Kenya · Safari

3-Day Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi with Big Five Game Drives

3 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve on guided game drives
02 Search for the Big Five across the expansive savannah plains
03 Enjoy picnic lunches surrounded by natural wildlife landscapes
04 Observe diverse wildlife and bird species within the reserve

Experience a memorable 3-day safari from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations. Travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley before exploring the Mara's vast plains on immersive game drives in search of the Big Five and abundant wildlife. Enjoy picnic lunches within the reserve while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. An optional visit to a traditional Maasai village offers cultural insights into local traditions.

Travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley before exploring the Mara's vast plains on immersive game drives in search of the Big Five and abundant wildlife.

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 No

Cities Nairobi, Masai Mara

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

Receive pick-up from your hotel in Nairobi at 7:00 AM.
Meet your driver-guide for a briefing before departure.
Drive southwest toward the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint and enjoy views of the Rift Valley floor.
Continue the journey to the Masai Mara.
Arrive for check-in and a hot lunch at the camp.
Spend time relaxing at the camp.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Mara Ntulele Camp.

Day 02

Full-Day Game Viewing in Masai Mara

Take an early breakfast at the camp.
Depart for morning and afternoon game viewing drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Search for the Big Five and other wildlife across the reserve.
Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park while viewing the surrounding landscape.
Continue exploring the plains in search of abundant wildlife species.
Return to the camp in the evening.

Have dinner and an overnight stay at Mara Ntulele Camp.

Day 03

Masai Mara to Nairobi with Optional Maasai Village Visit

Take breakfast at the camp and check out.
Opt to visit a Maasai village and interact with the Maa community at an additional cost of USD 30 per person.
Drive back to Nairobi with lunch en route.
Arrive in Nairobi and receive drop-off at the Nairobi Central Business District.

Where this trip takes you

Great Rift Valley viewpoint, Masai Mara National Reserve plains, Mara Ntulele Camp

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

Full-board accommodation at the hotels of stay
All park entrance fees
Transportation in a shared 4x4 safari Land Cruiser vehicle driven by an English-speaking driver-guide (max. 8 pax)
Pick-up and drop-off at Nairobi CBD
Water during the safari

What's Not Included

Visa fee for Kenya
International flights
Optional Maasai village visit at $30 per person
Personal items
Drinks in the hotels
Travel insurance

What to bring

Dust protection: a scarf or "buff" to cover your face on the dusty Mara roads.
Neutral-colored shirts: long- and short-sleeved shirts in khaki, olive, or beige (to blend in and avoid attracting insects).
Lightweight trousers: to protect against the sun and evening mosquitoes.
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses: essential for the intense equatorial midday sun.
Insect repellent (DEET-based): especially important for dawn and dusk.
High-SPF sunscreen: the sun is much stronger at high altitudes.
Personal first aid kit: pack basics like painkillers, antacids, and any personal prescriptions.
Binoculars: a "must-have" for spotting predators in the distance.
Power bank: while vehicles have chargers, a personal one is handy for a full day in the bush.
Camera and spare memory cards: you will take more photos than you expect.
Universal travel adapter: Kenya uses Type G (UK-style three-pin plugs).

Know before you go

This tour departs daily and can be booked at short notice.
Stay warm: early morning game drives can be surprisingly chilly (around 12°C/54°F). Bring a warm fleece or a light down jacket.
Neutral tones: pack clothing in khaki, beige, or olive. Avoid bright colors.
Shared space: as this is a shared vehicle, use a soft-sided duffel bag for luggage rather than a hard-shell suitcase to help with storage.
No plastics: Kenya has a strict ban on single-use plastic bags. Ensure your items are packed in reusable dry bags or pouches.
Cash for extras: you will need some cash (USD or KES) for the optional Maasai village visit ($30), drinks at the camp, and tips for your guide.
Health: the Mara is a malaria-endemic zone; please consult your doctor about prophylactics and bring DEET-based repellent.

Logistics