The lioness looked straight at me. Just a few meters away she lay lazily in the grass, close to her partner – the honeymooners, as our guide called them. This was only my first evening in the Masai Mara and I had already seen more wildlife than I had dared to dream. The three days that followed would surprise me even more.
Skip a safari in the Masai Mara while in Kenya? I couldn’t do that. This safari ranks among the best wildlife experiences in the world, and after three days full of unforgettable moments I understand exactly why. In this complete guide I share everything about my adventure: from lion cubs playing hide and seek to five perfectly camouflaged cheetahs, including all practical information about costs and tips.
Why exactly a 3 day Masai Mara safari?
A 3 day Masai Mara safari is not too short and not too long – it’s the perfect duration to truly experience this world-famous nature reserve. You have enough time to:
- Relax without being rushed – no race against the clock, just pure enjoyment
- Spot all the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo
- See the Great Migration (July-October) – although timing isn’t guaranteed
- Explore different ecosystems – from vast savannah to the iconic Mara River
- Discover Masai culture – a glimpse into their fascinating way of life
I hadn’t expected to see so much during my safari. The nature reserve truly has everything a safari lover could want. And I mean everything, I even saw lions tearing apart their prey. Impressive, raw, and so incredibly real.
Book your 3-day Masai Mara safari
Day 1: From Nairobi to Masai Mara – The safari begins
Morning: Departure from Nairobi
At 8:00 AM I was picked up at Wildebeest Eco Camp in Nairobi. After about two hours of driving we stopped at a transfer point where our group was assembled. For my 3 day Masai Mara safari I got the company of an interesting mix: a Dutch man with his Argentine wife, two young women from Sweden and a young woman from England. Six people, six stories, one shared dream: the African savannah.
Afternoon: The journey to Masai Mara
The journey to Masai Mara takes a full day, but boring? Not for a moment. The landscape constantly changes and there are beautiful stops along the way.
The absolute highlight en route: the Rift Valley. We stopped at a breathtaking viewpoint over this geological wonder. Did you know that this valley is a staggering 9,600 kilometers long and runs all the way from Mozambique to the Red Sea? Standing there, with the wind in my hair and that endless valley before me, I felt very small – in the best way possible.
Around 5:00 PM we arrived at Lenchada Tourist Camp, our home base for the next three days. Just enough time to recover before the real adventure would begin.
Evening: First Masai Mara safari – And what a start!
After dinner we got into the safari vehicle with an open roof. The sun hung low and gave everything a golden glow. Our first safari was an immediate success!
What we saw:
- Endless herds of wildebeest, zebras and giraffes
- THE lion and lioness, lying lazily in the grass (the honeymooners!)
- Various gazelles and impalas moving elegantly through the landscape
- A sunset that needed no filter
Insider tip: The advantage of a tour? The guides constantly communicate with each other via radio. When something special is spotted, they share this information immediately. This way you don’t miss a single spectacular sighting!
The moment we saw those two lions lying there, so relaxed, so close to each other, I immediately understood the nickname our guide gave them: the honeymooners. The romantic couple of the savannah.
Day 2: Full day Masai Mara safari – The Big Five hunt
This was THE day. The highlight of my 3 day Masai Mara safari. We got up at sunrise for a full day in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Eleven hours in the park. Eleven hours full of wonder.
Morning safari: All the wildlife I was hoping for
We started by visiting the lion couple from yesterday again – they were still lying in virtually the same spot. But then…
The magical moments piled up:
- Three lion cubs with their mothers by a tree, playing, fighting, so incredibly cute
- Five cheetahs perfectly camouflaged in the grass, I didn’t see them until our guide stopped
- A leopard stretched out on a branch, just finished with his meal, with a satisfied look
There it was! Such beauty
Lunch at the Mara River: Where the magic happens
We took a walk along the Mara River, the legendary spot where the wildebeest normally make the dangerous crossing during the Great Migration. This year the migration was later than expected due to climate change, a confronting proof of how nature is changing.
Safety tip: Walks along the river only happen under strict supervision of an armed military guard. And not without reason, crocodiles and hippos are no joke. This river is beautiful, but deadly.
We fully enjoyed the views, the wildlife and the surroundings. I was deeply impressed by the life around me. Everything fit, everything was in balance. This was why I came to Africa.
Afternoon safari: The details that make the difference
The numbers from this day:
- 11 hours total in the park
- Countless bird species, including the fork-tailed drongo and ground hornbill
- Too many savannah animals to count
But it’s not about the numbers. It’s about that one leopard that looks you in the eyes for minutes. About that baby elephant that trips over its own trunk. About the silence of the savannah, only broken by the sound of the wind.
Those cheetahs… you can literally stand next to them and not see them. Their camouflage is next level. When our guide finally stopped and pointed, I stared for minutes before I saw the first one. And then suddenly – BAM – there were five. Five! How had I missed them?
And these lioness with their cubs!
You don’t want to influence them and with this behaviour you do, right?
Important: Animal welfare first. Sometimes too many jeeps gather at one ‘sighting’. I saw it happen – more than ten vehicles around one leopard. That’s not okay. Respect the animals, keep your distance, and realize that your experience should not come at the cost of their peace.
Day 3: Masai culture and back to Nairobi
Morning: Visit to Masai village Oloolaimutia
The last day of my 3 day Masai Mara safari began with a cultural highlight: a visit to the authentic Masai village Oloolaimutia.
What I experienced:
- A feeling of connection that transcends cultures
- The traditional Masai dance with their famous jumps (they really jump high!)
- A tour by a villager who shared his story
- Insight into their way of life, traditions and challenges
We first got an energetic show where they jumped and sang. Then we were invited into their village to look around. It was respectful, interesting and moving. Want to know more about this visit? Check my detailed article about visiting the Masai.
Afternoon: Back to reality
After breakfast at Lenchada Tourist Camp we said goodbye to the savannah. The drive back to Nairobi felt like waking up from a dream. I was dropped off at Wildebeest Eco Camp just before dinner, full of memories and a camera roll full of photos that could never quite do justice to what I had seen.
Cost of 3 day Masai Mara safari: Complete breakdown
My 3 day Masai Mara safari cost just under €300 – an incredible price for such an experience.
Included in the price:
- Transport to and from Nairobi (full day of driving)
- Accommodation at Lenchada Tourist Camp (2 nights)
- All meals (day 1: dinner | day 2: breakfast, lunch, dinner | day 3: breakfast)
- Experienced safari guide and all game drives
- Visit to Masai village
- Unlimited coffee, tea and water
Extra costs to account for:
- Tip for guide (recommended, think €20-30)
- Park entrance fee (paid separately on site)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Payment tip: Park entrance can be paid by credit card without extra charge. There is no ATM nearby, the closest bank is in Narok, so come prepared!
Practical tips for your Masai Mara safari
Before you book:
- Book locally for the best prices (such as through Bonfire Adventures or Gamespotting Adventures)
- Check if park entrance is included (usually not!)
- Ask about group size – smaller groups = better experience
What to bring:
- Good camera or accept that you must enjoy the moment (I didn’t have a top photo camera, but the memories are priceless)
- Sun protection – the African sun is merciless
- Warm clothing for evenings – it can get surprisingly cold
- Binoculars for optimal wildlife spotting
- Power bank – you don’t want a dead battery during THE photo
When we were allowed to get out of the car for a moment, I quickly did a yoga pose. This was at the spot where Masai Mara Park borders neighbouring Tanzania.
Clothing advice:
- Neutral colors (beige, green, brown)
- No bright colors that can disturb animals
- Layers – it’s cold in the mornings, hot during the day, cool in the evenings
- Comfortable shoes for possible walks
Best time for a Masai Mara safari
Great Migration period (July-October)
Advantages:
- Chance of spectacular river crossings
- Massive herds of wildebeest and zebras
- More predators due to abundance of prey
Disadvantages:
- No guarantee you’ll see the crossing
- Crowded, many more tourists
- Higher prices (sometimes double)
My experience: I went during migration season but unfortunately didn’t see the crossing due to climate change. Was it still amazing? Absolutely! The Masai Mara is phenomenal year-round.
Booking advice: Local or in advance?
Booking locally (in Nairobi)
Advantages:
- Better prices through direct negotiation
- Flexibility in departure dates
- Get a feel for the operator
Disadvantages:
- Risk of disappointment (not all operators are reliable)
- Time lost on searching and negotiating
- Possibly no availability during high season
My choice: I booked through a contact from my volunteer work, but Gamespotting Adventures offers the same 3 day Masai Mara safari for the same price. Make sure you secure your spot and do this adventurous trip during your Kenya journey!
Book your 3-day Masai Mara safari
My conclusion: Why this safari is unmissable
The Masai Mara really got to me. Sounds cliché, but it’s true. Three days among wild animals, away from wifi and social media, completely immersed in nature, it puts your world in perspective.
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, there are many jeeps. But when you’re standing there, with a leopard looking at you, or a herd of elephants calmly passing by, you forget everything around you. Then you’re just a human who has the privilege of witnessing nature in its purest form.
Is it worth the €300? Every cent. And much more.
Would you like to read about my adventures while volunteering in the NP of Tsavo?
Read: Volunteering at Tsavo East NP
Want to read more about Africa?
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- I hiked the Famous Knysna Heads in South Africa