Overview
Travel from Nairobi for six days and five nights in the Maasai Mara with a private vehicle and guide. Stay two nights near the river, then move on day three for three nights at a second Mara base. Choose a tour minivan or Land Cruiser 4×4. Wildlife movements guide each day; river crossings are never guaranteed.
Choose from budget, mid-range or luxury camps and lodges. Prices vary by season and accommodation.
How this differs: this five-night programme spends two nights near the river before moving to a second Mara base for three nights. A base change is part of the itinerary, rather than five nights at one property. Compare the 5-day migration safari for a four-night alternative. Neither itinerary guarantees migrating herds at a particular location or a river crossing.
Trip Highlights
- Six days and five nights in the Mara
- Private road travel from Nairobi
- Tour minivan or Land Cruiser 4x4 options
- Accommodation areas and fee coverage
- Two nights near the river and three nights at a second Mara base
Itinerary
The safari begins with the private road journey from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara. The first base near the river provides the starting point for the initial two-night stay. An afternoon game drive takes place when arrival time and entry arrangements permit, introducing the reserve’s landscapes and the wildlife encountered along the route. The guide allows time to observe animal behaviour and explains the setting for the following full day in the Mara.
A full game-viewing day explores the Mara areas covered from the first base near the river. The guide selects the route around current wildlife activity and permitted access, with time to remain at rewarding sightings. The programme focuses on observing animals in their habitat rather than following a fixed list of promised encounters. Where migration herds are present, their movements form part of the wildlife picture; a river crossing is not guaranteed.
The programme moves between the two Mara bases after the first two-night stay. Game viewing takes place along the inter-camp route where access and entry arrangements permit. This is a day of moving through the landscape and observing wildlife en route, rather than a further full day based in one sector. Arrival at the second base begins the three-night stay from which the next two full wildlife days are explored.
The first full game-viewing day from the second base explores the Mara sectors covered by this part of the itinerary. The guide follows current animal activity through the accessible habitats, allowing extended observation when an interesting encounter develops. The longer stay provides time to compare different areas and watch behaviour beyond a brief sighting. The day’s route remains within the included access, with wildlife movements determining the particular encounters.
The final full wildlife day continues the exploration from the second Mara base. The guide returns to productive areas or explores other included sectors according to current activity, with time for close observation of the animals encountered. The programme builds on the previous outings and the party’s wildlife interests without promising a particular predator, migration location or river crossing. This completes the five-night Mara stay, with the road return scheduled for the following day.
The safari leaves the Maasai Mara for the private road journey back to Nairobi after the five-night stay. No departure-day game drive is scheduled. The return marks the end of the programme’s two-base exploration of the Mara, following three full wildlife days and the inter-camp viewing opportunities. The trip finishes at the arranged Nairobi drop-off point, completing the circuit with the same private vehicle and guide format.
Cost Details
What's Included
- Return road transport between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara in your private tour minivan or Land Cruiser 4x4
- Nairobi pickup and drop-off
- Private safari vehicle and guide for your party
- 5 nights of accommodation in your selected budget, mid-range or luxury camp or lodge
- Meals and game drives described in the agreed itinerary
- Applicable reserve entry fees for the agreed itinerary
- Drinking water during game drives
- Two nights near the river and three nights at a second Mara base, with the inter-camp road transfer on day 3
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Entry authorisation or visa costs, where applicable
- Optional hot-air balloon safari
- Optional Maasai village visit
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and drinks not listed as included
- Lunch on the final road-return day; breakfast is the final included meal
FAQs
Yes. Your vehicle and guide are reserved for your party. Choose a tour minivan or Land Cruiser 4×4.
Choose from budget, mid-range or luxury camps and lodges. The property and room type depend on your dates and preferences.
No. Wildlife movements and sightings vary. Your guide plans game viewing around current conditions and the access included in your booking.
No. Breakfast is the final included meal on the road-return day. Lunch is at your own expense. No departure-day game drive is promised.
Safari Route Map
A sense of the journey
Your route, at a glance.
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nairobi
Find your journey on the map.
Tap a stage below to explore the journey.
Location markers are approximate. Connections show the journey sequence, not roads, exact driving distances or live vehicle tracking. The itinerary sets out each stage.
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