Swap the turquoise waters of Kenya’s coast for the untamed wilderness of Maasai Mara on an unforgettable three-day fly-in safari filled with extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking scenery and authentic African adventure.
Overview
This three-day fly-in safari seamlessly combines Kenya’s spectacular coastline with the country’s most iconic wildlife destination, Maasai Mara National Reserve. Designed for travellers enjoying a beach holiday who wish to experience an authentic African safari without lengthy road journeys, the itinerary features convenient scheduled flights from Kenya’s coastal airports directly into the heart of the Maasai Mara, allowing you to maximise your time in the wilderness.
Over three unforgettable days, you’ll explore one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems through expertly guided game drives across vast savannahs, riverine forests and rolling grasslands. Home to the legendary Big Five, abundant predator populations and the spectacular Great Migration, Maasai Mara offers unrivalled wildlife viewing throughout the year. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, extending a beach holiday or simply seeking an extraordinary safari adventure, this fly-in experience delivers the perfect blend of luxury, convenience and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Trip Highlights
- Return scheduled flights between the Kenyan coast and Maasai Mara
- Convenient departures from Mombasa, Diani, Malindi and nearby coastal regions
- Spectacular aerial views of Kenya's diverse landscapes
- Two nights in the heart of Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Extensive morning and afternoon game drives
- Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities
- Exceptional predator sightings including lions, cheetahs and leopards
- Optional hot air balloon safari experience
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with a transfer from your beach hotel or resort in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu to the nearest operating airport or airstrip. Scheduled safari flights transport you across Kenya's spectacular landscapes into the heart of Maasai Mara National Reserve, where your professional safari guide welcomes you for immediate wildlife viewing.
Over the next three days, you'll experience multiple game drives timed to coincide with peak wildlife activity, exploring the reserve's rich ecosystems in search of the Big Five and countless other iconic African species. The safari concludes with a return flight to the Kenyan coast, creating the perfect complement to any coastal holiday.
Flight Distance: Approx. 600 - 750 km
Flight Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours (including scheduled stops where applicable)
06:00 - 07:00 | Coastal Hotel Pickup - Safari Departure
Begin your safari with an early morning pick-up from your hotel, beach resort or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu. Transfer to the nearest operating airport or airstrip, which may include Moi International Airport, Ukunda Airstrip or Malindi Airport depending on your location and the day's flight schedule.
As you leave the Indian Ocean coastline behind, anticipation builds for your journey into one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations.
07:30 - 10:30 | Scenic Flight - Coast to Maasai Mara
Board your scheduled safari flight and enjoy one of Kenya's most spectacular aerial journeys. Flying inland, you'll witness an ever-changing landscape of coastal forests, sisal plantations, rolling hills, volcanic formations and the magnificent Great Rift Valley before the vast plains of Maasai Mara appear below.
The dramatic change in scenery perfectly illustrates Kenya's incredible ecological diversity.
10:30 - 01:00 | Airstrip Pickup and En-Route Game Drive
Upon arrival at the Maasai Mara airstrip, meet your professional safari guide and begin your first game drive immediately while transferring to your lodge or camp.
Wildlife sightings often begin within minutes of landing. Herds of zebras, Thomson's gazelles and topi graze across the open plains while giraffes browse gracefully among scattered acacia trees. Elephants move steadily across the savannah, and with a little luck, predators such as lions or cheetahs may already make an appearance.
Your guide will introduce you to the unique ecology of the Mara while interpreting animal behaviour and tracking wildlife throughout the reserve.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Luxury Wilderness Retreat
Arrive at your lodge or luxury tented camp and enjoy lunch overlooking the surrounding wilderness.
Many accommodations are situated beside wildlife corridors or water sources, providing excellent opportunities to observe animals directly from camp while relaxing between game drives.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - First Big Five Adventure
Set out on an exciting afternoon game drive across the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The reserve supports one of the highest wildlife concentrations anywhere in Africa. Vast herds of wildebeests, zebras and antelope dominate the plains, attracting powerful predators that make the Mara famous throughout the world.
Lions are frequently encountered resting beneath acacia trees or watching nearby prey, while cheetahs utilise the open grasslands to their advantage. Elusive leopards inhabit riverine forests, buffalo congregate near water sources and elephants travel in impressive family groups across the savannah.
As the afternoon progresses, the golden African light creates spectacular opportunities for wildlife photography.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Maasai Mara National Reserve at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
As darkness settles over the reserve, the distant calls of lions, hyenas and other nocturnal wildlife provide an unforgettable soundtrack beneath the African night sky.
Option 1 : Budget | Amboseli Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety Amboseli Resort | Olemayian Amboseli Cottages
Option 3 : Luxury | AA Lodge | Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Amboseli | Kibo Safari Camp | Kilima Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Oltukai Lodge | Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Sundowner experience
-Private game drive
-Bush dinner experience
06:00 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Sunrise on the Savannah
Begin the day before sunrise when wildlife activity reaches its highest levels. The cool morning temperatures encourage predators to remain active while herbivores emerge onto the open plains to graze.
Lions are often encountered returning from successful hunts, cheetahs climb termite mounds to scan for prey and hyenas patrol their territories before the heat of the day arrives.
The rising sun paints the landscape in rich golden colours, creating one of Africa's most iconic safari experiences.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Wilderness Morning
Return to camp for breakfast while enjoying panoramic views across the surrounding savannah.
The peaceful atmosphere allows time to appreciate the remarkable setting before continuing your exploration.
10:00 - 01:00 | Midday Game Drive - Exploring the Mara Ecosystem
Continue exploring different regions of the reserve, including river systems, open grasslands and woodland habitats.
Hippos and crocodiles inhabit the Mara River while numerous antelope species occupy the surrounding plains. Depending on the season, large concentrations of wildebeests and zebras may be observed moving across the reserve during the Great Migration.
Your experienced guide will continually adjust the route based on recent wildlife movements, maximising opportunities for exceptional sightings.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Relaxation at Camp
Return to camp for lunch and enjoy a period of relaxation while surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Many guests take this opportunity to watch wildlife visiting nearby waterholes or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the reserve.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Big Five Safari Experience
Embark on another extensive game drive through additional sections of the Maasai Mara.
As temperatures begin to cool, wildlife activity increases significantly. Elephant families move towards water sources, buffalo graze across the plains and predators become increasingly active as they prepare for the evening.
Each game drive presents new opportunities to witness fascinating animal interactions, making every safari unique.
The late afternoon light once again transforms the landscape into a paradise for wildlife photographers.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Dinner and overnight stay in Maasai Mara National Reserve at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Amboseli Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety Amboseli Resort | Olemayian Amboseli Cottages
Option 3 : Luxury | AA Lodge | Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Amboseli | Kibo Safari Camp | Kilima Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Oltukai Lodge | Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Hot air balloon safari
-Bush breakfast experience
-Sundowner experience
-Photography safari
Flight Distance: Approx. 600 - 750 km
Flight Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours (including scheduled stops where applicable)
06:00 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Final Mara Experience
Enjoy one final sunrise safari through the reserve, providing another opportunity to encounter the extraordinary wildlife that has made Maasai Mara one of the world's greatest safari destinations.
Predators remain active during the cool morning hours while elephants, giraffes and numerous herbivore species continue their daily movements across the plains.
The peaceful atmosphere of the early morning often delivers some of the safari's most memorable moments.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Farewell to the Mara
Return to camp for breakfast while enjoying your final views across the spectacular Maasai Mara landscape.
Take time to reflect on the remarkable wildlife encounters experienced throughout your stay.
10:00 - 11:30 | Leisure Time and Airstrip Transfer
Enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled return flight.
Even during the transfer, wildlife sightings remain possible, ensuring your safari experience continues until the very end.
12:00 - 03:00 | Scenic Flight - Maasai Mara to the Kenyan Coast
Board your scheduled return flight and enjoy one final aerial journey across Kenya's breathtaking landscapes.
From the sweeping plains of Maasai Mara to the escarpments of the Great Rift Valley and eventually the tropical coastline, the flight provides a spectacular conclusion to your safari adventure.
03:00 onwards | Arrival and Transfer to Beach Resort
Arrive at your designated coastal airport or airstrip before transferring back to your hotel, beach resort or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
This marks the conclusion of an unforgettable bush-and-beach safari experience combining two of Kenya's greatest attractions.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Hot air balloon safari
-Bush breakfast experience
-Private photography safari
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Return scheduled flights between the Kenyan coast and Maasai Mara
- Transport in a customised 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof during game drives
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation for 2 nights
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Scheduled game drives and safari activities as outlined in the itinerary
- Airstrip transfers within Maasai Mara
- Bottled mineral water during game drives and transfers
- Government taxes and statutory levies
- Pick up from Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu
- Drop off in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu
Excludes
- International and domestic flights not specified as included
- Visa fees where applicable
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities and excursions not listed as included
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari unless stated
- Medical expenses and emergency evacuation cover
Frequently Asked Questions
Flying directly from the coast allows you to experience Maasai Mara without spending long hours travelling by road. It maximises your time on safari while creating the perfect combination of a beach holiday and a world-class wildlife adventure.
Scheduled safari flights generally operate from Moi International Airport (Mombasa), Ukunda Airstrip (Diani) and Malindi Airport. Guests staying in Kilifi and Watamu are transferred to the nearest operating airport depending on the flight schedule.
Flights typically take between two and three hours, depending on the departure airport, routing and scheduled stopovers.
The Maasai Mara is home to the Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and, on occasion, black rhinos. You are also likely to encounter cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and more than 500 bird species.
If travelling between approximately July and October, there is an excellent chance of witnessing the Great Migration, when more than a million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras move through the Mara ecosystem.
Yes. A three-day fly-in safari provides ample time to explore different areas of the reserve, significantly increasing wildlife viewing opportunities while maintaining a relaxed pace.
Absolutely. This itinerary is specifically designed as a premium bush-and-beach safari experience, making it one of the most popular excursions for travellers staying along Kenya’s coast.
Most scheduled safari flights allow a baggage allowance of approximately 15 kg per person in soft-sided luggage due to aircraft storage limitations.
Pack lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, a warm jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal toiletries, camera and binoculars. Soft-sided luggage is recommended for ease of storage in the safari vehicle.
Yes. Accommodation categories, private charter flights, exclusive-use safari vehicles, hot air balloon safaris, bush breakfasts and additional nights in Maasai Mara can all be customised to suit your individual preferences, travel style and budget.
