Embark on the ultimate Masai Mara Big Five safari, an exclusive experience designed by MasaiMara.ke in partnership with Kambu Campers. This meticulously crafted itinerary ensures maximum opportunities to spot all five iconic animals – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – in their natural habitat.
With expert guides, off-the-beaten-path game drives, and prime wildlife locations, this is the perfect safari for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
Safari Package Highlights
- Expert-guided game drives focused on tracking the Big Five in high-density areas.
- Exclusive 4×4 safari vehicles for maximum comfort and prime wildlife viewing.
- Best strategic routes and game drive locations to maximize sightings.
- Luxury or budget accommodation options available.
- Optional hot air balloon safari for a unique aerial wildlife experience.
Why we designed this Masai Mara Big 5 Package:
Most game drives in Masai Mara successfully spot some of the Big Five, particularly lions, elephants, and buffaloes, which are abundant across the reserve. However, rhinos and leopards are highly elusive, with less than a 30% chance of seeing them on a standard safari. That’s why we designed this special Big Five package with expert tracking techniques to maximize your chances of spotting them all.
Our lead guide, Philip, is a renowned lion tracker, having worked with a conservation NGO dedicated to preventing human-wildlife conflict by tracking and guiding wandering lions back into the reserve before they threaten Maasai livestock. Rhinos often hide in dense thickets, while leopards spend most of their time sleeping high in the trees, making them difficult to find. To ensure we see them, our itinerary is built around strategic game drives in high-probability locations, using expert tracking skills and in-depth knowledge of predator behavior. This is your best chance to tick off all Big Five in a single safari!
We also leverage real-time communications with research teams and park wardens who use UHF radios to track and monitor wildlife movements. Our safari vehicles are equipped with UHF radios, allowing our guides to receive live updates on Big Five sightings and adjust routes accordingly for the best possible encounters.
For example, while cheetahs aren’t part of the Big Five, they are another highly sought-after predator, and spotting them can sometimes be a challenge. That’s where our partnership with the Cheetah Monitoring Team comes in—they relay real-time location updates to our guides whenever we have trouble finding them. This insider tracking network ensures that no matter how elusive an animal may be, we have the best chance of finding it during your safari.
3 to 4-Day Big Five Safari Itinerary in MMNR
Day 1: Arrival & Introduction to the Big Five
- Arrive by flight or road from Nairobi and check into your lodge or tented camp.
- Lunch at the lodge, followed by a briefing on Masai Mara’s ecosystem and Big Five tracking techniques.
- Afternoon game drive:
- Explore the Talek River & Olare Orok areas for elephants and leopards.
- Head towards Topi Plains and Lookout Hill for buffalo herds and lion sightings.
- Sundowner experience at the Oloololo Escarpment.
- Candlelit dinner at the lodge, with fireside storytelling by a Maasai guide.
Day 2: Full-Day Big Five Safari in High-Density Areas
- Pre-dawn wake-up call and light refreshments before an early morning game drive.
- Morning game drive (5:30 AM – 10:00 AM):
- Start at Paradise Plains, known for large lion prides.
- Continue to Rhino Ridge, one of the best spots to see the elusive black rhino.
- Drive to the Mara River banks for potential buffalo and elephant sightings.
- Bush breakfast overlooking the river.
- Mid-morning game drive:
- Track leopards along the Talek River and Ol Kiombo area.
- Visit the Musiara Marsh, home to herds of elephants and prowling lions.
- Lunch at the lodge and afternoon siesta.
- Afternoon game drive (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM):
- Visit Mara Triangle, a prime area for buffalo herds, rhinos, and lion activity.
- Sunset game drive to observe nocturnal predators like leopards and lions starting to hunt.
- Evening relaxation & dinner at the lodge.
Day 3: Specialized Big Five Tracking & Optional Balloon Safari
- Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise, offering an aerial view of the Big Five habitats.
- Morning game drive (6:00 AM – 9:30 AM):
- Visit the Leopard Gorge, a hidden area where leopards rest on the rocky outcrops.
- Drive towards Mara North Conservancy for elephant families and rare rhino sightings.
- Mid-morning Maasai cultural visit (optional) to learn about local conservation efforts.
- Lunch at camp/lodge.
- Afternoon game drive (3:30 PM – 6:00 PM):
- Explore Ol Kinyei Conservancy, a lesser-visited area with plenty of buffalo herds.
- Sunset viewing at Sand River, a scenic area for watching elephants roam freely.
- Final farewell dinner at the lodge.
Day 4 (Optional): Last Big Five Encounters & Departure
- Early morning game drive (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM):
- A final search for any of the Big Five you may have missed.
- Return to Oloololo Escarpment for breathtaking farewell views.
- Leisurely breakfast at the lodge before check-out.
- Flight or road transfer back to Nairobi.
Inclusions
✔ Private 4×4 safari vehicle with an expert guide. ✔ Luxury or budget accommodations (full board). ✔ All park entry fees. ✔ Bush breakfasts and sundowners. ✔ Maasai cultural visit (optional). ✔ Guided Big Five tracking experience. ✔ Complimentary bottled water during game drives.
Exclusions
❌ Hot air balloon safari (optional, extra cost). ❌ Personal expenses & tips. ❌ International flights to Kenya.
Recommended Accommodations for Big Five Viewing
Budget:
- Kambu Mara Camp – Affordable and well-positioned near Sekenani Gate, offering easy access to game drives.
- Miti Mingi Eco Camp – Budget-friendly tented camp with basic but comfortable amenities.
- Rhino Tourist Camp – Located close to the reserve, ideal for travelers looking for value-for-money accommodation.
Mid-Range:
- Mara Simba Lodge – Overlooks the Talek River, providing excellent game viewing opportunities.
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge – Elevated location with panoramic views of the savanna, perfect for spotting wildlife.
- Ashnil Mara Camp – Situated near the Mara River, making it great for seeing the Big Five, especially during migration.
Luxury:
- Angama Mara – Offers exclusive game drives in private conservancies, ensuring high success rates for Big Five sightings.
- Mahali Mzuri – A high-end lodge owned by Richard Branson, located in a prime wildlife area with private game drives.
- Mara Plains Camp – Located in a predator-rich conservancy, known for personalized safaris and luxurious stays.
Why Choose This Safari Package?
✅ High success rate of spotting all Big Five due to carefully planned routes. ✅ Experienced guides skilled in Big Five tracking. ✅ Flexible itinerary with optional adventure add-ons. ✅ Best accommodations positioned in prime game-viewing areas.
Book Your Ultimate Big Five Safari Today!
Experience the best of Masai Mara with MasaiMara.ke and Kambu Campers. Secure your spot now and embark on a thrilling wildlife adventure!
FAQs on Masai Mara Big Five Safaris
Here are the most common questions travelers ask about Big Five safaris in Masai Mara, along with expert answers to help you plan the perfect adventure.
1. When is the best time to see the Big Five in Masai Mara?
Answer: The best time to see the Big Five is during the dry season (June – October) when animals gather around water sources. However, leopards and rhinos are more elusive and require experienced guides for better chances of spotting them.
2. Which area of Masai Mara is best for seeing the Big Five?
Answer:
- Lions: Paradise Plains, Topi Plains, and Musiara Marsh.
- Leopards: Olare Orok, Talek River, and Leopard Gorge.
- Elephants: Mara River banks, Musiara Marsh, and Mara North Conservancy.
- Rhinos: Rhino Ridge and Mara Triangle (black rhinos).
- Buffaloes: Found in large herds throughout the reserve.
3. Do I need a private safari to see the Big Five?
Answer: A private safari increases your chances of spending more time at sightings, but group safaris can still offer excellent wildlife encounters, especially if booked with an experienced guide.
4. What are the chances of seeing all Big Five in a single day?
Answer: Seeing all Big Five in one day is rare but possible. You are most likely to see lions, elephants, and buffaloes. Leopards and rhinos are more elusive, requiring patience and expert tracking.
5. What type of safari vehicle is best for a Big Five safari?
Answer: A 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof is the best option, offering better stability on rough terrain, higher vantage points for photography, and exclusive off-road access in private conservancies.
6. Can I do a walking safari to see the Big Five?
Answer: No, walking safaris are not allowed inside the main reserve for safety reasons. However, you can do guided walking safaris in private conservancies like Naboisho or Ol Kinyei, where you may encounter buffaloes and elephants but not predators.
7. What time of day is best for spotting Big Five animals?
Answer:
- Early morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Best for predators (lions, leopards) before they rest for the day.
- Late afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM): Best for elephants and rhinos moving towards waterholes.
- Night drives (only in conservancies): Ideal for spotting leopards and observing lions hunting.
8. How long should my safari be for the best Big Five experience?
Answer: A 3 to 5-day safari offers the best chances to see all Big Five, allowing time to explore different habitats and visit multiple conservancies.
9. Can I combine a Big Five safari with other activities?
Answer: Yes! Many travelers combine Big Five safaris with:
- Hot air balloon safaris for aerial wildlife viewing.
- Cultural Maasai village visits for an authentic experience.
- Horseback safaris (only in private conservancies).
- Walking safaris for a different perspective on wildlife.
10. Do I need binoculars for a Big Five safari?
Answer: Yes, binoculars (8×42 or 10×50 magnification) are recommended for spotting distant leopards, rhinos, and birds. Your guide will also have a pair for shared use.
11. Are Big Five safaris safe?
Answer: Yes, as long as you follow your guide’s instructions, stay in the vehicle, and respect wildlife viewing distances. Guides are trained to keep you safe while maximizing sightings.
12. What should I pack for a Big Five safari?
Answer:
✔ Neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment.
✔ Binoculars & camera for clear wildlife shots.
✔ Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection.
✔ Comfortable walking shoes for lodge/camp activities.
✔ Insect repellent & malaria medication (consult a doctor).
13. Can I see the Big Five outside the main Masai Mara Reserve?
Answer: Yes, private conservancies like Mara North, Olare Motorogi, and Naboisho also offer excellent Big Five sightings with fewer crowds and night game drives.
14. Are there Big Five photography safaris?
Answer: Yes, specialized photography safaris offer:
📷 Customized vehicles with side openings for better angles.
📷 Expert wildlife photographers as guides.
📷 Longer time at sightings to capture the best shots.
15. How much does a Masai Mara Big Five safari cost?
Answer: Prices vary based on accommodation and length of stay:
- Budget safari (3 days): $350 – $600 per person.
- Mid-range safari (3 days): $800 – $1,500 per person.
- Luxury safari (3-5 days): $2,000+ per person.