~big five safari - Masai Mara~

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On Day 2 you will take an early morning flight to the amazing Masai Mara National Reserve. Our representative will pick you up for transfer to the airport. Sit back and relax during this short flight from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. Approximate flight duration is 75 minutes. Your accommodations will be at the amazing Mara Engai  (or similar).

Please note, strict luggage restrictions apply to this flight: 1)  Maximum weight allowance of 32 lbs (15 kg) is permitted per person. 2)  Baggage must be soft-shelled. 3) Additional baggage allowance can be  arranged at additional cost, please speak to your Destination Expert for  more information.

Flight to Masai Mara

The flight from Nairobi to the Masai Mara is one of the most scenic and memorable journeys in Kenya. Departing from Wilson Airport, the small bush plane soars over Nairobi National Park, where wildlife roams against the city skyline, before gliding westward across the lush Rift Valley highlands. Below, you’ll see patchwork farms, shimmering lakes like Naivasha and Elementeita, and the dramatic escarpments of the Great Rift Valley.

As the landscape flattens, the golden savannah of the Masai Mara stretches endlessly ahead, dotted with acacias and herds of wildlife visible even from the air. The flight lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, ending with a gentle landing on a red-earth airstrip surrounded by open plains — a perfect, thrilling prelude to your safari adventure.

Masai Mara

The Masai Mara — Kenya’s crown jewel of safari destinations — is where Africa’s raw beauty and untamed spirit come vividly to life. Here, every moment feels cinematic. The first rays of dawn reveal lions sprawled lazily on the open grasslands, their golden coats glowing in the soft light. Elephants move silently through the mist, their silhouettes majestic against the rising sun, while giraffes browse gracefully at the treetops. As the day warms, the plains come alive with zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest, their endless herds stretching to the horizon — a prelude to one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the Great Migration. Between July and October, more than two million wildebeest and zebra thunder across the Mara River, pursued by stealthy crocodiles and vigilant big cats, in a timeless display of survival and instinct that defines the very essence of Africa.

But the Mara’s magic extends beyond the migration. All year round, visitors are treated to extraordinary wildlife encounters — from cheetahs sprinting across the plains to leopards draped elegantly over fig tree branches, and rhinos grazing quietly in the thickets. Over 470 bird species, from lilac-breasted rollers to secretary birds, add flashes of color and sound to the landscape, making every game drive a feast for the senses.

Safari experiences in the Masai Mara are as diverse as the land itself. Guests can embark on thrilling game drives guided by expert Masai trackers, float silently over the plains in a hot air balloon as the sun rises, or enjoy an intimate bush breakfast overlooking the sweeping savannah. For a deeper connection, walking safaris and cultural visits to local Masai villages offer a glimpse into the traditions of one of Africa’s most iconic communities, whose deep respect for the land has helped preserve it for generations.

Morning Tours

Morning game drives in the Masai Mara burst with life as the sun rises over the vast savannah. Here’s what you’re likely to encounter:

• Lions lounging near riverbanks or open plains after a night of hunting.
   
• Cheetahs perched on termite mounds, scanning the grasslands for early prey.
   
• Large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles grazing across the rolling plains.
   
• Majestic elephants and towering Masai giraffes feeding on acacia trees.
   
• Buffalo moving in groups through the grass, often shadowed by oxpeckers.
   
• The occasional leopard retreating into the thickets after a night’s activity.
   
• A dazzling variety of birdlife, from secretary birds striding through the grass to lilac-breasted rollers flashing their colors in the early light.

Here are some of the most popular morning activities in and around the Masai Mara that make the most of the cool air and golden sunrise light:

• Early morning game drive — The prime activity of the day, offering the best chance to spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards before they retreat from the heat.
   
• Hot air balloon safari — Lift off just before sunrise and glide over the savannah as the first light touches the plains, revealing herds of elephants, wildebeest, and giraffes below.
   
• Guided bush walk — Explore on foot with a Maasai guide, learning to identify animal tracks, plants, and birds while experiencing the landscape up close.
   
• Birdwatching along the rivers and grasslands — The cooler hours draw out a remarkable variety of species, from lilac-breasted rollers to crowned cranes and raptors taking flight.
   
• Bush breakfast — Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast set up in the wild, often following your early game drive, surrounded by the sounds of the waking savannah.

Afternoon Tours

Afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara offer a slower, more atmospheric experience as the heat softens and the savannah glows in golden light. Here’s what you’re likely to encounter:

• Elephants gathering at rivers and waterholes to drink and cool off.
   
• Lions resting in the shade, occasionally stirring as the temperature drops toward evening.
   
• Cheetahs becoming more active, using the lower sun and tall grass for cover while hunting.
   
• Herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving lazily across the plains.
   
• Hippos emerging near the Mara River and crocodiles basking along its banks.
   
• Graceful Masai giraffes and topis silhouetted against the setting sun.
   
• A sky alive with raptors, rollers, and hornbills catching the day’s final light.

Here are several excellent afternoon activity options in or near the Masai Mara National Reserve that complement a game drive and broaden your safari experience:

• Hot air balloon safari at sunset — Soar above the plains in the later afternoon for panoramic views of wildlife and river crossings from the sky.
   
• Walking safari in a nearby conservancy — After your vehicle drive, take a guided walk to explore the bush on foot, see tracks, small animals, and learn about the ecosystem.
   
• Maasai village cultural visit — Spend the later part of the afternoon visiting a local Maasai community, learn about their traditions and crafts, and enjoy a sundowner with views of the plains.
   
• Sundowner viewpoint / scenic stop — As the day cools, drive to a high ridge or vantage point for twilight photographs, drinks, and sweeping views across the Mara.
   
• Bird‐watching and wetland viewing — Visit riverine areas or marshes in the afternoon to spot waterbirds, raptors, and wildlife gathering at the water’s edge.

Where you’ll be staying

• Mara Engai (or similar)
• Superior Room

Your guide will let you know what time you will need to be prepared to depart for the airport. Traffic can get tricky so it is recommended to be prepared to arrive at the airport early!

When you are ready to depart your hotel for the airport, a private transfer between your hotel and the airport is provided. Your guide will help you navigate the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to ensure that you have stress free and timely departure. Remember to take plenty of pictures and share them with us!