This 3-day Maasai Mara National Reserve safari offers a close wildlife experience with the Big Five and the famous wildebeest migration. Maasai Mara is Kenya’s top safari destination and is well known for rich wildlife viewing throughout the year. The reserve allows visitors to spend full days exploring open plains, river areas, and animal habitats.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya within the Great Rift Valley region. The reserve covers about 1,510 square kilometres and supports many wildlife species. Animals commonly seen include lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeest, bat eared foxes, banded mongooses, aardwolves, African hares, birds, and more. This 3-day safari starts and ends in Nairobi.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast at your hotel in Nairobi, meet your safari guide for a briefing about the tour. Depart for Maasai Mara National Reserve, driving through Narok County. Along the way, enjoy views of the Great Rift Valley.
Arrive in Maasai Mara around midday and check in at your lodge. Lunch will be served at the lodge. In the afternoon, you may choose to relax or enjoy an evening game drive to spot animals that are active later in the day. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Full-day Wildlife Tour in Maasai Mara
After an early breakfast, head out for a full day game drive in Maasai Mara National Reserve. This day focuses on searching for the Big Five and visiting areas near the Mara River. Carry a packed lunch to allow more time in the reserve.
During the drive, you may see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, cheetahs, wildebeest, hyenas, and many bird species. If visiting during migration season, you may witness the Mara River crossing, where large herds of wildebeest move across the river. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing with game viewing. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Enjoy breakfast, then check out of the lodge. Take a short morning game drive as you exit the reserve for one last chance to see wildlife. Drive back to Nairobi for drop off at your hotel or at the airport for departure.
This marks the end of the 3-day Maasai Mara National Reserve safari.