Nairobi and the Masai Mara · Kenya
Kenya safari: Nairobi and the Masai Mara
Orphaned elephants and giraffes in Nairobi, then a short flight to the open grasslands of the Masai Mara for lions, elephants and, in season, the great migration. Five days from the city to the savanna.
- 5 days
- $$$ Splurge
- Easy
- Good with kids
- Couples
- Families
- Friends
- Wildlife
- Nature
Day by day
The plan
Times are suggestions. Opening hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Once it’s in your trip, move anything you like.
- Day 1
Nairobi’s wildlife
- 06:30
Morning drive in Nairobi National Park
Activity
Rhinos, giraffes and lions with the city skyline behind them, just outside town.
- 11:00
Sheldrick elephant orphanage
Activity
Watch rescued baby elephants at their midday feed; visits are limited and booked in advance.
- 13:00
Lunch in Karen
Food & drink
A leafy suburb with garden cafés near the next stops.
- 14:30
Giraffe Centre
Activity
Feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes from a raised platform.
- 16:00
Karen Blixen Museum
Activity
The farmhouse of the author of Out of Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills.
- 06:30
- Day 2
Fly to the Mara
- 09:00
Flight from Wilson Airport
Getting around
Small planes reach the Mara airstrips in about an hour, often with stops at several strips.
- 11:00
Check in at your camp
Stay
Camps inside the reserve or in the neighboring conservancies; your guide meets you at the airstrip.
- 13:00
Lunch at camp
Food & drink
Meals are usually included, served with a view over the plains.
- 16:00
Afternoon game drive
Activity
Animals become active again as the heat fades; lions and elephants are common sightings.
- 19:30
Dinner under the stars
Food & drink
Listen for hyenas and lions calling in the dark.
- 09:00
- Day 3
A full day on the plains
- 06:00
Dawn game drive
Activity
The best light and the best chance to see big cats on the move.
- 09:30
Bush breakfast
Food & drink
Guides often set up breakfast under an acacia tree.
- 11:00
Mara River
Activity
Hippos and crocodiles live here; from July to October herds of wildebeest gather to cross.
- 13:00
Picnic lunch
Food & drink
Staying out all day lets you wait at a crossing point or follow a sighting.
- 18:00
Sundowner
Activity
A drink on a ridge as the sun sets over the grasslands.
- 06:00
- Day 4
Balloon and Maasai culture
- 05:30
Hot air balloon at sunrise
Activity
An optional flight low over the plains, ending with a breakfast in the grass.
- 11:00
Visit a Maasai village
Activity
A visit arranged through your camp to learn about Maasai homes, cattle and traditions.
- 13:00
Lunch at camp
Food & drink
Rest through the hottest hours.
- 16:00
Afternoon game drive
Activity
Ask your guide to look for cheetahs on the open plains or leopards along the rivers.
- 05:30
- Day 5
Last drive and back to Nairobi
- 06:00
Final morning drive
Activity
One more chance to find the animals you’ve missed.
- 09:30
Breakfast at camp
Food & drink
A slow breakfast before the transfer to the airstrip.
- 11:30
Flight back to Nairobi
Getting around
Back to Wilson Airport, then a transfer to the international airport.
- 14:00
Lunch: nyama choma
Food & drink
Kenya’s grilled meat, served with ugali and kachumbari salad.
- 17:00
To Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Getting around
Leave plenty of time; Nairobi traffic can be slow.
- 06:00
Good to know
Tips
Timing the migration
The herds are usually in the Mara from about July to October, but river crossings are never guaranteed. January, February and June are also dry and good for game viewing; the long rains fall around April and May.
Reserve or conservancy
The private conservancies next to the reserve limit vehicles at sightings and often allow walking safaris and night drives. Camps book up months ahead for the migration season.
Pack light and neutral
Bush flights have strict weight limits and often require soft bags. Bring neutral colors, a warm layer for early drives and binoculars.
Health and entry
Check entry requirements and recommended vaccines well before you go, and ask a doctor about malaria prevention for the Mara.
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