Budget tips and public transport from Lake Nakuru National Park to Masai Mara and cheap car rentals??

Don't think that that is enough for a 4WD, which I believe you will need to drive in Mara. I did see a public bus in town at the gate to the park, but no idea where it was from or how frequent.
LP guidebook lists several places to camp oustide the park, where you can join a game drive if you don't have your own car.

Aruba Mara Camp, not from Sekenani Gate, is probably the most reliable place to stay cheaply and they organise game drives into the reserve from the camp. To get to Talek Gate from Nakuru, you would take a matatu back towards Nairobi, stopping at Mai Mahiu and getting a vehicle to Narok from there. Once in Narok (probably evening by now) ask about a Talek vehicle for the next morning - there are several every day. At Talek you can walk to Aruba Mara Camp.

If you intended to do your safari in low budget its better you join those called swapgroups which departure every day in Nairobi , so you can share the vehicle and other costs with other and save your money ! . But to hire a car not cheaper at all .

I am traveling in Kenya right now and have yet to get to Lake Nakuru National Park, despite three or four trips to Nakuru, but a friend who lives in the town told me about a shuttle that you can take from the train station area that then rides around the park. I imagine the experience would be in line with what I've read about the park shuttles - can be full of kids and the local flavor of the day, and a much less tailored/ expertise-based experience, in terms of seeing game and such.

One of the reasons I haven't hit up that park yet is that it is a premium park and thus entrance is 80 USD for foreigners, regardless of how you travel there. I have also read much indicating that one of the major reasons for its premium designation, the flamingos, are much less present and lower in numbers these days, so be warned of that. Word is you can often catch a rhino, but definitely not a guarantee.

If you head to Nakuru, two additional suggestions: take the Prestige shuttle form the main matatu area in Nairobi; only 350 KSH and supremely comfortable compared to the regular matatu route (and you're only adding +/- 100 KSH). Also, I have been lodging at an incredibly comfortable and clean place called Langas Relax Inn. It's outside of the main part of town, off of Langa Langa, not far from the stadium. Apparently it's the red light district, but I haven't encountered any issues. 700 KSH/night, 0720419318 (they would be happy to give directions to a tuk-tuk or taxi driver; save $ by taking a motorcycle tax, and don't let them charge you more than 50 KSH!).

Everyone I talk to here says Nairobi National Park is the way to go, for the all-around experience; cheaper than Nakuru (50 or 60 USD) and word is a shuttle is also available, mostly on weekends.

Bro, Also note the rains are epic this year. Check out these pictures from the Mara right now (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3300075/The-lion-left-stranded-floods-Masai-Mara-Incredible-rainfalls-leave-usually-sun-baked-nature-reserve-water-puzzle-wildlife.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490).

It might also mean that Lake Nakuru is flooded, so I would call KWS to find out the situation before going through the trouble. You might be better off heading north to Samburu or Laikipia where it is drier. I would get in touch with Bonfire Adventures as they are generally cheap, although Safaris in Kenya are generally not, so it will be a squeeze on the budget.

Thanks a lot :)
After thorough analysis I have realized that it is better to self drive in Maasai Mara and other national parks .. I am getting a RAV4 for 60 USD and i am going to finalize that option .

Thanks Nomadic_Travels for the heads up.. but I am traveling around Xmas and things should be ok by then... HOPEFULLY

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