Kenya · Safari

2-Day Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi with Hot Air Balloon Ride

2 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five in Masai Mara
02 Stay in a luxury lodge or tented safari camp inside or near Masai Mara
03 Fly over the Masai Mara at sunrise on an unforgettable hot air balloon safari
04 Enjoy a champagne bush breakfast in the wild after your balloon landing
05 Listen to stories by a bonfire under the stars during an optional cultural evening

Embark on a 2-day Masai Mara safari from Nairobi that combines scenic road travel through the Great Rift Valley with immersive wildlife experiences in Kenya's premier game reserve. Enjoy thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five, spend the night in a luxury lodge or tented camp, and soar over the savannah at sunrise on a breathtaking hot air balloon safari. Savor a champagne bush breakfast in the wild and take in iconic African landscapes from the sky before returning to Nairobi with incredible memories of Kenya's natural beauty.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley, with a short photo stop at the viewpoint.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Nairobi, Masai Mara

Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

Pick-up in the morning (around 6:00 AM) from Nairobi airport, hotel, or residence by your professional safari driver-guide.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley, with a short photo stop at the viewpoint.
Arrive at your luxury lodge or tented camp in time for lunch and check-in.
Head out for an afternoon game drive in the Mara, home to the Big Five and countless other species.
Return to the lodge or camp for dinner and your overnight stay.
Optional: Evening bonfire and storytelling under the stars.

Overnight: Luxury Safari Lodge or Tented Camp in Masai Mara

Day 02

Sunrise Balloon Safari and Return to Nairobi

4:30 AM: Wake-up call and transfer to the balloon launch site.
6:00 AM: Begin your hot air balloon flight over the Mara at sunrise - a magical one-hour ride across the savannah.
Upon landing, enjoy a champagne bush breakfast in the wild.
Take a short game drive en route back to the lodge or camp.
Freshen up and check out.
Depart for Nairobi with a picnic lunch or stop en route for a meal.
Drop-off at your Nairobi hotel, residence, or airport in the evening (around 5:00-6:00 PM).

Where this trip takes you

Masai Mara savannah, Great Rift Valley viewpoint, Nairobi, Kenya

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
English-speaking professional driver-guide
1-night full-board accommodation in the Masai Mara
Park entry fees for the Masai Mara
1-hour sunrise hot air balloon flight
All meals as mentioned
Bottled water during game drives
Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi

What's Not Included

Visa fees (for non-Kenyan residents - to be arranged prior to travel)
Drinks & beverages (soft drinks, alcohol, etc. at lodges/camps unless specified)
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, etc.)
Tips & gratuities for guides, balloon pilots, and lodge staff (optional but appreciated)
Travel insurance or medical coverage
Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., Maasai village visit, night game drive)
Optional excursions or lodge add-ons outside the included package
International/domestic flights (if not pre-arranged or part of a custom fly-in package)

What to bring

Passport & ID - required for park entry (especially for non-residents)
Safari clothing - light, neutral-colored clothes for daytime (avoid bright colors)
Warm layers/jacket - early mornings and balloon rides can be chilly
Comfortable walking shoes - for walking around lodges and balloon landing sites
Sunscreen - the sun gets strong during the day
Hat & sunglasses - for sun protection
Insect repellent - especially useful in the evenings
Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated throughout the journey
Camera or smartphone - for capturing stunning views and wildlife moments

Know before you go

The drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara takes 5 to 6 hours (or longer depending on road conditions).
The final stretch to the park involves rough terrain, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Balloon safaris start before sunrise. Expect a wake-up call around 4:30 AM.
Dress warmly - mornings in the Mara can be very chilly, especially during the balloon ride.
Stick to soft-sided bags for ease of storage in safari vehicles.
Luggage space is limited in 4x4 vehicles - pack lightly but smartly.
Balloon rides offer a unique aerial view, but animals can sometimes be far off. Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for the best viewing experience.
Game drives are conducted in open-roof 4x4 vehicles for the best viewing and photography.
Carry some cash (USD or KES) for park entry (if not prepaid), tips, souvenirs, or optional visits to Maasai villages.
Tipping your driver-guide and balloon crew is customary (suggested: $10-$20 per person, per day).
Balloon flights are subject to weather conditions. If canceled due to weather, you may receive a partial refund or be able to reschedule.
Balloon rides must be booked in advance due to limited capacity.
Entry to Masai Mara is charged per 24 hours, so arrival and departure times may affect your fees.
Malaria risk is present - carry insect repellent and consider taking anti-malarial medication.
Bring any personal medications you need, as pharmacies are far away.
Expect limited or no internet in remote parts of Masai Mara. Enjoy the digital detox!
Most lodges offer limited Wi-Fi only in public areas.