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

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Spot the Big Five during exciting game drives across Masai Mara
• 02 Explore the Mara River and witness dramatic wildlife action
• 03 Enjoy unlimited game drives across vast open savannah landscapes
• 04 Experience Maasai culture and an optional hot air balloon safari

Explore Kenya's iconic Masai Mara National Reserve on this 3-day safari adventure from Nairobi. Travel through the Great Rift Valley and enjoy thrilling game drives across vast savannahs filled with lions, elephants, leopards, and more. Witness the Mara River and seasonal wildebeest migration, along with unforgettable sunrise and sunset views. Experience optional Maasai cultural visits and optional balloon safaris for a unique perspective. This short safari offers rich wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and an authentic African adventure.

Witness the Mara River and seasonal wildebeest migration, along with unforgettable sunrise and sunset views.

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

1

Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

• Early morning pick-up from Nairobi and departure towards Masai Mara.
• Enjoy a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, with a stop at the viewpoint for photos.
• Arrive at Masai Mara in time for lunch at the camp or lodge.
• Relax and freshen up after arrival.
• Enjoy an afternoon game drive from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
• Spot wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more.
• Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

2

Day 02

Full-Day Masai Mara Game Drive to the Mara River

• Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge.
• Depart with a picnic lunch for a full-day game drive from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Explore deeper areas of the reserve, including the Mara River.
• Spot crocodiles, hippos, and seasonal wildebeest migration crossings.
• Track the Big Five across the savannah with your guide.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild.
• Optional visit to a Maasai village or hot air balloon safari.
• Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

3

Day 03

Sunrise Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

• Set out on an early morning sunrise game drive from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM.
• Observe predators during their most active time.
• Return for breakfast at the lodge.
• Check out and depart for Nairobi.
• Stop for lunch en route.
• Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Transport in a safari vehicle with round-trip travel from Nairobi in a safari van or 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing
• Game drives, including afternoon, full-day, and morning drives, with an experienced driver-guide
• Park entry fees for Masai Mara National Reserve
• Accommodation for 2 nights in a budget camp, mid-range lodge, or luxury tented camp, based on package
• Meals on a full-board basis, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the safari
• A professional safari guide with wildlife tracking knowledge and local insights
• Drinking water in bottled form during game drives and transfers
• Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, airport, or agreed location in Nairobi

What to bring

• Light neutral clothing, such as comfortable clothes in earthy tones, with long sleeves for sun and insects
• A warm jacket or sweater, as early mornings and evenings in the Mara can be chilly
• Comfortable shoes, such as sneakers or light hiking shoes, for walking around the camp or lodge
• Sunglasses and a hat for protection from the strong African sun
• Sunscreen with a high SPF
• Insect repellent, especially for protection in the evenings
• A camera or smartphone for wildlife photography, along with extra batteries or a power bank
• Binoculars for spotting distant animals
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during game drives
• Personal toiletries such as a toothbrush, wipes, and sanitizer
• Personal medication, including any prescribed medicine and basic first aid items
• Identification documents such as a passport or ID required for park entry
• Cash in small denominations for tips, souvenirs, or optional Maasai village visits
• Optional extras such as a light scarf for dust during drives
• A travel adapter or charger
• A small notebook or journal

Know before you go

• Carry your ID or passport, as it is required for park entry and hotel check-ins.
• Early starts are normal, with game drives beginning around 6:00 to 6:30 AM when wildlife is most active.
• Road conditions can be rough, with bumpy sections, so expect a long but scenic journey from Nairobi.
• Weather varies, with warm days and cold mornings and evenings, so layering clothing is important.
• Carry some cash for tips, souvenirs, and optional experiences like visiting a Maasai village.
• Limited network and Wi-Fi are available in many areas of the Mara, so connectivity may be weak or unavailable.
• Wildlife is wild, and it is important to follow guide instructions and not feed or approach animals.
• Pack light, as soft bags are easier to fit in safari vehicles than hard suitcases.
• Health and safety precautions are recommended, including basic vaccinations, travel insurance, and personal medication.
• Park rules must be followed, including no littering, no loud noises, and staying inside the vehicle during game drives unless instructed.
• Optional activities such as hot air balloon safaris should be pre-booked due to limited availability.
• These guidelines help ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable safari experience without surprises.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kenya

Tour start

Kenya

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.