Game drives in the Maasai Mara are the highlight of any safari, offering visitors a chance to explore the vast savannah and witness its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five. However, the structure of game drives varies significantly depending on your choice of accommodation and the type of safari experience you prefer.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the two primary types of Maasai Mara game drives:
1. Multi-Session Game Drives (Segmented into 2 or 3 Sessions Per Day)
How Multi-Session Game Drives Work
Most camps and lodges in the Maasai Mara, particularly those inside the reserve and conservancies, organize game drives into multiple shorter sessions throughout the day. This setup is structured around meal breaks and allows guests to return to the camp for breakfast, lunch, and relaxation before heading out again.
A typical multi-session game drive schedule looks like this:
- Early Morning Game Drive (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
- Departs just before sunrise, a prime time to see predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs in action.
- Returns to camp for breakfast at around 9:00 AM.
- Late Morning Game Drive (10:00 AM – 1:30 PM)(Optional in some camps)
- Heads out after breakfast to explore different areas of the park.
- Returns to camp at 1:30 PM for lunch and midday rest.
- Evening Game Drive (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Begins in the late afternoon when temperatures cool, and wildlife becomes active again.
- Returns to camp by sunset for dinner.
- Night Game Drive (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM / 10:00 PM)
- Availability: Night game drives are not permitted inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve but are allowed in private conservancies such as Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, and Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
- How It Works: The night safari begins after dinner, typically around 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM, and lasts 2 to 3 hours. Guests venture out in specially equipped safari vehicles with powerful spotlights to illuminate the nocturnal wildlife.
- What You Can See:
- Predators on the hunt: Lions, leopards, and hyenas become more active after dark, increasing the chances of witnessing dramatic hunts.
- Nocturnal species: Sightings of aardvarks, porcupines, honey badgers, genets, civets, and bush babies—wildlife rarely seen during the day.
- Night bird species: Owls, nightjars, and eagle-owls can be spotted during these drives.
- Unique Experience: Night game drives offer a completely different perspective on the Maasai Mara, with heightened senses as the darkness amplifies sounds like roaring lions and laughing hyenas.
- Returns to camp: Around 9:00 or 10:00 PM, depending on the conservancy’s regulations.
- 💡 Note: Since night game drives are only available in private conservancies, it’s best to stay at a camp within these conservancies to experience them.
Advantages of Multi-Session Game Drives
✅ Structured around comfort and meal breaks – Ideal for guests who prefer shorter drives and returning to the camp for relaxation.
✅ Best for camps inside the reserve or conservancies – Quick access to wildlife sightings and mapped-out routes make these shorter drives effective.
✅ Good for families with young children – Frequent breaks allow kids to rest and avoid safari fatigue.
Disadvantages of Multi-Session Game Drives
❌ Limited range per session – Since each session lasts only 3-4 hours, you may cover a maximum of 30 km per session.
❌ Cannot explore distant regions of the reserve – If you are staying at a camp like Mara Sarova Game Camp near Sekenani Gate, you may not be able to visit northern Mara, the Mara Triangle, or the Mara River.
❌ Interrupts potential wildlife action – If an exciting predator sighting occurs in a far-off area, you may miss it due to time constraints.
Who Should Choose Multi-Session Game Drives?
- Guests who prefer a relaxed safari pace with meals and naps in between.
- Visitors staying inside the reserve or conservancies where wildlife is already nearby.
- Families with young children or those who do not want to spend long hours in a vehicle.
2. Single-Session Full-Day Game Drives (8-Hour or 12-Hour Safaris)
How Full-Day Game Drives Work
Unlike the multi-session approach, some camps—such as Kambu Mara Camp—offer full-day game drives in a single, uninterrupted session. These allow you to explore deeper into the Maasai Mara and maximize your time in the wild.
There are two options for a full-day game drive:
- 8-Hour Game Drive (6:00 AM – 2:00/3:00 PM)
- Starts at sunrise for maximum predator sightings.
- Covers a vast area of the park, stopping for picnic breakfast and lunch in the wild.
- Returns to camp in the afternoon, giving time to relax in the evening.
- Recommended for guests with at least two days in Maasai Mara.
- 12-Hour Game Drive (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
- The ultimate safari experience, allowing full exploration of the Maasai Mara.
- Perfect for those with only one full day in the reserve.
- Includes packed meals and enough drinking water to sustain guests throughout the day.
- Enables visits to far-off areas like the Mara Triangle, the Mara River (for Great Migration crossings), and other remote sections.
Advantages of Full-Day Game Drives
✅ Maximizes value for money – With the high cost of Maasai Mara entry fees, staying out all day ensures you get the most out of your permit.
✅ Covers longer distances (80-150 km per day) – Unlike multi-session safaris that limit movement, full-day game drives allow you to explore more remote areas.
✅ Uninterrupted wildlife tracking – Your guide can follow lion hunts, cheetah chases, or elephant herds without time restrictions.
Disadvantages of Full-Day Game Drives
❌ Long hours in a safari vehicle – Can be exhausting, especially for young children.
❌ Fewer rest breaks – Unlike multi-session game drives, you do not return to the camp for meals or naps.
Who Should Choose Full-Day Game Drives?
- Visitors staying outside the park who need to maximize their time inside the reserve.
- Guests with only one full day for safari—a 12-hour drive is the best way to see everything.
- Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to cover more ground.
Choosing the Right Game Drive for Your Safari Style
| Game Drive Type | Duration | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Session Game Drives | 3-4 hours per session | Those who want structured breaks and meals at the camp | Covers only 30 km per session; can’t explore far regions |
| 8-Hour Full-Day Game Drive | 6:00 AM – 2:00/3:00 PM | Visitors with at least two safari days; ideal for families who want long but not exhausting game drives | Covers up to 80 km |
| 12-Hour Full-Day Game Drive | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Visitors with one full day for safari, photographers, and serious wildlife enthusiasts | Can be tiring; fewer breaks |
Final Recommendations
- If staying inside the reserve or conservancies, multi-session safaris work well because wildlife is easily accessible.
- If staying outside the park or wanting to explore more distant locations, full-day game drives offer the best value.
- If visiting for only one day, a 12-hour full-day safari is strongly recommended to maximize your experience.
- For families with small children, an 8-hour safari is a better balance between adventure and comfort.
Conclusion:
Your choice of a game drive structure should align with your expectations, stamina, and the kind of wildlife experience you want. While multi-session safaris provide a comfortable, camp-centered experience, full-day game drives ensure maximum exploration of the Maasai Mara’s incredible landscapes and wildlife. If you want to witness wildebeest crossings, predator hunts, or visit the farthest parts of the park, a full-day safari is the best option.