3-Day Masai Mara Safari: All-Inclusive Big Five Adventure 2026
EXPERIENCE THE GREAT MIGRATION AND THE BIG FIVE WITH KENYA’S TOP-RATED GUIDES
There is nowhere on earth quite like the Masai Mara. Spanning 1,510 square kilometers of golden savannah, this isn’t just a park—it’s a theatre of nature. Our curated 3-day safari is designed for those who want to maximize their wildlife encounters without feeling rushed. From the thunderous hooves of the Great Migration to the silent, golden gaze of a leopard, we take you to the front row of Africa’s greatest show.
At a Glance:
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Start/End: Nairobi (Hotel or Airport Pickup)
Transport: Luxury 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser (Guaranteed Window Seat)
Highlights: Great Rift Valley, Big Five Tracking, Mara River, Optional Hot Air Balloon.
The Experience
DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES
Day 1: The Great Rift Valley & The Sunset Drive
Morning: Your adventure begins with a 7:30 AM pickup from your Nairobi hotel. As we leave the city, the landscape transforms into the dramatic escarpments of the Great Rift Valley. We stop at the famous viewpoint for photos of the valley floor 2,000 feet below.
Afternoon: Arrive at your lodge/camp in time for a warm Kenyan lunch. At 4:00 PM, head out for your first game drive. This is the best time to spot elephants and buffaloes heading to watering holes.
Evening: Enjoy a sundowner drink overlooking the plains followed by a multi-course dinner under the stars.
Day 2: Full-Day Big Five Tracking
The Dawn Patrol: We head out at sunrise with a packed picnic breakfast. Early mornings offer the highest chance of seeing lions, cheetahs, and hyenas on the hunt.
The Mara River: We navigate toward the Mara River, the site of the legendary river crossings. Watch pods of hippos and massive Nile crocodiles basking on the banks.
Picnic in the Wild: Enjoy lunch under a lone Acacia tree, surrounded by grazing zebras and giraffes—a true “Out of Africa” moment.
The Afternoon Quest: We continue tracking the rarer sightings, like the elusive black rhino or a leopard perched in a fig tree.
Day 3: Cultural Rhythms & Departure
Optional Morning Activity: Rise before the sun for a Hot Air Balloon Safari (optional) followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Masai Community Visit: Before heading back to Nairobi, we offer an optional visit to a traditional Masai Manyatta. Learn about their warrior culture, traditional dances, and fire-making skills.
Return: Arrive back in Nairobi by 4:00 PM, enriched with memories and a camera full of wildlife portraits.
YOUR SAFARI EXPERIENCE: WHAT’S COVERED
We believe in transparent pricing. No surprises or hidden fees—just a seamless journey from Nairobi to the Savannah.
Included in Your Package
✅ All Park Entrance Fees
✅ Unlimited Game Drives in a 4×4 Land Cruiser
✅ Professional English-speaking Guide
✅ All Meals & Bottled Water (Full Board)
✅ Return Transfers from Nairobi Hotel/Airport
✅ Emergency Medical Evacuation (AMREF Flying Doctors)
Not Included (Exclusions)
❌ International Flights to/from Nairobi
❌ Gratuities for Guides (Rec. $10–$20/day)
❌ Travel Insurance & Personal Medical Cover
❌ Alcoholic Beverages & Soft Drinks
❌ Optional Activities (e.g., Hot Air Balloon Safari and Maasai village)
MASAI MARA 3-DAY SAFARI: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is 3 days enough for a Masai Mara safari?
While more time is always better, 3 days is the perfect “taster” safari. It allows for two evening game drives and one full-day safari. Because the Mara has such high predator density, you have a very high chance of seeing the “Big Five” even in this short window.
2. What is the best time of year to visit?
July to October: The Great Migration season. Best for river crossings but very crowded.
January to March: Excellent for spotting big cats and newborns (calving season).
April to June: The “Green Season.” Rain is likely, but prices are lower and the landscape is lush.
3. What should I pack for a 3-day trip?
Space is often limited in safari vehicles and bush planes. Focus on:
Layers: It is freezing at 6:00 AM and hot by noon.
Colors: Neutral tones (khaki, olive, beige). Avoid dark blue/black (attracts Tsetse flies) and bright white.
Essentials: High-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a good pair of binoculars.
4. Can I see the Great Migration in 3 days?
Yes, if you visit between July and September. However, the migration is a natural event and timing varies. To maximize your chances, stay in a camp located in the Mara Triangle or near the Mara River to minimize driving time to the crossing points.
5. Are flights or driving better from Nairobi?
Flying (45 mins): Saves time and offers incredible aerial views, but is more expensive and has strict luggage limits (usually 15kg).
Driving (5-6 hours): Much cheaper and allows you to see the Great Rift Valley, but the roads near the park can be very bumpy (the “African Massage”).
6. Is it safe for solo travelers or families?
Absolutely. Most camps are highly secure and provide guards to escort you to your tent at night. For families, many lodges offer “Bush Kids” programs, though some have a minimum age requirement of 6+ for game drives.