
3-Day Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi
Kenya's most famous reserve in three days from Nairobi: big cats on the open plains, a full day of game drives and, from July to October, the chance of the Great Migration at the Mara River.
About this safari
Kenya's most famous reserve in three days from Nairobi: big cats on the open plains, a full day of game drives and, from July to October, the chance of the Great Migration at the Mara River.
This 3 days private safari starts in Nairobi and takes you to Lions, cheetahs and leopards on the Mara plains, Full-day game drive with picnic lunch, Mara River crossings in season, Optional Maasai village visit. Your own vehicle and guide set the pace, and every stay and transfer is confirmed around your dates.
Safari snapshot
A quick look at the route, day by day.
| Day | Place | Highlights | Hotel options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nairobi to the Masai Mara | Game drives · big cats · local guide | Mid-range tented camp near the reserve |
| Day 2 | Full day in the Masai Mara | Game drives · big cats · local guide | Mid-range tented camp near the reserve |
| Day 3 | Morning game drive and return to Nairobi | Game drives · big cats · local guide | Departure |
Ways to customise this trip
- Add a night in the bush, a cultural visit or a balloon flight
- Upgrade your stays or finish with beach time in Zanzibar
Route
- Day 1Masai Mara
- Day 2Masai Mara
- Day 3Nairobi
Day by day
Here is how the days run. We can adjust the route around your dates and the pace you want.
1Day 1Nairobi to the Masai MaraMid-range tented camp near the reserve / Lunch, Dinner

Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel at about 7 am. The road drops into the Great Rift Valley, with a stop at a viewpoint over the valley floor, then continues through Narok to the Masai Mara — about five to six hours. After lunch at your camp, head out on an afternoon game drive across the open grassland, where lions, elephants and topi are commonly seen. Dinner at camp under the stars.
- Main stop
- Masai Mara
- Accommodation
- Mid-range tented camp near the reserve
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
2Day 2Full day in the Masai MaraMid-range tented camp near the reserve / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A full day exploring the reserve with a picnic lunch, which lets you reach the far side of the Mara and the Mara River. Between July and October the wildebeest and zebra herds of the Great Migration gather here and you may see a river crossing; the rest of the year the resident predators — lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas — keep the day exciting. Your guide reads the plains and radios for news. Back at camp in the late afternoon. An optional dawn balloon flight can be arranged.
- Main stop
- Masai Mara
- Accommodation
- Mid-range tented camp near the reserve
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3Day 3Morning game drive and return to NairobiBreakfast, Lunch

A short early-morning game drive, when the light is soft and predators are most active, then breakfast at camp. If you wish, visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about their homes, cattle and traditions (a fee goes directly to the community). After an early lunch you drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon at your hotel or the airport. Kenya's parks share the same ecosystem as northern Tanzania. Your guide focuses on the wildlife the area is known for and adjusts the day to what is moving. Your driver times the transfer around your flight and helps with luggage at the airport. Safe travels — and ask us about extending with Zanzibar or another park.
- Main stop
- Nairobi
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
Where you stay on this trip. We can move the comfort level up or down when we plan your dates.
Days 1, 2Mid-range tented camp near the reserveTour rates
Your price depends on your dates, group size and the stays you choose. We confirm it in writing once we have checked availability.
Prices are per person and assume shared rooms. Season, park fees, group size, flights and lodge availability all affect the final quote.
Get my exact quoteWhat’s included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance and conservation fees for the itinerary
- Accommodation as listed, or similar
- Meals as listed and bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport or hotel transfers at the start and end
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks at lodges and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Hot-air balloon flight (optional)
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Read guideFrequently asked questions
Can this 3 days itinerary be changed?
Yes. We can review your dates, daily pace, room preferences and interests, then build a specific proposal. Changes to flights, activities or park nights may affect cost and availability.
Which accommodation will I stay in?
Your proposal will name the properties and room categories for each night. Any stays shown here are planning options and remain subject to availability; alternative properties are agreed before confirmation.
What wildlife will we see?
Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and the animals themselves. Your guide plans around local conditions, but particular species, migration movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I change the route and accommodation?
Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.
What determines the final price?
The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.
Can the safari finish in Zanzibar?
A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.
When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?
Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.
How many days do I need?
Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.
Is the safari private?
Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.
What vehicle will we travel in?
Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.
Is a safari suitable for children?
Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.
What should I budget for tips?
Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.
Will there be Wi-Fi and charging?
Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.
How far in advance should I book?
For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.
A few details.
A good beginning.
Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.
- Planned around your dates and interests
- Midrange or luxury, at your pace
- A personal conversation with our local team


