4-Day Nyika Safari – Mara Escape

Your Kenya safari adventure begins the moment you land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi. A friendly representative from Pita Safaris will be waiting to greet you and provide a seamless transfer to your hotel. After a warm welcome and safari briefing, settle into your comfortable room at the Sarova Panafric Hotel, a modern midrange city retreat nestled just minutes from downtown Nairobi.

Relax on the terrace with views of the gardens, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy a quiet evening at the Flame Tree Restaurant. This first night in Kenya allows you to unwind and prepare for the journey into the wild. Whether you're arriving from a long-haul flight or just a regional hop, this comfortable Nairobi hotel sets the tone for an enjoyable safari experience.

After a delicious breakfast at your Nairobi hotel, your driver-guide will pick you up and begin the scenic drive toward Masai Mara National Reserve. The journey travels through Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, offering dramatic views and fascinating landscapes. Stop along the way for photo opportunities and a refreshment break before arriving at your lodge in time for lunch.

Check in at Mara Sopa Lodge, your comfortable safari base nestled on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills. This midrange lodge offers ensuite rooms, private verandahs, and sweeping views over the Masai Mara plains. After lunch, set off on your first thrilling game drive in the Masai Mara. Look out for lions, elephants, giraffes, and possibly leopards lurking in the acacia woodlands. As the sun begins to dip behind the hills, return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing night under the African stars.

Wake up to birdsong and fresh morning air in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations. Today is dedicated to exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the best places in East Africa to spot the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Your expert Pita Safaris guide will tailor the game drives based on seasonal movement and wildlife activity, increasing your chances of unforgettable sightings.

Depending on the time of year, you may witness part of the Great Wildebeest Migration, as herds thunder across the plains and predators wait nearby. Enjoy a bush picnic lunch at a scenic lookout point, then continue your search for cheetahs, zebras, hyenas, and even elusive black rhinos. Optional activities today include a Maasai village visit to learn about local customs and traditions, or a sunrise hot air balloon safari (pre-booking required).

Return to Mara Sopa Lodge in the evening for a well-earned dinner and storytelling by the campfire. Fall asleep to the distant sounds of the wild right outside your window.

Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge as the African sun rises over the Mara. This morning, take in the tranquil views and bid farewell to Kenya’s iconic wilderness. After check-out, begin your journey back to Nairobi, with a picnic lunch en route through the scenic Rift Valley. It’s a day for reflection, photos, and soaking in the last moments of your Kenya safari experience.

Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon and proceed directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your evening departure flight. If your flight departs the next day or you need rest after the journey, Pita Safaris can arrange an arrival-night stay in Nairobi at Sarova Panafric Hotel, where you can enjoy a quiet evening and prepare for your onward travels.

Optional Accommodation (If Staying the Night): Sarova Panafric Hotel – Nairobi