This 3 Days Fly in Safari brings you to one of Africa’s most iconic and wildlife-rich safari destinations, Maasai Mara National Rreserve. Spanning approximately 1,510 square kilometers, the Mara is renowned for its vast savannahs, rolling grasslands, and seasonal river systems that support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. It forms part of the greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and is best known for hosting the Great Wildebeest Migration, a spectacle where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains in search of fresh grazing.
The reserve is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), along with cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species. It’s also the land of the Maasai people, whose traditional culture is deeply tied to the landscape. With luxury camps, intimate lodges, and exceptional game viewing all year round, the Maasai Mara offers a quintessential African safari experience.
Day 1: Arrival in the Maasai Mara & Afternoon Game Drive.
Your adventure begins early with a 6:30 AM pickup from your Nairobi hotel or directly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A short transfer brings you to Wilson Airport, the departure hub for regional safaris. At 8:00 AM, you’ll board a scheduled light aircraft bound for the Maasai Mara. This scenic flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Great Rift Valley, dramatic escarpments, and sweeping farmlands, setting the tone for your journey into the wild. Upon landing at a bush airstrip in Ol Kiombo, you’re met by your personal guide and whisked away in a custom 4×4 vehicle. Even the ride to your camp doubles as a mini game drive, with chances to spot giraffes, zebras, and antelope along the way. Around 11:00 AM, you’ll arrive at your luxury safari lodge or tented camp, greeted with refreshing drinks and a warm welcome from the staff. After a brief orientation and check-in, sit down to a gourmet lunch with stunning views of the savannah. The afternoon is yours to relax unwind in your room, cool off in the pool, or simply take in the tranquility of the bush.
At 3:30 PM, you’ll head out for your first official game drive across the golden plains. Your guide, equipped with real-time updates and tracking knowledge, will tailor the route to maximize wildlife sightings. Expect to see elephants at watering holes, lions lounging under acacia trees, and herds of zebras and wildebeest grazing. As the sun begins to set, your guide will select a scenic spot for a sundowner stop, a safari tradition where you enjoy drinks and light snacks with the vast Mara landscape bathed in golden light. You’ll return to camp around 6:30 PM for a hot shower and some downtime, either by the fire pit or in your tent. Dinner is served at 7:30 PM, typically a multi-course feast that blends international cuisine with local flavors, often enjoyed under a starlit sky. The day winds down with a nightcap or a fireside briefing from your guide about the next day’s activities. Finally, retire to you room for the night rest.
Day 2: Full-Day Safari Adventure and Maasai Cultural Experience.
Your second day in the Maasai Mara begins early with a gentle wake-up call at 5:30 AM, accompanied by tea, coffee, and light bites. By 6:00 AM, you’ll be on the road for a sunrise game drive, when the air is cool and wildlife is most active. This is a prime window to spot predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas on the move, and the golden morning light makes for exceptional photography. Around 8:30 AM, your guide will select a peaceful spot on the plains for a bush breakfast. After breakfast, the adventure continues with an extended game drive deeper into the reserve. You’ll explore varied ecosystems from the tree-lined banks of the Mara River to the vast, open plains watching hippos wallow, crocodiles bask, and elephants, giraffes, and antelope crossing the grasslands in family groups. Around 12:30 PM, you’ll return to the lodge for a freshly prepared lunch and a short rest during the hottest part of the day, when animal activity dips and the landscape is tranquil.
In the afternoon at 2:30 PM, you’ll visit a nearby Maasai village, offering an authentic and respectful glimpse into the lives of the local community. Guided by a village elder or warrior, you’ll walk through a traditional manyatta and learn about the Maasai’s time-honored customs, from their striking dress and intricate beadwork to their cattle herding techniques, coming-of-age rituals, and use of native plants for medicine. You’ll likely witness a traditional dance performance and may be invited to join in or try your hand at starting a fire using sticks and dung, just as the Maasai have done for centuries. There’s also an opportunity to support the community by purchasing handcrafted beadwork and jewelry directly from local artisans. By 4:30 PM, you’ll head out for a final evening game drive, perfect for revisiting earlier sightings or focusing on animals missed during the day.
You’ll return to the lodge, and settle in for a magical dinner by lantern-light, often featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and accompanied by fine wine or cocktails. With the sounds of crickets and distant hyenas echoing through the night, you’ll retreat to your tent content, inspired, and ready for your final day in the Mara.
Day 3: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Departure (Full Description)
Your final day in the Maasai Mara begins before dawn, followed by a quick cup of tea or coffee before being transferred to the balloon launch site. As the sky begins to lighten, you’ll watch the hot air balloon being inflated, a spectacle in itself. By around 6:00 AM, you’ll lift off just as the sun rises over the horizon, casting golden light across the endless savannah. Floating silently above the plains, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, antelope, and even big cats if you’re lucky — all moving through the misty landscape below. The flight lasts about an hour, covering a wide stretch of the reserve depending on the wind direction, and offering an unforgettable perspective on one of Africa’s most iconic wildernesses. Upon landing, you’ll be treated to a traditional champagne breakfast served in the bush. After breakfast, you’ll return to lodge to freshen up and finish packing. You’ll depart for the nearby airstrip with you packed lunch, enjoying a final mini game drive en route. Your light aircraft flight departs by noon, back to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, where a transfer will take you to your hotel or onward to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home — closing out a 3 Day truly magical safari experience.
Package Includes
- Airport transfers to Maasai Mara
- Game drives in custom 4×4 vehicles.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari.
- Full-board accommodations for 2 nights.
- Park and conservancy fees.
- Maasai village visit and cultural experiences.
- An English speaking Guide.
Package Excludes.
- International flights.
- Visa fees.
- Extra nights Accommodations.
- Tips
- Souvenirs