The short answer
- Nights in the Mara
- 2
- Driving
- About 5 to 6 hours each way
- Group safari price
- About US$450 to 700 per person
- Best vehicle
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop up roof
A three day safari is the easiest way to see the Masai Mara from Nairobi. You spend a lot of it on the road, but you get two nights in the bush and a full day of game drives, and in a good season you can see lions, elephants, cheetahs and, from July to October, the Great Migration.
Day by day
A typical 3 day group safari
Day 1, 7:00
Pick up in Nairobi
Collection from your hotel or the airport, then the drive west, with a stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint.
Day 1, 13:00
Arrive at camp
Lunch and a rest at your camp near the reserve gate.
Day 1, 16:00
Afternoon game drive
Your first drive in the Mara until sunset, when the park closes.
Day 2, 6:30
Full day in the reserve
A full day of game drives with a picnic lunch, often heading towards the Mara River in migration season.
Day 2, evening
Optional Maasai village visit
Many tours offer a visit for an extra fee, either late on day 2 or on the morning of day 3.
Day 3, 6:30
Morning game drive
A last early drive, then breakfast and the drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
What's included, and what to check
0 of 17 done
Group or private, minivan or Land Cruiser?
| Choice | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Group joining | Lowest price, meet other travellers | Fixed dates, shared decisions on where to go |
| Private | Your own pace and stops, better for photography | Costs more, especially for one or two people |
| Minivan | Cheapest | Can struggle on muddy roads; middle seats get worse views |
| 4x4 Land Cruiser | Handles rough roads, every seat by a window, pop up roof | Costs a little more |
Is 3 days enough?
It's enough for a first taste, and many travellers see lions and elephants on the full day. But nearly half the trip is driving. If you can, add a night, fly one way, or choose a 5 to 7 day itinerary that adds Lake Nakuru and Amboseli.
Rather have a trip to Kenya made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 3 day Masai Mara safari worth it?
Yes, if you are short on time. You get a full day of game drives and two afternoons or mornings, but a lot of driving. Four days or a flight one way makes it more relaxed.
How much does a 3 day Masai Mara safari cost?
About US$450 to 700 per person for a group safari including park fees, depending on the season and camp. Prices without park fees can look much lower, so check the inclusions.
What should I pack for a short safari?
Layers for cold early mornings, a warm jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens and a soft bag.
Kenya month by month
More Kenya guides
Best time to visit Kenya: safari seasons, rains and the migration
June to October and January to February are the best months for a Kenya safari, with dry weather and animals gathered near water. July to October adds the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, at peak prices.
Updated 16 October 2026
The Great Migration in Kenya: when and where to see it
Around 1.5 million wildebeest, with zebras and gazelles, circle between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. They are usually in the Mara from July to October, with river crossings peaking in August and September.
Updated 16 October 2026
How much does a Kenya safari cost? Prices, park fees and a calculator
Expect about US$150 to 250 per person per day on a budget safari, US$300 to 500 mid range and US$700 or more for luxury, including park fees. Park fees alone can be US$200 to 600 per person on a short Masai Mara trip.
Updated 16 October 2026
Masai Mara safari guide: reserve or conservancy, how long and how to get there
The Masai Mara is Kenya's most famous safari, with big cats all year and the Great Migration from July to October. Choose between the busy national reserve and quieter private conservancies, and allow at least two or three nights.
Updated 16 October 2026