3-day Masai Mara safari from Nairobi: Four game drives

Spot lions, leopards, and elephants across four thrilling game drives in three days

A 3-day safari tour from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve with four game drives in a private 4x4 vehicle, professional guide, accommodation at a mid-range camp, and road transport both ways. The itinerary includes an early morning drive to spot the Big Five, a picnic lunch at Mara River where hippos and crocodiles gather year-round, and optional add-ons for a hot air balloon flight and Maasai village visit on the return journey.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Masai Mara and game drive

• Depart Nairobi at 7:30-8:00am
• Drive through Great Rift Valley
• Stop at Great Rift Valley viewpoint
• Arrive Masai Mara for lunch
• Afternoon game drive at 3:30pm
• Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 2: Morning and evening game drives

• Early morning game drive
• Picnic lunch at Mara River
• Afternoon rest at camp
• Short evening game drive
• Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 3: Return to Nairobi with optional activities

• Breakfast and check-out
• Depart Masai Mara for Nairobi
• Optional Hot Air Balloon experience
• Optional visit to Maasai Village
• Stopover for lunch (own expense)
• Arrive Nairobi for drop off

The experience

The drive from Nairobi takes 5.5 hours, leaving between 7:30 and 8am and descending the Great Rift Valley before arriving at the reserve for lunch. Your driver-guide stays with you throughout, and you travel in a private safari vehicle rather than a shared one. The afternoon game drive starts at 3:30pm, giving you a first look at lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants and wildebeest before returning to camp for dinner.

Day two is built around the wildlife concentration Masai Mara is known for. An early morning game drive puts you in the reserve when animals are most active, and sightings of four of the Big Five are almost guaranteed. You carry a picnic lunch to Mara River, where resident hippos and Nile crocodiles line the banks year-round. An evening game drive follows before you return to camp.

The return to Nairobi on day three leaves after breakfast and includes a lunch stop along the way. The route passes through areas where you can add a hot air balloon experience or visit a Maasai village if you choose. Both are optional and arranged during the drive back. You'll be dropped at your Nairobi hotel by late afternoon.

What’s included

• Four game drives inside Masai Mara National Reserve.
• professional safari guide and driver for all three days.
• private 4x4 vehicle for the duration.
• accommodation at a mid-range camp or lodge for two nights.
• road transport from and to your Nairobi hotel.
• bottled water during the safari.
• a picnic lunch at Mara River on day two.

Options for this experience

4 options

Small group joining tour by vanGuide in English · 07:00 and 08:00Low season van tour, includes pickup

Joining tour for small groupsGuide in English · 07:30High season van tour, pickup is included

Small group joining tour by jeepGuide in English · 07:00 and 07:30Jeep tour, includes pickup

Accommodation (LODGE)Guide in English · 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00Lodge option in high season by van, pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (5 to 13 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by VALLEY ROCKS TOURS

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want multiple game drives across two full days in the reserve: the four-drive schedule maximizes your chances of spotting the Big Five and other wildlife. The private vehicle means your guide can adjust timing and route based on animal sightings rather than following a fixed group schedule, and the early morning and evening drives catch animals when they're most active.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 13 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What animals will I actually see on a Masai Mara safari?

Masai Mara is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, wildebeest, antelopes and gazelles. The reserve has one of the highest wildlife concentrations in Africa, and four of the Big Five are sighted on nearly every trip.

How many game drives are included in the three days?

Four game drives are included: an afternoon drive on day one, an early morning drive on day two, an evening drive on day two, and the return journey on day three allows time for optional activities like a hot air balloon flight or Maasai village visit.

What is Mara River and why stop there?

Mara River runs through the reserve and is home to resident hippos and Nile crocodiles year-round. Your picnic lunch on day two is taken at the river, giving you time to watch the wildlife that gathers at the water.

Is the guide included, and what language do they speak?

A professional safari and tour guide who drives the vehicle is included for all three days and speaks English throughout the tour.

What accommodation will I stay in?

You stay at a mid-range safari camp or lodge for two nights. The specific property depends on your chosen option at checkout, and accommodation is included in the tour price.

Can I add a hot air balloon ride or visit a Maasai village?

Both are optional add-ons arranged during the return drive to Nairobi on day three. You can choose to include one or both when you book, or skip them entirely.