This 3-day camping safari offers an affordable and authentic way to experience the best of the Masai Mara, staying at a well-located campsite near the reserve’s main gates. The package includes guided game drives through the Mara’s prime wildlife areas, where you’ll encounter lions, elephants, cheetahs, and possibly witness the dramatic wildebeest migration (seasonal). The camping experience allows you to be close to nature, with nights spent under the African sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara
Morning: Departure from Nairobi
- Pick-up from your hotel in Nairobi or the airport at around 7:00 AM, followed by a scenic drive to the Masai Mara via the Great Rift Valley. Stop briefly at a viewpoint to admire the stunning landscapes.
- Drive Time: Approximately 5-6 hours, including stops for photos and refreshments.
Midday: Arrival and Lunch
- Arrive at your campsite near the Sekenani Gate in time for lunch. You’ll be welcomed by the camp staff and have time to settle in before heading out on your first game drive.
Afternoon: Game Drive
- Embark on your first afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve, exploring the wide open savannahs in search of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). The Mara is also home to an abundance of herbivores such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
- Wildlife Highlights: Depending on the season, you may catch sight of the Great Migration, one of nature’s most incredible spectacles, where over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains of the Mara.
Evening: Return to Camp
- Return to your campsite for dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening around the campfire, sharing stories of the day’s sightings. Fall asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness, with the roar of lions and the laugh of hyenas in the distance.
- Accommodation: Kambu Mara Camp (or similar budget camp).
Day 2: Full Day in the Masai Mara
Morning: Sunrise Game Drive
- Rise early for a sunrise game drive, the best time to spot predators like lions and leopards as they are most active in the cool hours of the morning. You’ll also have a chance to see herbivores grazing in the open plains, along with a variety of birdlife.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari:
- For an extra cost, you can opt for a hot air balloon safari to experience the Masai Mara from the skies. This early morning flight offers breathtaking views of the Mara’s landscape, wildlife, and sunrise. The ride is followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Midday: Picnic Lunch in the Bush
- Continue exploring the reserve throughout the day, with a picnic lunch in the bush. Your guide will take you to some of the best wildlife areas in the reserve, including the Mara River (depending on the season), where the wildebeest migration crossings occur.
Afternoon: Game Drive to Spot the Big Cats
- In the afternoon, focus on finding big cats such as cheetahs and leopards, who are often seen stalking their prey in the open plains. Your guide will also take you to areas known for large herds of elephants and buffaloes.
Evening: Return to Camp
- Return to camp for dinner, followed by time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Masai Mara. As you sit by the campfire, take in the sounds of the African night and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi
Morning: Final Game Drive
- After an early breakfast, head out for a final game drive. This is your last chance to spot any wildlife you may have missed, such as rhinos, giraffes, or the elusive leopard. The early morning light provides fantastic photography opportunities as the wildlife begins its day.
Midday: Return to Nairobi
- Return to camp, pack up, and begin your journey back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
- Optional: Stop for lunch en route or take in the scenic views of the Great Rift Valley one more time.
What’s Included in the Package
- Transport: Round-trip transport from Nairobi to Masai Mara in a 4×4 safari vehicle or safari van, with a professional driver-guide.
- Accommodation: 2 nights camping at Kambu Mara Camp or a similar budget campsite near the Sekenani Gate.
- Meals: Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) provided throughout the safari.
- Game Drives: Daily guided game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve, including a full-day safari on Day 2.
- Park Fees: Entrance fees to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Ranger Fees: Nighttime security rangers for camping, ensuring a safe camping experience.
Optional Add-Ons
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: An unforgettable experience with panoramic views of the Mara, followed by a bush breakfast.
- Maasai Village Visit: A cultural visit to a local Maasai village, where you’ll learn about their traditional way of life and customs.
- Walking Safari: For an additional fee, enjoy a walking safari with a Maasai guide, offering a closer look at the smaller wildlife and flora of the Mara.
What to Bring
- Camping Gear: Sleeping bags and personal camping gear (if not provided by the camp).
- Clothing: Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing for game drives, a warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Binoculars and Camera: Essential for wildlife viewing and capturing the stunning landscapes.
- Sunscreen and Hat: The sun can be strong in the Mara, so protection is a must.
Final Thoughts
This 3-day camping safari in the Masai Mara offers a unique and affordable way to experience the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Kenya’s premier safari destination. With thrilling game drives, comfortable camping accommodations, and plenty of opportunities to see the Big Five, this safari package is perfect for adventurous travelers, families, and groups looking for an authentic and unforgettable Masai Mara experience.