What to expect on a 3 day road trip from Nairobi to Masai Mara

Masai Mara is a wildlife studded park, having over 95 mammal species and 570 bird species, guaranteeing sightings of hundreds of animals as you drive through the park. It is only about 6 hours drive from the Capital City of Nairobi. Masai Mara National Reserve covers an area of about 1,510 sq km (580 sq miles).

For a road trip, the minimum recommended days of touring the Mara is 3 days and 2 nights, within which you will expect to cover good ground and get great value.

Here is a preview of what to expect on a 3 Day road trip to Masai Mara from the Capital City of Nairobi.

Day 1

Pick up is usually between 6 to 7 in the morning to avoid traffic jam, depending on where you will be picked from  It is important to keep time so as not to be late and to be able to arrive at Masai Mara by latest about 4 pm

As you journey through the Great Rift Valley, you will make a stop at the viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking views for about 30 minutes. Take this opportunity for a bathroom break, and, in case you did not manage to take breakfast, there is a water and snacks shop.  You can also take the opportunity to buy souvenirs.

The next stop is at a place called Olare, after a further 2 hours journey. Here you will have your lunch and toilet break. 2 and half hours later you will arrive at the Masai Mara. Expect a bumpy ride as you approach the Masai Mara Reserve entrance, where you will find some Masai ladies selling handmade trinkets. Feel free to buy from them (you can also bargain). You will finally arrive at your safari accommodation at about 4 pm.

Accommodation at the Masai Mara are literally in the wilderness (incredible), with mosquito nets, ensuite bathrooms. Electricity and hot showers are 5.30am to 6.45am and 5.30pm to 10pm.

In the evening after tea break, go for and evening adventure game drive and enjoy a surreal experience. You will see giraffes walking around, zebras and wildebeests peacefully grazing. Spot some lions and lionesses, hyenas feasting on carcasses. You may also see spectacles of predators as they collaborate to attack their prey.

It is truly refreshing to see wild animals in their natural habitat, going about their business. Animals are relatively close, enabling you to take nice photos of animals. Experienced drivers know the right spots near the animals. After a long bumpy ride, a nice hot meal and shower is waiting for you.

Using companies and tour guides is the best way to get the most out of it, rather than venturing out on your own.

Day 2

Your mission today is to look out for the big 5: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhinoceros, and Buffalo.

Your day starts at about 6.30am, to enjoy the early morning African Sunrise. As you journey through the Masai Mara plains, expect to see many Thomson Gazelles and wildebeests. Other animals include Cheetahs, Vultures waiting for the predators to finish eating so they can work on the carcasses (sometimes quite stinky). Majestic lions can also be spotted at a close range. It can be so sweet to see baby and mother elephants. Rhinos may not be very easy to spot. The drivers communicate in codes to help each other with animal sitings, especially for lions.

Leopards can are usually on trees and may not be easily spotted. Bring a pair of binoculars to make sure you miss nothing.

Sometimes you may get stuck in the mud, but other vans easily and quickly come to your aid. Doors are usually locked and no one is allowed to walk out and about in the park.

At about 1.30pm, you will have a visit to the famous Mara River, where you will see crocodiles and hippos. Have a small tip for the ranger who gives you the talk.

At 2.30 pm enjoy a small picnic lunch in the wilderness. After lunch you will head over to no-man’s-land between Kenya and Tanzania where you will alight and take photos.

Lots more animals running around will be seen as you drive back through the park to your lodge.

Between July to October, there’s a huge migration of wildebeest from the Serengeti to Masai Mara in Kenya as they search for pastures and they also take time to mate.

Day 3

On day 3 get to meet the Masai people.

Experience a welcome dance where the Masai dance chants and cries, and make movements without musical instruments. You will join in the happy dance and the masai jumping dance. The higher you jump, the more masculine you are!

Learn some more about the Masai people, including their economy, family, diet, lifestyle and culture. All of which are different and fascinating at the same time.

For example, their bead work goes back hundreds of years, and they weave the Masai Shuka which is very useful for protecting them from harsh weather.

Masai Mara is always worth it, leaving with a happy feeling of accomplishment at the end of the trip.

Would you like to inquire for more information about a 3 day Masai Mara Safari Package? Get in touch.

You can also view the 3 day Masai Mara safari package

Activities: Game drives, Mara River Excursion, Masai Village Cultural visits, Balloon Safari,