Exclusive Safaris · Kenya

2-Day Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi

2 daysScheduled group safari

About this journey

Short on time but set on seeing the Maasai Mara? Our 2-day Masai Mara safari from Nairobi, Through the Rift Valley, is the quickest way to stand on Kenya's most famous plains. You cross the Great Rift Valley on day one, spend the night in the Mara and devote the whole of day two to game driving before returning to Nairobi.

Choose the accommodation that suits your budget, from Mara Sopa Lodge and Sentrim Mara Camp to the Mara Serena Safari Lodge high above the Mara Triangle. The game drives are the same whichever option you pick.

The full day in the reserve runs from morning to afternoon with a packed lunch, so you can stay out on the plains rather than returning to camp. In a single day you have a strong chance of lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and huge herds of plains game, with cheetah and leopard possible.

Good to know: two days means two long drives, around five to six hours each way. If you can spare a third day, the 3-day Masai Mara safari adds a second night and a much more relaxed pace.

Who it suits: business travellers with a free weekend, people on a stopover in Nairobi, and anyone who has only two days but cannot leave Kenya without seeing the Mara. It is not the most relaxed way to visit, but it delivers a genuine full day in the reserve.

The drive from Nairobi descends into the Great Rift Valley and passes through Narok, the last major town before the reserve, so there are regular stops along the way. A packed lunch on day two means your guide can range further across the reserve instead of driving back to camp at midday.

Highlights

  • Great Rift Valley crossing on the way to the Mara
  • Morning-to-afternoon game drive with a packed lunch
  • Five accommodation options, from Mara Sopa to Mara Serena
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Back in Nairobi the same evening

What's included

Included

  • Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Game drives as per itinerary
  • Park and sanctuary entry fees
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • Packed lunch on day 2

Not included

  • International flights
  • Kenya eTA and visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • Lunch on day 1 (en route)

Day by day

  • Safari briefing, then depart Nairobi by 4x4 safari vehicle for the Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Lunch stop on the way (own expense)
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Accommodation: your chosen Mara lodge or camp (options A–E)

Where you stay

Choose one accommodation option for the whole safari; all include the same game drives.

LocationOption AOption BOption COption DOption E
Masai MaraMara Serena Safari LodgePride Inn Mara CampSentrim Mara CampMara Sopa LodgeMara Maisha Camp

Questions about this safari

How long is the 2-Day Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi?

2 days and 1 night. It starts in Nairobi and returns to Nairobi.

Is this a private or a shared safari?

It runs as a scheduled safari: you share the vehicle and game drives with other travellers on the same departure, which keeps the price down. We can also run it as a private safari on your own dates.

How do you travel?

By road in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing and photography.

Where will I stay?

In Masai Mara: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Pride Inn Mara Camp, Sentrim Mara Camp, Mara Sopa Lodge and Mara Maisha Camp. You pick one option, A to E, for the whole safari.

What is included in the price?

Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, Professional English-speaking driver-guide, Game drives as per itinerary, Park and sanctuary entry fees, Accommodation and meals as per itinerary and Packed lunch on day 2.

Are park fees included?

Yes. Park, reserve and conservancy entry fees for every day of the itinerary are included in the price.

How far is the Maasai Mara from Nairobi?

The Maasai Mara is about 270 km west of Nairobi: five to six hours by road through the Great Rift Valley, or about 45 minutes by scheduled flight from Wilson Airport.

Can I see the Big Five on this safari?

Lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard are seen regularly in the Maasai Mara. Black rhino are few and shy, so all five are possible but never guaranteed.

When is the best time for this safari?

The Mara is good all year. July to October brings the Great Migration and Mara River crossings; January to March is quieter with excellent resident wildlife; April and May are green and the best value.

Can I customise this itinerary or upgrade the accommodation?

Yes. Choose any of the five accommodation options, A to E, and we can add nights, swap parks or arrange a private version on your dates.

What should I pack for this safari?

Pack neutral-coloured layers, a warm fleece or jacket for early-morning drives, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars and your camera with spare batteries. A soft-sided bag is best, and required on light-aircraft flights.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

Most visitors need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel. Check the requirements for your passport well before you fly.

Is two days enough for the Masai Mara?

It is enough for a full day of game driving and a real taste of the Mara, but most of each first day is spent on the road. Three days gives you two nights and roughly double the time in the reserve.

Destinations on this safari

Kenya’s crown jewelMaasai MaraThe safari capitalNairobi

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