Exclusive Safaris · Kenya

3-Day Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi

3 daysScheduled group safari

About this journey

Three days is the sweet spot for a Maasai Mara safari from Nairobi: two nights in the reserve and a full day on the plains in between, which is where most of the best sightings happen, from a cheetah hunt in the short grass to a lion pride waking at dusk.

You travel by road in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, arriving at your lodge or camp in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive. Day two is spent entirely in the reserve, with morning and afternoon game drives, an optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight and the option of a visit to a traditional Maasai village.

Pick from five accommodation options: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Pride Inn Mara Camp, Sentrim Mara Camp, Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Maisha Camp. All include the same game drives, so the choice comes down to style and budget.

The Mara holds one of Africa's highest densities of lion, along with elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, hyena and more than 450 bird species. From July to October the Great Migration herds arrive from the Serengeti and river crossings become possible.

When to go: July to October for the migration; January to March for excellent game and fewer vehicles; April and May for green landscapes and the best value.

Who it suits: first-time safari-goers, families and travellers adding a safari to a business trip or beach holiday. Three days is long enough to see a lot without feeling rushed, and short enough to fit into most schedules.

The second day is the one that makes the trip. With no driving to or from Nairobi, your guide can follow the wildlife news, head to the Mara River in migration season, or spend time with a single family of cheetahs. If you choose the balloon flight, you will be collected before dawn and back for a champagne breakfast on the plains.

Highlights

  • Two nights in the Maasai Mara with a full day of game drives
  • Five accommodation options, from Mara Sopa to Mara Serena
  • Optional sunrise hot-air balloon safari
  • Maasai village visit can be included
  • Great Migration river crossings from July to October

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

Not included

  • International flights
  • Kenya eTA and visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • Hot-air balloon safari (optional, at additional cost)
  • Hotel costs on return to Nairobi

Day by day

  • Breakfast and safari briefing, then depart by 4x4 safari vehicle for the Maasai Mara
  • Arrive at your lodge or camp for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive
  • Meals: Lunch & 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 Mara (2 nights)Mara Serena Safari LodgePride Inn Mara CampSentrim Mara CampMara Sopa LodgeMara Maisha Camp

Questions about this safari

How long is the 3-Day Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi?

3 days and 2 nights. 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 (2 nights): 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 and Accommodation and meals as per itinerary.

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 add a hot-air balloon safari?

Yes. A sunrise balloon flight over the Maasai Mara with a champagne bush breakfast can be added at an extra cost. It needs booking in advance, as places are limited.

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.

Destinations on this safari

Kenya’s crown jewelMaasai MaraThe safari capitalNairobi

More in Kenya

Chat with us