3-Day Budget Masai Mara Safari

Depart for the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, where you’ll stop at scenic viewpoints to capture panoramic photos of the escarpment and its lakes shimmering below. Continue across rolling farmlands and rural homesteads before arriving at your lodge or camp in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, set out on your first game drive across the golden savannah. This is the perfect introduction to the Mara’s legendary wildlife — spot elephants marching in herds, giraffes browsing on acacia trees, and prides of lions lazing in the tall grass. As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, return to your lodge for dinner and an evening by the campfire under the African stars.

Overnight at your Masai Mara lodge or camp.

Rise early for a hearty breakfast, then head out for a full day of exploration in the Masai Mara. With picnic lunch boxes packed, you’ll venture deep into the reserve, maximizing your chances of encountering the Big Five — lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant. The open plains are also home to cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, and over 450 bird species.

If traveling between July and October, you’ll witness the breathtaking Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras surge across the Mara River in a dramatic struggle for survival against crocodiles and predators.

Enjoy your picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the heart of the reserve, surrounded by nature’s soundtrack. In the late afternoon, return slowly to your lodge, stopping for photo opportunities as wildlife becomes more active in the cool evening air.

For those interested, an optional visit to a local Maasai village can be arranged, offering a chance to experience the community’s rich culture, traditional dances, and unique way of life (extra cost).

Dinner and overnight at your Masai Mara lodge or camp.

After breakfast,begin your return journey to Nairobi. Arrive in the late afternoon with wonderful memories and photographs of your safari adventure.