Private safari · 4 days / 3 nights
Three nights in Kenya's most famous reserve, in your own Land Cruiser with an expert guide. Big cats, vast herds and, from July to October, the Great Migration.
The trip
This is our classic short safari: the best of the Masai Mara in four days, without rushing.
You spend three nights close to the reserve, with two full days of game drives in between. That leaves time to wait at a sighting, follow a cheetah on the hunt or sit by the Mara River while the herds decide whether to cross. Travelling in a private Land Cruiser means the day runs on your schedule, and your guide adapts each drive to where the wildlife is.
It is a great first safari for couples, families, honeymooners and photographers, and it fits neatly before or after a beach holiday on the coast.
About 270 km each way, roughly 5 hours by road.
Day by day
Times and game-drive routes are a guide. Your driver-guide adjusts each day to the weather, the season and where the animals are.
Day 1Your driver-guide collects you from your Nairobi hotel or the airport in the morning. The road climbs to the edge of the Great Rift Valley, where we stop at a viewpoint over the valley floor, then continues through Maasai country to the Masai Mara, about 5 hours away. Check in, have lunch, and head out on your first afternoon game drive as the light turns golden.
Day 2A whole day to explore the reserve. Leave early, when predators are most active, and follow the guide's instinct across the plains in search of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and buffalo. A picnic lunch under an acacia tree means you never have to rush back to camp.
Optional extras: sunrise hot-air balloon flight or a visit to a Maasai village (extra cost).
Day 3Another full day of game drives, heading wherever the wildlife is best. From July to October your guide may focus on the Mara River, where the herds of the Great Migration gather to cross. The rest of the year the plains are home to big resident herds and the predators that follow them.
Day 4Wake for a last early game drive or a sunrise balloon flight before breakfast. Then drive back to Nairobi, about 5 hours, arriving in the afternoon for a drop-off at your hotel or the airport. A stop at Lake Naivasha can be added on the way.
Optional: early balloon flight, or a Lake Naivasha detour (extra cost).
The price
One clear price for your private safari, with park fees already included.
Where you'll stay
The itinerary is the same at every level. Pick the style of camp or lodge you prefer and we will match it to your dates.
BudgetClean, well-run camps with en-suite tents, hot showers and hearty meals, close to the reserve gates.
From US$1,314 pp
Mid-rangeSpacious tents, a lounge and campfire, attentive staff and great food. Our most popular choice.
Quote on request
LuxuryStylish suites, views over the plains, fine dining and spa touches, often inside or right beside the reserve.
Quote on requestPhotos show the style of each level. Your exact camp or lodge is confirmed in your quote.
On your game drives
The Mara has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Every sighting is wild and never guaranteed, which is what makes each one special.
Want the full story? Read our Masai Mara safari guide.
Seasons
This safari runs all year. Here is what each month is like in the Masai Mara.
Be ready
Mornings on the Mara are cool and afternoons warm, so layers work best. Soft bags are easiest to fit in the vehicle.
Questions
Can't find your answer? Our Nairobi team replies quickly on WhatsApp.
Ask on WhatsAppor call +254 793 815 813Yes. Three nights gives you two full days in the reserve plus an afternoon and a morning game drive, which is enough to see the Mara properly and have a good chance of finding the big cats. If you have more time, add Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru, or combine the Mara with Amboseli.
The Masai Mara is good all year. July to October is the Great Migration season, when huge herds of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River. January, February and June are dry with good game viewing and fewer vehicles. April and May bring the long rains, green scenery and the lowest prices.
River crossings happen between July and October, but they depend on the herds and cannot be guaranteed. Your guide knows the crossing points well and will position you where the chances are best.
Yes. You travel in your own private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and your own driver-guide, so you set the pace and choose how long to stay at each sighting.
You choose the level: budget, mid-range or luxury. Once we know your dates we suggest the best available camp or lodge in that range and send a full quote, so you know exactly where you are staying before you book.
Yes. Families are very welcome, and a private vehicle makes it easy to travel at your children's pace. Tell us their ages when you enquire and we will suggest family-friendly camps.
The price includes your private vehicle and guide, three nights' accommodation, meals as listed, Masai Mara park fees, unlimited game drives, drinking water and Nairobi transfers. Flights, visas, insurance, drinks, tips and optional activities are extra.
Ready when you are
Book online in minutes, or tell us your dates and group size and we will send a free, no-obligation quote.
More time?
Add another park or two to your trip.
