Three days in the Maasai Mara
The classic first safari. Two full days of game drives on the open plains.
- Length
- 3 days, 2 nights
- Where
- Maasai Mara
- From
- US$780per person, 2 sharing, Jan to Jun
- Best months
- Jul to Oct
Three days is the shortest trip we'd recommend to the Mara. The drive from Nairobi takes most of the first morning, which leaves the afternoon, one full day and a final early drive for the reserve itself.
Between July and October this overlaps with the migration. Outside those months the resident cats, elephants and plains game are still there, and the reserve is quieter.
- Two dawn game drives, when cats are most active
- A full day in the reserve with a packed lunch
- Optional sunrise balloon flight
The route
Nairobi
Start
↓ 5 to 6 hrs by road
Maasai Mara
2 nights
↓ 5 to 6 hrs by road
Nairobi
End
Day by day
- 01
Nairobi to the Mara
Early pick-up and drive west, with a stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. Lunch at camp, then an afternoon game drive until the gates close at sunset.
- Travel
- About 5 to 6 hours
- Stay
- Tented camp near the reserve
- Meals
- Lunch, dinner
- 02
A full day in the reserve
Out at first light. With a packed lunch you can go further south towards the Mara River, where the herds cross in season. Back at camp before dark.
- Stay
- Tented camp near the reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 03
Last drive and return
A short morning drive, breakfast back at camp, then the road back to Nairobi. Drop-off at your hotel or the airport in the late afternoon.
- Travel
- About 5 to 6 hours
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch
Along the way
What's included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Driver-guide for the whole trip
- Park and conservancy entry fees
- Accommodation as listed
- Meals as listed
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
Not included
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Drinks at lodges and camps
- Optional activities (balloon flights, village visits)
When to go
- JJan: Good
- FFeb: Good
- MMar: Rains, quieter
- AApr: Rains, quieter
- MMay: Rains, quieter
- JJun: Good
- JJul: Best
- AAug: Best
- SSep: Best
- OOct: Best
- NNov: Rains, quieter
- DDec: Good
- Best
- Good
- Rains, quieter
River crossings usually happen between July and October, but the timing moves each year with the rain. The long rains (April and May) bring lower rates and green plains.
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