A safari in the Masai Mara in Kenya has to be on top of so many bucketlists, and rightfully so, the vast landscapes, richness of wildlife and unique Masai culture are incredibly special. Think golden sunsets, heard of elephants and giraffes grazing by your safari car and on top, you get to experience the real Masai culture and traditions.
This guide is designed to show you the best the Mara has to offer, from my experience of staying at the Instinct of the Mara Lodge. For this Masai Mara itinerary, we’ll focus on the Mara but also on the private Olderkesi Conservancy in which I was based.
Safari in Masai Mara Kenya: Best Things to Know
The Maasai Mara National Reserve, often referred to simply as “the Mara,” is one of Africa’s most famous and important wildlife conservation areas. Located in southwestern Kenya, it is contiguous with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and forms part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
The Mara is renowned for its large population of big cats, especially lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Other animals in the Masai Mara that you can expect are elephants, giraffes, zebras, and numerous other species. It’s also famous for the Great Migration. This is where over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles migrate between the Serengeti and the Mara.
Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara
Peak Wildlife Viewing runs from July to October. This period is considered the best time to visit due to the Great Migration. Large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River, attracting predators and are ideal for any dramatic wildlife viewing.
Masai Mara Weather
You have the dry season running from June to October. Here you can expect sunny days with clear skies, cooler temperatures (20°C to 25°C/68°F to 77°F), and cooler nights. Ideal for wildlife viewing, including the Great Migration.
The wet season however runs from November to May. Think of intermittent rain showers, lush green landscapes, slightly warmer temperatures (25°C to 30°C/77°F to 86°F). The wildlife viewing is still excellent, but vegetation is denser.
Kenya Wifi & Internet
When it comes to staying connected, Wi-Fi is rather spotty and only available in the main mess at camp. You could consider getting a local Safaricom SIM card in Nairobi though.
If you need mobile internet access on the go, purchasing an eSIM card is a convenient option. For the duration of your 3-day safari in Masai Mara Kenya itinerary, check out Airalo for great data packages that offer affordable internet access.
How To Get To The Maasai Mara
Chartered Flights: Several airlines offer chartered flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi directly to various airstrips within the Maasai Mara Reserve. This is the quickest and most convenient option. If you’re visiting the Instinct of the Mara, you will land on the Cottar’s airstrip only 30 minutes away from camp.
Driving: You can hire a private vehicle with driver or arrange for your transport through your lodge. The journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and the specific location. The road trip offers scenic views of the Great Rift Valley and you’ll already have a game drive included!
Safari in Masai Mara Kenya: 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in the Masai Mara
I’d recommend arriving a day or two earlier in Nairobi to see some of the city’s best sights. For the best location, you can look into staying near the airport at the Tamarind Tree Hotel or Four Points by Sheraton. Start your safari in Masai Mara Kenya at the Wilson Airport in Nairobi in the morning.
The flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Cottar’s Camp airstrip typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. This flight is usually operated by small charter aircraft or scheduled bush flights provided by companies like Air Kenya, Fly ALS or Safarilink.
The whole Maasai staff will greet you upon arrival, waiting for you with a cold towel and a homemade drink. You already can feel the luxury treating!
Unwind in the pool
Whether you’re flying into the Mara or getting there by car from Nairobi, spending time in the pool is divine. The two-bed luxury villa with its dining room and outdoor pool that overlooks the garden is a real treat. What better way to start your safari in the Masai Mara in Kenya?
Sunset Bush Walk
One of the most fun parts of any safari has to be daily sundowners. Secluded Africa took the group on an educational bushwalk with the Masaai and a few rangers, for protection. Henry, our exceptional guide, explained key plants and trees to us, showing us different healing methods or how to use them.
In the distance we could hear Hyenas, and came across a herd of zebras and gazelles – talk about adrenaline!
Maasai BBQ Sundowner
If you ever get the chance to attend a traditional Masaai BBQ, definitely DO IT. The Masaai made the whole firepit from scratch, the way they got taught by their fathers and forefathers. They proceeded to grill a few lamp shanks, which we’d dip in salt and a minty sauce. After this, you’ll never eat lamb the same way. There’s always someone from the team on hand to make you a drink or fill up your beer or wine. Sitting by the fire, watching the sunset, talk stories and have delicious food being served is one of the true luxuries.
Day 2 Game Drive
Maasai Mara Game Drive
Your second day on your safari in the Masai Mara in Kenya should definitely consist of a full-day game drive. With a private car for each booking or group, you have your own driver and guide, ready to show you the Mara.
A game drive typically starts around 5.00-5.30 AM to see the animals before the heat of the day. One of our first sightings was an elephant mum with her baby and a teenager that she took care of. Herds of gazelles, antelopes and zebras, a jackal that quickly disappeared, and so many giraffes that were unbothered by our presence – there was never a shortage of animals to see!
Bush Picnic
As part of any game drive day, you’ll probably have a bush picnic. Once we found a hill with some of the best views, the team set up our breakfast. Think of eggs, bread, yogurt, baked goods, sausages and coffee – the experience was just the best. The vast greens of the Mara, the river in the distance, ostriches and the wind blowing through your hair – what’s not to love?
One day of the game drive included a bush breakfast and a sumptuous bush lunch with our own mobile minibar.
Day 3 Maasai Culture Day
Masai Village Visit
Our camp, Instinct of the Mara lies in a private conservancy and Masai area a lot of the staff is from the nearby villages. With the head of the village or boma, we greeted the children and in return the women greeted us. Dressed in their most colorful robes and precious jewelry they danced and sang and took as along.
Part of the village visit consists of having a closer look into the houses of the Masaai women. There’s typically one man having multiple wives, rotating through the houses. So in general, the women live in the houses with their children. Inside, you will find the cooking place, storage for food and simple beds – it’s quite dark, sticky and very much a different environment than what you’re used to.
Maasai Market
As part of the village visit, the women prepared a little market for us. There you could buy handmade wooden handicrafts, jewelry, Maasai beaded belts, necklaces and so much more. It’s a wonderful relaxed atmosphere, everyone is welcoming and so happy to have you around.
Sunset Game Drive
For the afternoon, maybe you plan another game drive through the local conservancy. Once the sun is setting, there’s all the more opportunity to spot wildlife.
Maasai Dance
Once you all sit around the fire for a sundowner, you’re snacking on the most delicious canapes and wait for the spectacle. All the Maasai team members dress in their traditional clothes, starting to dance and sing. They might take one or two along the ride, to celebrate the last night together at camp.
Day 4: Departure to Nairobi or Tsavo National Park
Sadly it’s the last day and you have to leave. The team will make sure to send you off with a bag of seed balls. About 6 that you can throw into the grasslands to sow new trees – such a nice detail! You’ll head back to Cottar’s Airstrip to take you back to Wilson Airport. Many people don’t end their safari in Masai Mara Kenya but continue to places such as Tsavo, Amboseli, Samburu or the coast.
Kenya Masai Mara Lodges
Instinct of the Mara has to be the best place you can stay when visiting the Masai Mara. For every booking, parts of the generated income goes into the Secluded Africa Trust. This money goes directly to conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and the support of the community. The lodge is equipped with a mess tent with a dining area and bar, and consists of 7 Premium Safari Tents, the Forest Suite, and the Private Villa with pool. The entire camp is solar-powered and you’ll find a cozy firepit. What sets them apart is that every guest has access to their own driver, guide and vehicle!
A few of the many incredible social and sustainable efforts Secluded Africa did:
- Over 7.5 million liters of water were delivered to wildlife in 2023
- Girls & boys are put through education & mentorship
- 80.000 liters of drinking water was delivered to schools
- During droughts, they sent food packages to nearby primary schools
- Arrested 12 poachers & gave them the opportunity to become a beekeeper
When deciding on which Kenya Masai Mara Lodges you could stay in, make sure to do your research. Sadly many illegal camps facilitate mass tourism and hinder migration. For all Kenya Masai Mara Lodges, check them out here.
I hope this guide gives you some insight into what to expect on a 3-Day Safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara game reserve. The wildlife, Maasai culture and stunning scenery is something you won’t forget – a piece will always stay with you!
Keen on more East Africa travel inspo? Check out these posts!
Are you looking for a longer Kenya itinerary? Head to my 10-Day Kenya itinerary and the 30 gems you’ll love!
Been to Zanzibar? Find out about the best activities & things to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
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