Kenya · Safari

3-Day Masai Mara Budget Safari with Big Five Game Drives

3 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the Masai Mara and spot the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos
02 Enjoy game drives in a safari van or 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof
03 See cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest herds in their natural habitat
04 Take in sweeping views over the Great Rift Valley
05 Experience breathtaking sunsets over the Mara plains

Embark on a 3-day safari in the Masai Mara, one of Kenya's most renowned wildlife reserves. Travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley, taking in sweeping landscapes and dramatic vistas along the way. Enjoy game drives as you track the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos - as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and large herds of wildebeest. Witness breathtaking sunsets over the Mara plains and experience the rhythm of African wildlife up close.

Track the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Nairobi, Masai Mara

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley

Depart Nairobi early in the morning for the Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley.
Stop at a scenic viewpoint to admire the landscape.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch.
Head out on an afternoon game drive to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife.
Return to camp for dinner and spend the evening around the campfire.

Day 02

Full-Day Big Five Game Drive in the Masai Mara

Enjoy an early breakfast at camp.
Set out on a full-day game drive with a packed picnic lunch in the heart of the Mara.
Track the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
Look out for cheetahs, wildebeest, antelope, hippos, and crocodiles along the Mara River.
Continue with the afternoon game drive.
Return to camp for dinner and your overnight stay.

Optional: Sunrise hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast.

Day 03

Optional Maasai Village Visit and Return to Nairobi

Have breakfast at camp.
Take an optional visit to a Maasai village to experience local culture.
Depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi with lunch en route.
Arrive in Nairobi by late afternoon, concluding the safari.

Where this trip takes you

Masai Mara, Great Rift Valley, Mara plains

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

Transport in a safari van or 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
2 nights of full-board accommodation in a Masai Mara lodge or tented camp
Park entrance fees to Masai Mara National Reserve
Game drives as per the itinerary, including the Day 1 afternoon drive and the Day 2 full-day drive
Meals as indicated, from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3
Bottled water during game drives

What's Not Included

Optional Maasai village visit, approximately $20 per person
Drinks at the lodge or camp, including soft drinks and alcohol
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and tips
International flights and visas
Travel insurance
Any other items not mentioned

What to bring

Light, breathable clothes for the day, and warm layers or a jacket for cool mornings and evenings
Comfortable walking shoes or safari boots
Hat and sunglasses for sun protection during game drives
Sunscreen and lip balm to protect from the strong African sun
Camera and binoculars for capturing wildlife and landscapes
Toiletries, insect repellent, and any personal medication
Passport, ID, safari booking details, and park entry receipts
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Power bank or charger for charging devices in remote areas

Know before you go

The best time to visit is year-round for abundant wildlife, with July to October offering the Great Migration.
Park fees are paid per person per day and vary depending on residency status.
The weather can be hot during the day, with cool mornings and evenings, so pack accordingly.
For health and safety, carry insect repellent and consult your doctor about malaria prevention.
For wildlife etiquette, stay inside the vehicle during game drives and follow your guide's instructions.
Internet and phone signals may be limited in the park.
Carry some cash for tips, souvenirs, or Maasai village visits, though many lodges accept cards.
When visiting Maasai communities, always ask before taking photos and respect local customs.

Logistics