and kiss these majestic animals.
• Day 2: Start the day at the Karura Forest, a peaceful getaway in the heart of Nairobi. Visit the Kazuri Beads factory to learn about the production of handmade ceramic beads and how this business empowers Kenyan women. Spend the afternoon in the bustling Maasai Market, where you can haggle for souvenirs and traditional African clothing. Grab dinner at the street food stalls along Ngong Road.
• Day 3: Take an early bus to Nakuru and hike the Menengai Crater, one of the largest craters in the world. Grab lunch in town and visit the Lake Nakuru National Park in the afternoon to see the flamingos that flock the lake. Stay overnight in Nakuru.
• Day 4: Take a bus to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride, where you'll see exotic birds and hippos in the wild. Take a walk at Hell's Gate National Park, where you can hike through canyons, see geothermal hot springs and even spot a few zebras. Return back to Nakuru to spend the night.
• Day 5: Take a bus to Kisumu and visit the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. Take a boat ride on Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the source of the Nile River. Enjoy dinner at a fish restaurant and stay overnight in Kisumu.
• Day 6: Visit the Kit Mikayi rock formation in the morning, a cultural and spiritual landmark for the Luo community. Take a Matatu bus to Kendu Bay and visit the Tom Mboya Mausoleum to learn about the influential Kenyan politician who played a role in the struggle for independence. Take a bus back to Nairobi in the late afternoon.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Nairobi National Park and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: 4 hours / KES 1800
• Kibera slum: 1 hour / KES 400
• Karen Blixen Museum: 2 hours / KES 1200
• Giraffe Center: 1 hour / KES 1000
• Karura Forest: 3 hours / KES 500
• Kazuri Beads factory: 1 hour / Free
• Maasai Market: 2 hours / Free
• Menengai Crater: 2 hours / KES 600
• Lake Nakuru National Park: 3 hours / KES 1500
• Lake Naivasha boat ride: 1 hour / KES 1000
• Hell's Gate National Park: 3 hours / KES 1000
• Kisumu Impala Sanctuary: 2 hours / KES 1000
• Lake Victoria boat ride: 1 hour / KES 2000
• Kit Mikayi rock formation: 1 hour / KES 800
• Tom Mboya Mausoleum: 1 hour / Free
• Total Costs: KES 9600

Transportation

For this itinerary, most transportation will be by Matatu buses or shared taxis, which provide an affordable and convenient way to get around. Local buses are also available, but can be less reliable and less comfortable. It is recommended to book bus tickets in advance to avoid overcrowding and ensure a seat. For longer distances, a private transfer or rental car can also be considered.

Links to Key Attractions and Restaurants

• Nairobi National Park
• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
• Karen Blixen Museum
• Giraffe Center
• Karura Forest
• Kazuri Beads
• Maasai Market
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Hell's Gate National Park
• Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
• Kit Mikayi rocks
• Tom Mboya Mausoleum
• Fish Restaurants in Kenya

Tips:

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Masai Mara Reserve for a chance to see the "Big Five" animals in their natural habitat. If you have less time, consider skipping Kisumu and Kit Mikayi.