3-Day Masai Mara Classic Safari
Introduction
The classic three-day Mara express is ideal for travelers on a time budget but desiring immersion in the heart of Kenya’s wildlife action.
Unique Selling Points
Big Five focused; potential for migration spectacle (July–October).
Evening Maasai village visit.
Option for a sunrise hot-air balloon safari.
Day 1: Nairobi ➡ Masai Mara – Rift Valley Views & Savannah Welcome
Early morning departure from Nairobi, heading southwest through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.
Stop at a scenic viewpoint for panoramic photos and a brief insight into the valley’s geological history.
Optional refreshment break in Narok town, gateway to the Mara.
Arrival at Masai Mara National Reserve by early afternoon.
Check-in at your luxury tented camp or lodge, nestled in the heart of the savannah.
Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and a short rest before heading out.
Afternoon game drive:
Begin your search for the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.
Spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles grazing across golden plains.
Capture golden-hour photography as the sun sets over the Mara.
Evening at leisure: dinner under the stars, with the distant roar of lions and the crackle of the campfire.
Day 2: Masai Mara – Full-Day Safari & Cultural Immersion
Option 1: Full-Day Game Drive
Depart early for a full-day exploration of the Mara’s diverse habitats.
Visit the Mara River, home to hippos and crocodiles, and a key crossing point during the Great Migration.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, surrounded by nature’s soundtrack.
Track cheetahs, hyenas, and elephants moving in matriarchal herds.
Option 2: Split Game Drives
Sunrise game drive: witness predators on the hunt and the savannah awakening.
Return to camp for breakfast and leisure time, swim, spa, or relax.
Afternoon game drive: focus on different regions of the reserve, with chances to spot elusive leopards and birdlife.
Evening cultural visit to a Maasai village:
Engage with elders and warriors, learn about traditional customs, beadwork, and the iconic jumping dance.
Hear stories of resilience, community, and harmony with nature.
Return to camp for dinner and fireside storytelling.
Day 3: Masai Mara ➡ Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Early morning game drive:
Final chance to spot wildlife in the soft morning light, perhaps a lion pride finishing a hunt or elephants bathing in the river.
Breakfast at the lodge, followed by check-out.
Return journey to Nairobi by road or optional flight, passing through scenic hills and rural towns.
Optional stop at a local craft market or Rift Valley viewpoint for souvenirs and photos.
Arrival in Nairobi by late afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable Mara adventure.
Accommodation
Camp Name | Features |
---|---|
|
|
Inclusions
Park entry, vehicle transfer, all meals, pro-guide.
Excludes ballooning (available as upgrade).
Packing
Short duffel, binoculars, light layers for early mornings.