Masai Mara: 3-Day Group Safari with Game Drives & Camp Stay

Summary

Group safari adventure through masai mara plains with wildlife drives camp nights and river stops

You’ll wake up under canvas in Masai Mara, join daily game drives with a local guide, spot lions and elephants up close, share simple meals on the plains, and swap stories by firelight. It’s three days of real wildlife moments and laughter — you might even find yourself missing that dusty sunrise once you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

You open your eyes to canvas walls rustling in the morning wind — not quite sure if it was a zebra or just someone else from our group shuffling outside. The air out here in Masai Mara is dry but sweet, almost dusty with a hint of woodsmoke from breakfast fires. We’d left Nairobi early, stopping at the Rift Valley viewpoint where our driver, Joseph, pointed out distant hills I couldn’t name. He joked about my attempts at Swahili (“pole pole” — go slow), which I definitely took to heart as we rumbled along those bumpy roads.

The first evening game drive was quieter than I expected. There’s this hush that settles over everyone when you spot your first lion — nobody wants to break the spell. It’s not just about ticking off the Big Five; sometimes it’s watching a herd of elephants move together or seeing a flash of color from a lilac-breasted roller darting past. Our guide knew every twist of those dirt tracks and somehow always found the best place to stop for photos (even if my hands were shaking half the time).

Lunch on day two was out on the plains — cold chicken sandwiches and mango juice from dented thermoses. Not fancy, but honestly, eating while watching wildebeest scatter across the grass felt surreal enough. Someone in our group tried to spot hippos along the Mara River but mostly we just laughed at each other’s binocular fails. Nights back at camp meant swapping stories by lantern light and listening for hyenas (which sound way less scary after you’ve heard them giggle).

By the last morning game drive I’d stopped worrying about dust on my clothes or how wild my hair looked. There’s something grounding about sunrise over Masai Mara — gold light spilling everywhere and everything waking up around you. Even now, weeks later, sometimes I close my eyes and hear that quiet again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Masai Mara and evening game drive

• Depart Nairobi city
• Drive through Rift Valley View Point
• Arrive at Masai Mara camp
• Enjoy evening game drive

Day 2 — Full day game drive with picnic lunch

• Morning game drive
• Picnic lunch in the park
• Afternoon game drive

Day 3 — Morning game drive and return to Nairobi

• Morning game drive
• Depart Masai Mara
• Drive back to Nairobi
• End safari in Nairobi

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Masai Mara safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in Nairobi.

How many days is this Masai Mara group safari?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights.

Are meals provided during the safari?

Yes, meals are included as per itinerary: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (except Day 1 breakfast & Day 3 dinner).

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You stay in a camp inside or near Masai Mara for both nights.

Is there a local guide on this safari?

Yes, an experienced driver/guide leads all game drives.

Can children join this group safari?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are infant seats available during transport?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Does this safari use public transportation?

No; transport is by safari vehicle but public options are nearby in Nairobi if needed before/after tour.

What’s included

Your three-day trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off (for selected Nairobi hotels), two nights’ camp accommodation in or near Masai Mara, daily meals except first breakfast and last dinner, bottled water throughout your journey, all guided game drives with an experienced driver-guide leading your group across the reserve’s tracks each day.