Kenya · Safari

3-Day Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi with Mara River Game Drives

3 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Spot the Big Five, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and large herds of wildebeest
  • 02 Visit the famous Mara River, known for dramatic migration crossings
  • 03 Explore the vast savannah landscapes of the Masai Mara
  • 04 Learn about Maasai culture during an optional village visit

Experience a classic 3-day safari to the world-famous Masai Mara Game Reserve from Nairobi. Enjoy scenic views of the Great Rift Valley, an evening game drive, and a full day of wildlife viewing in one of Kenya's most iconic reserves. Look out for the Big Five, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and large herds of wildebeest, and visit the famous Mara River, known for dramatic migration crossings in season. You can also learn about Maasai culture with an optional village visit while staying in your choice of camp or lodge accommodation.

Look out for the Big Five, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and large herds of wildebeest, and visit the famous Mara River, known for dramatic migration crossings in season.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Nairobi, Masai Mara
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

  • You will be picked up from your hotel in Nairobi city centre or the Westlands area and begin your journey to the world-renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve.
  • Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint to enjoy stunning panoramic landscapes and photo opportunities.

  • Continue the drive and arrive at Masai Mara in time for lunch, followed by check-in at your accommodation.

  • At 4:00 PM, depart for an evening game drive lasting until 6:30 PM. This is an excellent time to spot wildlife, as many animals are active during the cooler hours.

  • Return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

  • Budget: Giraffe Hills Mara Camp, Rhino Tourist Camp, Lenchada Camp, or similar

  • Upgraded Camp: Mara Ntulele, Flair Experience Camp, or similar

  • Upgrade Lodge: Jambo Mara, Simba Oryx Lodge, or similar

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

2
Day 02

Full-Day Wildlife Viewing in Masai Mara

  • After breakfast, depart at 7:00 AM for a full-day game viewing experience in Kenya's most iconic wildlife reserve.
  • Spend the day exploring Masai Mara as you search for the Big Five and other wildlife species that inhabit this vast ecosystem.

  • Visit the famous Mara River, known for the dramatic wildebeest migration river crossings during the migration season.

  • Wildlife frequently seen includes Maasai giraffes, baboons, warthogs, bat-eared foxes, jackals, hyenas, topis, impalas, hartebeests, wildebeest, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and hippos.

  • Lions are commonly spotted resting or scouting prey, while cheetahs and leopards are often seen with some luck.

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the reserve and continue with afternoon game viewing until 4:00 PM.

  • Return to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

  • Budget: Giraffe Hills Mara Camp or similar

  • Upgraded: Jambo Mara Safari Camp, Simba Oryx Lodge, or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner

3
Day 03

Masai Mara to Nairobi with Optional Maasai Village Visit

  • Wake up to beautiful views of the Masai Mara landscape.
  • Enjoy breakfast at your camp and then check out.

  • Optional visit to a Maasai village (additional cost of USD 20) to learn about Maasai traditions, lifestyle, and cultural practices.

  • Begin the drive back to Nairobi, arriving at approximately 3:30 PM.

  • Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel within the city centre or Westlands area.

Meals: Breakfast

Masai Mara savannah, Mara River migration crossings, Great Rift Valley viewpoint

Where this trip takes you

Masai Mara savannah, Mara River migration crossings, Great Rift Valley viewpoint

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Nairobi 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park entry fees

  • Accommodation as per selected option (budget, upgraded camp, or lodge)

  • Meals as specified in the itinerary

  • Professional English-speaking driver and guide

  • Transport in a safari tour vehicle with a pop-up roof

  • All game drives as outlined in the itinerary

  • Bottled drinking water during the safari

  • Roundtrip transfers from Nairobi city centre or Westlands area

What's Not Included

  • International flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Optional visit to the Maasai village (USD 20 per person)

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Personal items such as souvenirs, alcoholic drinks, and extra snacks

  • Additional accommodation before or after the safari

  • Government-imposed park fee increases, if applicable

What to bring

  • Biodegradable sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothing

Know before you go

  • Free pickup is available only from hotels within Nairobi city centre or the Westlands area near the highway.
  • Travellers staying outside these pickup zones should proceed to the meeting point outside City Market on Muindi Mbingu Street.

  • The group safari vehicle carries a maximum of 8 passengers.

  • 24-hour assistance is provided during the safari.

  • Daily guaranteed departures are available for this tour from Nairobi.

  • Food restrictions can be accommodated.

  • Halal food options are available.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
City Market, Muindi Mbingu Street, Starehe, 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.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 230 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total