A friend and I have 3-4 day free days in Nairobi in early June and would like to go on a safari. We are on a very tight budget. Any suggestions? We're looking for a good tour operator and a realistic idea of how much a short trip will cost. Thank you so much!

June is still at mid-season prices most places in Kenya.

You can easily do a 3/nt visit to the Masai Mara. By road with own guide/vehicle is 5-6/hrs drive time; by air (50min) where you'll be using guide/vehicle of the lodge/camp at which you stay.

There are any number of reputable "in-country" outfitters others have used and that a "search" on this board will bring up. Otherwise, check out www.kato.com for a list of such outfitters. Select 3-5 of them, send the same info to all - when, where, estimated budget - see what they come back to you with.

Your prices should include: room/tent, 3/meals daily, daily park fees ($60-$90/person); guide/vehicle (if driving); flights (if flying); VAT/taxes. Not included: gratuities to guide, tracker, lodge/camp staff; beverages (alcoholic/non-alcoholic); Visa (USD$25/person); malaria meds; inoculations (Yellow Fever if arriving from another sub-saharan country... see the Kenya Tourism website); trip insurance; Flying Doctor's Service.

Good luck!

That should be Kenya Association of Tour Operators: http://www.katokenya.org/

Here are some examples of costs:

3 day group budget camping safari to the Mara http://www.gametrackersafaris.com/ke...kers-gtc-3.php

3 day private lodge/tented camp safari to the Mara http://www.essafari.co.ke/essk011.php

I've used the latter outfitter and can recommend them but both are reputable. Both examples are driving safaris. A flying safari will generally cost more. If you decide on a group safari, find out the maximum number they take and what type of vehicle will be used.

Good luck!

It is possible to do 3 days maasai mara,or alternatively combine a number of Day trips from Nairobi.http://www.opulentafricatours.com/excursions.html

I did 5 days Mara /Nakuru with them

Hi,

I will also be in Nairobi for early June and have time for safari for around 3-4 days.
let me know if you find a good one.

Mmmh you can do 3 days safaris in Mara for whatever Budget you are working on. In the Mara there are lodges which can carter for any traveler from low budget to luxury. i have stayed and worked with Manyata camp very Low budgeted camp and their fod is good. i have never heard any complain from my clients.