Kenya’s great plains · Your private safari
Maasai Mara.
Wild moments.
Your own pace.
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 includes two Mara nights and a full middle day in the reserve. Four days adds time for game drives; fly-in itineraries reduce the road journey.
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.
Where was this information checked?
Migration guidance: Mara Conservancy. Camp details: Sentrim, Mara Leisure and Muthu Keekorok. Checked 15 October 2026. Trip facts are linked to their individual itineraries.
Travellers, in their own words
Real journeys.
Real feedback.
Kelvin is a wonderful guide knowing so much about the national parks and all animals! We really enjoyed time we spent together in Amboseli National Park! He is really experiencedKelvin is a wonderful guide knowing so much about the national parks and all animals! We really enjoyed time we spent together in Amboseli National Park! He is really experienced and passionate.…
Thanks to Douglas for an amazing tour. We choose the 4 wheel jeep and it was worth it as roads were very bumpy. Our day was very well organized and we enjoyed every moment. WeThanks to Douglas for an amazing tour. We choose the 4 wheel jeep and it was worth it as roads were very bumpy. Our day was very well organized and we enjoyed every moment. We saw plenty of wildlife and learnt alot. Asante Sana…
We had a wonderful time with Kelvin guiding us around the Masai Mara Reserve! Kelvin was a wealth of information about the wildlife. We were able to see so many animals up close.We had a wonderful time with Kelvin guiding us around the Masai Mara Reserve! Kelvin was a wealth of information about the wildlife. We were able to see so many animals up close. In addition to seeing all the big 5, he pointed out beautiful birds and all kinds of other wildlife. Going before the high season felt like a big win. We didn’t see the wildebeest migration, but we also didn’t have to battle crowds and it felt like we had the park to ourselves. The lodge he booked for us was amazing, and he made our pickup and drop off a seamless experience…
Faith was a knowledgeable and personable guide. We really enjoyed our time with her and appreciated how educational and fun she was. 10/10 recommend!!
Rustic Tours was 5 Stars through and through. Everyone was professional and timely, from hotel pickup, to flight, to safari, and return. Douglas, Faith, and everyone else wereRustic Tours was 5 Stars through and through. Everyone was professional and timely, from hotel pickup, to flight, to safari, and return. Douglas, Faith, and everyone else were great. We saw lions immediately after landing in Masai Mara, then proceeded to see most of the Big 5 and TONS of other animals, despite it being low season. Lodging accommodations were comfortable with good food and good service.…
Kelvin was fantastic. Could t have asked for a better guide. Had an all around great time!
Highly recommend Kelvin of Rustic Nature Tours. We saw his great reviews on Facebook. We wanted to be in a small group and to visit the elephants orphanage and giraffe santiary inHighly recommend Kelvin of Rustic Nature Tours. We saw his great reviews on Facebook. We wanted to be in a small group and to visit the elephants orphanage and giraffe santiary in Nairobi. Kevin delivered all this and took us to a wonderful community project making beautiful beads. We highly recommend Kelvin and his professionalism.…
We enjoyed the visit very much and our guide was kind and expert. He arrived punctually and drives very well.
Found Rustic tours via a recommendation on Facebook as I needed a Nairobi layover tour guide. Contacted Kelvin and we agreed quickly on what to do and see.He picked us up onFound Rustic tours via a recommendation on Facebook as I needed a Nairobi layover tour guide. Contacted Kelvin and we agreed quickly on what to do and see.He picked us up on airport in the morning in his crazy safari car and we saw downtown, giraffes and we did the Nairobi safari.Got to day that I laughed a lot with Kelvin as he is a great person! He did everything he could so we could see as much as possible in our short time window.See you again my friend!…
Amazing experience. Surreal feeding and interacting with the giraffes. The elephant orphanage was breathtaking Our guide Kelvin was very knowledgeable. Would definitelyAmazing experience. Surreal feeding and interacting with the giraffes. The elephant orphanage was breathtaking Our guide Kelvin was very knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend…
What a fantastic day tour to Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, and a surprise garden lunch. Our guide, Calvin, a top notch birder and guide paced the dayWhat a fantastic day tour to Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, and a surprise garden lunch. Our guide, Calvin, a top notch birder and guide paced the day perfectly and provided us with an excellent experience! We have travelled to Kenya multiple times, but our private tour with Rustic Nature Tours and Calvin in particular ranks as a highlight among our experiences.…
Kelvin was great. Very knowledgeable about all the animals. Good driver. Highly recommend Utamandani courtyard restaurant for lunch. Went in May so park wasn't too full. GrassesKelvin was great. Very knowledgeable about all the animals. Good driver. Highly recommend Utamandani courtyard restaurant for lunch. Went in May so park wasn't too full. Grasses were high though because of rainy season limiting view of some animals. Great for a half day excursion when in nairobi. Not the same as going for an overnight on serngheti though…
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.