This 3-day group safari package offers an exciting and budget-friendly way to explore the Masai Mara, departing from Nairobi by road. You’ll be picked up in the Nairobi CBD at 8:00 AM for a scenic drive to the Mara. The package includes guided game drives, shared accommodations in a comfortable camp, and the chance to see the Big Five, as well as the Great Migration (seasonal). Traveling as part of a group adds a social and fun aspect to your safari, with opportunities to share experiences with fellow travelers.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara
- Pick-Up in Nairobi: Start your adventure with a 8:00 AM pick-up from your preferred location in Nairobi CBD. Meet your group and board the comfortable safari vehicle, designed for game viewing and equipped with a pop-up roof.
- Drive to the Masai Mara: Embark on a scenic 5-6 hour drive to the Masai Mara, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Enjoy a brief stop at a viewpoint for a photo opportunity and to stretch your legs.
- Arrival and Lunch: Arrive at your camp near the Sekenani Gate in time for lunch. You’ll have time to settle into your shared accommodations before the afternoon game drive.
- Afternoon Game Drive: After lunch, head out on your first afternoon game drive into the Masai Mara. The plains are teeming with wildlife, and you’ll have your first chance to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and more. Your guide will take you to some of the best spots for game viewing, including the Mara River during migration season.
- Evening at Camp: Return to camp in the early evening for dinner. Relax around the campfire, share stories with your group, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Mara under the stars.
- Accommodation: Stay in comfortable shared tents at a budget camp near the Sekenani Gate. The camp offers basic amenities such as hot showers and meals prepared by camp chefs.
Day 2: Full Day in the Masai Mara
- Morning Game Drive: Begin your day early with a sunrise game drive. Early mornings are the best time to see predators in action as they hunt before the heat of the day sets in. Expect to see prides of lions, leopards resting in trees, and herds of zebras and giraffes grazing in the open plains.
- Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: For an additional cost, opt for a hot air balloon safari, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the Mara’s landscapes and wildlife at sunrise. The balloon ride is followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
- Bush Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the Masai Mara, surrounded by wildlife. This is an excellent time to relax and take in the beauty of the reserve.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Continue exploring different parts of the Mara in the afternoon. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration or see large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and topis. Your guide will share their knowledge about the Mara’s ecosystems and animal behavior.
- Evening at Camp: Return to camp for dinner and an evening of relaxation. Gather around the campfire with your group, sharing highlights of the day’s sightings and experiences.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Return to Nairobi
- Morning Game Drive: After breakfast, head out for a final game drive in the Masai Mara. This is your last opportunity to spot any wildlife you may have missed, such as cheetahs, hyenas, or elusive rhinoceroses.
- Drive Back to Nairobi: After the game drive, depart the Masai Mara for the return journey to Nairobi. Stop for lunch en route and enjoy the scenic drive back through the Great Rift Valley.
- Arrival in Nairobi: Arrive in Nairobi CBD by late afternoon or early evening, where you’ll be dropped off at your preferred location.
What’s Included in the Package
- Transport: Round-trip transport from Nairobi to the Masai Mara in a shared safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
- Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi CBD.
- Accommodation: 2 nights’ accommodation in a shared tent at a budget camp near the Sekenani Gate.
- Meals: Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) provided throughout the safari.
- Game Drives: Guided game drives each day, with a professional driver-guide.
- Park Fees: Entrance fees to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Camping Equipment: Tents and basic camping equipment provided by the camp.
Optional Add-Ons
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: A sunrise balloon safari offering an aerial view of the Mara’s wildlife and landscapes, followed by a champagne breakfast.
- Maasai Village Visit: An optional visit to a local Maasai village to learn about traditional Maasai culture, their customs, and daily life.
- Walking Safari: For an additional fee, enjoy a walking safari guided by a Maasai warrior, giving you a closer look at the flora and smaller fauna of the Mara.
What to Bring
- Clothing: Neutral-colored clothing for game drives, a warm jacket for the early morning and evening game drives, and comfortable shoes.
- Binoculars and Camera: Essential for wildlife viewing and capturing the stunning landscapes of the Mara.
- Sunscreen and Hat: The African sun can be intense, so protection is a must.
- Personal Items: Toiletries, a flashlight, and any personal medication you may need.
Group Safari Benefits
- Affordable Pricing: Traveling as part of a group helps keep the costs low, making this package ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
- Social Experience: Group safaris are a great way to meet new people, share experiences, and enjoy the adventure together.
- Shared Knowledge: Your guide will provide insights about the wildlife and ecosystems of the Mara, ensuring an educational and enriching experience for the whole group.
Final Thoughts
This 3-day group safari package from Nairobi is the perfect way to experience the Masai Mara’s wildlife and landscapes at an affordable price. With guided game drives, comfortable camping, and the opportunity to see the Big Five and other iconic animals, this group safari offers the best of the Mara for travelers seeking adventure on a budget.