🌍 3-Day Masai Mara Budget Safari for Maximum Wildlife Sightings on a Smart Budget
Proof that great short safaris don’t have to be expensive.
This 3-day Masai Mara budget safari has been designed to deliver a rewarding, wildlife-rich experience for travellers who want the full magic of the Mara without the luxury price tag. It combines the freedom of a classic road safari from Nairobi with the comfort and calm of staying at Kambu Mara Camp—a quiet, affordable, nature-immersed tented camp located just outside Sekenani Gate, offering early access to the Reserve and an authentic sense of being close to the wild.
MasaiMara.ke has selected Kambu Mara Camp as the default accommodation for this package because it sits squarely in the budget-to-mid-range category while consistently delivering a higher-quality experience than most camps at this price point. We specifically picked Kambu Mara Camp for its strong guiding standards, reliable comfort, and immersive location near Sekenani Gate—factors that materially improve the safari experience without pushing costs into luxury territory.
That said, this package is fully customizable: if you prefer a more rustic budget camp or a more upmarket lodge, we can tailor the itinerary and provide a revised quote based on your accommodation preference while keeping the same safari structure and guiding quality.

🧭 3-Days Masai Mara Budget Safari Snapshot
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights — a focused short safari built around one defining full game-drive day.
- Start & End: Nairobi (hotel, residence, JKIA, or Wilson Airport pick-up and drop-off).
- Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve, accessing the wildlife-rich Sekenani Gate area.
- Accommodation: Kambu Mara Camp, a highly rated camp near the Reserve offering early access, open savannah surroundings, and frequent wildlife near camp.
- Safari Vehicle: Safari-modified 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof (Toyota Noah minivan available on request).
- Game Drives: One full-day game drive (8–12 hours) covering Sekenani–Talek Plains, Talek River, Paradise Plains, Lookout Hill, and the Mara River.
- Wildlife Focus: Strong chances of Big Cats and Big Five, plus elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
- Safari Style: Private or small-group safari (1–7 guests) led by local, professionally trained Mara guides.
- Safari Type: Private to a group
- Included Experience: Sunrise and sunset game viewing, picnic lunch inside the Reserve, and behavior-focused wildlife interpretation.
- Optional Add-Ons: Maasai village visit, guided bush walk near camp, or hot-air balloon safari over the Mara.
🧭 What Sets this 3-Day Masai Mara Budget Safari Apart
- Compact, high-impact safari: 3 days / 2 nights with a single, expertly planned full-day game drive (8–12 hours)—designed to maximize sightings rather than rush multiple short drives.
- Prime location: Stay at Kambu Mara Camp, near Sekenani Gate, allowing early park entry and more time in top wildlife zones.
- Serious wildlife focus: Strong chances of Big Cats and Big Five, with sunrise and sunset viewing across classic Mara plains.
- Proper safari vehicle: Travel in a safari-modified 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof (minivan available on request) for optimal access and viewing.
- Flexible & personal: Runs from 1 to 7 guests, suitable for solo travelers through small private groups.
- Beyond game drives: Optional guided bush walk near camp, Maasai village visit, or hot-air balloon safari—adding depth without inflating costs.
🚙 Summary: 3-Day Masai Mara Experience in Brief
Day 1: Day 1: Gentle Introduction to the Masai Mara Ecosystem
- Your safari begins with a scenic drive from Nairobi toward southwest Kenya, with a recommended stop at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint to take in sweeping escarpment views before descending into open savannah. An optional refreshment stop in Narok marks the transition from highland towns into Maasai land and the wider Mara ecosystem.
- You’ll arrive at Kambu Mara Camp by early afternoon, where the pace deliberately slows. After check-in and lunch, there’s time to settle in, enjoy the surroundings, and ease into life in the bush. For guests who are up for it, we strongly recommend a short guided bush walk near camp, either across open savannah or toward the seasonal Nkoilale River. This relaxed walk—highly recommended by over 20 past guests—offers a ground-level introduction to the landscape, with insights into animal tracks, vegetation, and the rhythms of the savannah.
- Rather than rushing straight into a game drive, Day 1 is designed to gently transition you from city to wilderness, helping you connect with the environment and arrive fully present for the deeper safari experience that unfolds on Day 2.
Day 2: Expert Guides Matters
MasaiMara.ke deliberately chose Kambu Mara Camp largely because of the exceptional quality of its guides. The camp’s founders, Nathan and Sarah, explained that when they first started the camp, they spent several weeks personally going on safari game drives with different guides across the Masai Mara to identify those who consistently delivered the best overall safari experience.
The guides selected are local, professionally trained (not just drivers), deeply familiar with the Mara’s landscapes and wildlife behavior, and strictly environmentally conscious—they avoid off-road driving, respect park regulations, and prioritize ethical wildlife viewing. Equally important, they are informative, patient, and kind, able to interpret what guests are seeing while keeping the day engaging and enjoyable.
In the Masai Mara, a good guide makes a tangible difference—whether navigating rough terrain, positioning the vehicle correctly, or explaining animal behavior—and this careful selection is what ensures a rewarding, well-paced safari experience from start to finish. Below is a summary of day 2:
- Early start, perfect timing: The safari day begins before sunrise with a light breakfast, entering Masai Mara National Reserve at Sekenani Gate around 6:00 AM—when predators are still active and temperatures are cool.
- Big-cat country at first light: The Sekenani–Talek Plains offer classic early-morning drama, with lions, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas often visible after night hunts, while elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and plains game spread across the grasslands. With luck, sightings may include well-known lion prides with cubs.
- Leopard territory along the river: The drive transitions into the Talek River corridor, where dense riverine vegetation supports leopards and rich birdlife. Soft morning light here creates some of the best photographic conditions of the day.
- Open savannah perspective: Late morning opens into Paradise Plains, favored by cheetahs and large herbivore herds. A brief stop at Lookout Hill provides panoramic orientation, helping guests understand predator territories, river systems, and animal movement across the landscape.
- Midday at the Mara River: Arrival at the iconic Mara River reveals hippo pods, Nile crocodiles, and—seasonally—migration routes linking Kenya and Tanzania. A picnic lunch nearby keeps you immersed during peak wildlife hours.
- On foot, with context: A short, guided Mara River walk with an armed ranger offers a rare on-foot perspective—focusing on river ecology, tracks, riparian birds, and the role of the river in the wider Mara–Serengeti system.
- Afternoon rhythm & golden light: The afternoon game drive slows the pace, tracking late-day predator movement, elephant and buffalo herds, and raptors riding thermals as the heat fades. The return toward Sekenani often delivers quiet, reflective sightings in golden light.
- Evening at camp: By early evening, you exit the Reserve and return to Kambu Mara Camp for a campfire, dinner, and overnight rest.
What a 3-day safari truly offers: A single, well-designed dawn-to-dusk game drive that captures the essence of the Masai Mara—compressed but powerful—where changing light, landscapes, and animal behavior unfold in one continuous, unforgettable day.
Your Accommodation at Kambu Mara Camp
You’ll stay at Kambu Mara Camp, a top-rated, budget-friendly tented camp uniquely set between the Naboisho and Nashulai Conservancies. This location gives the camp a genuine “conservancy feel”—quiet, secluded, and deeply immersed in nature—without the high nightly costs typically associated with conservancy camps. Guests often remark on the immersive atmosphere: the sounds of wildlife at night, the sense of being fully in nature, and, on occasion, animals calmly grazing near the tents or moving through the camp, an experience usually reserved for far more expensive lodges.
Camp Highlights:
- Outstanding guest reviews: Consistently top-rated for cleanliness, tasty food, and warm hospitality, with guests frequently highlighting how comfortable and well run the camp feels.
- Local Maasai team: All staff are local Maasai, known for being kind, attentive, and genuinely willing to help, adding authenticity and a strong sense of place to your stay.
- Open savannah setting: Panoramic views over neighbouring grasslands, with occasional sightings of giraffes, zebras, and other plains game from camp—a rare advantage at this price point.
- Comfortable tents: Proper queen-size beds, quality bed linens, and mosquito nets ensure restful nights.
- Private bathrooms: En-suite facilities with hot showers & private toilets.
- On-site dining: A camp restaurant serving freshly prepared breakfasts, packed lunches, and dinners, often praised for both quality and portions.
- Evening atmosphere: An outdoor fire pit for relaxed evenings, storytelling, and stargazing after game drives.
- Power & connectivity: Solar and backup power for charging phones and cameras, plus fast Starlink Wi-Fi.
- Guided bush walks: Safe, short walks into open bushland near camp (outside big-game zones), where guests may encounter wildlife signs—and sometimes animals—while learning about tracks, plants, and savannah ecology.
- Leisure time at camp: Indoor and outdoor games including cornhole, ladder golf, and card games, ideal for unwinding between safari activities.
Read Kambu Mara Camp reviews on Booking.com
🏕️ Kambu Mara Camp Tent Options Explained
- Comfort Tent – Cozy, private tents ideal for singles or couples (up to 2 guests)
- Family Tent – Larger tents designed for families or small groups (up to 4 guests)
- Extended Family Tent – The largest tent with multiple beds, ideal for 4–6 guests
| Tent Type | Bed Configuration | Bathroom | Power & WiFi | Max Guests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Tent | 1 × Queen-size bed | Private ensuite toilet + hot shower | In-tent charging sockets; WiFi at lounge/restaurant | 2 adults |
| Family Tent | 2 × Queen-size beds | Private ensuite toilet + hot shower | In-tent charging sockets; WiFi at lounge/restaurant | Up to 4 |
| Extended Family Tent | 3 × Queen-size beds | Private ensuite toilet + hot shower | In-tent charging sockets; WiFi at lounge/restaurant | Up to 6 |
💰 3-Day MM Safari Pricing
Tour Rates (3 Days / 2 Nights) Using Toyota Noah Minivan for Transfers
The rates below are based on round-trip road transfers between Nairobi and the Masai Mara (Day 1 and Day 3) being conducted in a Toyota Noah minivan, while all safari game drives inside the Masai Mara National Reserve on Day 2 are carried out in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing.
| Option | Total Package Cost (USD) | Per Person (USD) | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person in Comfort Tent | $722 | $722 | MMS01 |
| 2 People Sharing Comfort Tent | $793 | $397 | MMS02 |
| 2 People, 1 Family Tent | $913 | $457 | MMS03 |
| 2 People, 2 Comfort Tents | $953 | $477 | MMS04 |
| 3 People, 1 Family Tent | $955 | $318 | MMS05 |
| 3 People, 2 Comfort Tents | $1130 | $377 | MMS06 |
| 4 People, 1 Family Tent | $997 | $250 | MMS07 |
| 4 People, 2 Family Tents | $1277 | $319 | MMS08 |
| 4 People, Extended Family Tent | $1157 | $290 | MMS09 |
| 5 People, Extended Family Tent | $1199 | $240 | MMS10 |
| 6 People, Extended Family Tent | $1240 | $207 | MMS11 |
Below are some images of a typical Toyota Noah minivan used for the transfers
👉 Please quote the code (e.g., MMS03, MMS09) when you enquire about a specific option.
Tour Rates for 3-Days Safari Using Land Cruiser for Transfers & Game Drives
Below rates apply to guests opting to use a 4×4 Land Cruiser for all road transfers between Nairobi and the Masai Mara (Day 1 and Day 3), as well as for the full-day game drive inside the Masai Mara National Reserve on Day 2.
| Option | Total Package Cost (USD) | Per Person (USD) | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person in Comfort Tent | $922 | $922 | MMS01LC |
| 2 People Sharing 1 Comfort Tent | $993 | $497 | MMS02LC |
| 2 People, 1 Family Tent | $1,113 | $557 | MMS03LC |
| 2 People, 2 Comfort Tents | $1,153 | $577 | MMS04LC |
| 3 People Sharing 1 Family Tent | $1,155 | $385 | MMS05LC |
| 3 People, 2 Comfort Tents | $1,195 | $398 | MMS06LC |
| 4 People, 1 Family Tent | $1,197 | $299 | MMS07LC |
| 4 People, 2 Family Tents | $1,477 | $369 | MMS08LC |
| Up to 5 People, Extended Family Tent | $1,399 | $280 | MMS09LC |
| Up to 6 People, Extended Family Tent | $1,440 | $240 | MMS10LC |
| Up to 7 People, Extended Family Tent(extra bed can be added) | $1,482 | $212 | MMS11LC |
| Up to 8 People, Extended Family Tent(extra bed can be added) | $1,774 | $222 | MMS12 |
👉 Please quote the code (e.g., MMS03LC, MMS07LC) when you enquire about a specific option.
✅ Inclusions & ❌ Exclusions
✅ Inclusions
- Return transport Nairobi ↔ Masai Mara using either Toyota Noah or Toyota Land Cruiser
- 2 nights at Kambu Mara Camp (near Sekenani Gate)
- Full-board meals at camp (starting with Day 1 L & D, Day 2 B, L & D and Day 3 B)
- Afternoon bush walk if preferred or other optional 3 activities in itinerary.
- Full-day game drive in Masai Mara National Reserve on Day 2
- Optional stops at Great Rift Valley Viewpoint and Ewaso Ngiro Souvenir shops
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Nairobi pick-up and drop-off (hotel, residence, or airport)
❌ Exclusions
- Masai Mara National Reserve park entry fees (per person per day, paid directly at Sekenani Gate when you go on safari on Day 2)
- Optional activities:
- Hot-air balloon safari ($450 per adult)
- Maasai village visit ($30 per adult)
- Visit Beats of Beads Museum in Sekenani ($5 p.p)
- Go on extended bush walk with rangers– up to 3 hrs ($20 p.p)
- Visit Masai Mara Botanical Garden – Walking distance from Kambu Mara Camp (Kes. 5000 per group)
- Short uided bush walks close to the camp (free, tip recommended)
- Additional game drives not in the standard program
- Soft drinks, alcohol, and extra snacks at camp
- Tips for driver-guide and camp staff
- Travel insurance & personal medical expenses
- Visa fees (if applicable)
🏕️ Meals:
With this 3-day package meals are offered on full-board basis:
This 3-day package is offered on full board, including:
- Day 1: Lunch & Dinner
- Day 2: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3: Breakfast
Flexible Meal Options to Reduce Your Safari Cost
To help you manage your budget, you can choose between half-board, full-board, or a custom meal plan, which will be included in your final quote. If you prefer to cut down on costs, you may opt out of meals entirely and use the shared self-catering kitchen at Kambu Mara Camp.
The kitchen is equipped with cooking gas, basic utensils, pots, pans, plates, cutlery, drinking/cooking water, a sink with running tap water, and prep space—everything you need to comfortably prepare your own meals. (Please note: the shared kitchen does not have a fridge.)
If you plan to cook for yourself, simply indicate this in your booking request so we can adjust your package accordingly.
Recommendations:
- Solo travelers: Enjoy an all-inclusive safari at a fair single rate.
- Couples: Best value is sharing a Comfort Tent; separate tents can be arranged for extra privacy.
- Families & small groups: Sharing a Family or Extended Family Tent brings costs down while keeping the experience fully guided and comfortable.
See all tent types and images here
⭐ Why We Made this Budget Tour Private (Not Group-Joining)
This is private budget tour:
This safari is designed as a fully private experience, reserved exclusively for your group. We never mix guests for transfers or game drives unless everyone involved specifically asks to share — and shared drives can only be arranged on arrival, subject to availability.
A private tour gives you full control over departure times, pacing, and how long to spend at sightings, along with personalized guiding and flexibility to tailor the day to your interests. Unlike group-joining tours withfixed schedules and shared decision-making, a private safari offers a more comfortable, efficient, and customized wildlife experience.
🚐 Safari Transport & Pick-Up Options
From Nairobi
- Pick-up from your hotel, residence, JKIA, or Wilson Airport around 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM on Day 1. Later pick-ups can be arranged as well.
- Road transfer in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof (or safari minivan if requested)
- Approximate drive time Nairobi → Masai Mara (Sekenani area): 5.5–6 hours, including a short stop for bathroom break, snacks, or coffee

Inside Masai Mara
- All game drives conducted in your private Land Cruiser safari vehicle – A customized Land Cruiser 79 series vehicle fitted with pop-up roof and wide canvas windows.
- Professional guide with deep knowledge of the Sekenani, Keekorok, and central plains areas
- Pop-up roof for unobstructed viewing and photography
🗺️ MMNR Sample 3-Day Safari Itinerary
Times are approximate and can be adjusted for road conditions, season, and your preferences.
Day 1: Nairobi → Masai Mara (Scenic Journey & Cultural Immersion)
(No park entry – value-optimized arrival day)
6:00–6:30 AM – Pick-Up in Nairobi
Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel, residence, or airport in a Toyota Noah minivan, selected for comfortable long-distance road travel.
Optional upgrade: 4×4 Land Cruiser for guests preferring elevated seating and additional comfort during the transfer.
6:30–9:00 AM – Scenic Drive via the Great Rift Valley
Drive west through Kenya’s highlands toward the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint/escarpment.
8:15–8:45 AM – Great Rift Valley Viewpoint Stop
A scheduled stop for panoramic views, photography, and a short stretch break overlooking one of Africa’s most dramatic geological features.
9:00–10:00 AM – Continue Toward Narok
Descend from the escarpment into Maasai land, transitioning from agricultural highlands to open savannah.
10:00–10:30 AM – Narok Town Refreshment Stop (Optional)
Brief comfort break at Narok Coffee House for refreshments and restrooms.
This marks the cultural and ecological gateway to the Mara ecosystem.
10:30 AM–1:30 PM – Narok → Kambu Mara Camp
Continue toward Kambu Mara Camp, located just outside Masai Mara National Reserve near Sekenani.
1:30–2:30 PM – Camp Arrival & Check-In
Settle into camp, enjoy lunch (if pre-arranged), and rest after the journey.
3:30–5:30 PM – Optional Cultural Immersion (Afternoon)
Visit a nearby Maasai community for an introductory cultural experience:
- Learn about pastoral life, traditional homesteads, and beadwork
- Gain cultural context for the landscapes and wildlife you’ll explore
- A meaningful, low-impact activity that complements the safari experience
Alternative: Guests may choose to replace this with a half-day afternoon game drive (subject to timing and preference).
6:30 PM – Campfire & Dinner
Unwind around the campfire under the African sky, followed by dinner and overnight at camp.
Why Day 1 Avoids the Park
With current Mara entry fees charged per calendar day, this structure preserves your park tickets for Day 2 and Day 3, allowing longer, more immersive game drives when wildlife viewing is at its best.
Day 2: Full-Day Masai Mara Game Drive & Mara River Walk
5:30–5:45 AM – Early Breakfast
Light breakfast at camp to prepare for a full safari day.
6:00 AM – Park Entry via Sekenani Gate
Enter the reserve through Sekenani Gate, taking advantage of peak early-morning predator activity.
6:00–8:30 AM – Sekenani–Talek Plains (Big Cat Zone)
Explore classic open grasslands where:
- Lions, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas are often active after night hunts
- Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and plains game move toward grazing areas
Occasional sightings may include the well-known Marriot lion pride with cubs.
8:30–10:30 AM – Talek River Corridor
Track wildlife paths along riverine vegetation:
- Prime leopard habitat
- Excellent early-morning photography conditions
- Rich birdlife along shaded riverbanks
10:30 AM–12:00 PM – Paradise Plains & Lookout Hill
Drive into expansive savannah favored by cheetahs and large herbivore herds.
Brief stop at Lookout Hill for panoramic orientation and landscape interpretation.
12:00–1:00 PM – Mara River Corridor
Arrive at the Mara River near the Mara River Bridge:
- Hippo pods and Nile crocodiles
- Seasonal migration routes
- Reduced vehicle density toward the western sector and Kenya–Tanzania border
1:00–2:00 PM – Picnic Lunch in the Wild
Enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic riverside or open-plain location, remaining fully immersed in the reserve.
2:00–3:00 PM – Guided Mara River Walk
Accompanied by an armed ranger, take a short, controlled walk:
- Observe hippos, crocodiles, and riparian birds at close range
- Learn about river ecology and its role in the greater Mara–Serengeti system
3:00–5:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
Focus on:
- Late-day predator movement
- Elephant and buffalo herds
- Birdlife including fish eagles, kingfishers, vultures, and ground-nesting species
Gradual return toward the Sekenani sector as the sun sets.
6:00 PM – Return to Camp
Campfire, dinner, and overnight at Kambu Mara Camp.
Day 3: Masai Mara → Nairobi
7:30–8:30 AM – Leisurely Breakfast
Relaxed morning at camp, final views of the surrounding savannah.
9:00 AM – Depart for Nairobi
Begin the return journey toward Nairobi.
11:30 AM–12:00 PM – Optional Narok Curio Stop
Short stop at a Maasai curio and gifting shop near Narok for souvenirs. The big shop is located in a small town called Ewaso Ngiro on the Sekenani-Narok highway.
Optional Maasai Village Visit (Morning of Day 3)
If preferred, a village visit can be arranged before departure:
- Toyota Probox taxi: approx. KES 5,000 round trip
- Land Cruiser option available
- Village entry fee paid directly (approx. $30–$40 per person)
1:30–3:00 PM – Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel, residence, or airport, concluding a well-paced, expert-designed Masai Mara safari that balances wildlife depth, cultural insight, and cost efficiency.
🏕️ Why We Picked Kambu Mara Camp for this Masai Mara Safari Package
For this 3-Day Masai Mara package, we picked Kambu Mara Camp because it consistently delivers exceptional value and quality for its category. With outstanding guest feedback (9.5/10 on Booking.com from 160+ reviews), the camp is genuinely well set up, offering facilities, space, and service standards that far exceed what most travelers expect from a budget camp. Rather than feeling basic or improvised, it provides a comfortable, relaxed base—ideal for early starts, long full-day game drives, and restorative evenings around the campfire.

Its strategic location between Nashulai and Naboisho Conservancies further strengthens its appeal, giving guests access to some of the best bush-walking and community-led conservation experiences in the Masai Mara ecosystem—an advantage rarely available at this price point.
A key differentiator is the camp’s location adjacent to protected conservancy land, neighboring Nashulai and Naboisho Conservancies. This setting allows wildlife—especially giraffes and zebras—to freely graze right in front of the tents, offering a level of immersion typically reserved for $1,000+ per night luxury camps inside conservancies. Crucially, guests enjoy this advantage without paying additional conservancy or community conservation fees. You only pay Masai Mara National Reserve entry fees on Days 2 and 3, when you enter the Reserve for full game drives.

In short, Kambu Mara Camp gives you conservancy-style wildlife proximity, bush walks, and open savannah ambience at a fraction of the usual cost, making it an unusually strong choice in the budget-to-mid-range category.
That said, the itinerary is fully flexible. If you prefer a different camp or lodge—whether more rustic or more upmarket—we can customize the package and provide a bespoke quotation based on your preferred accommodation, while keeping the same carefully designed safari structure and guiding standards
🏕️ Other Accommodation Options for this Masai Mara Safari
- Budget Category (Adventure-Focused, High Value):
Simple, authentic tented camps close to the Reserve, prioritizing location and atmosphere over luxury. Expect en-suite tents, solar lighting, shared dining, and evening campfires.
Typical options: Kambu Mara Camp (default), Miti Mingi Eco Camp, Rhino Tourist Camp.
Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers, small groups.
From ~USD 397 p.p. (sharing) for a 3-day package. - Comfort Category (Balanced, Family-Friendly):
Mid-range lodges and camps offering spacious en-suite rooms, swimming pools, balconies or terraces, and reliable amenities, while remaining well positioned for game drives.
Typical options: Mara Sopa Lodge, AA Lodge Masai Mara, Mara Simba Lodge.
Best for: Families, couples, small groups.
From ~USD 700 p.p. (sharing) for a 3-day package. - Luxury Category (Premium Safari Immersion):
High-end camps and lodges in prime locations, featuring private decks, refined dining, exceptional guiding, and personalized service, often with dramatic views over the plains or escarpment.
Typical options: Governors’ Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Angama Mara.
Best for: Honeymooners, photographers, luxury travelers.
From ~USD 1600 p.p. (sharing) for a 3-day package.
In practice: the safari routing remains the same across categories—the difference lies in comfort level, service style, and setting, allowing guests to align their Masai Mara experience precisely with their budget and expectations.
- 🦓 Global Wildlife Hotspot – Masai Mara National Reserve hosts 95+ mammal species, 450+ bird species, and one of Africa’s highest lion densities.
- 🌍 Great Migration Phenomenon – Witness 1.5+ million wildebeest and zebras during the annual migration (Jul–Oct), one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
- 🦁 Big-Cat Stronghold – Prime habitat for lions, cheetahs, and leopards, with year-round predator sightings.
- 🌿 Diverse Landscapes – Explore open plains, riverine forests, and wildlife-rich Talek and Olare Orok areas.
- 🚙 Flexible Safari Vehicles – Travel in a Toyota Noah for value or upgrade to a 4×4 Land Cruiser for enhanced game viewing.
- 🧭 Expert-Guided Game Drives – Led by professional driver-guides focused on sightings, tracking, and local knowledge.
- 💰 Excellent Value for Money – Includes Nairobi return transfers, full-board accommodation, and a full-day game drive.
- 🏕️ Quiet, Nature-Set Camp – Stay outside busy lodge zones for better wildlife atmosphere and restful evenings.
- ⏱️ Well-Paced 3-Day Itinerary – Enough time for deep exploration without rushing or long transit days.
- 🎯 Authentic Mara Experience – Designed for travelers who want real safari substance, not just a checklist visit.
- Light, neutral-coloured clothing (greens, browns, khaki)
- Warm layers for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- Camera, binoculars, power bank
- Personal medication & basic first-aid essentials
- Small daypack for game drives
Weather & Seasons: Dry months (Jun–Oct, Jan–Feb) offer the best visibility; wet months (Mar–May, Nov–Dec) bring green landscapes and occasional muddy tracks. Migration peaks July–October.
Malaria & Health: The Mara is a low-to-moderate malaria zone—use prophylaxis, repellent, long sleeves at dusk, and sleep under nets. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus; Yellow Fever certificate may be required. Kambu Mara Camps beds are equipped with mosquito nets.
Travel Documents: Apply for the Kenya eTA online before travel. Passports must be valid 6+ months; minors may need birth certificates or consent letters.
Safety on Safari: Stay inside vehicles, keep distance from wildlife, and use camp escorts after dark. Hydrate, wear sunscreen, and pack warm layers for cool mornings.
Money & Payments: Kenya Shillings is primary currency but USD is widely accepted (clean 2013+ notes). Cards and MPesa work at most lodges; ATMs only in Narok. Tip guides ($5–$10/day) and staff ($2–$5).
Connectivity: Safaricom has the strongest coverage at Sekenani, Talek, and conservancies; expect weak/no signal deeper inside the Reserve. Camps offer WiFi (variable).
Charging & Power: Vehicles and camps provide charging ports. Bring a power bank for full-day drives and a universal travel adapter.
Child-Friendly Notes: Pack warm layers and sun protection; children must stay seated and quiet near wildlife. Many guides offer kid-friendly nature learning.
Packing Essentials: Neutral layers, sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera, hydration bottle, lightweight rain jacket, and personal medications.
Best Time to Visit: The Mara is year-round, with exceptional predator sightings Dec–Feb and the Great Migration July–Oct.
- Established: 1961 (expanded in 1984 to current boundaries)
- Size: ~1,510 km² (part of the greater 25,000+ km² Serengeti–Mara ecosystem)
- Location: Southwest Kenya, along the Tanzanian border
- Altitude: 1,500–2,200 m above sea level
- Ecosystems: Open savannah grasslands, acacia woodland, riverine forests, rocky outcrops, seasonal marshes
- Key Rivers: Mara River, Talek River, Sand River
- Wildlife: Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), large cheetah populations, hyena clans, over 450 bird species
- Signature Event: The Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October) with dramatic Mara River crossings
- Notable Areas: Sekenani Plains, Keekorok region, Topi Plains, Double Crossing, Olkiombo, Rhino Ridge, Paradise Plains
- Cultural Significance: Homeland of the Maasai people—renowned for their pastoral traditions, beadwork, and deep cultural connection to the land
💳 Tour Booking, Payment & Cancellation Policy
To book or request a quote, please email: Bookings@Masaimara.ke with:
- Preferred travel dates
- Number of adults and children (with ages)
- Preferred transfer vehicle type (Land Cruiser or minivan)
- Pick-up and drop-off locations in Nairobi (optional)
- Quote the code for particular package in the list above such as MMS06 or MMS08LC (optional)
Customizing your Tour booking:
- You can request any package, such as MMS06, and ask to exclude the transfer vehicle if you plan to self-drive or use public transportation to reach the camp. You can also request a customized quote that removes specific components of the package—for example, choosing to self-cater instead of using the standard full-board meal plan. You can also request to add activities such as game drive on day 1.
- We’ll then get back to you with an updated quote that reflects your preferences.
Payments & Booking Confirmation:
- A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking. You’ll pay directly to Kambu Mara Camp or similar accommodation.
- Payment is made via a secure Pesapal payment link, using card or MPesa.
- The remaining 50% balance is payable on arrival at the camp using cash, card or MPesa.
- Once we receive your deposit payment, your booking is confirmed and we’ll share the assigned transfer vehicle and driver contact details for easy coordination on the day of arrival.
- We will also share a booking confirmation document which you can use when applying for eTA authorization. We may request for additional info to prepare the document so it reflects all travellers.
❌ Cancellation Policy
| Days Before Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 120+ days | 5% |
| 119–90 days | 10% |
| 89–60 days | 20% |
| 59–31 days | 30% |
| 30–7 days | 50% |
| 6 – 0 day | 100% |
Card fees and bank/wire charges are generally non-refundable. If your group size changes, per-person costs may be adjusted accordingly.
📧 Email Bookings@Masaimara.ke to receive a detailed quote or to make a booking.





