Distance: Approximately 250–300 km, depending on the route and accommodation
Driving time: Approximately 5–7 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions
Activities: Scenic drive + afternoon/evening game drive

6:30–7:00 AM – Pick-up from Nairobi

Pick up guests from their hotel, residence, JKIA or Wilson Airport.

After a short safari briefing, depart Nairobi and drive toward the Great Rift Valley.

8:30–9:00 AM – Great Rift Valley Viewpoint

Make a short stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photographs and refreshments.

Continue through Narok town, an important stop for fuel and supplies.

12:30–1:30 PM – Lunch

Depending on the accommodation and arrival time, have lunch either en route or at the lodge/camp.

2:00–3:00 PM – Arrive at Maasai Mara

Check into your accommodation and have a short rest.

3:30–6:00 PM – Afternoon Game Drive

Enter the reserve for your first game drive.

Look out for:

• 🦁 Lions
• 🐘 Elephants
• 🐃 Buffalo
• 🦒 Giraffes
• 🦓 Zebras
• 🐆 Cheetahs
• 🦛 Hippos
• 🐗 Warthogs
• 🦌 Antelopes
• 🐆 Leopards, where sightings are possible

Return to camp/lodge before evening.

Evening

Dinner and relaxation around the camp.

Overnight: Maasai Mara lodge/tented camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Activity: Full-day game drive
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner

This is the main safari day.

6:00 AM – Early Morning Game Drive

Wake up early and have breakfast or take breakfast with you.

Leave for the reserve around sunrise when wildlife is often particularly active.

The morning drive can explore different sections of the Mara depending on wildlife movements and your guide's knowledge.

Wildlife Viewing

The Mara is particularly well known for:

Big Five

• Lion
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Leopard
• Rhinoceros

You may also see:

• Cheetah
• Hyena
• Giraffe
• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Hippo
• Eland
• Impala
• Thomson's gazelle
• Warthog
• Ostrich
• Numerous bird species

Kenya's National Tourism Service highlights the Maasai Mara as one of the country's premier wildlife destinations and home to the famous Big Five.

12:30–1:30 PM – Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a packed lunch at an appropriate designated area.

Continue the game drive afterward.

2:00–5:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive

Continue exploring the reserve.

Depending on the season and wildlife movements, the route may include open plains, riverine areas and other productive wildlife-viewing areas.

5:30–6:00 PM – Exit the Reserve

Return to the lodge/camp.

Evening

Dinner, relaxation and optional discussion with your guide about the day's sightings.

Overnight: Maasai Mara lodge/tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities: Optional early morning game drive + return journey

6:00–8:00 AM – Optional Morning Game Drive

For guests who want maximum wildlife time, start with an early morning game drive.

This is particularly useful for photography and predator sightings.

Return to camp for breakfast.

8:30–9:30 AM – Breakfast & Check-out

Have breakfast, pack your luggage and check out.

Optional Maasai Cultural Visit

Before leaving the Mara area, guests can visit a Maasai village to learn about local traditions, culture, homesteads, beadwork and traditional dances.

This should be arranged as an optional activity with the local community.

10:00 AM – Begin Journey to Nairobi

Drive through Narok and continue toward Nairobi.

1:00–2:00 PM – Lunch Stop

Stop for lunch along the route.

4:00–6:00 PM – Arrive in Nairobi

Drop guests at their hotel, residence, JKIA or Wilson Airport.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch