Kenya · Safari

3-Day Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi with Great Rift Valley Views

3 Days Round trip from Kenya Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover the Masai Mara, a world-renowned game viewing destination with diverse wildlife
02 Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration across two countries
03 Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and more
04 Take in the Masai Mara's expansive plains and dotted woodlands
05 Travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley

Embark on a 3-day adventure from Nairobi to the iconic Masai Mara Game Reserve, one of the world's ultimate wildlife havens. Discover breathtaking landscapes, the Great Rift Valley, and the awe-inspiring Great Migration in a reserve known for its outstanding concentration of animals. Enjoy thrilling game drives to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, wildebeest, zebra, and more in their natural habitat. With sweeping plains, dotted woodlands, and Kenya's untamed beauty all around, this safari promises memories to last a lifetime.

Embark on a 3-day adventure from Nairobi to the iconic Masai Mara Game Reserve, one of the world's ultimate wildlife havens.

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 Not applicable

Cities Narok, Nairobi, Masai Mara

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

Depart at 06:30 for Masai Mara, driving southwest to what has been aptly dubbed the "ultimate game viewing destination in the world," home to the largest wildebeest migration across two countries.
Descend into the Great Rift Valley, enjoy a brief rest stop at Narok town, and proceed further south to arrive at the lodge in time for lunch.
After lunch, head out for an afternoon game viewing drive at 16:00 and return by 18:45.
Dinner and overnight stay. FB.

Day 02

Full Day in Masai Mara Game Reserve

Set out on an early morning game viewing run at 06:30. An optional Balloon Safari with Champagne Breakfast is available at an additional cost. Return for breakfast by 09:00.
Spend the rest of the morning at leisure.
Blessed with an outstanding concentration of animals and panoramic views across the plains and dotted woodlands, the Masai Mara provides an unsurpassed safari experience.
As the northern extension of the great Serengeti grassland, the reserve hosts the annual migration of over a million wildebeest - the most awesome wildlife spectacle on planet Earth.
The Mara covers an area of about 1,500 square kilometers in the southwestern corner of Kenya. It is unfenced, bordered on the west by the Olooloo Escarpment and on the east by the Ngama Hills.
The common language of the Masai is Maa, in which the word Mara means "spotted," referring to the clusters of bushes that dot the plains.
In addition to the wildebeest and the hordes of zebra that join them in their annual pilgrimage for pasture, the Masai Mara supports lion, cheetah, elephant, kongoni, topi, Thomson's gazelle, and the Defassa waterbuck, as well as eight species of primate.
Lunch is served at 12:30.
Enjoy the early afternoon at leisure.
Head out again for a game drive at 16:00 and return by 18:45. Spend the evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay. FB. An optional full-day game drive with picnic lunch is also available.

Day 03

Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

Enjoy a game drive at 06:30, available only for hotels and lodges located inside the park, then return to the lodge by 09:00 for breakfast.
Depart at 09:30 for Nairobi and arrive by 13:00, followed by drop-off with memories of your African safari to cherish.

End of safari.

Where this trip takes you

Masai Mara plains, Great Rift Valley, Narok town

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kenya 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation on a full-board meal plan in Masai Mara
Game drives as indicated in the itinerary at a glance
Services of a professional safari guide
Park entrance fees for clients
2 bottles of 500 ml mineral water in the vehicle while on safari
Exclusive use of a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof top

What's Not Included

Items of a personal nature
Gratuities
Drinks and laundry at the lodges
Hot air Balloon safari: USD 450 per adult non-resident

What to bring

Clothing

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes: Opt for neutral colors like khaki, beige, and green to blend in with the surroundings.
Short-sleeve shirts: Bring 1-2 short-sleeve shirts for warm days.
Long-sleeve shirts: Pack 2-3 long-sleeve shirts for sun protection and cooler evenings.
Safari shorts and trousers: Bring 2 pairs of each.
Sweater or fleece: For chilly mornings and evenings.
Comfortable shoes: Sneakers or hiking boots with good grip.
Hat and sunglasses: For sun protection.
Insect repellent: To keep the bugs away.
Medication: Bring any personal medication you might need.

Accessories

Camera: To capture all the amazing wildlife.
Binoculars: Essential for spotting animals from a distance.
Portable charger: To keep your devices charged.
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your trip.
Snacks: For those times when you're out on a game drive.
Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun.

Important Documents

Passport: Ensure it has at least 6 months of validity from your date of exit.
Visa: Check if you need a visa to enter Kenya.
Travel insurance: Always a good idea for peace of mind.
Flight tickets and hotel reservations: Keep copies handy.

Know before you go

Timing and Seasons

Best time to visit: The most popular time to visit is during the Great Migration (July to October), but other months can also offer great wildlife viewing without the crowds.
Weather: Be aware of the rainy seasons (March-May and November), which can affect road conditions and animal movements.

Accommodation

Types of accommodation: Options range from luxury lodges to budget campsites. Research the amenities and services offered.
Location: Choose accommodation based on proximity to key wildlife areas and entrance gates.

Safari Package

Inclusions: Understand what's included in the safari package, such as game drives, meals, park fees, and guided tours.
Duration: Consider the length of stay and how many game drives are included.

Health and Safety

Vaccinations: Check if any vaccinations are required or recommended, such as yellow fever.
Malaria precaution: The Masai Mara is a malaria area; take necessary precautions and consider prophylactics.
Travel insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

Logistics

Flights and transfers: Look into flight options to Nairobi and onward to the Masai Mara. Verify if airport transfers are included in your package.
Visa requirements: Check visa requirements for Kenya and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
Optional Balloon Safari with Champagne Breakfast is available at an additional cost.
An optional full-day game drive with picnic lunch is also available.

Packing

Essential items: Refer to the packing list mentioned earlier, including clothing, accessories, and important documents.
Luggage restrictions: Be mindful of weight limits, especially if taking small charter flights.

Wildlife and Conservation

Guidelines: Learn about the wildlife and follow guidelines for safe and respectful interactions.
Conservation efforts: Support eco-friendly lodges and tours that contribute to local conservation projects.

Cultural Awareness

Local customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette to ensure respectful interactions with the Maasai people and other local communities.

Budget

Cost breakdown: Understand the total cost, including accommodation, park fees, guide tips, and any optional activities.
Payment terms: Check the payment terms and cancellation policies of your chosen tour operator.

Logistics