In a recent article where I answered a common question people have regarding how many days to go on a safari in Kenya, I explained why 3 days is the absolute minimum number of recommended days to go on a safari. In this article, I have detailed everything you need to know about going on a 3-day safari in Kenya.
Can I go on a safari in Kenya for 3 days?
Yes, you can! However, it is important to note that a 3-day safari in Kenya will be a very condensed and hectic experience. You’ll need to plan your itinerary carefully, identify the must-see spots and prioritize them so as not to miss out on any of the highlights.
I recommend 3-day safaris to first-time safarigoers who are unsure about what the whole experience will be like, or who are pressed for time.
What are some things to do in Nairobi for 3-days: Kenya 3-day Safari guide:
If you are staying in Nairobi for three days, it is recommended that you book a private safari tour with an experienced guide who will take care of all the details. This makes things far easier since you would not have to worry about organizing transport or accommodation.
At Kambu campers, we offer an all-inclusive 3-day safari in Kenya that covers the major attractions such as the Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi National Park, Amboseli National Park and Lake Nakuru.
Your first day in Kenya should be spent sightseeing in and around Nairobi. Some of the must-see attractions in Nairobi include the Nairobi National Park, the National Museum and Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Manor, and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.
Your second day should be devoted to a game drive at the Masai Mara National Reserve which is one of Kenya’s most famous safari parks. Here, you will be able to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat such as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and elephants.
On the final day of your three-day safari in Kenya, you can visit Amboseli National Park which is known for its large herds of elephants. You may also want to take a trip to Lake Nakuru National Park where you can spot the endangered rhino, flamingos and other exotic birds.
At the end of your three-day safari in Kenya, you will be able to appreciate how diverse and breathtaking African wildlife can be.
How to plan a 3-day safari in Kenya:
The first step is to decide where you want to go. As mentioned above, Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Nairobi National Park and Amboseli National Park are some of the best places to visit on a three-day safari.
It is also important to plan your budget, as safaris can be expensive. Consider factors such as accommodation, transport and food costs when creating your budget. If you choose to go on an all-inclusive safari in the Mara for 3 days, you can expect to pay as high as $1500 but can also camp using our campervans and cut the safari cost by up to 50%.
If you choose to go to Lake Nakuru, the cost of entry fees to the Park are higher for non-residents and lodges within the park are also excessively expensive. You can expect to pay up to $300 per night to stay in lodges such as Serana or Lake Nakuru Lodge. The disadvantage of going for Lake Nakuru on your 3-day safari is the limited accommodation available for those on safari.
Again, Kambu Campers has a campsite close to Lanet gate to the Nakuru National Park gate and is convenient for those on safari. With the option of a campervan, you can reduce the cost of your three-day safari by more than 50%. With guided transport with a driver, you can expect to pay as low as $200 a day.
If you are planning on a camping safari with our campervan, all you need is your clothes, sunscreen, binoculars, water bottle and all your travel docs. If you are looking for an all-inclusive package, your guide will take care of the meals, entry fees and accommodation.
Your 3-day safari should be tailored to fit with your individual needs and interests, so it is important to choose a tour company that offers customized experiences. At Kambu Campers, we can help you plan the perfect three-day safari in Kenya so that you can make the most of your time and see some of the most breathtaking wildlife in Africa.
How much is a 3-day safari in Kenya?
The cost of a 3-day safari in Kenya will vary depending on the type of accommodation and transport you choose. If you opt for an all-inclusive package, expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $1500 for affordable regular safari packages. These are considerably fair packages considering that you’ll be spending 2 nights glamping in some of Kenya’s top lodges and can be guaranteed of whole day game viewing safari in any of the top safari destinations.
If you choose to go for more budget options such as those by Kambu, you can expect to pay as low as $800 for the trip or even lower – as low as $500 for group budget safaris. This means you’ll spend at least $150 to $ 250 per day for an all-inclusive package but will be sharing either transport cost to and from the Parks and may also be using shared tented camps for accommodation.
If you are staying in lodges within the parks, expect to pay up to $300 for accommodation for only a night or even more. The advantage of going with Kambu Campers is that you can get the most from your safari and have an incredible experience by reducing your costs significantly.
What animals can I see in a short safari lasting for only 3 days?
- Lion: You can see the lion at the Nairobi National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, and Amboseli. If you want to come to see lions, Amboseli and Tsavo are famed for their large population of lions.
- Rhino: Lake Nakuru is the best place to go for rhinos as it is known for its large herds of endangered white rhinos.
- Cheetah: You can spot the cheetah at Masai Mara National Reserve and Samburu Game Reserve.
- Elephant: Elephants can be found in abundance at Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and West National Parks, and Samburu Game Reserve.
- Giraffe: Masai Mara National Reserve is the best place to go for giraffes as it is known for its large population of these graceful animals. You can also see Giraffes in Nairbi at the Nairobi National Park and at Giraffe manor.
What you should try not to miss during your trip:
During your 3-day safari in Kenya, you should definitely make sure to visit some iconic places such as the Nairobi National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve. Additionally, a trip to Lake Nakuru is highly recommended for spotting rhinos and other wildlife.
When we did our recent 4-day trip, we made sure to visit Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and West National Parks, Samburu Game Reserve and Giraffe manor.
If you want to get the most iconic and impressive safari photos, then you should definitely make sure to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve. The park is known for its vastness and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, so it is a must-visit destination if you want to capture some amazing shots. I would also suggest Amboseli for its vast open plains and majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. A postcard with Mt. Kilimanjaro on the background is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Top 3 Days* Safari Packages to Pick:
I searched for 3-day safari packages on safaribookings.com and found over 80 operators offering over 250 safari packages. The packages are a mix of group and individual or 2-people packages starting from as low as 300 per person per day for groups to 490 USD per person per day.
Below are some of the packages you can pick;
- Mufasa Safaris – noted by Safaribookings as the best-seller package for Maasai Mara
- 3-day fly-in safari by Ongeri Expeditions costs $1950 per person
- Mara Classic Safari by Beacon Safaris rated 4.8/5 by over 200 customers on safaribookings
What safaris start from Nairobi and last for 3 days?
You can fly to different safari destinations using and can get to these places by air or road. You can fly to Maasai mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Malindi from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. You can also hire a car – either guided or self-drive and drive yourself. Most of the main safari destinations are only 4 to 5 hours away from nairobi. Good thing all roads from Nairobi are good quality and you will see some amazing landscapes along the way.
At Kambu Campers, we offer customized safari packages that start from Nairobi and last for 3 days. We also provide other services such as airport transfers, car hire with driver/ guide and budget accommodation in major Kenyan cities.
If you want to go on a safari that begins in Nairobi and lasts for 3 days, you can opt for one of the following packages:
1. Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari – This is an all-inclusive package which includes pick up from Wilson Airport, accommodation in Maasai Mara and transport. You can expect to see a variety of wildlife such as the big five animals: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo during this safari.
2. Amboseli Safari – This is an all-inclusive package which includes pick up from Wilson Airport, accommodation in Amboseli and transport. During this safari you can expect to see plenty of wildlife such as elephants, giraffe, zebra, and baboon. Additionally, the picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro will be sure to leave you astounded. You’ll use Mombasa Road and take a right turn when you get to Emali where you start driving southwards toward the Tanzania border.
3. Tsavo East/ West Safari – This is another all-inclusive package which includes pick up from Wilson Airport, accommodation in Tsavo and transport. The Tsavo East and West National Parks offer a wide range of wildlife viewing opportunities such as the usual suspects: lions, cheetahs, buffaloes and elephants. From nairobi, Tsavo is only 5 hours using Mombasa Road.
How about a 3-day safari to the beach – in Mombasa:
If you want to combine a safari with a beach holiday, then Mombasa is the perfect destination. The city is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and incredible wildlife. You can go on game drives to nearby Tsavo East or West National Park, take a dhow cruise around the mangroves or explore the culture, cuisine and history of the local Swahili people. There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury.
At Kambu Campers, we offer a 3-day safari package to Mombasa which includes pick up from Mombasa International Airport, accommodation in Mombasa and transport. If you would rather drive yourself, you can also hire our self-drive 4WD vehicles or get our rental campervans.
How can I go on a Nairobi safari for thre days?
Your best experience if you want to go on a 3-day safari in Nairobi is to explore all the wildlife in Nairobi-based public Park and private conservancies and museums such as;
- Nairobi National Park
- Giraffe center
- Elephant Orphanage
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- Bomas of Kenya
- Karen Blixen Museum
You can also enjoy a three-day safari at the nearby Aberdares or Mount Kenya National Parks, which are located within 4 hours drive from Nairobi. The parks offer rhino, buffalo and elephant sightings as well as night game drives, bird watching and camping.
Unfortunately, Nairobi National park does not have elephants but has all the other big 5. You can however see 4 of the big 5 at the Park and go see the elephant the orphanage.
You can also try a camping safari with a campervan:
Kambu Campers is trying to make going on Kenya safaris more affordable with self-drive campervan rentals. You can rent a campervan and will be able to explore the country at your own pace and convenience. We would even provide you with all the necessary camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, stove and other cookware.
We have several suggested destinations that you can go with our campervans or with our rental 4-wheel drive vehicles.
You can also opt to be driven by our drivers who will also be your guide during the entire safari. Check out our safari van rental cost with pop-up roof here.
FAQs
How many days should I go on kenya safari?
It really depends on how much time you have and the type of safari experience you are looking for. A typical Kenya safari lasts between 3 and 7 days, depending on the distance from Nairobi to your desired destination. Most Kenya safaris visit multiple parks or reserves during their stay so that travelers can get a better appreciation of its diverse wildlife and landscapes. Check out top 4 safari destinations in Kenya here.
While the average Nairobi and Kenya safari package only lasts seven days, You should plan a trip lasting for 10 to 14 days to really get the full experience of what Kenya has to offer. A 10-14 day trip will allow you to visit the main parks but also explore some of the less visited and more remote areas, providing an unrivaled wildlife experience.
You can also check out our guides on;
- One-day Safari in Kenya (in Nairobi and from Nairobi)
- 2-Day safaris in Kenya
- 4-Day Safaris
- 5 Day Safaris
- 7 Day Safaris in Kenya
- 8 Day Safaris in Kenya
Are there any safety issues when going on safari in Kenya?
Kenya is a relatively safe country to visit. However, as with any vacation destination, it is important to take the necessary precautions while traveling. When going on safari in Kenya, you should always be aware of your surroundings and follow any safety warnings issued by your tour guide. It is also recommended to avoid walking alone in large cities, and before visiting an area, familiarize yourself with the local customs and laws. Additionally, always travel with a licensed driver/guide who knows the area well and can provide you first-hand information about safety risks.