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2-Day Maasai Mara — A fast, affordable hit of the world's greatest game reserve — a night in the Mara and two half-days of drives, ideal for a short break or a first taste of safari

2 days · 1 night · Best Jul – Oct

New First departures 2026 · South-west Kenya
2 days / 1 nights
Duration
Max 6
Group size
EN · SW
Languages
Free cancel
Up to 90 days before Before 90 days

About this experience

Short on time but set on the Mara? This is the express version: drive down from Nairobi, an afternoon game drive on arrival, a night under canvas, and a long morning drive before heading back. You still get the lions, the plains, and (July–October) the migration herds — just condensed into a weekend. It's the most-booked short safari in Kenya for good reason.

Highlights

  • Short breaks
  • First taste of safari
  • Weekend getaway
  • Hand-picked lodges with great reviews
  • Private vehicle and experienced driver-guide

Signature experiences

Optional add-ons our specialists can build into this trip. Prices are per person, confirmed on request.

Hot-air balloon safari from$450
Signature experience

Lift off at dawn over the plains, drift silently above the herds, and land to a champagne bush breakfast. The definitive Mara morning.

Maasai village visit from$20

Spend an hour in a working manyatta — the jumping dance, fire-making, and a look at daily Maasai life, hosted by the community itself.

Private bush dinner from$60

A lantern-lit table set out under the stars, your own chef and a crackling fire — the safari dinner people remember for years.

Night game drive from$55

After dark on a private conservancy, a spotlight picks out leopard, aardvark, bushbaby and the animals you never see by day.

Included

  • Full-board accommodation in comfortable lodges & tented camps
  • All park & reserve entry fees
  • Private 4x4 · experienced English-speaking driver-guide
  • All game drives as per itinerary
  • Bottled water in the vehicle
  • 24/7 WhatsApp support

Not included

  • International flights
  • Kenya eVisa ($51 — we help you apply)
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Optional experiences (see below)
  • Drinks, tips & personal expenses

Price breakdown

Mara Sopa Lodge 1n · full-board, nett (per person, 2 sharing) $203
Park & reserve fees · Maasai Mara $200/day (2026 tariff) $200
Private 4x4 + driver-guide · 2 days $232
Bookara planning, 24/7 support & secure booking included

The plan, day by day

From pickup to drop-off — exactly what your trip looks like.

Printable itinerary →
Day 1
Day 1 Nairobi → Maasai Mara

Early pickup and the scenic drive down through the Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara, arriving for lunch. Afternoon game drive across the plains — lion, elephant, buffalo and giraffe are all possible on day one. Dinner and overnight at a tented camp.

Day 2
Day 2 Morning drive → Nairobi

A dawn game drive when the cats are most active and the light is best, back to camp for breakfast, then the drive back to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon.

What travelers say

Guest reviews →
5.0

Bookara guest rating

Meeting point

Your full route across Kenya — pickup confirmed the day before departure.

Drag to pan · pinch or buttons to zoom

EQUATOR Amboseli Tsavo West Tsavo East Lake Naivasha Lake Nakuru Diani Coast Mombasa Mount Kenya Laikipia Ol Pejeta Lewa Samburu Chyulu Hills Aberdare Meru 1 Nairobi 2 Maasai Mara
Pickup
Your hotel or the airport · Nairobi
You choose at checkout — JKIA or Wilson on arrival, your hotel, or an address you give us. Confirmed 24 hours before, and your driver-guide messages you on WhatsApp.
Your route · 2 days · 3 stops
  1. 01
    Nairobi
    Day 1 · City
  2. 02
    Maasai Mara
    Day 1 · National park & reserve
  3. 03
    Nairobi
    Day 2 · City
Open route in Google Maps

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 90 days before

Cancel for any reason up to 90 days before your departure and receive a full refund. After that, our standard partial-refund schedule applies — see full terms.

Common questions

Is two days enough for the Mara?+

It's enough for a genuine taste — an afternoon and a full morning of drives, which usually delivers strong sightings. If you can spare a third day, the extra full day in the reserve is well worth it. But as a short break or an add-on, two days works.

Can I upgrade the camp?+

Yes — pick the Premium option for a nicer tented camp closer to the reserve. The itinerary stays the same.

Why book with us

Book direct with the operator

  • Licensed & certified

    Kenya-registered operator in Nairobi with experienced driver-guides.

  • Our own vehicles & guides

    Trips run end to end by Bookara staff — never handed to a third party.

  • Secure payment

    Card or Apple Pay through Paystack (USD). Park fees included in the price you see.

  • Flexible cancellation

    Free cancellation up to 90 days before departure; 30% deposit holds your dates.

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