Kenya · Safari

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

3 Days Round trip from Masai Mara National Reserve Easy pace

Spot the pride of Masai Mara National Reserve

Witness the enchanting wildlife at Masai Mara

Spot the deadly roaring lion at Masai Mara

Witness the towering giraffes at Masai Mara

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Spot the elusive Big Five, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo
02 Marvel at the Great Migration crossings from July to October
03 Stay in a safari lodge or tented camp inside or near the Masai Mara Reserve
04 Experience a guided visit to a local Maasai village

Sign up for a 3-day safari journey from Nairobi to the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, where breathtaking landscapes and thrilling wildlife encounters await. Explore open savannahs on game drives, spot the Big Five up close, and capture stunning sunset views. Enjoy unique experiences like a bush breakfast and an optional Maasai village visit, immersing yourself in the heart of Kenya's natural and cultural wonders.

Take an optional guided visit to a local Maasai village and learn about Maasai traditions, dance, and intricate beading crafts that reflect their heritage.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Nairobi, Masai Mara

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara and First Game Drive

Morning

Depart from Nairobi in the morning, crossing the Rift Valley escarpment and enjoying breathtaking views along the way.
Estimated travel time is approximately 5-6 hours by road.

Afternoon

Arrive at your lodge or camp in Masai Mara, set in the heart of Kenya's wilderness, and check in.
Enjoy a delicious lunch and prepare for your first adventure.

Evening

Begin your safari with a thrilling afternoon game drive. Masai Mara's open savannah makes wildlife sightings easier, including antelope, zebras, and the Big Five.
Take in a stunning Mara sunset, the perfect ending to your first day.

Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge or camp, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Day 02

Full-Day Wildlife Encounters in Masai Mara

Morning

Set off on an early sunrise game drive to maximize wildlife encounters. Early mornings are ideal for spotting big cats like lions and leopards, as they are most active at dawn.

Midday

Enjoy a unique bush breakfast in the reserve or return to the lodge for a hearty meal.
Take an optional guided visit to a local Maasai village and learn about Maasai traditions, dance, and intricate beading crafts that reflect their heritage.

Afternoon

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, with scenic views of the Mara River or the surrounding lodge area.

Evening

Head deeper into the Mara on an extended afternoon game drive. Watch for elephant herds, cheetahs, and, during migration season, vast wildebeest herds making the river crossing.

Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge or camp, with dinner under the stars and storytelling around a campfire.

Day 03

Final Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Morning

Take a final early game drive for one last chance to spot wildlife you may have missed, including more of the Mara's big cats and bird species.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and pack for departure.

Late Morning

Depart Masai Mara and enjoy a scenic drive back to Nairobi, taking in the beauty of the Kenyan countryside.

Afternoon

Arrive in Nairobi by late afternoon, concluding your 3-day Masai Mara safari adventure.

Where this trip takes you

Masai Mara savannah, Mara River crossings, Great Rift Valley escarpment

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

Round-trip road transport from Nairobi to Masai Mara in a comfortable safari van or 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing
Two nights' accommodation in a safari lodge or tented camp inside or near the Masai Mara Reserve on a full-board basis
Full-board meal plan, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Masai Mara National Reserve entrance fees for all days of the safari
Daily game drives led by an experienced English-speaking guide for optimized wildlife viewing, including sunrise and sunset game drives
Services of a knowledgeable safari guide who will share insights about wildlife, landscapes, and local Maasai culture
Complimentary bottled water throughout the safari

What's Not Included

Flights to and from Nairobi, if required
Personal travel insurance for health coverage, cancellations, or emergency assistance
Personal items, alcoholic drinks, tips, and any additional services at the lodge or camp
Balloon safaris, nature walks, or other excursions outside the standard itinerary
Optional Maasai village visit
Cultural visit to a Maasai village (entry fees may be included or available at a nominal extra cost, depending on the package)

What to bring

Clothing
- Light layers: Bring light, breathable clothing for daytime, and a warm jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Neutral colors: Earth-toned clothing (khaki, beige, green) helps blend in with the environment for better wildlife encounters.
- Hat & sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun.
- Comfortable footwear: Closed-toe shoes or lightweight hiking boots for safari drives and walking around the lodge or camp.
Personal Essentials
- Sunscreen: High-SPF sunscreen to protect against the strong equatorial sun.
- Insect repellent: Mosquito repellent is essential for staying bite-free in the evening.
- Personal toiletries: Small toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
Camera & Binoculars
- Camera: A good camera with zoom capability for wildlife photography.
- Binoculars: Useful for spotting animals at a distance and for birdwatching.
Documents & Cash
- Passport & visa: Ensure your passport is valid and bring any necessary identification.
- Cash: Kenyan Shillings for tips, souvenirs, or any additional purchases. Some places may accept US dollars, but smaller bills are helpful.
Health Items
- First aid kit: A small kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
- Malaria prophylaxis: Check with your doctor about malaria medication, as some areas are at risk.
Tech Essentials
- Portable charger/power bank: For charging devices during game drives, as charging points may be limited in the lodge or camp.
- Plug adapter: Kenya uses the Type G plug (same as the UK), so bring an adapter if needed.
Daypack or Small Backpack
- A small, sturdy backpack for carrying essentials like a camera, binoculars, water, and snacks on game drives.
Travel Guide or Field Guide
- If interested in wildlife identification, bring a field guide to Kenya's wildlife or a bird guide to enhance your experience.

Know before you go

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
- Dry season (June to October): This is the best time for wildlife viewing, with the Great Migration usually crossing into the Mara from July to October. The dry season offers easier sightings as animals gather around limited water sources.
- Wet season (November to May): Expect lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching, although animals may be harder to spot due to thicker vegetation.
Wildlife Sightings Aren't Guaranteed
- While the Masai Mara is rich in wildlife and famous for Big Five sightings, animal behavior and weather can impact viewing. Sunrise and sunset game drives offer the best chances, as animals are most active during cooler times.
Health & Safety Precautions
- Masai Mara is in a malaria-prone region, so it's wise to consult your doctor about taking malaria prophylaxis. Also, bring insect repellent, as mosquito bites are common, especially in the evenings.
Respect Wildlife and Park Rules
- Masai Mara has strict rules to protect wildlife. Remain in your vehicle during game drives, follow your guide's instructions, and keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing animals.
Cultural Etiquette with the Maasai
- If visiting a Maasai village, respect local customs and traditions. Seek permission before taking photos, as some Maasai may prefer not to be photographed. It's also courteous to learn a few greetings in Swahili, like "Jambo" (Hello) or "Asante" (Thank you).
Connectivity
- Internet and phone coverage can be limited in the Mara, although most lodges offer Wi-Fi. Download offline maps and resources beforehand if you'll need connectivity.
Cash and Tipping
- Bring some Kenyan Shillings or small US dollar bills for tips, optional Maasai village visits, and souvenirs. Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers, and lodge staff, and it is usually given at the end of your safari.
What to Expect on Game Drives
- Game drives can be bumpy, as roads are often rugged. Pack comfortable clothing, stay hydrated, and bring a travel pillow if you want extra support. Early morning and late evening game drives are chilly, so layering is essential.
Photography Tips
- The Mara is a photographer's paradise. Bring a camera with zoom capability, extra memory cards, and a power bank to keep your devices charged. Sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting for photos.
Discover the best of Kenya with a 3-day Masai Mara safari. Spot the Big Five, witness the Great Migration (seasonal), and enjoy breathtaking savannah landscapes. Perfect for a thrilling, immersive escape.