3 Days Masai Mara National Reserve Budget
3 DAYS MASAI MARA SAFARIDay 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara, Lunch, and Evening Game Drive Morning:Departure from Nairobi: Early morning departure from Nairobi to Maasai Mara. You can either opt for a scenic drive or take a short flight to the Mara airstrip, depending on your preference. Drive Option: Approximately a 5-6 hour road trip through the Great Rift Valley, passing stunning landscapes.Flight Option: A quick 45-minute flight from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara airstrip. AfternoonArrival and Lunch at Lodge: Upon arrival in Maasai Mara, you will be met by a lodge representative and transferred to your accommodation. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge. EveningEvening Game Drive: After lunch, take your first exciting game drive in Maasai Mara. As the afternoon turns to evening, the Mara's wildlife becomes more active, and this is a great time to spot predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.Return to Lodge for Dinner: After your game drive, return to your lodge for a relaxing dinner and unwind for the night.Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch MorningEarly Morning Game Drive: Start the day with an early breakfast before heading out for a thrilling morning game drive. The early hours are ideal for spotting lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife in their most active state. You’ll also catch the Mara’s stunning morning light, which is perfect for photography. MiddayPicnic Lunch at Mara River: After your morning game drive, enjoy a packed picnic lunch at a scenic spot by the Mara River. You might even witness hippos, crocodiles, or wildebeests gathering at the river, depending on the season. This is a great spot to relax and take in the surrounding wildlife. AfternoonAfternoon Game Drive: After lunch, continue your game drive through the reserve. Your guide will take you to different spots where you can encounter a variety of animals, including giraffes, elephants, zebras, and more. EveningReturn to Lodge for Dinner: After the afternoon game drive, return to your lodge for dinner. You can share stories of the day's adventures and relax under the stars.Day 3: Maasai Village Visit and Return to Nairobi MorningBreakfast at Lodge: After breakfast, you’ll have the option to visit a Maasai village. This cultural experience provides insight into the traditional Maasai way of life, including dances, local customs, and visiting their homes (manyattas). Late MorningCultural Visit to Maasai Village: If you opt for the village visit, spend some time exploring and learning about the Maasai people’s rich culture and history. You can interact with the villagers, ask questions, and even buy some handmade crafts.Early Afternoon:Departure to Nairobi: After the cultural visit (or if you prefer to skip it), it’s time to head back to Nairobi. Depending on your mode of transport: By Road: Begin your drive back to Nairobi (approximately 5-6 hours).By Air: If you opted for a flight, you will be transferred to the Mara airstrip for your return flight to Nairobi. Late Afternoon:Arrival in Nairobi (Around 16:00): You will arrive in Nairobi around 4:00 PM. You can be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.Key Highlights of the Trip:Wildlife Viewing: Incredible opportunities to see the Big Five and other wildlife in their natural habitat.Mara River: Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at the famous Mara River, which is home to hippos and crocodiles.Cultural Experience: A chance to interact with the Maasai people and learn about their traditions.Game Drives: Multiple game drives, including both morning and evening drives, provide ample opportunity for wildlife sightings.Accommodation Suggestions:Budget Options: For a more budget-friendly experience, you can opt for tented camps like Ekorok Camp, Lanchada Camp and Goshen tented campPacking Tips:Comfortable clothing for game drives (neutral colors like khaki or green)A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sunA camera with a good zoom lens for wildlife photographyBinoculars for close-up wildlife viewingComfortable shoes for walks and cultural visits
