Masai Mara Safari: 3-Day Game Drives & Maasai Village Visit

Summary

Game drives, river picnics, Maasai culture and wild sunrise moments in Masai Mara

You’ll travel from Nairobi into Masai Mara for game drives with local guides who know every hidden corner. Watch elephants at sunset, picnic by the Mara River with hippos nearby, and meet Maasai families in their own villages if you choose. Nights are spent in comfy tented camps where you’ll fall asleep to wild sounds — it’s all included except optional village visits.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the road out of Nairobi to feel so different so quickly — one minute city noise, then suddenly the Rift Valley opening up below us like some old story. Our driver, Daniel, pulled over for photos and I swear the air even tasted different there, sharper somehow. By the time we reached Narok for a chai stop (the kind that’s more milk than tea), I’d already forgotten what my phone signal felt like. The drive into Masai Mara gets bumpier but you start spotting zebras before you even hit the park gate. That was a surprise.

The first game drive was late afternoon — sun low, everything gold and dusty. We saw elephants almost right away (I actually gasped; not proud of it), and Daniel just grinned like he’d seen this a thousand times but still loved it. There’s this hush when you’re out there, except for birds and the engine rumble. Dinner at camp was simple — stew and ugali — but after that long day it tasted perfect. The tents had real beds and showers; I slept hard, listening to something snuffling outside. Could’ve been wind or maybe a warthog? Who knows.

Next day was all about chasing the herds. We packed up lunch and ate by the Mara River under this huge tree while hippos grunted nearby — honestly, that smell is… memorable. Wildebeest everywhere, some crossing from Serengeti side (Daniel explained how they follow rains; he knows every fact about these animals). If you want to do the Maasai village walk after, it’s extra but worth it — kids waved at us and an elder showed me how they make fire with sticks. I tried to say “asante” properly; everyone laughed but in a good way.

Leaving on day three felt weirdly hard. We stopped at another village on the way back to Nairobi — more songs, beadwork everywhere (I bought a bracelet I still wear). The last bit of road into town is loud again but you keep thinking about those open spaces behind you. Sometimes I still hear that quiet when I close my eyes at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel Nairobi to Masai Mara

• Pick up from hotel early morning
• Depart Nairobi at 8:30 am
• Stop at Great Rift Valley viewpoint
• Continue via Narok Town
• Arrive Masai Mara around 1:30 pm
• Check into camp and have lunch
• Late afternoon game drive until 6:30 pm
• Dinner and overnight at tented camp

Day 2 — Full day game drive Masai Mara

• Early breakfast at camp
• Full day exploring Masai Mara
• Visit Mara River for wildlife viewing
• Picnic lunch by the river
• Optional walking safari to Maasai village
• Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 3 — Masai Mara to Nairobi return

• Breakfast at camp
• Optional visit to Maasai village
• Check out at 9:00 am
• Drive back to Nairobi with lunch stop
• Arrive Nairobi around 3:30 pm
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

How long does the Masai Mara safari take from Nairobi?

The tour lasts 3 days with pickup in Nairobi around 7:00-7:30am and returns by about 3:30pm on day three.

Is accommodation included during the safari?

Yes, you’ll stay both nights in permanent tented camps with private bathrooms and showers.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Lunches and dinners are included at camp; there’s also a picnic lunch inside Masai Mara on day two.

Can I visit a Maasai village on this tour?

Yes, visiting a Maasai village is optional for an extra $10–$20 paid directly at the village.

What animals will I see on game drives?

You’re likely to see elephants, wildebeest, zebras, hippos and many other species during guided game drives.

Is hotel pickup included in Nairobi?

Yes, hotel pickup in Nairobi is included before departure each morning.

Are children allowed on this safari?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What should I bring for the safari?

Packing light layers is best; bring sun protection and a camera for wildlife viewing moments.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup in Nairobi each morning plus return drop-off at your hotel after three days exploring Masai Mara by guided game drives. You’ll stay two nights at permanent tented camps with private bathrooms and enjoy all main meals including a riverside picnic lunch inside the reserve — optional visits to Maasai villages can be arranged directly with your guide along the way.