Kenya, Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Masai Mara Big Five Safari from Nairobi with Mara River Visit

3 Days Round trip from Nairobi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Embark on game drives in Kenya's premier wildlife reserve, home to the Big Five, cheetahs, zebras, and the iconic wildebeest migration
  • 02 Visit the famous crossing point where thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate yearly
  • 03 Optionally visit a traditional Maasai homestead to learn about their rich culture, traditions, and unique way of life
  • 04 Stop at a renowned Great Rift Valley viewpoint for sightseeing, photography, and insights into its formation and Kenya's history

On this 3-day safari, the guide will escort you on an exciting wildlife adventure in one of Africa's most popular game parks as you go on game drives to spot the Big Five. Travel from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, and enjoy multiple game drives in search of lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and more. You will also visit the Mara River crossing point and may choose to visit a traditional Masai homestead to learn about local culture and traditions.

After exploring the park, proceed to the banks of the Mara River, the crossing point during the yearly wildebeest and zebra migration.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Narok, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Serengeti National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

  • Pick up from your hotel or the airport at 06:30 by your Kenyan driver and drive to the city centre, where you will be briefed on the day's activities before departing for Kenya's top wildlife game reserve. At this point, you can visit the supermarket and buy snacks or anything else you would like for the trip.
  • Proceed to one of the renowned viewpoints in the Great Rift Valley, where you will receive brief information about the formation of the Rift Valley and the history of Kenya. Stop for sightseeing and photography.
  • Thereafter, drive to Mara via Narok town and arrive in time to be welcomed by the staff and enjoy a hearty lunch.
  • After freshening up, head out for a late afternoon game drive in the park, as this is considered the best time to view animals roaming around. The reserve is essentially the northern extension of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. See migratory wildebeest, common zebra, Masai giraffe, and antelopes such as Thompson's gazelle, hartebeest, impala, and dik-dik.

Return to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

2
Day 02

Full-Day Masai Mara Wildlife Viewing

  • Wake up early and enjoy a buffet breakfast served by the cook. Then set out with your packed lunch for a full day of wildlife game viewing. The driver will open the pop-up roof for you to have a clear view of the game, offering a greater chance of spotting the diverse wildlife for which Mara is well known.
  • Keep your cameras ready for memorable shots as you search for the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo), as well as cheetah, hyena, wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, and topi, among others.
  • After exploring the park, proceed to the banks of the Mara River, the crossing point during the yearly wildebeest and zebra migration. Relish lunch served in the wild. You are advised not to feed the monkeys, as they may try to snatch some of your fruit, which is a common trait.
  • Continue with another afternoon game drive as you head back to the camp, where you will have a chance to enjoy a hot African cup of coffee or tea served by the staff.

Overnight in the lodge or camp.

3
Day 03

Early Morning Safari and Return to Nairobi

  • Wake up early, have a cup of hot coffee or African tea, and proceed for an early morning game drive. The early morning game safari offers a golden opportunity to spot predators. The full game drive will take about 2-3 hours, after which you will head back to the camp for breakfast.
  • Later, an optional visit to a Masai cultural homestead, at an extra cost, can help you learn more about their ancient culture and traditions. Inside the Manyatta, take as many photos as you can as a memory of the African cultural visit. You can also join them in their colourful songs and dance.
  • Transfer back to Nairobi, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport.
Masai Mara plains, Mara River crossing, Great Rift Valley viewpoint

Where this trip takes you

Masai Mara plains, Mara River crossing, Great Rift Valley viewpoint

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 4 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick up from your hotel
  • Transport in a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
  • 2 nights' accommodation in a luxury room or tent
  • Full board, with three meals per day while on safari
  • 3 days of game drives
  • All park entrance fees
  • Drinking water
  • Drop-off at the same place on the last day
  • English-speaking Kenyan tour guide

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation in Nairobi upon arrival (can be arranged at an extra cost upon request)
  • Entrance to the Masai village in Masai Mara (optional; payable directly to the Masai elders in the village)

Know before you go

  • Accommodation in Nairobi upon arrival can be arranged at an extra cost upon request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour start
Nairobi, Kenya
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Nairobi.

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USD 542 /person
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