Explore the Wild: Days Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi
Considering a quick escape to nature? A 3 Days Masai Mara safari from Nairobi offers a snapshot of Kenya’s wilderness, with opportunities to spot the Big Five and a practical itinerary that begins in Nairobi’s city life and concludes with memories of the savanna. This article walks you through what each day might hold, without overwhelming detail or sales pitches.
How to Book Your 3 Days Masai Mara Game Reserve Safari with Us
For booking, inquiries, or questions about our Maasai Mara National Reserve safaris, please contact us at james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com or WhatsApp/Call +254-748-258-880.
Our Most Booked 3 Day Masai Mara Safari & Other Tours
| Our Popular Packages | See the Detailed Itinerary | Safari Price/Quote |
| 6-Day Amboseli, L. Naivasha, & Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1950 |
| 6-Day Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1665 |
| 6-Day Hell’s Gate, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1745 |
| 6-Day Hell’s Gate, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 2050 |
| 6-Day Nairobi & Masai Mara Family Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 2500 |
| 6-Day Nairobi, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 2870 |
| 7-Day Amboseli, Hell’s Gate, L Naivasha, & Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1945 |
| 7-Day Amboseli, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1800 |
| 7-Day Amboseli, Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, and Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 2395 |
| 8-Day Masai Mara, L. Nakuru, & Diani Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1778 |
| 8-Day Honeymoon Safari in Kenya | View the Itinerary | From USD 2309 |
| 9-Day Helicopter Tour Safari in Kenya | View the Itinerary | From USD 9068 |
| 10-Day Classic Safari in Kenya | View the Itinerary | From USD 3990 |
| 10-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 3890 |
| 12-Day Safari in Kenya | View the Itinerary | From USD 4050 |
| 18-Day Safari in Kenya | View the Itinerary | From USD 7800 |
| 3-Day African Safari in Kenya | View the Itinerary | From USD 1600 |
| 3-Day Masai Mara Budget Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1705 |
| 3-Day Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1405 |
| 4-Day Ashnil Mara Camp Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1800 |
| 4-Day Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1769 |
| 4-Day Mara Serena Safari Lodge Trip | View the Itinerary | From USD 1690 |
| 4-Day Masai Mara Flying Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 2050 |
| 4-Day Masai Mara Group Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1500 |
| 4-Day Masai Mara Migration Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1890 |
| 5-Day Naivasha & Masai Mara Group Safari | View the Itinerary | From USD 1780 |
3 Day Masai Mara Safari Photos
Key Takeaways
- The 3-day Masai Mara safari from Nairobi offers intimate wildlife encounters including potential sightings of the Big Five and the Great Migration, with private 4×4 Jeep game drives and a limit of six people per group or a more personalized private tour.
- Guests can enjoy cultural immersion through optional visits to Maasai villages, engaging with local traditions, all while staying in a variety of luxury accommodations, and contributing to conservation efforts to protect the Mara ecosystem.
- The safari includes essential services like Maasai Mara park entrance fees, safari bottled drinking water, accommodation in tented camps or safari lodges, meals, and an English-speaking driver and tour guide. There are also additional optional experiences like hot air balloon safaris and cultural activities to enhance the safari adventure.
Embarking on a 3-Day Journey to the Heart of Masai Mara
Imagine spending your day exploring Maasai Mara Game Reserve, surrounded by a plethora of wildlife and conservancies like Mara Conservancy. Potential sightings of the Big Five – the African Elephant, African Lion, Black Rhinoceros, Cape Buffalo, and African Leopard – are among the premier wildlife attractions in the Masai Mara. And if you’re lucky, you might witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration, a stunning display of nature’s grandeur that sees wildebeest cross Mara river where waiting crocodiles lay hungry.
With a maximum of six people per group or even a private tour, your Masai Mara safari ensures a more intimate, engaging, and fantastic experience.
Departure from Nairobi on Day 1 – Nairobi City Center, Nairobi Airport, or Nairobi Hotel
Your adventure begins in Nairobi city – Nairobi airport or Nairobi hotel. After being picked up from your hotel or directly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, descending through the Great Rift Valley escarpment in a private 4×4 Jeep, a comfortable safari pop up-roof vehicle. As you traverse the picturesque Masai countryside, you’ll observe the colorful Masai herdsmen in their traditional attire, presenting a vibrant contrast against the backdrop of their homeland.
Along the way, you’ll stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint to take in the breathtaking landscape. The Great Rift Valley offers an amazing experience of the natural world and birds before you continue with your journey to the Masai country and Mara triangle. As your journey progresses, the drive becomes an adventure onto unpaved roads, with the final hour giving you a true sense of entering the remote African wilderness.
The Safari Experience Begins
Upon arrival at the Masai Mara Reserve, you will head to the tented camp or lodge for check-in, take lunch, and relax for a while. If staying inside, you will pay 2 nights park fees and then continue to the lodge. The park fee per person is USD 100 for low season and USD 200 for the peak season. You can choose from a budget safari lodge such as Enkorok Mara Camp to a luxury hotel which is wheelchair accessible like Angama Mara Tented Camp.
After, you’ll embark on your first early afternoon game drive, serving as an introduction to the park’s abundant wildlife. This afternoon game drive sets the stage for the amazing experiences to come, with potential sightings of various wildlife, including the Big Cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
The Masai Mara Game Reserve is renowned for its dense concentrations of lions, wildebeests, zebras, and elephants – an unforgettable spectacle that you’re likely to encounter during your game viewing. This is just the introduction to Kenya’s wildlife viewing areas and all the animals.
Discovering the Mara: Game Drives and Wildlife Encounters on Day 2
The adventure continues as you delve deeper into the wilderness in search of more wild animals. On the second day, you’ll experience morning and afternoon game drives, offering unique opportunities to observe the Mara’s wildlife in action. For a more immersive experience, you can opt for a day Masai Mara safari, which includes a full-day game drive and a picnic lunch amidst the stunning landscapes of the Masai Mara Game Reserve.
These game drives are designed to provide you with the best wildlife viewing experiences, enabling you to witness the iconic River Mara crossing and the diverse ecosystems of the reserve.
Dawn Patrols and Dusk Adventures
The magic of the Masai Mara is at its peak during the early hours of the morning and late in the afternoon. The dawn patrol brings you face-to-face with the early activities of the wildlife, while the dusk adventure promises sightings of animals as they become more active towards sunset. During these times, big cats such as lions and leopards are particularly active, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
You can look forward to an early morning game drive on the second day, followed by another game drive in the late afternoon when the wildlife is more active in Masai Mara National Park. Look out for a sumptuous buffet dinner ending the day on a high.
The Mara River Experience & Mara Beauty
One of the highlights of any Masai Mara National Park safari is undoubtedly the Mara River crossing. The river serves as the dramatic backdrop for the Great Migration, when countless wildebeest and zebras attempt to cross the river’s treacherous waters. Watching wildebeest brave the crossing, often contending with lurking crocodiles, is a symbolic representation of the survival challenges in the wild.
To experience this iconic spectacle, the peak season from July to October is the best time to plan your group or private tour to this safari destination.
Exclusive Insights: Private Safari Benefits
Opting for a private tour in the Masai Mara National Park offers an exclusive and intimate experience. By enforcing visitor limits and restricting the number of vehicles at any wildlife sighting, your safari becomes a truly personal journey into the heart of the wild. You’ll enjoy the benefit of a dedicated safari car, ensuring personal attention and an experience tailored to your preferences.
Plus, the provision of Wi-Fi in safari vehicles at no extra cost enhances your comfort, allowing for connectivity approximately 75% of the time during the tour.
Customizing Your Adventure
A private safari also offers the flexibility to customize your adventure. For an authentic cultural encounter, you can schedule a visit to a local Masai village, immersing yourself in their traditions and customs. This immersive experience allows you to witness traditional Maasai dances, participate in craft-making, and learn about the Maasai’s sustainable living practices.
For those seeking unique adventures beyond the traditional game drives, the safari can include activities like horse riding and mountain biking, offering a different perspective of the Masai Mara. These will come at an additional cost per person.
Luxury Accommodation Choices
The luxury of a private safari extends to your accommodation choices. The Masai Mara offers a range of luxury safari lodges and other options, including:
- Elegant lodges like Jambo Mara Safari Lodge, with fine dining and spa facilities
- Comfortable tented camps with modern amenities like en-suite bathrooms and private verandas
- Premium options like Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, which offers a vintage luxury ambiance
- Hideaways with spectacular views, such as Sanctuary Olonana and Angama Mara
Meanwhile, Governors’ Camp, Basecamp Masai Mara, and Mara Sopa Lodge combine traditional tented lodging with modern comforts.
Cultural Immersion and Conservation Efforts
Your Masai Mara safari is not just about wildlife viewing; it’s an opportunity for cultural immersion and conservation efforts. Visitors have the option to partake in a cultural visit to a Maasai village, engaging with the local community and supporting their way of life.
Additionally, through the model employed in conservancy safaris, you contribute to:
- the conservation of the Mara ecosystem
- supporting jobs for local staff and rangers
- fostering a deep connection between visitors, the Maasai people, and the Mara ecosystem.
Engaging with the Maasai Community
Visiting a Maasai village during your safari is a highly enriching experience. You’ll be welcomed with traditional dances and songs, celebrating your arrival. You can engage in Maasai craft-making activities and even purchase these handmade items, contributing to the local economy.
The Maasai will also share their traditional knowledge on sustainable living, including cattle herding and the use of natural medicine, offering valuable insights into their way of life.
Supporting Mara’s Ecosystem
Your visit to the Masai Mara is not just a journey into the wild; it’s an opportunity to support the Mara ecosystem. Through low-impact tourism, you can help safeguard the wildlife and promote sustainable practices. Your safari supports the Mara Conservancy’s successful anti-poaching patrols and de-snaring programs, which have dramatically reduced incidences of poaching in the area.
By staying in accommodations that follow strict guidelines to minimize the environmental footprint, you ensure a secluded and intimate guest experience while preserving the ecosystem.
Navigating the Practicalities of a Masai Mara Safari
Now that you’re excited about the 3 day Masai Mara safari, it’s essential to understand the practicalities. Your safari typically includes unlimited game drives in a private 4×4 Jeep, accommodation, and meals. Tour prices cover Masai Mara game reserve entrance fees, bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle, and medical evacuation insurance via The Flying Doctors service.
Also, you’ll benefit from the services of an English-speaking driver/guide, ensuring an enhanced overall experience.
What’s Included and What’s Not
It’s important to know what’s included and excluded in your safari package. The package encompasses:
- Game viewing drives
- Park entrance fees
- Meals on safari
- Accommodation
- Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
However, bottled and soft drinks, items of a personal nature, and tips & gratuities for safari staff are not included in the tour price and will be at your own expense.
Best Time to Travel
Choosing the right time to travel is crucial for the best wildlife encounters. The optimal game viewing season in the Masai Mara is during the dry months from June to October. During this period, the lesser vegetation and higher concentration of wildlife around water sources greatly enhance the game viewing experience.
Moreover, the Great Migration, a spectacle you don’t want to miss, occurs from July to October, coinciding with the optimal period for game viewing and balloon safaris.
Enhancing the Safari: Optional Extras and Upgrades
To make your Masai Mara safari even more memorable, consider adding optional extras. These can range from hot air balloon rides over the reserve to exclusive upgrades offered by your accommodation, such as bush breakfasts, traditional dances, and wellness activities.
These special experiences enrich your safari, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the Masai Mara.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
For a unique perspective of the Masai Mara, consider a hot air balloon safari. As you float over the reserve at sunrise, you’ll gain a stunning aerial view of the landscape and wildlife below. The overall experience spans 3-4 hours, incorporating a pre-flight briefing, a one-hour flight, and a luxurious champagne breakfast in the wilderness.
Not only is a hot air balloon safari a breathtaking experience, but it also provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography.
Special Experiences
To further enhance your safari, consider the special experiences offered by your accommodation. These may include:
- Bush meals, where you can enjoy a sumptuous buffet supper in the middle of the wilderness
- Traditional dances that celebrate Maasai culture
- Wellness activities such as massage and aromatherapy, allowing you to unwind after a day of adventure.
These experiences, though not included in the standard safari package, can significantly enrich your Masai Mara journey.
Journey Back to Nairobi: The Conclusion of Your Safari on Day 3
As all good things must come to an end, so does your Masai Mara safari. Your journey concludes with a return trip to Nairobi, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you’re returning to your safari lodge or heading to the airport for your flight home, you’ll carry with you the memories of an amazing safari.
Optional Final Game Drive and Farewell if Staying Inside the Reserve
On your final day, you’ll embark on a shortened morning game drive after a relaxed breakfast and checkout from your accommodation. This is your last chance to capture the last glimpses of the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife before returning to the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. With the park regulations requiring guests to exit by 9 am, you’ll have to make the most of your final hours in the wild.
Seamless Transfers and Departures
To ensure a smooth transition to your next destination, seamless transfers are provided for guests requiring a drop-off at their Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. As you journey back to the city, you’ll have a chance to reflect on the amazing experiences you’ve had, the mesmerizing landscapes you’ve seen, and the different wildlife you’ve encountered. And who knows? You might already be planning your next safari adventure!
Enhancing the Safari: Optional Extras and Upgrades
To make your Masai Mara safari even more memorable, consider adding optional extras. These can range from hot air balloon rides over the reserve to exclusive upgrades offered by your accommodation, such as bush breakfasts, traditional dances, and wellness activities.
These special experiences enrich your safari, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the Masai Mara.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
For a unique perspective of the Masai Mara, consider a hot air balloon safari. As you float over the reserve at sunrise, you’ll gain a stunning aerial view of the landscape and wildlife below. The overall experience spans 3-4 hours, incorporating a pre-flight briefing, a one-hour flight, and a luxurious champagne breakfast in the wilderness.
Not only is a hot air balloon safari a breathtaking experience, but it also provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography.
Special Experiences
To further enhance your safari, consider the special experiences offered by your accommodation. These may include:
- Bush meals, where you can enjoy a sumptuous buffet supper in the middle of the wilderness
- Traditional dances that celebrate Maasai culture
- Wellness activities such as massage and aromatherapy, allowing you to unwind after a day of adventure.
These experiences, though not included in the standard safari package, can significantly enrich your Masai Mara journey.
Journey Back to Nairobi: The Conclusion of Your Safari on Day 3
As all good things must come to an end, so does your Masai Mara safari. Your journey concludes with a return trip to Nairobi, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you’re returning to your safari lodge or heading to the airport for your flight home, you’ll carry with you the memories of an amazing safari.
Optional Final Game Drive and Farewell if Staying Inside the Reserve
On your final day, you’ll embark on a shortened morning game drive after a relaxed breakfast and checkout from your accommodation. This is your last chance to capture the last glimpses of the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife before returning to the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. With the park regulations requiring guests to exit by 9 am, you’ll have to make the most of your final hours in the wild.
Seamless Transfers and Departures
To ensure a smooth transition to your next destination, seamless transfers are provided for guests requiring a drop-off at their Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. As you journey back to the city, you’ll have a chance to reflect on the amazing experiences you’ve had, the mesmerizing landscapes you’ve seen, and the different wildlife you’ve encountered. And who knows? You might already be planning your next safari adventure!
Summary & Frequently Asked Questions of 3 Days Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi
In summary, a 3-day Masai Mara safari offers an unrivaled adventure into the heart of Africa’s most stunning wildlife viewing areas. From the abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes to the vibrant Maasai culture and conservation efforts, every aspect of the safari promises an unforgettable experience. So why wait? Unleash your adventurous spirit and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
1. Is safari cheaper in Kenya or Tanzania?
A safari in Tanzania is generally more expensive than in Kenya because of special reserves like Grumeti, Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha, and Mahale.
2. Which is the safest safari in Kenya?
The Masai Mara National Reserve is considered one of the safest parks for a safari in Kenya due to its remote location away from towns and cities, resulting in a natural peacefulness and low human population. This makes it an ideal choice for a safe safari experience.
3. How many days is enough for a Kenya safari?
A 7-day Kenya safari would provide enough time to thoroughly explore the diverse wildlife and landscapes of Kenya. Enjoy!
4. How much should I budget for safari in Kenya?
You should budget for an average cost of a safari in Kenya, which is typically calculated per person per day.
5. What wildlife can I expect to see on a Masai Mara safari?
You can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife on a Masai Mara safari, including the Big Five and the Great Migration, where wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River. Some people have had positive feedback when it comes to spotting the leopard also.
