Overview
Set at an altitude of about 5,000 feet, the Masai Mara National Reserve is breathtakingly beautiful with the wide Mara River, one of Kenya’s largest rivers, snaking through its green, tree-studded grasslands. The river is home to many hippos and enormous groups of elephant that wander through the lush marshes along the river’s edge. Among the plains game found in the Mara are eland, topi, zebra, giraffe, and Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelle, and buffalo graze here in abundance. There are also some of the rare and endangered black rhino, not always easy to find but a wonderful sight when encountered. The Mara is one of the best places in Kenya to see lion, as there are numerous roaming prides.
Please note: Naibor, Rekero, and Mara Plains camps are small and exclusive and often fill well in advance; early booking is recommended. There is a 33-lb. weight limit on flights to/from the Masai Mara.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to the Masai Mara National Reserve
Fly from Nairobi, Kenya (or from the Serengeti in Tanzania), on a 40-minute flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Transfer to your tented safari camp in the heart of the Mara and enjoy an afternoon game drive. Overnight at either Naibor or Rekero Camp, both small, exclusive camps with a personal feel...BLD
Fly to the Masai Mara National Reserve - Day 1
Rekero Camp
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights)
Rekero is a seasonal tented camp, set up from June through October and December through March in a prime location on the banks of the Talek River within the Masai Mara National Reserve. It’s ideally situated for the annual great migration—there’s an old wildebeest crossing right next to camp. The camp’s eight spacious tents (one family and seven twins/doubles/triples) are tucked in a grove of trees and feature en suite bathrooms with flush toilets and hot water bucket showers, solar lighting, and a private veranda. The camp caters up to 18 guests—many of whom return year after year to enjoy the delightful setting.
Naibor Camp
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights)
Set in a riverine forest on the banks of the Talek River in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Naibor is a welcoming, peaceful retreat (except for the family of noisy hippos in the river!). Naibor’s seven spacious and airy canvas tents are shaded by African greenheart trees. Each tent is completely private, with a veranda for game spotting, and furnished with king-sized beds and crisp linens. Tents have en suite facilities including double washbasins, a flush toilet, and a safari shower filled with hot water daily. Furnishings include wool rugs and comfy sofas scattered with cushions. One treat (among the many) is the hot water bottle you’ll find in your bed after returning from dinner.
Day 2-3
Masai Mara Gameviewing
With excursions in custom-built 4WD vehicles that allow intimate yet unobtrusive access to the animals, enjoy spectacular sights: abundant migrating plains game tracked by magnificent predators, including some of the largest lion prides in Africa. Explore across open plains and up onto ridges, coming amazingly close to grazing antelope and zebra, and you can often observe browsing elephants and giraffe among the acacia groves. The guides and Masai trackers, the traditional nomadic “keepers” of this spectacular wilderness, have unsurpassed skills at spotting wildlife. Other activities include walking safaris and cultural visits; hot air ballooning can be arranged (at extra cost). Overnights at your camp...BLD each day
Masai Mara Gameviewing - Day 2-3
Rekero Camp
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights)
Rekero is a seasonal tented camp, set up from June through October and December through March in a prime location on the banks of the Talek River within the Masai Mara National Reserve. It’s ideally situated for the annual great migration—there’s an old wildebeest crossing right next to camp. The camp’s eight spacious tents (one family and seven twins/doubles/triples) are tucked in a grove of trees and feature en suite bathrooms with flush toilets and hot water bucket showers, solar lighting, and a private veranda. The camp caters up to 18 guests—many of whom return year after year to enjoy the delightful setting.
Naibor Camp
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights)
Set in a riverine forest on the banks of the Talek River in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Naibor is a welcoming, peaceful retreat (except for the family of noisy hippos in the river!). Naibor’s seven spacious and airy canvas tents are shaded by African greenheart trees. Each tent is completely private, with a veranda for game spotting, and furnished with king-sized beds and crisp linens. Tents have en suite facilities including double washbasins, a flush toilet, and a safari shower filled with hot water daily. Furnishings include wool rugs and comfy sofas scattered with cushions. One treat (among the many) is the hot water bottle you’ll find in your bed after returning from dinner.
Day 4
Masai Mara Gameviewing / Depart
Start the day with an early morning game drive, then transfer to the scheduled flight to Nairobi. In Nairobi, enjoy a day room and lunch at the House of Waine, a former private home that has been carefully refurbished into a boutique property on 2.5 acres in the wooded suburb of Karen. After lunch, you’ll take a guided tour of Nairobi and dine at the Pampa Churrascaria Brazilian Grill. Transfer to the airport for your evening departure flight...BLD
