3-day Masai Mara safari from Nairobi: Big Five game drives

Two full days hunting the Big Five across the Mara plains

A 3-day safari from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve with two nights' accommodation, game drives and transport in a safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing. You leave Nairobi at 8am on day one, arrive at camp for an evening drive, spend day two on full-day game drives along the Mara River where wildebeest migrate, and return to Nairobi on day three. Park fees vary by season and are selected at checkout.

Options for this experience

4 options

From US$ 195 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Joining a group tour lasting 3 days, budget-friendly Available from 12 Sep 2027 Guide in English Up to 30 people Mara Ntulele camp. Optional Masai village visit at 20 USD per person. Budget option with a group joining and comfortable camps. Lasts 3 days, with buffet meals on a full board basis. Masai Mara in a 4x4 jeep with a pop-up roof. Park entry fees: January to June 100 USD per person per day, and July to December 200 USD per person per day. Pickup is included.

3 days and 2 nights, group joining the Masai Mara 07:00 Guide in English Up to 30 people Mara Ntulele camp. Lasts 3 days, with buffet meals on a full board basis: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Masai Mara safari in a 4x4 jeep with a pop-up roof, joining a group. Park entry fees are not included: 100 USD per person per day from January to June, and 200 USD per person per day from July to December. Pickup is included.

4 days and 3 nights, Masai Mara only Available from 12 Sep 2027 Guide in English Up to 15 people Mara Ntulele camp with a Masai village visit. Game drives take place on days 1, 2 and 3, and the Masai village visit happens on day 4 as you depart for Nairobi. Budget option lasting 4 days, with buffet meals on a full board basis. Masai Mara in a 4x4 jeep with a pop-up roof. Park fees are not included: January to June at 100 USD per person per day, and July to December at 200 USD per person per day. Pickup is included.

3 days at Mara Sopa lodge Available from 12 Sep 2027 Guide in English Up to 30 people Mara Sopa lodge with a Masai village visit. Mid-range option lasting 3 days, with buffet meals on a full board basis. Rift Valley in a 4x4 jeep with a pop roof. Park entry fees are not included: January to June 100 USD per person per day, and July to December 200 USD per person per day. Pickup is included.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara

• Leave Nairobi at 8:00am
• Stop for lunch en route
• Proceed to Masai Mara
• Check in at camp
• Evening game drive
• Dinner and campfire gathering

Day 2: Full day in Masai Mara

• Start game drive at 6:30am
• Search for big cats and wildlife
• Picnic lunch at Mara River
• Watch hippos and crocodiles
• Return to camp by 5pm
• Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 3: Masai Mara to Nairobi

• Breakfast at camp
• Optional Masai village visit
• Leave Masai Mara for Nairobi
• Stop over en route
• Arrive Nairobi late afternoon

What’s included

• Two nights' accommodation at Rhino Tourist Camp or a similar camp.
• all game drives in a pop-up roof Land Cruiser.
• transport from Nairobi to Masai Mara and back.
• a live English-speaking guide throughout the safari.
• meals at the camp (breakfast, lunch and dinner on days one and two, breakfast on day three).
• a packed lunch served at the Mara River on day two.

Times

• Every day 07:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 50

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to Start time

Ages Adult (12 and older) · Child (1 to 11 years)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Infant seats available

Operated by kenya safari bookings

Prices and times updated today

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The experience

The drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara takes most of the first day, with a lunch stop along the way. You arrive at the camp in the afternoon, check in, and head straight out for an evening game drive under the guidance of a Kenya safari guide: your first chance to spot the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos). Dinner and a campfire gathering under the open sky follow at Rhino Tourist Camp or a similar lodge.

Day two is the full safari day. You start at 6:30am and drive across the Mara grasslands in search of big cats (black-maned lions, cheetahs and leopards) with a packed lunch served at the Mara River. This is where you watch hippos and crocodiles from the bank while vast herds of wildebeest and zebra move across the plains during the annual migration. The guide points out other game like topi, hartebeest and eland as you move through the reserve. You return to camp by 5pm for dinner and overnight.

On the final morning, you have the option to visit a Masai village (20 USD per person, arranged separately) before driving back to Nairobi with stops along the way, arriving late in the afternoon. The Land Cruiser's pop-up roof stays open for photography and viewing throughout all game drives.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Big Five I might see on this Masai Mara safari?

The Big Five are lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos: all present in Masai Mara National Reserve. Your guide will search for them across the plains and along the Mara River, where the concentration of wildlife is highest during the migration season.

When does the safari start and what time do I leave Nairobi?

You leave Nairobi at 8am from City Market on day one and drive to Masai Mara with a lunch stop. The evening game drive begins after you check into camp, and day two starts at 6:30am for the full-day search across the reserve.

What happens at the Mara River during the game drives?

The Mara River is where you watch the annual wildebeest migration: millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle cross the plains to feed on new grass. You also see hippos and crocodiles along the riverbank while your guide serves a packed lunch so you can stay in the field.

Is the Masai village visit included in the safari price?

The Masai village visit is optional and costs 20 USD per person, arranged on the morning of day three before you drive back to Nairobi. It is not included in the safari package.

What type of vehicle is used for the game drives?

A safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof is used for all game drives, allowing you to stand and photograph wildlife safely while the vehicle moves through the reserve.

Do park fees vary depending on when I travel?

Yes, Masai Mara park fees are 100 USD per person per day from January to June 30th, and 200 USD per person per day from July to December. You select your travel dates at checkout and the fee is confirmed then.