Kenya’s Ultimate Big Five & Great Migration Experience
Overview
Journey into the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems. Known for its vast golden plains, dense predator population and the seasonal Great Migration, the Maasai Mara delivers some of the finest safari experiences on the continent.
This 4-day safari allows ample time to explore different sectors of the reserve, maximizing wildlife encounters while enjoying comfortable lodge or tented camp accommodation.
Trip Highlights
- Big Five habitat
- Exceptional lion, cheetah and leopard sightings
- Seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration (July – October)
- Scenic Mara River ecosystem
- Optional hot air balloon safari
Itinerary
Spend four immersive days in Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserve, where dramatic savannah landscapes, exceptional predator sightings and authentic safari moments await.
Drive Time: 5 – 6 hours
07:00 a.m. | Pickup in Nairobi
Your safari begins with pickup from your hotel, residence or the airport. After a short briefing, depart via the Great Rift Valley escarpment with a scenic stop for photographs.
01:00 p.m. | Arrival & Lunch
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for lunch and relaxation.
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Head out for your first game drive across the Mara’s sweeping plains. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebras and large herds of antelope. Lions are commonly seen resting in the grasslands or under acacia trees.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the accommodation 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
06:30 a.m. | Early Breakfast or Picnic Breakfast Option
07:00 a.m. – 04:00 p.m. | Full-Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch
Spend the day exploring different sectors of the reserve. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its remarkable predator density. Lions, cheetahs and leopards are regularly sighted, while large elephant herds roam the plains.
Visit the Mara River, where hippos and crocodiles reside year-round. During migration season, dramatic wildebeest crossings may occur.
Return to camp in the late afternoon.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight at the accommodation 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 at sunrise
-Maasai village cultural visit
06:30 a.m. – 08:30 a.m. | Sunrise Game Drive
The early hours provide optimal wildlife viewing. Predators are often active before temperatures rise.
Return for breakfast and leisure time.
01:00 p.m. | Lunch at the Lodge
03:30 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. | Afternoon Game Drive
Explore additional areas of the reserve, tracking wildlife movements and enjoying the ever-changing Mara landscape.
07:30 p.m. | Dinner & Overnight
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation as per 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
06:30 a.m. – 08:00 a.m. | Morning Game Drive (Optional) & Breakfast
Enjoy a final early morning drive or relaxed breakfast at camp.
09:30 a.m. | Departure for Nairobi
03:30 p.m. – 04:30 p.m. | Arrival in Nairobi
Drop-off at your hotel, residence or the airport, concluding your safari.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for Maasai Mara National Reserve
- 3 nights accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Bottled mineral water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities listed in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 5 – 6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Typically from July to October, though exact timing depends on rainfall patterns.
The reserve is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and many antelope species.
Yes. It offers a breathtaking aerial perspective of the plains followed by a bush breakfast experience.
Light, breathable clothing in neutral tones, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Bring a camera, binoculars and personal essentials. Soft-sided luggage is recommended.
Yes. Accommodation and activities can be tailored for families, couples and private groups.
