Kenya · Safari

3-Day Big Five Budget Group Safari in Masai Mara from Nairobi

3 Days Round trip from Masai Mara National Reserve Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Multiple game drives in the Masai Mara during peak wildlife viewing hours
02 Track the Big Five in one of Africa's most iconic safari reserves
03 Drive through the Great Rift Valley with panoramic photography stops
04 Explore the rolling plains of the Mara, the northern extension of the Serengeti
05 Optional visit to a Maasai village for a glimpse into local traditions

Experience the raw power of the African wilderness on this 3-day safari from Nairobi to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Travel through the Great Rift Valley and enjoy multiple game drives in one of Kenya's most celebrated wildlife destinations, with the chance to spot the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The reserve's rolling plains, rich biodiversity, and predator-prey drama make this a rewarding short safari for wildlife lovers. An optional Maasai village visit adds a cultural dimension to the journey.

Experience the raw power of the African wilderness on this 3-day safari from Nairobi to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Nairobi, Masai Mara

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

You will be met on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or at your hotel for a briefing by a company representative. Afterwards, drive through the floor of the Great Rift Valley to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. You will have lunch en route, arriving at Lenchada Camp or a similar camp in time for lunch.

At 4:00 pm, you will enjoy an afternoon game drive in the reserve. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the camp.

Meal plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02

Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara National Reserve

You will have a full day in the reserve with both morning and afternoon game drives at 6:30 am and 4:00 pm, respectively. The Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti, and its rolling plains are home to hundreds of plains game together with the predators that feed on them.

All meals and your overnight stay will be at the camp.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03

Masai Mara to Nairobi with Optional Maasai Village Visit

After breakfast, proceed for an optional Maasai village visit. We then depart for Nairobi, where we will arrive in the evening. The safari concludes when we drop you off at your hotel or in the city center.

Where this trip takes you

Masai Mara National Reserve, Great Rift Valley, Lenchada Camp

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Masai Mara National Reserve 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation
A professional driver/guide
All transportation
All taxes/VAT
Round-trip airport transfer
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$5.00 per person per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Clothing: Neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki, or green) to blend in, a warm jacket for early morning drives, and comfortable walking shoes.
Equipment: High-quality binoculars, a camera with a telephoto lens (at least 300 mm), and a power bank for charging devices.
Health & protection: High-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent (containing DEET), a wide-brimmed hat, and personal medications, including anti-malarials as advised by a physician.
Documentation: Passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate, and some cash (USD or Kenyan shillings) for tips and souvenirs.

Know before you go

Tipping etiquette: Tipping is a significant part of the guide's income in Kenya; it is customary to tip at the end of the safari.
From July to December, the park fee is higher (add $100 per day).

Logistics