Fly above Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in three unforgettable days of exceptional wildlife viewing in Africa’s most celebrated safari destination.
Overview
This three-day fly-in safari offers the perfect balance between convenience, comfort and immersive wildlife exploration in the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Designed for travellers who want to maximise their safari experience while avoiding lengthy road journeys, the itinerary combines scheduled flights from Nairobi with extensive game drives across one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich ecosystems.
From the moment you depart Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, the adventure unfolds with spectacular aerial views of the Great Rift Valley before arriving in the heart of the Maasai Mara. Over the course of three days, guests enjoy multiple game drives through diverse habitats that support the Big Five, abundant predator populations and vast herds of plains game. Whether travelling during the Great Migration season or at any other time of year, this safari provides an unforgettable introduction to Kenya’s premier wildlife destination.
Trip Highlights
- Return scheduled flights between Nairobi and Maasai Mara
- Spectacular aerial views of the Great Rift Valley
- 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
- Outstanding wildlife photography opportunities
- Optional hot air balloon safari experience
Itinerary
This fly-in safari begins with a scheduled flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport directly into the Maasai Mara. Upon arrival, your professional safari guide welcomes you for immediate game viewing as you enter one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife ecosystems.
Over the next three days, you will explore the reserve's vast plains, river systems and wildlife-rich habitats through multiple game drives timed to coincide with peak wildlife activity. The safari concludes with a return flight to Nairobi, offering a seamless and highly rewarding wildlife experience that maximises every moment in the bush.
Flight Distance: Approx. 225 km
Flight Time: Approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour
06:00 - 07:00 | Nairobi Hotel Pickup - Safari Departure
Begin your adventure with an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel, residence or airport before transferring to Wilson Airport for your scheduled flight to Maasai Mara.
The anticipation builds as you prepare to leave the bustling capital behind and venture into one of Africa's most iconic wilderness areas.
08:00 - 09:00 | Scenic Flight - Great Rift Valley Aerial Experience
Board your safari aircraft and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Kenya's diverse landscapes. The flight passes above the dramatic Great Rift Valley, revealing escarpments, volcanic features, rivers and open wilderness stretching towards the horizon.
As the Maasai Mara comes into view, the vast savannah landscape immediately highlights the scale and beauty of this world-renowned reserve.
09:00 - 01:00 | Airstrip Pickup and En-Route Game Drive
Upon arrival at the Mara airstrip, meet your professional safari guide and begin your first game drive immediately.
The reserve's exceptional wildlife density means sightings often begin within minutes. Zebras, gazelles, giraffes and elephants roam across the plains while numerous bird species thrive within the diverse ecosystem.
Predators are among the reserve's greatest attractions. Lions are frequently encountered resting beneath acacia trees or surveying the grasslands, while cheetahs take advantage of the open terrain to hunt.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Wilderness Lodge Experience
Arrive at your lodge or luxury tented camp and enjoy lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
Many properties are positioned in active wildlife areas where animals can often be observed directly from the accommodation.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Introduction to the Mara
Set out for an afternoon game drive exploring the reserve's open plains and wildlife-rich habitats.
Large herds of wildebeests, zebras and antelope dominate the landscape while elephants move steadily between feeding areas. Buffalo are commonly encountered near water sources and giraffes browse gracefully on scattered acacia trees.
As the afternoon progresses, the changing light creates exceptional photography opportunities across the savannah.
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.
Option 1: Budget Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp
Option 2: Standard Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Aruba Mara Camp | Osero Camp | Enkorok Mara Camp | Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 3: Luxury Mara Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Maasai Mara | AA Lodge | Sekenani Camp
Option 4: Above Luxury Sarova Mara Game Camp | Ashnil Mara Camp | Muthu Keekorok Lodge | Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Mara Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
The sounds of nocturnal wildlife and the vast open landscape create a truly immersive safari atmosphere.
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 - Predator Territory
Begin the day before sunrise when wildlife activity is at its peak. The cool morning temperatures create ideal conditions for observing predators and herbivores alike.
Lions may be encountered returning from nocturnal hunts while cheetahs scan the plains from elevated termite mounds. Hyenas patrol territories and elephants emerge from woodland areas to begin feeding.
The sunrise over the Maasai Mara provides one of Africa's most iconic safari moments.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Savannah Morning
Return to camp for breakfast while enjoying panoramic views across the surrounding wilderness.
10:00 - 01:00 | Midday Game Drive - River Systems and Open Plains
Continue exploring the reserve's varied habitats, including riverine ecosystems where hippos and crocodiles inhabit the waterways.
The reserve's extensive network of habitats supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife, creating rewarding viewing opportunities throughout the day.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Relaxation in the Wilderness
Return to camp for lunch and a period of relaxation while remaining surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mara.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Big Five Safari Experience
Continue exploring additional sections of the reserve in search of the Big Five and other iconic African wildlife.
Elephants move in family groups across the plains while buffalo gather near water sources. Leopards may occasionally be sighted resting within riverine forests, adding excitement to the afternoon exploration.
As the day draws to a close, the golden light creates perfect conditions for wildlife photography.
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 Rhino Tourist Camp | Lenchada Tourist Camp | Mara Ntulele Camp | Enchoro Wildlife Camp | Sunset Camp Masai Mara | Greenwood Safari Camp
Option 2: Standard Jambo Mara Safari Lodge | Aruba Mara Camp | Osero Camp | Enkorok Mara Camp | Simba + Oryx Nature Camp
Option 3: Luxury Mara Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Maasai Mara | AA Lodge | Sekenani Camp
Option 4: Above Luxury Sarova Mara Game Camp | Ashnil Mara Camp | Muthu Keekorok Lodge | Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Mara Simba Lodge | Fig Tree Camp
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Hot air balloon safari
-Bush breakfast experience
-Sundowner experience
-Photography safari
Flight Distance: Approx. 225 km
Flight Time: Approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour
06:00 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Final Mara Experience
Enjoy one final sunrise safari through the reserve as wildlife activity increases with the first light of day.
This final game drive provides additional opportunities to encounter predators, elephants, giraffes and numerous other species before departing the reserve.
The peaceful morning atmosphere often delivers some of the most memorable wildlife experiences of the safari.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Farewell to the Mara
Return to camp for breakfast and enjoy your final views of the surrounding savannah.
10:00 - 11:30 | Leisure Time and Airstrip Transfer
Relax at the lodge before transferring to the airstrip for your scheduled return flight.
Wildlife sightings remain possible throughout the transfer, ensuring the safari experience continues until departure.
12:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Flight - Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Board your return flight and enjoy a final aerial perspective of the reserve and the Great Rift Valley.
The dramatic landscapes below provide a fitting conclusion to your Maasai Mara adventure.
01:00 onwards | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive at Wilson Airport and transfer to your hotel, residence or airport.
This marks the conclusion of an unforgettable fly-in safari experience within Kenya's most iconic wildlife destination.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Airport transfer upgrades
-Nairobi city excursion
-Cultural centre visit
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Return scheduled flights between Nairobi 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 Nairobi hotel, residence or airport
- Drop off in Nairobi hotel, residence or airport
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
A three-day safari allows significantly more time for wildlife viewing, increases the likelihood of seeing a wider variety of animals and provides a more relaxed and immersive Maasai Mara experience.
The reserve is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.
If travelling between approximately July and October, there is an excellent chance of witnessing the Great Migration and potentially dramatic river crossing events.
Yes. Return scheduled flights between Nairobi and Maasai Mara are included within the safari package.
Yes. It is one of the most popular safari experiences for first-time visitors due to its convenience, comfort and outstanding wildlife opportunities.
Yes. Families regularly participate in fly-in safaris, although specific age policies may vary between accommodation providers.
Most scheduled safari flights allow approximately 15 kg of baggage per person in soft-sided luggage.
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 and additional nights in Maasai Mara can all be customised to suit individual travel preferences and budgets.