Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most valued protected areas, located in the southwest of the country. It was set up in 1961 to protect wildlife from extinction. Animals like lions, wildebeests, zebras, elephants, and topis are safe here from poachers and illegal hunters. Masai Mara covers an area of 1,510 km², giving plenty of space for animals to live and reproduce.
The park is mostly open savanna grassland with gentle hills. Two rivers run through it—the Mara River and the Talek River. These rivers provide water for the animals and are home to animals like large hippos and crocodiles, which often rest along the riverbanks.
Detailed Tour
Day 1: Pickup from the hotel and transfer to Masai Mara Reserve
After breakfast around 8:00 a.m., a professional driver-guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the Mara Reserve. The drive takes about 6 hours, traveling slowly through the open grasslands. You will have good chances to see animals along the way. When you arrive, you will check in at the hotel, have dinner, and stay overnight.
Day 2: Full day game drive
Wake up at 7:30 a.m., have breakfast, and get your packed lunch. Then you will be driven into the wilderness of the Mara. Here, you can see the Big 5 animals—lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, and rhinos. You will also see other wildlife like zebras grazing with wildebeests, gazelles, topis, antelopes, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas. The Mara is also home to over 500 bird species, so bird watchers will enjoy their day watching both animals and birds.
After a long day, you will return to the hotel in the late evening to relax, have dinner, and stay overnight.
Day 3: Horseback riding and Masai cultural tour
After breakfast, you will begin a horseback riding adventure. This will bring you close to wildlife and let you enjoy fresh air in the natural surroundings of rolling hills and open savanna. You may see grazers and browsers, while predators quietly watch for their next meal.
You might be lucky to see a cheetah chasing a gazelle and catching it in less than a minute. You will also pass herds of buffaloes and elephants, browsing giraffes, and groups of zebras mixed with wildebeests. This will be a great chance to see animals for a second or third time.
After horseback riding, return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, go on a Masai cultural tour. You will visit the Manyattas, which are local houses made of grass, wood, and mud. The Masai will entertain you with songs and show how they lived before modern times. There will be souvenirs to buy if you want. After the tour, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer back to Nairobi Airport
Have a continental breakfast early at 7:30 a.m. Pack your luggage with help from the hotel staff and then leave for the airport. Enjoy a smooth drive and wait for your departure flight.
