Kenya’s great plains · Your private safari
Maasai Mara Safaris from Nairobi
A lion in the long grass. A horizon full of possibility. Explore the Mara with your own party, vehicle and guide.
From Nairobi · Road or fly-in · Private game drives
Make the Mara your own
Follow your curiosity.
Stay for the moment.
The Maasai Mara combines big-cat country, the annual migration and broad savannah landscapes. Private game drives put your interests at the centre of the day.
Your travel dates, time in the reserve, camp location and preferred pace shape the itinerary. Each private safari brings these elements together in one planned journey.
A journey, shaped around you
Find your
Mara moment.
The safari collection includes focused Mara stays and longer Kenya routes through the reserve. Each trip page sets out the daily itinerary and arrangements.
The classic Mara safari
Nairobi · Maasai Mara · Nairobi
The safari begins with the journey from Nairobi and an arrival-afternoon Mara game drive when arrival and entry allow. One full day is devoted to private wildlife viewing, followed by the return to Nairobi without a departure-morning game…
More time in the Mara
Nairobi · Maasai Mara · Nairobi
Four days and three Mara nights combine a private road journey from Nairobi, an arrival-afternoon game drive and two full wildlife days. A Maasai village visit is optional and separately arranged. The fourth day is the road return…
Fly in, settle in
Nairobi Wilson · Maasai Mara · Nairobi
Flights connect Nairobi Wilson and the Maasai Mara for an arrival game drive and a full day of private wildlife viewing. Two Mara nights are followed by the return flight to Wilson; ballooning and a bush dinner remain…
Follow the migration
Nairobi · Maasai Mara · Nairobi
An arrival-afternoon drive is followed by three full wildlife days in the Maasai Mara, exploring current animal movements, predators and river viewing areas when practical. The final day returns to Nairobi after four Mara nights, without a departure-morning…
A family Mara adventure
Nairobi · Maasai Mara · Nairobi
Four days and three Mara nights provide a private family safari with an arrival-afternoon outing and two full wildlife days. The guide shapes viewing sessions around the family's interests and a suitable pace. The fourth day is the…
Time behind the lens
Nairobi · Maasai Mara · Nairobi
Four days with three nights in the Maasai Mara, including an arrival drive when entry and arrival arrangements permit and two full private wildlife-photography days. The final day returns to Nairobi without an additional game drive.
A short fly-in escape
Maasai Mara
The one-night fly-in safari connects Nairobi Wilson and the Maasai Mara, with a private arrival-afternoon game drive and a departure-morning outing. The viewing windows fit the booked flight and airstrip-transfer schedule before the return to Nairobi.
A deeper migration stay
Nairobi · Maasai Mara · Nairobi
This six-day private road safari spends five nights in the Maasai Mara, with two nights at a first base near the river and three at a second Mara base. Three full game-viewing days allow extended wildlife observation, while…
Kenya’s classic parks
Nairobi · Maasai Mara · Lake Nakuru · Amboseli · David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage · Giraffe Centre · Nairobi
This eight-day private road safari combines one Nairobi night with two nights each in the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli. The Nairobi programme visits the elephant nursery and Giraffe Centre, followed by arrival drives and full wildlife…
Your quote confirms accommodation, transport, park entries and any optional extras for your dates.
A little help choosing
Pick the journey.
Then find your pace.
A three-day road safari has two Mara nights and one full middle wildlife day. Four days has three nights and two full middle days. Neither road itinerary includes a departure-morning drive. Fly-in itineraries use different transfer arrangements, and their viewing windows follow the booked flights.
Travel by road
The classic safari journey
Road safaris start in Nairobi and travel with an exclusive vehicle and guide. A three-day trip includes two Mara nights, with arrival and departure days including the road transfer.
Explore a 3-day road safariFly to the Mara
Less road time, more possibility
Fly-in itineraries connect Nairobi with a Mara airstrip and include camp transfers and private game drives. Flight schedules determine the arrival and departure programme.
Explore a 2-day fly-in safariFollow an interest
Family, photography or migration
Tell us children’s ages, camera needs or the wildlife you hope to see. We’ll confirm the room arrangements, vehicle setup and appropriate pace in your quote.
Talk through your prioritiesLook a little closer
Wildlife is only
the beginning.
Game drives form the core of a Mara safari, with balloon flights and hosted community visits available as separately arranged experiences.
Game drives, at your pace
Spend time watching behaviour and landscapes, as well as looking for wildlife. Tell your guide what interests you, while respecting reserve rules and other visitors.
Explore the Mara’s predators →The Great Migration
The herds move with conditions across the wider ecosystem. Travel dates and camp location matter, but a river crossing cannot be scheduled or guaranteed.
Understand the migration →A different perspective
Balloon flights and hosted Maasai community visits are optional experiences. Their providers set the operating conditions, eligibility and booking requirements.
Explore the balloon experience →Location shapes the experience
Choose your base.
Make the most of your days.
Camp location determines gate access, the wildlife areas reached on each drive and the time spent travelling between camp and the reserve.
Sentrim MaraA tented stay in the Sekenani area
Tented accommodation with en-suite facilities and family accommodation options.
Room category, meal plan, access arrangements and the journey to your intended wildlife areas.
Mara Leisure CampA base along the Talek River
Mara Leisure is a tented camp along the Talek River on the northern boundary of the reserve.
Exact tent or cottage, occupancy, transfers and any family-room arrangements.
Muthu Keekorok LodgeA lodge inside the reserve
A lodge alternative for travellers who prefer a room-based stay within the national reserve.
Your room type, dates, gate or airstrip transfers and the applicable park-entry basis.
Accommodation ranges from budget and mid-range camps to luxury stays. Season, room occupancy and meal plan determine the rate, and the booked itinerary identifies the property and room category.
Plan for the experience you want
When to visit.
What to settle first.
Start with your priorities, then balance wildlife interests, camp availability, travel time and the complete trip cost.
Getting there
Nairobi to the Mara.
Two ways to arrive.
Road safaris travel via Narok towards the appropriate camp and gate. Fly-in trips use a Mara airstrip chosen around the camp and available services.
Confirm pickup, flight sectors, luggage limits, transfers and return timing before arranging onward travel. Avoid a tight connection after a road safari.
Open the reserve mapWhen should I see the migration?
The Mara Conservancy describes a usual migration window from June–July into November. Herd locations and timing vary with conditions. Choose a migration-focused trip for more time to look; crossings remain unpredictable.
What about other months?
Resident wildlife makes the Mara a year-round safari destination. Seasonal rainfall shapes the grasslands, driving conditions and wider landscape.
What will the safari cost?
Travel dates, party size, accommodation, private vehicle and road or air transfers determine the total safari cost. The itinerary records the park entries and overnight arrangements. Read the park-fee guide ↗
What should my quote include?
Named accommodation and room basis; days and nights; private vehicle and guide; transport and transfers; meals; park entries; optional extras; payment and cancellation terms.
Good questions
A little clarity.
Before you travel.
We’ll help you choose a practical route and confirm the details that matter to your party.
Is this a private safari?
These are private safaris. Road itineraries use an exclusive vehicle and guide, while the featured fly-in Mara trips include exclusive game drives. Flight, camp and transfer details form part of the itinerary.
How many days do I need in the Maasai Mara?
A three-day road safari has two nights and one full middle day in the Mara. Four days provides a longer reserve stay. The two-day fly-in itinerary is the shortest air-based option in the collection.
Can children join a private Mara safari?
Family itineraries record children’s ages, child-seat requirements, room arrangements and the daily travel pace. Camps and activity providers apply their own age policies.
Will we see the Big Five or a river crossing?
The Mara supports big cats, elephants, buffalo, rhinos and varied plains wildlife. Migration herds follow rainfall and grazing across the wider ecosystem, with river crossings forming part of that movement.
Can I combine the Mara with Amboseli or the lakes?
Yes. The eight-day Kenya itinerary includes the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli. Its daily programme sets out the transfers and nights at each destination.
Travellers, in their own words
Real journeys.
Real feedback.
What an amazing tour: we saw an incredible number and variety of animals and got to learn so much from our fantastic guide Kelvin. He was very knowledgable and patient with us andWhat an amazing tour: we saw an incredible number and variety of animals and got to learn so much from our fantastic guide Kelvin. He was very knowledgable and patient with us and he made our experience unforgettable. Could not have asked for a better introduction to Kenya!…
Very knowledgeable and friendly
Kelvin met us at the airport, took us to our hotel and then picked us up next morning for a 5 day Safari through the Masai Mara. Brilliant experience! Kelvin is knowledgeable,Kelvin met us at the airport, took us to our hotel and then picked us up next morning for a 5 day Safari through the Masai Mara. Brilliant experience! Kelvin is knowledgeable, patient and great fun. Rustic Nature Tours are well organised and quick to respond from my very first enquiry. You won’t be disappointed.…
Great experience! Kelvin is an excellent guide and is full of knowledge. He made sure our 3 experiences were to the max. I highly recommend Rustic Nature Tours and I recommendGreat experience! Kelvin is an excellent guide and is full of knowledge. He made sure our 3 experiences were to the max. I highly recommend Rustic Nature Tours and I recommend asking for Kelvin as your guide.…
My husband and I completed a half-day Nairobi Park and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour and the variety of wildlife was amazing: enormous dazzle of zebras cautiously drinking atMy husband and I completed a half-day Nairobi Park and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour and the variety of wildlife was amazing: enormous dazzle of zebras cautiously drinking at the lake, three lions slinking past our vehicle as they hunted an impala, a huge crocodile incubating eggs, two white rhinos napping on the side of the road, and so much more. Our guide was happy to provide knowledgeable answers to all of our questions and was amazing at locating wildlife. I absolutely recommend this company.…
Rustic Nature Tours were responsive from my very first contact and flexible with what we wanted to do and when. The Safari was excellent and accomodation/food spot on. If someoneRustic Nature Tours were responsive from my very first contact and flexible with what we wanted to do and when. The Safari was excellent and accomodation/food spot on. If someone says they had a better guide than Kelvin, they are making it up! He’s the MAN. We had a blast.…
It was a really good experience, it's totally recommended, the service of the office guys is good, they answer to you everytime and with a lot of enthusiasm.The truck was reallyIt was a really good experience, it's totally recommended, the service of the office guys is good, they answer to you everytime and with a lot of enthusiasm.The truck was really good with a lot of personalized service.The guide was the best one, fully recommended our guide, Kelvin Ndolo, he drive through all the safari to let us catch some good pictures, the service is really good with him, he was a nice person with a lot of experience, telling you about everything in Kenya in general, nice time with him, helping, giving advices, experienced man.He is el chingon!!In general we can say that we wouldn't be in a better tour and guide for the first experience in Kenya!…
We had a wonderful day exploring Nairobi and learning so much about the history of both the city and Kenya. This private tour was great value, offering pick-up directly from ourWe had a wonderful day exploring Nairobi and learning so much about the history of both the city and Kenya. This private tour was great value, offering pick-up directly from our hotel and a comfortable ride to each site.Our driver/guide, Denish, was fantastic! extremely safe, knowledgeable, and always ready to answer any questions we had. Every guide we met at the individual stops was equally kind and full of insights.Highlights of our day included a delicious lunch, visiting local community shops for souvenirs, and especially the museum and Kobe Tough! It was the perfect blend of culture, history, and city highlights. If you have a day in Nairobi, we highly recommend booking this tour!…
I booked a four-day trip with Rustic Nature Tour (Safari tour) in Kenya at the very last minute, and they absolutely nailed it. They put together a beautiful itinerary, adapted toI booked a four-day trip with Rustic Nature Tour (Safari tour) in Kenya at the very last minute, and they absolutely nailed it. They put together a beautiful itinerary, adapted to my preferences, at a price that really surprised me, in a good way. My guide was fantastic, not just knowledgeable about wildlife but also about the socialBiophysical environmental, geomorphology and human stories behind the places we visited. Everything just flowed. I couldn’t be happier with the experience and highly recommend them to anyone looking for an authentic Kenyan adventure…
Just completed a half-day Nairobi Park and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour and the variety of wildlife was amazing: enormous dazzle of zebras cautiously drinking at the lake,Just completed a half-day Nairobi Park and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage tour and the variety of wildlife was amazing: enormous dazzle of zebras cautiously drinking at the lake, three lions slinking past our vehicle as they hunted an impala, a huge crocodile incubating eggs, two white rhinos napping on the side of the road, and so much more. Our guide was happy to provide knowledgeable answers to all of our questions and was amazing at locating wildlife. I absolutely recommend this company.…
Kelvin and Rustic Nature Tours were the absolute best choice for the two day trips we did during our time in Nairobi. We could not have asked for a better experience. The tripsKelvin and Rustic Nature Tours were the absolute best choice for the two day trips we did during our time in Nairobi. We could not have asked for a better experience. The trips were completely seamless. We had terrific communication beforehand in preparation for the experiences, and we felt that all aspects were accounted for. Kelvin was absolutely exceptional as a guide. He was very knowledgeable about the animals, the local history, and the elements of the safari experience. His ability to navigate us to exactly the spots where we could see the most, be the closest, and truly experience all that Kenya has to offer.For the first-day experience, we traveled to Amboseli. People in our group really wanted to see elephants. And elephants we saw! Kelvin helped position the Land Cruiser so that we had multiple herds of elephants (including babies) walk in front of the vehicle, less than 10 feet away!! It was a memorable sight. We also saw lions, zebras, wildebeests, birds (of all kinds), giraffes, and so much more. Kelvin has a college degree in wildlife management, and he is both extraordinarily knowledgeable and professional in the trip. He answered our questions, provided information, and helped us experience the wildlife in the safest manner possible. I would definitely recommend taking the Land Cruiser over the Safari van. The roads in the park are bumpy, and the Land Cruiser ensured a safe, comfortable ride while also getting us into the perfect spot to see the animals. After 4 hours or so in the park, we headed to a beautiful lodge to eat. The food and experience at the lodge were wonderful. After that, we did another drive before leaving to head back to Nairobi. A long but unbelievable day!For the second experience, we headed to Nairobi National Park, then the Sheldrick Elephant Trust, Kobe Beads, lunch, and the Giraffe Center. Again, Kelvin was a masterful guide. In the park, he got us close to hippos, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and even a crocodile- among many other animals. He found the perfect spots and maneuvered the vehicle just right (and sometimes even off the beaten path) to make sure we saw the best views of the animals (again, we recommend the Land Cruiser for the best experience!). After talking with others who took different trips to Nairobi National Park, we realized how special our visit was. Many of them didn’t have Kelvin guiding them and, as a result, missed seeing all that we saw. We can’t emphasize enough how amazing Kelvin is. From there, Kelvin got us to the Elephant Sanctuary. He had the tickets already set, so all we needed to do was walk in, and then he got us to the perfect spot where we could be feet away from baby elephants, a baby rhino, and a baby zebra. Truly spectacular! After that, we visited a local bead factory that is a microenterprise supporting local women. We had a tour, learned about the beading process, and then had the opportunity to visit their shop (no hassling or pressure to buy- but we did get some beautiful items!). Then to a hidden garden for lunch at a local restaurant, and then finally to the giraffes. By the time we got to the giraffes, it was very busy, but again, Kelvin worked his magic to get us through the line quickly (we felt like VIPs!) and to the perfect spot to feed them. He clearly knows the staff, as he was able to get us pictures and even additional food to feed the animals. After a long day, he masterfully navigated traffic (which is no joke) to return us to the hotel.All in all, our time in Kenya would not have been the same without Kelvin and Rustic Nature Tours. We can’t recommend their tours any higher. You will not be disappointed!!!…
Our amazing guide Faith was right on time to pick us up at our hotel. We started the morning with a trip to Kobe Tough where we saw the bead making process. Then we headed to theOur amazing guide Faith was right on time to pick us up at our hotel. We started the morning with a trip to Kobe Tough where we saw the bead making process. Then we headed to the elephant orphanage where Faith knew the whole system and was able to get us up close spots in the “splash zone.” Next up was the giraffe center where we got up close to hand feed giraffes. Faith knew all of the giraffes by name and personality and even took photos on our camera for us. Afterwards we stopped for traditional Kenyan lunch (at your own expense) and we elected to do the Karen Blixen museum for the entrance fee as well. Since it was just me and my husband, Faith even drove us to the local mall before taking us back to the hotel. Overall it was a day well spent with memories to last a lifetime!…
Let’s make it personal
Your Maasai Mara.
Let’s start planning.
Share your dates, number of travellers and comfort preference. Mention Maasai Mara, and tell us whether you prefer road travel or a fly-in safari.
Plan my Mara safariFor a family trip, include children’s ages. For photography or migration, tell us your priorities. Include an itinerary link if one caught your eye.