4-Day Masai Mara Explorer Itinerary
4-Day Masai Mara Explorer Itinerary
This four-day safari takes you through Kenya’s iconic wildlife destinations, offering diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a blend of cultural and natural wonders. From the flamingos of Lake Nakuru to the legendary Big Five of the Masai Mara, this itinerary ensures a rich and unforgettable adventure.
Itinerary at a Glance
Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara Game Reserve
Full-Day Safari in the Masai Mara
Masai Mara to Nairobi and Coastal Transfer
Extend Your Journey
Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
08:00 – Pick-Up from Hotel or Airport
Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. En route, marvel at the changing landscapes as you pass through the fertile Great Rift Valley.
Arrival at Lake Nakuru National Park
Arrive at the park, renowned for its vibrant flamingo and pelican populations. Your expert guide will share fascinating insights about the park’s unique ecosystem.
12:30 – Lunch at Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Nakuru Sopa Lodge or a similar lodge, overlooking the tranquil surroundings of the park.
15:00 – Afternoon Game Drive
Embark on a thrilling game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Spot flamingos creating a pink hue on the lake, pelicans gliding gracefully, and a variety of wildlife, including rhinos, leopards, and giraffes.
19:30 – Dinner and Overnight at Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Return to the lodge for a gourmet dinner and relax in the serene ambiance before retiring to your comfortable accommodations.
Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara Game Reserve
07:00 – Breakfast at the Lodge
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before departing for the legendary Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Drive Through the Great Rift Valley
Travel through the stunning Great Rift Valley, passing through traditional Masai homelands. Learn about the Masai culture and their deep connection to the land.
12:30 – Arrival and Lunch at Mara Leisure Camp
Check into Mara Leisure Camp or a similar camp and enjoy a delightful lunch surrounded by the beauty of the Mara.
15:30 – Afternoon Game Drive in the Masai Mara
Head out for your first game drive in the Masai Mara, famous for its dense wildlife population. Spot lions, elephants, cheetahs, and herds of wildebeest grazing on the open plains.
19:30 – Dinner and Overnight at Mara Leisure Camp
Return to camp for a delicious dinner under the stars, followed by a restful night in your luxurious tented accommodation.
Full-Day Safari in the Masai Mara
06:30 – Morning Game Drive
Set out early for a sunrise game drive. Witness predators like lions and cheetahs in action, as well as herbivores grazing in the soft morning light.
09:00 – Breakfast at the Camp
Return for breakfast and relax before heading out for another adventure.
10:30 – Full-Day Game Drive
Spend the day exploring the vast expanse of the Masai Mara. Your guide will take you to wildlife hotspots and scenic locations, ensuring you have the best chance of spotting the "Big Five" (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard).
12:30 – Picnic Lunch in the Bush
Enjoy a packed lunch in the middle of the wilderness, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the savannah.
15:30 – Afternoon Game Drive
Conclude your day with an afternoon game drive, capturing the golden hour's glow as the sun sets over the plains.
19:30 – Dinner and Overnight at Mara Leisure Camp
End the day with a delicious dinner and unwind at the camp, recounting the incredible experiences of the day.
Masai Mara to Nairobi and Coastal Transfer
06:30 – Breakfast at the Camp
Enjoy your final breakfast at the camp while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
07:30 – Morning Game Drive (Optional)
If time allows, embark on a short morning game drive for one last chance to spot wildlife.
10:00 – Departure for Nairobi
Depart the Masai Mara and return to Nairobi, with scenic stops along the way.
12:30 – Lunch in Nairobi
Arrive in Nairobi in time for lunch, allowing you to relax and reflect on your safari adventure.
Afternoon – Flight to the Coast
Connect to your flight to Kenya’s coast, where a transfer will take you to your coastal hotel, marking the end of your safari journey.
Optional Add-Ons and Upgrades:
1. Hot Air Balloon Safari (Day 3 Morning): Experience a magical sunrise balloon ride over the Masai Mara, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
2. Private Safari Vehicle: Upgrade to a private vehicle for a more personalized and flexible experience.
3. Cultural Visit: Add a visit to a Maasai village to learn about their traditions, lifestyle, and unique crafts.
4. Extended Stay: Add an extra night at the Masai Mara or Lake Nakuru to explore more of these iconic destinations.
5. Luxury Accommodation Upgrade: Stay in premium lodges or camps for an elevated experience.
Tour Highlights:
• Lake Nakuru: Spectacular flamingos, pelicans, rhinos, and leopards.
• Masai Mara: Home to the "Big Five" and seasonal Great Migration.
• Scenic Landscapes: Travel through the Great Rift Valley and Masai homelands.
• Luxury Lodges: Comfortable accommodations offering excellent service and stunning views.
Your Journey
Climate Charts
Your Accommodations
Hotels hand selected by A&K for an unmatched experience.
Hemingways Nairobi
Exclusive boutique, all-suite hotel, located near Nairobi National Park.
Tawi Lodge
Thirteen cottages, each with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro, on a private reserve.
Sanctuary Swala
Twelve elegant pavilions near a waterhole, with panoramic vistas.
Gibb's Farm
Travel + Leisure World’s Best boutique inn featuring modern amenities.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Amazing lodge set deep within Serengeti National Park.
Sanctuary Olonana
Superb luxury safari lodge with 14 spacious suites with king-size beds.
CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2023 WINNER
Sanctuary Olonana voted one of the best resorts in the world
View Image GalleryPrices are in USD, including internal air, per person, double occupancy
Victoria Falls Pre-Tour Extension
Experience epic Victoria Falls from both sides, and stay in a luxurious tree house beside the Zambezi River in Zambia.
4 days from $4,645 per person
Single Supplement from $895 per person
Internal Air Included (Economy Class, $1,950 value)
Johannesburg/Livingstone/Nairobi
Jun-Aug; Priced from $4,945 | Single Supplement $1,195
Oct; Priced from $4,645 | Single Supplement $895
Available to add to select departure dates.
See Dates & Prices for details
Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa, and transfer to your hotel.
Arrive in Livingstone, Zambia. Continue to your luxury tree house beside the Zambezi River. Then, enjoy lunch. For two days, take advantage of the activities on offer, such as game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Walk on both sides of Victoria Falls — in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Meet the residents of a local village supported by A&K Philanthropy.
Fly to Entebbe. Enjoy use of a dayroom until your flight departs.
Uganda Post-Tour Extension
Encounter endangered mountain gorillas up close during your trek into lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
4 days from $5,545 per person
Single Supplement from $1,095 per person
Internal Air Included (Economy Class, $1,250 value)
Nairobi/Entebbe/Bwindi/Entebbe
Jun, Oct 16-31; Priced from $5,545 | Single Supplement $1,095
Jul-Oct 15; Priced from $6,245 | Single Supplement $1,195
Gorilla permits (valued at $800) are included in the journey price, paid at time of deposit and non-refundable.
Available to add to select departure dates.
See Dates & Prices for details
Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda, and transfer to your tranquil hotel.
Fly to your tented campsite in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Visit a nursing school supported by A&K Philanthropy. The next day, set out for an up-close encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.
Fly to Entebbe. Enjoy use of a dayroom until your flight departs.
Add a Night in Nairobi Before Your Journey Begins
2 days from $1,095 per person
Single Supplement from $375 per person
Price includes $100 per adult for increases in Kenya park fees.
Arrive in Nairobi, where you are met by an Abercrombie & Kent representative and escorted to your hotel.
Meet your guide and depart on an excursion to view remarkable African species in two special settings. Visit the Giraffe Center, where you may hand-feed endangered Rothschild’s giraffes from a platform that brings you to eye level with these majestic giants, who gently snatch food with their long blue tongues. At the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, watch young elephants at play with attentive keepers, who explain the process of reintroducing the elephants into the wild. Continue to the Oloolua Forest, once a hiding place for the Mau Mau Freedom Fighters during the war for independence but today a tranquil respite from the city. Here you enjoy an A&K-exclusive forest folklore stories experience, listening to tales handed down from one generation to the next, followed by lunch. Afterwards, relive a small part of Kenya’s colorful history at the Karen Blixen Museum located in her former home, Mbogani House, made famous by the film Out of Africa. Continue to the innovative Ocean Sole workshop to see how recycled flip-flops are transformed into incredible works of art. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure and begin The Great Migration Safari in Style.
Explore Dubai: Stopover Package
3 days from $2,495 per person
Single Supplement from $1,695 per person
Take advantage of an incredible opportunity to spend two nights in Dubai before or after your journey.
Taj Dubai from $2,495 | Single Supplement from $1,695
Atlantis The Royal from $2,995 | Single Supplement from $2,395
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai from $3,395 | Single Supplement from $2,495
International air not included.
Fly to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and check in to your luxury hotel. Discover the best of this dazzling city, viewing its remarkable architecture; visiting the Spice Market and the colorful shops at Deira Gold Souk; and ascending the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper. On the last day, continue on to your journey or board your flight home.
Your Journey
Climate Charts
Your Accommodations
Hotels hand selected by A&K for an unmatched experience.
Hemingways Nairobi
Exclusive boutique, all-suite hotel, located near Nairobi National Park.
Tawi Lodge
Thirteen cottages, each with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro, on a private reserve.
Sanctuary Swala
Twelve elegant pavilions near a waterhole, with panoramic vistas.
Gibb's Farm
Travel + Leisure World’s Best boutique inn featuring modern amenities.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Amazing lodge set deep within Serengeti National Park.
Sanctuary Olonana
Superb luxury safari lodge with 14 spacious suites with king-size beds.
CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2023 WINNER
Sanctuary Olonana voted one of the best resorts in the world
View Image GalleryPreparing for Your Journey
Review A&K's quick travel tips to ensure you are prepared for your journey.
Download PDFEssential Information
Download important information about your destination(s), including passport and visa requirements; vaccinations; baggage restrictions; a packing list; and tipping guidelines.
Download PDFPassports & Visas
See passport requirements and A&K's recommendations for obtaining necessary visas.
Learn MoreCDC Information
Familiarize yourself with health and vaccination requirements for your destination, at the Centers for Disease Control’s website.
Visit CDCYour Journey
Climate Charts
Complimentary Safari Duffel
Guests on this journey receive a custom-crafted A&K safari duffel. Learn more
Travel Privately with A&K | This itinerary is available as a private journey, Private Great Migration Safari.