3 Day Masai Mara Safari: Experience Africa's Wild Beauty in Kenya
Masai Mara Safari in Kenya
Embark on a thrilling 3-day safari to Kenya’s world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, home of the Big Five and the Great Migration. Enjoy breathtaking game drives, stunning savannah landscapes, and up-close wildlife encounters. This short escape is perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable safari experience in just a few days. Travel in comfort with expert guides, cozy accommodation, and personalized service. Get ready to explore one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations!
Key information
- Starting point and ending point: Nairobi
- Children from 2 to 12 years old are allowed to participate under the guidance of a parent or guardian
- Languages spoken: English
- Park entry fees to Masai Mara Game Reserve included
Meet the guides
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Highlights
- Enjoy thrilling game drives on a 4x4 safari vehicle with expert guides
- Search for lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo
- Explore the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the Big Five
- Witness the rich wildlife diversity, including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest
- Catch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the endless savannah
- Perfect for wildlife photography and nature lovers
- Stay 2 nights in comfortable, hand-picked accommodation with meals
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off from Nairobi included
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
Accommodation
Facilities
- Shopping
- Swimming pool (indoor)
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Bar
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Lobby
- Luggage room / storage
- Picnic area
- Bicycle rental
- Conference room
- Currency exchange
- Dry cleaning
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
- Laundry
- Newspapers
- Wedding
- Wireless internet
During your stay in the Masai Mara, you’ll be accommodated at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, a charming mid-range lodge nestled on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills. The lodge offers spacious, beautifully designed rooms with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and stunning views of the surrounding savannah. Guests can unwind in the serene gardens, relax by the swimming pool, and enjoy delicious buffet meals served in the restaurant. With warm hospitality, modern comforts, and a prime location just minutes from the main game viewing areas, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge provides the perfect base for an authentic and comfortable safari experience.
Program
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Journey into the wild
Your safari adventure begins with a morning pick-up in Nairobi by your professional driver-guide. Embark on a scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, stopping at a breathtaking viewpoint to capture panoramic photos. Continue through the highlands to Narok town-gateway to the Masai lands before arriving at Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch.
After a relaxing break, head out for your first thrilling afternoon game drive in Masai Mara. This is your first taste of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife haven. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the elusive big cats roaming across the golden plains. As the sun sets over the savannah, return to your lodge for a hearty dinner and your first overnight stay surrounded by nature.
- Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Full-day game drive – Wildlife safari in Masai Mara
After an early breakfast, set off on a full-day game drive across the rich wilderness of Masai Mara. With a packed picnic lunch in hand, you’ll traverse rolling grasslands, acacia-dotted plains, and riverbanks teeming with wildlife. Your dedicated guide will take you to hotspots where predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards are often spotted.
One of the highlights is the Mara River, home to hippos and crocodiles. If you're visiting between July and October, you might witness the spectacular Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras cross the river in dramatic fashion.
Beyond big game, the park is a haven for birds and smaller creatures ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Capture every thrilling moment, and if you're up for more, opt for a hot air balloon safari at sunrise (optional), followed by a bush breakfast. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and another night under the African skies.
- Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
- Optional activities: Hot air balloon safari, bush breakfast (at extra cost)
Day 3: Masai cultural experience – Return to Nairobi
Begin your day with a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before heading out for a cultural visit to a Masai village. Learn about the tribe’s time honored traditions, vibrant dances, and way of life. Step inside traditional Manyattas (homesteads) and interact with community members-a meaningful encounter that offers insight into Kenya’s indigenous heritage.
Afterward, begin the scenic journey back to Nairobi, with a stop for lunch along the way. Arrive in the capital in the late afternoon, where your unforgettable 3-day safari concludes. This short yet immersive Masai Mara safari is perfect for travelers looking to experience the essence of Kenya’s wildlife and culture in just a few days.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Included excursions
- Great Rift Valley viewpoint stop
- Visit to the Mara River
- Masai cultural visit on day 3
Guides
James Obonyo
I am a dedicated and knowledgeable and Passionate tour guide with a deep passion for East Africa’s wildlife, culture, and landscapes. With years of guiding experience, I ensure every traveler enjoys a safe, enriching, and unforgettable safari adventure.
Location
Embark on an unforgettable 3-day safari adventure to the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, home to Africa’s Big Five and the spectacular Great Migration. This journey promises thrilling game drives across vast savannahs teeming with wildlife, breathtaking sunsets, and rich cultural encounters with the Maasai people. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, the Masai Mara offers unmatched opportunities for close-up wildlife sightings, photography, and creating lifelong memories in one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations.
Food
During your stay at Sopa Lodge Masai Mara, all meals are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The lodge offers a delightful blend of international cuisine and local Kenyan flavors, served buffet-style with vegetarian and special dietary options available upon request. Guests can enjoy meals in the main restaurant, which overlooks the scenic landscape of the Masai Mara, and unwind with a drink at the bar or lounge area in the evenings.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Organic
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
Hot air balloon safari
Soar over the Mara plains at sunrise and witness breathtaking views of wildlife from above, followed by a champagne bush breakfast. A truly unforgettable experience!
Bush dinner or sundowner
Enjoy a magical evening under the stars with a professionally prepared bush dinner or sundowner drinks set in the heart of the savannah.
Guided nature walks
Explore the surroundings on foot with a local guide and ranger. Ideal for guests interested in plants, smaller wildlife, and birdlife.
Photographic safari
Hire a professional wildlife photographer or a specially equipped vehicle for an enhanced photo experience.
Horseback safari (in nearby conservancies)
Available in private conservancies around Masai Mara ride among the wildlife for a unique adventure.
Spa treatments at the lodge
Relax with massages or wellness treatments at the lodge’s spa after a long day on safari.
Spa treatments
Spa treatments are optional, not included in the package.
After a day of thrilling game drives, guests can unwind with a selection of rejuvenating spa treatments available at Mara Sopa Lodge. The lodge features a tranquil spa area offering a variety of services designed to relax the body and refresh the mind.
Available treatments include:
- Swedish massage – Ideal for muscle relaxation and improving circulation.
- Aromatherapy massage – Uses essential oils to soothe stress and elevate mood.
- Deep tissue massage – Targets deep muscle layers to relieve tension.
- Reflexology – Focuses on pressure points in the feet to improve overall wellness.
- Facials and body scrubs – Revitalizing treatments that nourish the skin.
These spa services are offered at an additional cost and can be booked directly at the lodge’s front desk or in advance (subject to availability). They are a perfect way to add luxury and relaxation to your safari experience.
What's included
- Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi (hotel or airport)
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Park entry fees to Masai Mara Game Reserve
- All scheduled game drives (afternoon on Day 1, full day on Day 2)
- Visit to the Mara River
- Cultural visit to a local Maasai village
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
- 2 nights’ accommodation at Mara Sopa Lodge
- Full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
What's not included
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari, bush breakfast)
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities for the guide and lodge staff
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
- Any extra meals not mentioned in the itinerary
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
173 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
Guests will be picked up from their Nairobi hotel or airport for the journey to Masai Mara. The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours via Narok town, with scenic stops at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. Upon arrival at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, guests will check in for their stay. The lodge is located inside Masai Mara Game Reserve and is accessible by road or by air through the Keekorok or Olkiombo airstrips (advance flight arrangements required). Please ensure to carry valid identification and park entry documents if self-driving.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.