A 3-day mid-range Masai Mara safari costs between $900 and $1050 per person depending on the accommodation. It includes 4×4 transport from Nairobi, park fees, and full-board stays at comfortable tented camps or lodges like Sarova Mara Game Camp or Keekorok Lodge. The 250 km road journey takes roughly 5.5 to 6 hours.
Typical Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara
- Morning: Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) around 7:30 AM. Drive down the escarpment with a brief photography stop at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint.
- Afternoon: Arrive at your lodge for a hot buffet lunch, followed by a late afternoon game drive (typically 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM) to spot the first of the Big Five.
- Overnight: Dinner and overnight at a mid-range lodge.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive
- Morning: After an early breakfast, you will leave with a picnic lunch box for a full day of exploring the golden savannas.
- Afternoon: Focus your tracking along the Mara River (prime for hippo and crocodile sightings) or the open plains, which boast incredible densities of lions, cheetahs, and elephants.
- Evening: Return to the lodge around 5:30 PM to relax. Optional add-ons include a Maasai Village cultural tour ($20–$30 paid separately).
Day 3: Masai Mara to Nairobi
- Morning: Enjoy an early morning game drive before breakfast, or sleep in slightly before packing up. Check out and begin the drive back to Nairobi.
- Afternoon: Stop for a hot lunch in Narok or en-route. You will arrive back at your Nairobi hotel or JKIA in the late afternoon (around 4:00 PM).
Crucial Details to Keep in Mind
- Park Fees: Masai Mara National Reserve park entry fees are roughly $100 (low season / Jan–June) to $200 (peak season / July–Dec) per adult per 24 hours.
- Transportation: Mid-range safaris generally utilize a shared 4×4 Jeep Safari Land Cruiser or Safari Van, but private vehicles can be arranged for an additional premium.
- Seasonality: July through October is the peak season corresponding with the Great Migration. Booking 3–6 months in advance is highly recommended to secure spots at the best mid-range lodges.
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Overview
Enjoy a thrilling 3 days Masai Mara Safari tour starting and ending in Nairobi and using quality mid range safari lodges or tented camps, typically located inside or close to the main Maasai Mara National reserve. This 2 night, 3 day tour includes road transport from Nairobi with upto four private Safari game drives inside the reserve. The trip may also include extra options such as a visit to a Maasai village. Full day game drives can be had at no extra charge for the second day of the itinerary in Masai Mara.
The typical Safari Itinerary is listed below. Note that prices vary depending on the month or season of travel, with July to October being peak season while April to mid June is low season.
2 Nights Masai Mara
