Kenya · Trip plan
4 days in Masai Mara
Lions, leopards and the Great Migration on the African savannah.
- Best time
- Jan – Feb, Jul – Oct
- Ideal length
- 4 days
- A day, mid-range
- $500 per person
- Trip for two
- about $4,000
Planning a 4-day trip to Masai Mara? Here's a day-by-day Masai Mara itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
The Great Migration crosses into the Mara from July to October, and January to February is a quieter dry season with excellent predator sightings.
The Masai Mara is Kenya's most famous reserve, part of the Serengeti ecosystem, with some of the densest wildlife in Africa.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul: a good time to go
- Aug: a good time to go
- Sep: a good time to go
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov
- Dec
January to February: 15–28°C, dry; July to October: 13–27°C.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Masai Mara
- 01
Game drives
The Big Five on open plains.
- 02
Mara River
Wildebeest crossings during the migration.
- 03
Hot-air balloon
A dawn flight over the savannah.
- 04
Maasai village
Meet the Maasai people.
Day by day
Masai Mara itinerary for 4 days
- D1
Day 1: Fly into the Mara
- Morning
- Take a light aircraft from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to a Mara airstrip (about 45 minutes), where your guide meets you with a game-drive vehicle.
- Afternoon
- First game drive on the way to camp: zebra, giraffe and elephant on the open plains.
- Evening
- Sundowners by the fire and dinner at camp, listening to lions and hyenas at night.
Small planes usually allow only 15 kg of luggage in soft bags.
- D2
Day 2: Full-day safari
- Morning
- Leave at dawn, the best time to find lions, leopards and cheetahs hunting.
- Afternoon
- Bush picnic lunch, then drive to the Mara River: from July to October, wildebeest crossings past waiting crocodiles.
- Evening
- Dinner and stories back at camp.
Crossings need patience; guides may wait hours.
- D3
Day 3: Balloon and Maasai village
- Morning
- Hot-air balloon flight at sunrise over the plains, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
- Afternoon
- Visit a Maasai village to learn about their traditions, homes and jumping dance.
- Evening
- Final evening game drive.
Book the balloon flight well in advance.
- D4
Day 4: Home
- Morning
- A short morning game drive.
- Afternoon
- Fly back to Nairobi.
- Evening
- Connect home.
Leave time for small-plane delays.
Shorter or longer
Masai Mara in 3, 4 or 6 days
3 days in Masai Mara
Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
6 days in Masai Mara
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Masai Mara trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 4 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $250 | $2,000 |
| Mid-range | $500 | $4,000 |
| Luxury | $1,200+ | $9,600 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Masai Mara is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Masai Mara for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Masai Mara
Nyama choma
Grilled meat, Kenya's favourite.
Ugali
A stiff maize porridge.
Kenyan tea
Served sweet with milk.
Getting there
How to reach Masai Mara
- Travel
- Short flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Mara airstrips, or a 5–6 hour drive.
- Getting around
- All game drives are with your camp's guide.
- Park fees are high; check what your camp includes.
- Pack neutral colours.
Before you go
What to pack for Masai Mara
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Binoculars
- Muted, earth-coloured clothes
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Masai Mara trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Masai Mara?
4 days are enough to see the highlights: Game drives, Mara River, Hot-air balloon. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 4-day Masai Mara trip cost?
Roughly $250 a day per person on a budget, $500 mid-range and $1,200+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $4,000 for 4 days.
What is the best time to visit Masai Mara?
Jan – Feb, Jul – Oct. The Great Migration crosses into the Mara from July to October, and January to February is a quieter dry season with excellent predator sightings.
Where should I stay in Masai Mara?
Budget: Tented camps outside the reserve (Talek), from about $150 a night. Mid-range: Mid-range safari camps (Reserve edge), from about $450 a night. Luxury: Angama Mara (Oloololo Escarpment), from about $1,500 a night.
How do I reach Masai Mara?
Short flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Mara airstrips, or a 5–6 hour drive.
Is 3 days enough for Masai Mara?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 4 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Masai Mara?
January to February: 15–28°C, dry; July to October: 13–27°C.
What food should I try in Masai Mara?
Nyama choma: Grilled meat, Kenya's favourite. Ugali: A stiff maize porridge. Kenyan tea: Served sweet with milk.
How do I get around Masai Mara?
All game drives are with your camp's guide.
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