South-west Kenya · 4 days · 3 nights · Best Jul – Oct
Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara is the lion-and-wildebeest postcard people imagine when they think Africa — and it lives up to it, if you go with someone who knows where to be at 6:30am. We use a private conservancy on the north-east edge of the reserve, so you're off-road and off the tourist circuit by sunrise.
From $3,550 per person
Specimen itinerary for planning purposes only — not a confirmed booking document.
Logistics & transport
- Pickup
- Confirmed 24 hours before departure on WhatsApp
- Guide language
- As selected at booking
- Group
- Private / small group · max 6 guests
Where you'll stay
Lodging varies by trip — tented camp, safari lodge, beach hotel, or city hotel as your package requires. The property for this package is confirmed in writing after you book — ask us on WhatsApp if you want options before paying.
Included in your package price — exact camp, lodge, or hotel confirmed after booking.
Indicative schedule — day by day
Planned rhythm for your trip — your guide may adjust on the day for conditions, light and wildlife.
Day 1: Nairobi → Mara
- On arrival Airport meet & greet
Your Bookara driver meets you at JKIA arrivals with a name board.
- Transfer Wilson Airport transfer
Private road transfer to Wilson Airport domestic terminal (approx. 30–45 minutes depending on traffic).
- ~45 min Light-aircraft to Mara
Scheduled flight Wilson → Mara airstrip (routing confirmed on booking).
- Lunch Check-in & lunch
Settle into your camp or lodge. Lunch on property. Briefing with your guide.
- 16:00 Afternoon game drive
First drive in the Mara area — golden-hour light, big-cat country.
- Evening Dinner
Dinner included per your package. Early night recommended.
Day 2: Big cats, on foot
- 06:00 Dawn game drive
Coffee to-go. Lion, cheetah on a kopje if we're lucky. Back mid-morning.
- 10:30 Brunch
Brunch at camp or lodge. Rest before the afternoon activity.
- 15:30 Walking safari
Maasai guide + armed ranger where permitted — tracks, birds, a different perspective.
- 18:00 Sundowner
Drinks at a scenic viewpoint as the light drops.
- 19:30 Dinner
Dinner included per your package.
Day 3: Balloon at first light
- 04:45 Wake-up call
Hot drinks before departure. Balloon is optional (+$475 pp) — confirm the night before.
- 06:00 Hot-air balloon (optional)
Sunrise flight over the Mara, champagne breakfast in the grass on landing.
- 11:00 Return to camp
Brunch or late breakfast. Rest at camp or lodge.
- Afternoon Choice of rest or reserve drive
Relax at camp, or full-day game drive into the reserve proper for migration crossings (Jul–Sep only).
- Evening Dinner
Dinner included per your package. Pack soft bags tonight if you fly out tomorrow.
Day 4: Last drive, Nairobi return
- 06:30 Final morning game drive
Last light on the plains. Return for brunch and checkout.
- 10:30 Brunch & checkout
Soft bags ready for the airstrip. Farewells at camp or lodge.
- Afternoon Flight Mara → Wilson
Light-aircraft return to Nairobi (Wilson Airport).
- On landing Nairobi drop-off
We meet you at Wilson and transfer to JKIA, your hotel, or onward connection (Diani extension available).
- Evening At leisure / departure
International departure, Nairobi night, or beach extension — as booked.
Trip inclusions
- All accommodation on full-board basis
- All park & conservancy fees
- Private vehicle + experienced driver-guide throughout
- Internal flights (Wilson ↔ Mara)
- Airport transfers in Nairobi
- Bottled water + sundowner drinks
- 24/7 WhatsApp line to our Nairobi office
Trip exclusions
- International flights to/from Nairobi
- Kenya eVisa ($51, we'll help you apply)
- Travel insurance (we recommend SafetyWing)
- Hot-air balloon ($475 pp, optional)
- Tips for camp staff and guides
Preparation & packing
Before you go
- This section is general Kenya travel guidance — not a substitute for official advice or your doctor.
- We confirm trip-specific details (property, pickup times, park rules) with you on WhatsApp before departure.
- Questions about Maasai Mara? Message us anytime — we'd rather you ask than guess.
Visa & entry
- Most visitors need a Kenya eVisa before travel — apply at evisa.go.ke and check current fees and rules.
- Passport usually needs 6+ months' validity and blank pages — verify with your airline and immigration.
- Keep a printed copy of this itinerary and your eVisa for border control.
Health
- Yellow fever certificate may be required depending on where you are travelling from — check Kenya's latest entry rules.
- Malaria prevention is commonly recommended for safari areas — ask your doctor well before you fly.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
- Bring personal medication in original packaging.
Weather & clothing
- Safari mornings and evenings are often cooler than midday — layers work better than one heavy coat.
- Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige) are standard for game drives.
- Rain can appear in any season — a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
- We send a short weather note for your dates once your trip is confirmed.
Packing list
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking + sandals for camp or lodge
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Binoculars if you have a pair (optional — ask us if you'd like a recommendation)
- Power bank + travel adaptor (Kenya commonly uses Type G plugs, 240V)
- Soft bag often works better than a hard suitcase if your trip includes light-aircraft legs — we'll confirm luggage limits for your routing
- Some cash in USD (clean, newer bills) or KES for tips and small purchases
- Insect repellent
Money & connectivity
- Cards work in Nairobi and at many properties; cash is still useful for tips and markets.
- M-Pesa is widely used in Kenya — we can walk you through it on arrival if helpful.
- Wi‑Fi varies by property (lodge, camp, or hotel) — signal on game drives is usually limited.
- Tipping customs vary by property and guide — we share current guidelines for your trip before you travel.