4-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara Big Five Adventure
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), you will be warmly welcomed by our safari representative, who will facilitate your transfer to your hotel in Nairobi. The drive to your hotel takes approximately 30 minutes (18 km), depending on traffic. As you travel through Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, you will witness a vibrant blend of modern skyscrapers and historical landmarks, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich culture and urban energy.
Your accommodation at Sarova Panafric Hotel provides a serene retreat, nestled in lush gardens with elegantly furnished rooms and a refreshing swimming pool. After check-in, unwind with a freshly brewed cup of Kenyan coffee on the terrace or take a leisurely stroll around the hotel’s scenic grounds. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to explore some of Nairobi’s most iconic attractions. Visit the Giraffe Centre to hand-feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes, or head to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to witness the heartwarming rescue efforts for orphaned baby elephants. For history and culture enthusiasts, a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum—once home to the famed author of Out of Africa—offers a glimpse into Kenya’s colonial past.
As evening falls, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, featuring a fusion of Kenyan and international cuisines. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the exciting safari adventure ahead, ensuring you are well-prepared for the journey into the wild.
Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: 15 km, approximately 30 minutes from JKIA to hotel
Day 2: Journey to Masai Mara – The Safari Begins
Your adventure begins with an early breakfast at Sarova Panafric Hotel, where you can enjoy a selection of fresh tropical fruits, pastries, and a hot cup of Kenyan coffee. After breakfast, meet your safari guide and depart for the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive covers approximately 280 km and takes 5 to 6 hours, offering a scenic transition from Nairobi’s urban landscape to the breathtaking savannahs of the Great Rift Valley.
En route, a stop at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint allows you to capture panoramic views of the escarpment and its sprawling plains. This is the perfect moment to stretch your legs, take photographs, and absorb the grandeur of Kenya’s diverse landscapes. Continuing your journey, you will pass through local villages, witnessing the daily lives of the Maasai people before reaching the reserve by early afternoon.
Upon arrival, check into Mara Sopa Lodge, a midrange safari lodge that blends rustic charm with modern comforts. Enjoy a hearty buffet lunch featuring a selection of international and African dishes while overlooking the scenic surroundings. After some relaxation, prepare for your first thrilling game drive in the Masai Mara.
In the late afternoon, embark on a game drive across the vast golden plains of the reserve. With an expert guide leading the way, traverse open grasslands and acacia-dotted landscapes in search of the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos. Keep an eye out for cheetahs gracefully sprinting across the plains and large herds of zebras and wildebeests grazing in the distance. If visiting between July and October, you may witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration as thousands of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River.
As the sun sets over the savannah, return to the lodge, where you can freshen up before enjoying a delicious dinner by candlelight. Spend the evening relaxing by the campfire, listening to the distant calls of nocturnal wildlife, before retiring to your cozy safari-style accommodation.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: 280 km, approximately 5-6 hours
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara – Big Five & The Great Migration
Wake up to the crisp morning air of the African wilderness and enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out for a full-day safari adventure in Masai Mara. Equipped with packed lunch boxes, today’s excursion will take you deep into the heart of the reserve to maximize your wildlife sightings.
The morning hours offer the best chances to witness predators in action, as lions and cheetahs are most active during this time. Drive through vast plains and riverine woodlands, scanning the horizon for leopards resting in the trees or large herds of elephants making their way to watering holes. The Mara River, an essential water source, is a prime spot for spotting hippos and crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.
During the migration season (July–October), the river becomes the dramatic stage for one of nature’s greatest spectacles—the Great Migration. Watch in awe as thousands of wildebeests and zebras make their perilous river crossings, braving strong currents and lurking predators in a life-or-death struggle for survival.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade of an acacia tree, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. After lunch, continue exploring the reserve, stopping at scenic viewpoints and prime wildlife hotspots. An optional visit to a Maasai village offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Maasai people, learning about their traditions, warrior ceremonies, and way of life.
As the golden hues of the evening sun bathe the savannah, embark on another game drive before heading back to your lodge. Relax with a refreshing drink at the lodge’s outdoor lounge before indulging in a delicious dinner under the starlit sky. The night ends with stories around the campfire as you listen to the distant roars of lions marking their territory.
Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance & Travel Time: Varies based on game drive routes
Day 4: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Farewell to the Wild
Wake up to the enchanting sounds of the African wilderness as the golden light of dawn spreads across the Masai Mara. Enjoy a final early morning game drive, a perfect opportunity to witness the reserve’s wildlife at its most active. Lions are often seen returning from their nocturnal hunts, elephants march gracefully across the plains, and hyenas scavenge for the last remnants of the night’s feast. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a leopard descending from its tree perch or a cheetah scanning the horizon for its next chase.
After this last exhilarating safari experience, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, savoring freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, and a selection of hot beverages. Take a moment to soak in the final views of the endless savannah before bidding farewell to Masai Mara.
By mid-morning, you will begin your scenic drive back to Nairobi, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours. The route winds through picturesque landscapes, offering a chance to reflect on the unforgettable moments of your safari. Along the way, an optional stop at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint provides one last opportunity for breathtaking photography.
Arriving in Nairobi in the early afternoon, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight, or to your hotel if you are extending your stay in Kenya. If time permits before your flight, consider optional activities such as a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, the Bomas of Kenya for a cultural experience, or a relaxing lunch at a top Nairobi restaurant.
As your journey comes to an end, take with you the memories of Africa’s untamed beauty, thrilling wildlife encounters, and the warm hospitality that made your safari truly special.
Meals: Breakfast
Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 280 km | 5-6 hours
Inclusions:
✔ Accommodation: Midrange lodges and hotels on a shared or private basis, including Sarova Panafric Hotel, Mara Sopa Lodge, and Lake Nakuru Lodge.
✔ Meals: Full-board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as per the itinerary.
✔ Transport: Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
✔ Game Drives & Activities: Unlimited game drives in Masai Mara, and Lake Nakuru.
✔ Park Entry Fees: All entrance fees to Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park.
✔ Professional Guide: English-speaking driver-guide (other language options available upon request).
✔ Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water during game drives.
✔ Airport Transfers: Pick-up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and drop-off at the airport or preferred location in Nairobi.
✔ Government Taxes & Levies: VAT, conservation fees, and all mandatory government charges.
Exclusions:
X International Flights: Airfare to and from Kenya is not included.
X Visa Fees: Travelers are responsible for obtaining and paying for their visas.
X Personal Expenses: Costs such as souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, extra snacks, and laundry services.
X Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara, Maasai village visit, and any other optional excursions not mentioned in the inclusions.
X Travel & Medical Insurance: Highly recommended but not included in the package.
X Tips & Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (at guests’ discretion).
X Additional Meals & Drinks: Any meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
X Additional Accommodation: Extra hotel nights before or after the safari unless requested..
