Kenya · Safari

3-Day Masai Mara Wildlife Safari with Mara Sopa Lodge Stay

3 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

View all 9 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Scenic drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint
02 Spot the Big Five and other wildlife in the Masai Mara's natural habitat
03 Spend a full day exploring one of Africa's most iconic game reserves
04 Capture stunning sunset landscapes and wildlife photography moments
05 Stay at Mara Sopa Lodge in beautiful surroundings near the reserve

This adventure-filled 3-day safari begins with pickup from your Nairobi hotel or the airport, followed by a scenic drive to the world-famous Masai Mara. Explore the reserve's vast plains on exciting game drives and look out for incredible wildlife, including the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, and abundant birdlife. Enjoy a full day of safari exploration, beautiful sunset landscapes, and the comfort of Mara Sopa Lodge. With year-round game-viewing opportunities, this tour offers an unforgettable introduction to Kenya's classic safari experience.

The Mara light at dusk creates the perfect ambiance for photography, helping you capture the essence of this magical place.

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, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

Morning: Begin your adventure with a 7:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Nairobi or from the airport. From there, head south toward the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, a stunning location with breathtaking views of one of the world's most significant geological features. This is the perfect spot for memorable photos before continuing your journey.
As you drive through the picturesque Kenyan countryside, continue on to the Masai Mara, one of Africa's most iconic and renowned game reserves. The anticipation of what lies ahead makes the journey even more exciting.
Afternoon: Arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge in time for a delicious lunch, served in the beautiful surroundings of the lodge. After your meal, take some time to unwind and relax, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the Mara.
After relaxing, set out on your first afternoon game drive at around 3:30 PM. The Masai Mara is home to the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino - and you'll have the chance to encounter them in their natural habitat. The park also teems with other wildlife such as zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, and various species of antelope. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the diversity of species, including the Maasai ostrich, vultures, and geese that roam the reserve.
Evening: As the sun begins to set around 6:30 PM, continue exploring the reserve while taking in the stunning landscapes and wildlife. The Mara light at dusk creates the perfect ambiance for photography, helping you capture the essence of this magical place.
Afterward, return to Mara Sopa Lodge for a delicious dinner at 7:30 PM. Enjoy a relaxing evening with the sounds of the wilderness around you before retreating to your room for the night.
Overnight: Rest at Mara Sopa Lodge and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep as you prepare for the next day's adventures in the wild.

Day 02

Full-Day Game Viewing in Masai Mara

Today is dedicated to a full day of exploration within the Masai Mara National Reserve. As you venture deeper into the park, keep watch for the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino - as well as other fascinating wildlife such as wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, jackals, antelope species, and even crocodiles.
Masai Mara is home to over 450 species of birds, so birdwatchers will have plenty to enjoy. The months from July to September are especially remarkable, as the Great Migration takes place, with wildebeests and zebras moving from the Serengeti in Tanzania into the Mara. This is one of nature's most incredible spectacles, where you may witness animals crossing rivers and facing natural predators.
A picnic lunch will be served in the park, giving you time to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings while enjoying a delicious meal. After lunch, continue your game drive and enjoy the Mara's abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Evening: As the sun begins to set, return to Mara Sopa Lodge for a well-deserved dinner and some relaxation after a day of thrilling game viewing.

Accommodation:

Mara Sopa Lodge - A mid-range lodge located just outside the Masai Mara National Reserve, offering comfortable rooms, beautiful views, and great facilities to ensure a restful and enjoyable stay.

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinks not included

Day 03

Masai Mara to Nairobi Departure

Start your final day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge, soaking in the last moments of your Masai Mara adventure. Afterward, check out and begin your journey back to Nairobi. Along the way, stop for lunch en route and enjoy one final meal in the beautiful Kenyan countryside.
Arrive in Nairobi late in the afternoon, where you will be transferred directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to catch your flight home. This marks the end of your unforgettable safari experience in Kenya.

Main Destination:

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of the tour)

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinks not included

We hope you've had a wonderful time, and we look forward to hosting you again in the future. Safe travels!

Where this trip takes you

Great Rift Valley viewpoints, Masai Mara plains, Mara Sopa Lodge sunsets

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Nairobi 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees (for non-residents): The cost of entrance to national parks, reserves, or specific areas included in the itinerary
All activities (unless labeled as optional): Guided tours, safaris, nature walks, or other activities included as part of the package
Accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade): Lodging at the hotels, lodges, or camps included in the package, unless a higher-tier accommodation is chosen as an upgrade
A professional driver/guide: An experienced guide for the duration of the trip who provides insight into the places being visited
All transportation (unless labeled as optional): Transport such as a van, bus, or safari vehicle used throughout the trip, including the necessary fuel and maintenance
All taxes/VAT: Any applicable government taxes or value-added taxes (VAT) for services provided during the trip
Roundtrip airport transfer: Transportation to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the trip
Meals: Typically breakfast, lunch, and dinner, depending on the itinerary, provided as part of the package

What's Not Included

Exclusions:

Optional activities: These may include extra tours or activities not included in the standard itinerary, such as hot air balloon rides, extra excursions, or spa treatments
Upgraded accommodation: If you choose a higher level of accommodation than what is included in the package, the difference in price will be an additional cost
Gratuities: Tips for the driver/guide, hotel staff, and others may not be included in the package
Personal expenses: Any personal items or souvenirs purchased during the trip
Travel insurance: Costs related to trip cancellation insurance or medical insurance during travel
International flights: Airfare to and from the destination, if not otherwise stated
Visa fees: Any visa costs required for entry into the country being visited
Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol may not be included in meal packages and could incur additional costs

What to bring

Essentials:

Documents: Passport, visa (if needed), and travel insurance
Clothing: Neutral-colored clothes (khaki/brown), layers for chilly mornings, comfortable shoes, a hat, and swimwear
Toiletries: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal medications
Outdoor gear: Binoculars, a camera, a flashlight, and a water bottle
Health: Malaria medication (if necessary), vaccinations, and a first-aid kit
Money: Local currency, cards, and a money belt
Miscellaneous: A small backpack, chargers, and plastic bags

Optional:

Travel pillow, journal, and snacks

Keep it light, functional, and secure.

Know before you go

Booking confirmation: Ensure you have all your bookings - accommodation, activities, and transfers - confirmed and documented.
Visas and entry requirements: Double-check visa requirements, vaccinations, and any other entry requirements for the destination.
Weather and packing: Be aware of the weather conditions and pack accordingly, including layers, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Health and safety: Check any necessary vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis, and travel insurance details.
Activity details: Clarify which activities are included, which are optional, and what is not covered in the package.
Money: Bring local currency, as some places may not accept cards, and keep possible tipping expectations in mind.
Communication: Have a working phone with a local SIM card or international roaming for emergencies.
Cultural sensitivity: Be aware of local customs, dress codes, and respectful behavior in different environments.
Safety and security: Keep valuables safe and use hotel safes or money belts where possible.
Emergency contacts: Keep emergency numbers and embassy contacts handy.

This will help ensure a smooth and informed trip.

Logistics