5 Days safari in Masai Mara National Reserve
5 days Masai mara safari-Overview
A 5-days safari in Masai Mara is one of Africa's most iconic wildlife reserves, known for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. This safari offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and witness the incredible diversity of animal species that call this reserve home.
Starting from Nairobi, the journey to Masai Mara National Reserves takes you through stunning scenery and diverse habitats. As you make your way towards the reserve, you will have the chance to spot various wildlife along the way, such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. The anticipation builds as you approach the gates of the reserve, and once inside, the real adventure begins.
For five days, you will have the opportunity to explore the vast expanse of Masai Mara National Reserves and discover its hidden treasures. Accompanied by experienced guides, you will set out on thrilling game drives, venturing deep into the wilderness in search of the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos. The sight of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is truly awe-inspiring and will leave a lasting impression on your mind.
In addition to the Big Five, Masai Mara National Reserves is also home to a wide array of other animal species, including cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and a rich variety of birdlife. Your expert guides will provide fascinating insights into the behavior and habits of these creatures, enriching your safari experience. The reserve's open grasslands, dotted with acacia trees and rolling hills, provide the perfect backdrop for memorable wildlife encounters.
Each day of the safari will bring new adventures and discoveries. You may have the chance to witness the famous Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras traverse the plains in search of greener pastures. This incredible spectacle is considered one of the natural wonders of the world and is a sight that should not be missed. You may also have the opportunity to visit a traditional Maasai village and learn about the rich cultural heritage of this indigenous community.
After a long day of wildlife exploration, you will retire to comfortable accommodations within or near Masai Mara National Reserves. These lodgings offer a blend of comfort and immersion in nature, with stunning views and amenities that cater to your needs. As the sun sets over the savannah, you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures while enjoying delicious meals prepared by skilled chefs.
A 5-day safari in Masai Mara National Reserve guarantees an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and witness the wonders of Africa's wildlife up close. Whether you are a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or embarking on your first safari adventure, this journey promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an extraordinary safari experience in one of Africa's most iconic reserves.
Short Itinerary
Day 1 - Nairobi to Masai Mara. Afternoon game drives in Masai Mara
Day 2 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara
Day 3 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara
Day 4 - Full day game drives in Masai Mara
Day 5 - Masai Mara to Nairobi
Note 1 :Effective from 1st November 2023, our 2024 prices have been updated to reflect the revised park fees for Masai Mara (USD 100 from Jan to Jun and USD 200 from Julyy to Dec).
Note 2: Morning game drives in Masai Mara can be added on the last morning at the park by paying additional park fees.
Ensuite Accommodation Packages
Below are packages with a few popular ensuite options for your private tour, starting on Nov 13, 2023, in a group of two adults. Ensuite hotels are tented camps/lodges that can be inside/around national parks. You will have a private room with attached bathroom. Meals are provided by hotels.
Option E1
- $1,090 per person for safari with Safari Van
- $1,275 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
- Stay at Fisi Camp Masai Mara, Masai Mara (Outside the Park)
Option E2
- $1,218 per person for safari with Safari Van
- $1,403 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
- Stay at Explore Nature Mara Lodge, Masai Mara (Outside the Park)p>
Option E3
- $1,318 per person for safari with Safari Van
- $1,563 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
- Stay at Mara Simba Lodge, Masai Mara (Outside the Park)
Option E4
- $1,452 per person for safari with Safari Van
- $1,637 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
- Stay at Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Masai Mara (Within the Park)
Option E5
- $1,486 per person for safari with Safari Van
- $1,671 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
- Stay at Olgatuni Camp - Classic Tent, Masai Mara (Within the Park)
Option E6
- $2,136 per person for safari with Safari Van
- $2,321 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
- Stay at Mara Bush Camp, Masai Mara (Within the Park)
Option E7
- $2,694 per person for safari with Safari Van
- $2,879 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
- Stay at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp - Superior Tents, Masai Mara (Outside the Park)
Option E8
- $4,358 per person for safari with Safari Van
- $4,543 per person for safari with Land Cruiser
- Stay at Bateleur Camp - Tented Suite, Masai Mara (Outside the Park)
Stay Locations
Day 1 - Masai Mara (Within the Park) or Masai Mara (Outside the Park)
Day 2 - Masai Mara (Within the Park) or Masai Mara (Outside the Park)
Day 3 - Masai Mara (Within the Park) or Masai Mara (Outside the Park)
Day 4 - Masai Mara (Within the Park) or Masai Mara (Outside the Park)
TRIP ITINERARY
Day
1
Nairobi to Masai Mara
Your tour starts with pick up at 7:30 AM from your Nairobi hotel or Airport and drive to Masai Mara. This drive will take about 5 to 6.5 hours with a scenic stopover at Great Rift Valley. Arrive in Masai Mara shortly after noon and check into your lodge/camp, have hot lunch and then depart for an afternoon game drive.
After the game drive, we head back to lodge/camp to reach by around 5:30 or 6:00 PM, freshen up and enjoy a freshly prepared Dinner. Overnight at your lodge.
Note: The last 1-hour drive to Masai Mara is on the corrugated and bumpy road and may not be comfortable for clients with back problems. Clients with back problems can consider flying directly to (and out of) Masai Mara.
Day
2-4
Masai Mara
Today's itinerary is flexible and you can discuss with your guide on the previous evening and plan for today's schedule.
You can either have a relaxed breakfast and depart for full day game drives around 9:00 AM with packed lunch and return back to lodge late afternoon around 6:00 PM. Or you can depart at 6:00 AM on an early morning game drive (This is the best time to see the animals and a good chance to witness hunt/kill). Later return to accommodation for breakfast and relax for a bit and depart on an afternoon game drive with packed lunch. you will stop at a picnic spot for having packed lunch and later depart on a game drive till the park is closed. Around 6:00 PM return to lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day
5
Masai Mara to Nairobi
After a relaxed breakfast and around 10:00 AM checkout and Depart to Lake Nakuru National Park which is about 6.5 hours drive. Upon reaching Nakuru lodge check in, have dinner and relax for the day.
Note 1: Effective from 1st November 2023, our 2024 prices have been updated to reflect the revised park fees for Masai Mara (USD 100 from Jan to Jun and USD 200 from Julyy to Dec).
Note 2: Morning game drives in Masai Mara can be added on the last morning at the park by paying additional park fees.
Transfers
This tour starts from Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the nearest international airport and Wilson airport is the nearest domestic airport.
Airport Pickup/Drop
Pickup or drop off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on the day of safari: No extra charge
Pickup or drop off at Wilson Airport on the day of safari: No extra charge
Airport to Hotel transfers
Transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Nairobi hotel or vice versa: USD 30 per vehicle
Transfer from Wilson Airport to Nairobi hotel or vice versa: USD 30 per vehicle
Transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Wilson Airport or vice versa: USD 30 per vehicle
Flights
We do not book International Flights.
We can book local flights based on availability. Below are indicative additional costs for local flights.
This tour starts & ends at Nairobi with road transfers between all locations. Masai Mara is the farthest location you will be visiting in this tour and it is 5 hours from Nairobi, each way. To save drive time, you can directly fly into Masai Mara where your safari vehicle with guide will be waiting to directly start the safari and cover other parks over the next few days making your way to Nairobi by road on the last day. We will reroute the itinerary such that you cover all the parks included in the original itinerary with the same choice of accommodations & same number of nights as included in the original itinerary. This is called a Fly-in Safari.
We can also reroute the itinerary such that you start with driving from Nairobi on day 1 and cover other parks before you drive to Masai Mara. We end the safari tour at Masai Mara on the last day from where you can fly out to Nairobi. We will reroute the itinerary such that you cover all the parks included in the original itinerary with the same choice of accommodations & same number of nights as included in the original itinerary. This is called a Fly-out Safari.
Fly into Masai Mara
From Nairobi to Masai Mara: From USD 240 per person (Morning flight)
From Nairobi to Masai Mara: From USD 185 per person (Afternoon flight)
From Diani/Mombasa to Masai Mara: From USD 320 per person
Fly out of Masai Mara
From Masai Mara to Nairobi: From USD 240 per person (Early Morning flight)
From Masai Mara to Diani/Mombasa: From USD 485 per person (Afternoon flight)
Intercity Flights
From Diani to Nairobi: From USD 200 per person (Morning flight)
Note 1: Rates mentioned above are indicative and subject to change based on airlines and party(group) size Note 2: In the Fly into Masai Mara rates mentioned above, in addition to airfare, above rates also include cost to send the safari Vehicle with guide a day in advance to Masai Mara, in time for your arrival & additional park fees that results due to rerouting of itinerary. Note 3: Flights into Masai Mara land at around 11:00 AM and game drives can start soon after landing and flights out of Masai Mara depart around 08:00 AM.
Note 1: Rates mentioned above are indicative and subject to change based on airlines and party(group) size.
Note 2: In the Fly into Masai Mara rates mentioned above, in addition to airfare, price also includes cost to send the safari Vehicle with guide a day in advance to Masai Mara & transport cost from your Nairobi hotel to Nairobi airport.
Note 3: For afternoon flights In the Fly out of Masai Mara rates mentioned above, in addition to airfare, price also includes an additional Masai Mara park fee.
Note 4: Flights into Masai Mara land at around 11:00 AM and game drives can start soon after landing and Morning flights out of Masai Mara depart around 08:30 AM.
Meals
Day 1 - Dinner
Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 - Breakfast & Lunch
Drive Times
Day 1 - Nairobi to Masai Mara takes about 5.5 to 6 hours (284 km)
Day 3 - Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru takes about 5 to 5.5 hours (250 km)
Day 4 - Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (67 km)
Day 5 -Lake Naivasha to Nairobi takes about 2 to 2.5 hours (105 km)
Note: These are estimated drive times. Because of the traffic, location of the accommodations, and several other factors, actual drive times may vary. Driving distances are approximate and do not account for exact places.
Inclusions
- Park Fees (for Non-Residents).
- Daily game drives while on Safari.
- A professional driver/guide.
- 4x4 Land Cruiser or Safari Van.
- All Taxes and VAT.
- Meals as per itinerary.
- Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day).
Exclusions
International flights.
Airport Transfers (Unless mentioned otherwise).
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).
Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).
Tips
Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.
Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.