The Masai Mara is considered by many to be one of Kenya’s finest game reserves. The rolling grasslands offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities and rocky outcrops, which are favorite midday resting places for lions, for which the Mara is famous, break the grassy plains.
Other animals, which can be seen in and around this 700 square mile conservation area, include elephant, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle. Hippos and crocodiles abound in the rivers’ muddy brown waters, traversing this Reserve.
One of Mara’s main attractions each year is the astonishing spectacle of the annual migration of up to two million wildebeest, thousands of zebra, and an escort of carnivores from the Serengeti plains, following the rains and succulent new grass.
A costly trek as many of the lame, laggard, and sick will fall prey to the ravening pack of predators and many more will die in the swirling flood waters trying to cross the Mara River. Once the rains have ended and the grass begins to wither the wildebeest turn south and head back to the Serengeti and beyond.
The reserve with an area of 1510 km2 forms the northern part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and is famous for vast assemblages and migration of plains game and their associated predators. The park’s southern boundary is contiguous with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
Day 01: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Your Driver-Guide reports to your hotel for the start of the safari to Masai Mara with a 7.30 am to 8 am departure for a picturesque drive descending the Great Rift Valley and onwards to Maasai Mara, Kenya’s famous game reserve. (Drive time 5.5 hours). You will be in a private safari vehicle. Stop for some time at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint on the way, to enjoy the amazing views of the largest Valley in the world, said to be visible from outer space. Arrive at Masai Mara for lunch at your lodge or camp. The afternoon game drive at 3.30 pm allows for spotting the magnificent wildlife in the park ranging from the Big Cats such as Lion, Leopard & Cheetah to Rhino, Elephant, and Wildebeest. Return to your lodge by 6.30 pm. Dinner and overnight at Keekorok Lodge [Option of Sarova Mara Camp, Basecamp, or Masai Mara Sopa Lodge or similar.
Day 02: Enjoy a Full day Game Driver in Masai Mara
You will be taken on two safari game drives today, one in the morning from 6.15 am to 9 am, followed by breakfast, and the other in the late afternoon after lunch from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm. The wildlife is usually more active during these times of the day. As your Masai Mara safari is private, your game drive timings will be flexible, useful if you are traveling with children, or are on a honeymoon. You may also choose to have a full-day game drive [one for the whole day] with a packed picnic lunch at no extra cost. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight at the lodge. Dinner and overnight at Keekorok Lodge [Option of Sarova Mara Camp, Basecamp, or Masai Mara Sopa Lodge or similar, in case of unavailability].
Day 03: Return to Nairobi
At the break of dawn, you embark on your concluding safari game drive in Masai Mara, followed by a relaxed breakfast back at the camp/lodge, followed by an onward departure back to Nairobi by road. Arrive in Nairobi by early afternoon [typically by 2.30 pm]. Drop off at your hotel or free onward transfer To the airport for your flight home.
What’s included
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary on a Full board* basis in the lodge
- Exclusive transport in a Safari Tour Microbus with a Gameviewing roof hatch and UHF radio
- 04 Private Safari game drives for the tour
- Services of a certified Professional, English-speaking Driver-Guide including all his expenses & allowances
- Fuel, driver, and car park fees, driver’s allowance
- All Park entry fees for clients, driver-guide, and vehicle
- 24-hour Back-Up support if required
What’s not included
- International flight tickets and visa costs.
- Tips, drinks, laundry, calls, and all such costs of a personal nature.
- Credit Card Surcharge of 5 to 7% will apply or Bank Transfer Fees of USD 50.
