Embark on a thrilling 3-day Maasai Mara Safari, tailored for travelers seeking comfort, exceptional wildlife experiences, and affordability. This mid-range safari includes stays in quality lodges or tented camps located inside or near the Maasai Mara National Reserve, ensuring you enjoy a seamless and unforgettable adventure.
Overview
- Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights.
- Accommodation: Mid-range lodges or camps such as Keekorok Lodge, Sarova Mara Camp, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, or similar.
- Transport: Private safari vehicle with a game-viewing roof hatch.
- Activities: Up to four private game drives, flexible timing, and optional cultural experiences.
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara
- Departure: Your safari begins with a morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel (7:30–8:00 AM) by your private driver-guide.
- Scenic Drive:
- Enjoy a picturesque journey descending the Great Rift Valley, with a stop at the Rift Valley Viewpoint for panoramic views.
- Drive time: Approximately 5.5 hours.
- Arrival in Maasai Mara:
- Arrive at your lodge/camp in time for a leisurely lunch.
- Settle into your comfortable accommodations and prepare for your first wildlife adventure.
- Afternoon Game Drive:
- At 3:30 PM, head out for a thrilling game drive, exploring the Mara’s savannahs.
- Wildlife Highlights: Spot lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, and large herds of grazing herbivores.
- Return to your lodge by 6:30 PM.
- Evening:
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge.
- Overnight at Keekorok Lodge or a similar mid-range property.
Day 2: Full Day in Maasai Mara
- Morning Game Drive:
- Start early at 6:15 AM, a prime time to spot predators on the hunt and other wildlife at their most active.
- Return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast.
- Mid-Morning to Lunch:
- Relax and enjoy the amenities of your lodge or explore the nearby landscapes with optional activities.
- Afternoon Game Drive:
- At 3:30 PM, embark on another safari drive, focusing on areas rich in wildlife, including rivers and open plains.
- Optional Full-Day Game Drive:
- Opt for a full-day game drive (10:00 AM–4:00 PM) with a packed picnic lunch for an extended exploration of the reserve.
- Wildlife Highlights:
- Spot the Big Five, cheetahs, and if lucky, leopards. During the migration season (July–October), witness wildebeest crossings along the Mara River.
- Evening:
- Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
- Morning:
- Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out by 8:30 AM.
- Take a short game drive en route to the park exit (as per park rules, all visitors must exit before 10:00 AM).
- Return to Nairobi:
- Arrive in Nairobi by early afternoon (approximately 2:30 PM).
- Drop off at your hotel or transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Tour Price
Season | 2-3 Persons | 4-5 Persons | 6 Persons |
---|---|---|---|
02 Jan – 31 Mar 2025 | $865 | $715 | $665 |
01 Apr – 30 June 2025 | $745 | $625 | $575 |
01 July – 15 Oct 2025 | $1,345 | $1,195 | $1,150 |
16 Oct – 21 Dec 2025 | $1,065 | $895 | $855 |
22 Dec – 31 Dec 2025 | $1,325 | $1,215 | $1,175 |
Inclusions and Exclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Private transport in a safari vehicle with a game-viewing roof hatch.
- Up to 4 private game drives with a certified English-speaking driver-guide.
- All park entry fees for clients, guide, and vehicle.
- 24-hour backup support during the safari.
What’s Not Included
- International flights and visa fees.
- Tips, drinks, laundry, and personal expenses.
- Optional add-ons such as hot air balloon safaris or cultural village visits.
Optional Add-Ons
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: Start your day with an awe-inspiring sunrise flight over the Mara’s savannahs, followed by a champagne breakfast. Starting from $485 per person.
- Maasai Village Visit: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Maasai people. $40 per person.
- Dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant: A unique dining experience in Nairobi. $40 per person.
Why Choose a Mid-Range Safari?
- Affordable Comfort: Enjoy modern amenities, comfortable accommodations, and quality meals without the high price of luxury lodges.
- Private Experience: Tailored itineraries and flexible game drives to suit your interests and needs.
- Close to Nature: Many mid-range lodges are located within or near the reserve, ensuring proximity to wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Here is a detailed comparison table of mid-range accommodations that could be utilized for the 3-day Maasai Mara mid-range safari:
Accommodation | Location | Highlights | Facilities | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Keekorok Lodge | Inside Maasai Mara, near Sekenani Gate | First lodge in the Maasai Mara, located in a prime wildlife area. Offers a hippo pool for close viewing of wildlife. | En-suite rooms, outdoor pool, hippo bar, restaurant, and garden. | Wildlife enthusiasts, families. |
Sarova Mara Camp | Inside Maasai Mara | Known for its tented accommodations with a blend of modern comfort and bush experiences. | Luxurious tents, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and evening entertainment. | Couples, families, and small groups. |
Mara Sopa Lodge | Eastern Maasai Mara | Built into the hillside with traditional African design. Accessible location near Oloolaimutia Gate. | Spacious en-suite rooms, swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. | Groups and families. |
Basecamp Explorer | Talek River, outside the reserve | Eco-conscious camp with stunning views of the river and a focus on sustainability. | Canvas tents, solar power, private verandas, and bush dining. | Eco-conscious travelers. |
AA Lodge Mara | Outside Sekenani Gate | Affordable option with spacious rooms and easy access to the reserve. | Chalet-style rooms, conference facilities, swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. | Budget-conscious mid-range travelers. |
Zebra Plains Mara Camp | Outside Talek Gate | Intimate tented camp offering a private and personalized safari experience. | Luxurious tents, private verandas, Wi-Fi, restaurant, and lounge. | Couples and honeymooners. |
Fig Tree Camp | Talek River, near the reserve | Riverfront camp with proximity to key wildlife areas. | Tented rooms, swimming pool, bar, and treehouse dining deck. | Wildlife photographers, families. |
Ashnil Mara Camp | Near Mara River | Located in a prime spot for wildlife viewing, particularly during the Great Migration. | Spacious tents, outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar overlooking the savannah. | Migration enthusiasts, groups. |
Mara Simba Lodge | Along the Talek River | Features lush grounds and riverside views, offering tranquility and comfort. | River-facing rooms, swimming pool, gardens, and restaurant. | Relaxation seekers, families. |
Sentrim Mara Camp | Outside Sekenani Gate | Combines affordability with comfort, offering an authentic safari atmosphere. | Spacious tents, swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. | Budget-conscious groups, families. |
Key Insights
- Prime Locations: Keekorok Lodge and Sarova Mara Camp are ideally situated inside the reserve, offering direct access to wildlife areas.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Basecamp Explorer and Zebra Plains Mara Camp are great choices for travelers seeking sustainable stays.
- Family-Friendly Stays: Lodges like Mara Sopa Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, and Ashnil Mara Camp offer spacious accommodations and child-friendly amenities.
- Great Migration Proximity: Ashnil Mara Camp and Fig Tree Camp are excellent for guests visiting during the migration season.
- Affordable Luxury: Sentrim Mara Camp and AA Lodge Mara provide budget-friendly options without compromising on comfort.
This table helps travelers select the most suitable mid-range accommodation for their Maasai Mara safari based on their preferences, priorities, and travel style.
Comparison of Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury Maasai Mara Safaris
A Maasai Mara safari offers something for everyone, whether you’re a budget traveler, seeking comfort with mid-range options, or indulging in luxury. Budget safaris provide affordable yet authentic experiences, often using basic camps or lodges near park gates, with shared game drives. Mid-range safaris offer a balance of comfort and adventure, utilizing well-appointed lodges or camps closer to wildlife hotspots, with private or small group drives. Luxury safaris deliver exclusive stays in premium lodges or camps with top-tier amenities, private vehicles, and personalized services for an unmatched wilderness experience.
Comparison Table
Category | Accommodation Examples | Features | Best For | Approx. Cost (per person) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Budget | Kambu Mara Camp, Rhino Tourist Camp, Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Basic tents or lodges with shared or simple private bathrooms, self-catering options, or limited dining facilities. | Budget-conscious travelers, backpackers. | $600–$1,000 (3-day safari) |
Mid-Range | Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge, Basecamp Explorer | Comfortable lodges or camps with en-suite bathrooms, on-site dining, swimming pools, and private game drives. | Families, couples, and small groups. | $1,000–$1,500 (3-day safari) |
Luxury | Sanctuary Olonana, Mahali Mzuri, Angama Mara | Exclusive lodges or camps with high-end amenities like private pools, gourmet dining, and personalized safari itineraries. | Honeymooners, photographers, luxury seekers. | $2,000–$4,000+ (3-day safari) |
Key Takeaways
- Budget Safaris: Ideal for adventurous travelers wanting an authentic experience without spending much, focusing on wildlife over amenities.
- Mid-Range Safaris: Best for those seeking a balance of comfort and affordability, with enhanced accommodations and more flexible itineraries.
- Luxury Safaris: Perfect for discerning travelers desiring premium amenities, exclusive wildlife access, and tailored services for an unforgettable experience.
This comparison ensures you can select the ideal safari experience based on your preferences, priorities, and budget.
Booking Information
To book your 3-day mid-range Maasai Mara safari, contact us using the form below. Our team will reply promptly to answer any questions or confirm your reservation.
This safari is designed to provide exceptional wildlife experiences, memorable adventures, and a comfortable stay—all while keeping costs reasonable. Perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking a balance between affordability and quality.