3-Day Maasai Mara Big Cat Safari with Great Rift Valley Stop

3 Days Round trip from Kenya Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 An efficient, high-impact 3-day itinerary focused exclusively on the Maasai Mara
02 Stunning photography opportunities at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint
03 Up to four comprehensive game drives tracking massive lion prides and cheetahs
04 Authentic evening storytelling around a traditional safari camp bonfire
05 Optional morning hot air balloon flight or Maasai cultural visit

Short on time but want the definitive Kenyan safari experience? This classic 3-day getaway takes you straight into the heart of the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Perfect for weekend travelers, business visitors, or those adding onto a larger African trip, this tour uses excellent mid-range tented camps and focuses purely on high-density game viewing, giving you maximum exposure to Africa's "Big Five."

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Narok, Nairobi, Masai Mara

Languages English, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Maasai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

Depart early from your Nairobi hotel. Descend the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment for a brief photography stop. Travel across the floor of the valley through Narok town, arriving at your mid-range safari camp in time for lunch. Head out at 3:30 PM for your introductory afternoon game drive, seeking out early predator activity.

Day 02

Full-Day Game Tracking Across the Mara

Dedicate a full day to exploring the reserve's endless savannahs. You can opt for flexible morning and afternoon game drives or carry a packed picnic lunch for a full-day expedition to the Mara River to view basking crocodiles and hippos.

Day 03

Sunrise Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Wake up for an early morning sunrise game drive when predators are most active on the hunt. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast, check out, and drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon for your airport drop-off.

The route