Package Overview
Unforgettable Adventures: Experience a 7-Day, 6-Night Fly-In Safari to Meru and Masai Mara
Imagine soaring through the skies, leaving the bustle of everyday life behind, as you embark on a 7-day, 6-night fly-in safari to two of Africa’s most breathtaking national parks: Meru and Masai Mara. This immersive journey promises not only stunning landscapes but also intimate encounters with Kenya’s iconic wildlife.
Picture yourself witnessing the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest thunder across golden plains, or enjoying a serene evening as the sun dips below the horizon, casting the savanna in hues of orange and violet. With luxurious lodges nestled in the heart of nature and seasoned guides at your side, each day unfolds with new discoveries—whether traversing lush forests or expansive savannas. Prepare to create unforgettable memories on a safari that is as transformative as it is exhilarating.
Overview of Meru National Park
Located in northern Kenya, Meru National Park is a hidden gem for those seeking a quieter, more intimate safari experience. Spanning 870 square kilometers, the park offers a dramatic blend of landscapes, including riverine forests, savannas, swamps, and 13 life-giving rivers that nourish its vibrant ecosystem.
Meru is famously the setting of Born Free, the story of Elsa the lioness, adding historical depth to your journey. Here, visitors can expect sightings of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—along with over 300 bird species. Hippos and crocodiles populate the rivers, and the park’s remoteness means you’ll often have entire landscapes to yourself. It’s a rare blend of solitude, biodiversity, and storytelling, perfect for those in search of an off-the-beaten-path safari.
Discovering the Masai Mara National Reserve
To the southwest lies the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most iconic wildlife sanctuary and a cornerstone of the greater Serengeti ecosystem. Covering 1,510 square kilometers of golden grasslands and acacia woodlands, the Mara is best known for its dramatic predator-prey interactions and the awe-inspiring Great Migration, when over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Mara River in search of greener pastures.
Beyond the migration, the Mara offers excellent year-round game viewing. You can spot big cats, giraffes, elephants, hyenas, and antelope on open plains that stretch to the horizon. The Mara also celebrates rich cultural heritage through meaningful interactions with the Maasai people, whose traditional lifestyle and conservation ethics remain a cornerstone of the region.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and Flight to Meru
Your safari begins with a warm welcome in Nairobi, followed by a transfer to Wilson Airport for your scheduled flight to Meru. Upon landing, your private guide will escort you to your luxury lodge. After check-in, enjoy your first game drive in the park and unwind with a sundowner and dinner under the stars.
Day 2–3: Exploring Meru National Park
Spend two full days immersed in Meru’s rich biodiversity. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, visit the rhino sanctuary, and explore the park’s diverse habitats. Stop for a riverside picnic lunch and relax each evening at your lodge while sharing stories around the fire.
Day 4: Flight to Masai Mara
After one last morning safari in Meru, catch your scheduled flight to Masai Mara. Upon arrival, check in to your luxury tented camp. Later, embark on an afternoon game drive to explore the expansive Mara plains, where wildlife sightings are abundant.
Day 5–6: Discovering the Mara
Begin each day with sunrise game drives in search of lions, cheetahs, and elephants. If you’re visiting during the migration season (July to October), witness dramatic river crossings and predator activity. Optional activities include a hot air balloon safari and a cultural visit to a Maasai village, offering a deeper connection to the land and its people.
Day 7: Final Game Drive and Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a final morning game drive. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. Reflect on your journey as you prepare for departure or your next destination.
- Transport by 4×4 land cruiser / Toyota van with open roof
- Mineral water
- Unlimited and most rewarding game drives
- All government levies
- All park entry fees
- Accommodation and meals (full board basis) based on option chosen
- Pick and drop from your hotel and airport
- Soft and Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and other gratitude
- Things of personal nature
- Costs incurred while visiting
- Local homesteads
- Masai village
Wildlife Encounters: What to Expect
In Meru National Park:
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Big Five sightings, especially black and white rhinos
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Leopards, lions, cheetahs, and elephants in diverse habitats
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Over 300 species of birds, including African fish eagle and Pel’s fishing owl
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Hippos and crocodiles in the park’s river systems
In Masai Mara:
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The Great Migration (seasonal)
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High concentrations of big cats—lions, leopards, cheetahs
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Year-round sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hyenas
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Rich birdlife with over 450 recorded species
Each game drive is guided by experts who understand the land intimately and are dedicated to ethical, conservation-focused wildlife viewing.
Luxury Accommodations in the Wild
Throughout your safari, you’ll stay in exclusive lodges and tented camps that blend luxury with ecological sensitivity.
In Meru:
Expect spacious suites with panoramic views, gourmet dining, private decks, and spa services. Lodges are often powered by solar energy and actively support local conservation projects.
In Masai Mara:
Stay in luxury tented camps that offer the perfect combination of rustic charm and modern comforts. Sleep in king-sized beds beneath canvas roofs and wake to the sounds of the wild. Many camps feature communal lounges, outdoor dining areas, and attentive service tailored to your preferences.
All accommodations maintain a deep commitment to sustainability, ensuring your visit supports both nature and nearby communities.
Tips for Capturing Stunning Safari Photos
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Know your gear: Practice using your camera before the trip
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Golden hours: Early morning and late afternoon light is ideal
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Focus on the eyes for engaging wildlife portraits
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Be patient: Wait for compelling action or behavior
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Respect the wildlife: Keep a safe distance and never disturb animals
Want to elevate your photography? Book a private photographic safari with expert guidance on angles, light, and composition.
Cultural Connections: Meet the Maasai
A visit to a Maasai village offers profound insight into East Africa’s cultural richness. Learn about the Maasai’s customs, dress, music, and conservation practices. Participate in traditional beadwork, observe ceremonial dances, or discover how the community coexists with wildlife.
By engaging respectfully and supporting locally made crafts, you help sustain community empowerment and cultural preservation.
Why Choose a Fly-In Safari?
A fly-in safari saves travel time, allowing more hours in the wilderness and less on the road. You’ll gain aerial views of Kenya’s landscapes and access remote parks in comfort and style.
With trusted partners like Steve & Richard Safaris, your journey is seamless from start to finish—offering curated experiences, luxury accommodations, and responsible tourism that prioritizes both guests and the environment.
Planning from the coast? Explore safaris from Mombasa or Watamu for flexible departures.
Final Thoughts: A Journey That Transforms
A fly-in safari to Meru and Masai Mara is more than a vacation—it’s a soul-stirring journey into the heart of Africa. From untamed landscapes and extraordinary wildlife to cultural encounters and sustainable luxury, this 7-day experience delivers adventure with purpose.
Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or planning your first African journey, this itinerary offers depth, beauty, and meaning. By choosing a thoughtfully crafted fly-in safari, you step into nature’s rhythm—and return forever changed.
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