ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Start Nairobi / End Nairobi
The Mara offers visitors an intimate glimpse of life on the African savannah; the Reserve boasts particularly good densities of a wide variety of animals and there will never be a dull moment. Be on the lookout for all of the Big Five and be thrilled by the excellent Big Cat sightings in store for you. If you visit between July and October you stand a chance to see the incredible Wildebeest migration, when animal numbers on the plains and swelled by millions of Wildebeest and thousands of Zebra and antelope as they migrate north from the Serengeti.
Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara Game Reserve
It’s the first day of your amazing East African Safari!
You will get your first taste of Kenyan hospitality from our representative, who will meet you at your Nairobi hotel or at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to transfer you to Wilson Airport for your flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve. There are two flights per day, but we recommend that you take the morning flight if possible, to maximize your time in The Mara. Check-in is one hour before departure and the flying time is around 45min.
On arrival at the Masai Mara airstrip you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to the Sarova Mara Game Camp, your home for the next two exciting days! Have your camera handy as you drive to the Camp – this short drive will give you your first taste of game viewing in The Mara. After a delicious lunch at the camp you will have some time to explore your environment and settle in before setting off on your first afternoon game drive. Your accommodation is in the true East African Safari style in spacious under-canvas rooms with all the luxury touches you need to complete your safari experience.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of East Africa’s most legendary wildlife reserves, and Kenya’s most popular safari destination. The Reserve boasts exceptional numbers and varieties of game, in addition to hosting one of the world’s most incredible natural spectacles, the annual Wildebeest Migration, which has been dubbed the 8th Wonder of the Natural World. During the Migration, millions of Wildebeest, together with huge herds of Zebra and antelope, trek thousands of kilometers from the southern Serengeti to the northern Masai Mara in search of fresh pasture and water. They are eagerly followed by a large selection of predators, making a visit during this time (approx. July to October) especially rewarding.
The reserve is known for excellent Big Cat sightings, as well as being a premier spot for viewing many varieties of antelope, Buffalo, Elephant, Fox, Jackals, Hippos, Wildebeest, Zebra and even Black Rhino. In addition, you will get to meet and interact with the fascinating and hospitable Maasai people, on whose ancestral lands you will be walking.
The Mara Eco-system is extremely diverse and the landscape is made up of huge savannah plains, interspersed with riverine forest. It is dramatically beautiful and forms the picture-perfect setting for your safari photography.
You will generally be back in camp in time for sundowners before enjoying a wonderful dinner. After dinner, you can swop game-viewing stories with your fellow guests around the campfire or in the bar before falling asleep to the hypnotic sounds of the African wilderness.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp.
Day 2: Masai Mara Game Reserve
We suggest you request an early wake-up call so that you will not miss the first stirrings of animal movements, as you set off on your early morning game drive just as the first ray of sunlight peep over the horizon and the bush comes to life.
You will return to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards you can relax around the pool, do some bird watching, enjoy a massage or visit the herb garden! You will be free to enjoy all these facilities until it is time for your afternoon game drive.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp.
Day 3: Masai Mara – Nairobi
Although your Mara adventure is drawing to a close there is still time for a final early morning game drive, or you can spoil yourself with the ultimate Mara experience, a dawn Hot-air Balloon excursion over the Reserve. If you opt for the latter, you will have the unforgettable chance to drift over the savannah plains, just as the sun is starting to appear over the horizon. Your flight will be followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush when you touch down. Although this is an optional extra, we do recommend that you grab the opportunity if your budget allows – it is truly memorable.
Later this morning your guide will drive you back to the Mara airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. On arrival at Wilson Airport our driver will meet you and transfer you to your Nairobi hotel or to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight back home.