Package Overview
The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s crown jewel when it comes to wildlife safaris. Known for its spectacular landscapes and incredible concentration of animals, a 3 Days Masai Mara Safari offers visitors a chance to witness the magic of the African savannah in a compact timeframe. Whether you’re watching the great migration or simply exploring the vast plains dotted with acacia trees, the Masai Mara delivers an unforgettable safari experience.
Why Choose a 3 Days Masai Mara Safari?
A 3-day adventure strikes the perfect balance between experiencing the reserve thoroughly and fitting into a busy travel schedule. This duration allows enough time to witness diverse wildlife and landscapes while keeping your Masai Mara Safaris affordable and manageable.
The reserve is home to the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and hosts over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded bird species. The famous annual wildebeest migration, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, sees over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle crossing between Tanzania and Kenya.
3 Days Masai Mara Safari Price
The cost of 3 Days Masai Mara Safari packages varies depending on accommodation standards, season, and group size. Generally, prices range from:
3 Days Masai Mara Safari Price Table
3 Days Safari Package Rates (Per Person)
Accommodation Level | 1 Person | 2-3 People | 4-5 People | 6+ People | Child (3-12 yrs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Budget Camping | $580 | $450 | $420 | $390 | $280 |
Standard Lodge | $780 | $620 | $580 | $550 | $390 |
Luxury Lodge | $1,250 | $980 | $890 | $850 | $580 |
Premium Lodge | $1,850 | $1,450 | $1,350 | $1,290 | $790 |
What’s Included
- Safari transportation in a 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All Masai Mara National Reserve entry fees
- Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Bottled water during game drives
- Airport transfers (Nairobi)
- All government taxes and levies
What’s Not Included
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- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Gratuities for guide and camp/lodge staff
- Optional activities (hot air balloon safari, village visits, etc.)
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
For those looking for 3 Days Masai Mara Safaris from Mombasa, expect to pay slightly more due to the longer distance, with prices starting from $450 for budget options.
Detailed 3 Days Masai Mara Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to the Mara
Morning: Early departure from Nairobi or Mombasa. If traveling from Mombasa, you’ll likely take a domestic flight to Nairobi first, adding approximately 1 hour to your journey.
Afternoon: Arrive at your selected camp or lodge and enjoy lunch. Settle in and prepare for your first game drive.
Evening: Embark on your first thrilling game drive, getting your first glimpse of the Mara’s incredible wildlife. Return to camp for dinner and overnight stay under the African stars.
Day 2: Full Day in the Mara
Early Morning: Wake before dawn for an early morning game drive when predators are most active. This is prime time to witness lions on the hunt.
Mid-morning: Return to camp for a hearty breakfast and brief rest.
Late Morning to Afternoon: Extended game drive with a picnic lunch in the wilderness. Your guide will track wildlife movements and take you to the most active areas.
Evening: Return to camp for dinner and relaxation. Many lodges offer cultural talks or presentations about the ecosystem and local Maasai culture.
Day 3: Final Safari and Departure
Early Morning: Final early morning game drive to catch any wildlife you may have missed.
Mid-morning: Enjoy breakfast at your camp before checking out.
Afternoon: Begin your journey back to Nairobi or Mombasa, carrying memories of your Masai Mara adventure.
Popular 3 Days Masai Mara Safari Activities
A comprehensive 3 Days Masai Mara Safari itinerary includes various activities to enhance your wildlife experience:
- Game Drives: The core experience of any safari, conducted in specialized 4×4 vehicles with popup roofs for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: For an additional fee (approximately $450 per person), experience a sunrise balloon flight over the plains, followed by a champagne breakfast.
- Maasai Village Visit: Learn about the traditions and lifestyle of the Maasai people who have coexisted with wildlife for centuries.
- Mara River Crossing Points: During migration season (July to October), witness the dramatic river crossings where wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters.
- Bird Watching: The Mara’s diverse habitats support numerous bird species, making it an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts.
Best Time for 3 Days Masai Mara Safaris
While the Masai Mara offers year-round wildlife viewing, certain periods offer distinct advantages:
- July to October: Peak season during the Great Migration. This is when 3 Days Masai Mara Safari prices are at their highest.
- November to February: Short rains followed by dry season. Fewer tourists and lush landscapes make for beautiful photography.
- March to June: Long rainy season with occasional showers. Lower prices and fewer visitors mean more exclusive wildlife sightings.
What to Pack for Your Safari
For your 3 Days Masai Mara Safari, pack:
- Neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki, olive)
- Lightweight layers for variable temperatures
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Camera equipment with extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Personal medications
- Small denominations of USD for tips and souvenirs
Booking Your 3 Days Masai Mara Safari
When booking Masai Mara Safaris, consider:
- Working with reputable tour operators with positive reviews
- Booking 3-6 months in advance, especially during migration season
- Checking if your package includes airport transfers
- Understanding cancellation policies
- Confirming whether your tour operator contributes to conservation efforts
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Connecting from Mombasa
For travelers starting from the coast, 3 Days Masai Mara Safaris from Mombasa typically include:
- Domestic flight from Mombasa to Nairobi (approximately 1 hour)
- Road transfer or connecting flight to the Mara
- Option to return directly to Mombasa after the safari
This arrangement allows coastal visitors to experience Kenya’s wildlife wonders without relocating their base.
Conservation and Responsible Tourism
The Masai Mara ecosystem faces challenges including habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict. When booking your 3 Days Masai Mara Safari, consider operators who contribute to conservation efforts and community development.
Many lodges and camps support local communities through employment opportunities and educational initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits both wildlife and people. View Our Ultimate 7 Days Amboseli Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari
Conclusion
A 3 Days Masai Mara Safari offers an ideal introduction to one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. From the drama of predator-prey interactions to the peaceful beauty of sunrise over the savannah, the Mara delivers unforgettable experiences in a relatively short timeframe.
Whether you’re traveling from Nairobi or booking 3 Days Masai Mara Safaris from Mombasa, this compact adventure provides excellent value and unforgettable memories. With careful planning and the right expectations, your three days in this remarkable ecosystem will become a highlight of your Kenyan journey. Please have a look at our Nairobi to Masai Mara Safari Package-4 Days
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- Transport by 4×4 Landcruiser with open roof
- Transport by 4×4 Toyota Van with open roof
- Mineral Water
- Unlimited and most rewarding game drives
- All government levies
- Accomodation and Meals (full board basis) based on chosen option
- Pick and drop from your hotel or Airport
- Soft and Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and other gratitude
- Things of personal nature
- Costs incurred while Visiting, local homesteads or maasai villages