Family Safaris
8-Day Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife family tour
Our 8 day Uganda family safari packs the very best of the Pearl of Africa into one easy, well-paced trip.
3 Days Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari
Our 3 day Maasai Mara safari is a short, exciting trip from Nairobi to one of the best wildlife reserves in the world. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is famous for big cats and huge herds of game. So, in just three days, you can look for lions, buffaloes, elephants and many colourful birds. With luck, you may also see part of the great wildebeest migration.
Trip overview
This safari starts and ends in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. First, your guide meets you and drives you to the Mara. Next, you spend a full day on a game drive and visiting a Maasai village. Finally, you return to Nairobi for your flight home. As a result, the trip suits travellers with limited time who still want a real taste of Kenya.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up and transfer to the Maasai Mara
When you arrive in Nairobi, our expert guide gives you a warm welcome to Kenya. Then, your guide briefs you on everything you will do in the Maasai Mara. First, you drive out of Nairobi on a smooth tarmac road. Later, a rough, bumpy road leads you towards the reserve. Don’t worry, though, because this ‘African massage’ is all part of the adventure.
Day 2: Game drive and Maasai cultural encounter
After an early breakfast, you head into the reserve for a game drive across the open savannah grassland. Here, you have a good chance of spotting buffaloes, elephants and lions, among other animals. In addition, you will see many colourful birds and hear their songs all around you. The drive can last up to four hours, depending on the route you take.
So, remember to bring a good camera, binoculars and an umbrella. Afterwards, you relax over a meal. Later, you visit a nearby village to meet the Maasai people. There, you enjoy traditional dances, learn about local ways of life and can buy handmade souvenirs.
Day 3: Transfer to Nairobi International Airport
On the last morning, the sunrise wakes you for a relaxed breakfast. Then, you check out of the lodge and start the drive back to the international airport in Nairobi for your flight home. Before you leave, make sure you have all your belongings. Along the way, you enjoy views of gentle slopes, farms and local homesteads.
End of the trip.
Highlights of this 3 day Maasai Mara safari
Even a short visit to the Mara is packed with memorable moments. Here are some of the things you can look forward to:
- Big game. Look for lions, elephants and buffaloes on the open plains.
- The migration. In season, you may see vast herds of wildebeest and zebras.
- Birdlife. The Mara has hundreds of bird species, from eagles to bright rollers.
- Maasai culture. Meet a Maasai community, watch their dances and learn about their lives.
- Easy logistics. The trip starts and ends in Nairobi, so it fits around your flights.
Who this safari suits
This short trip is ideal if you only have a few days in Kenya. For example, it works well before or after a business trip, a beach holiday or a gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda. It also suits first-time visitors who want to see classic African wildlife without a long itinerary. However, the road into the reserve can be rough. So, if you have back problems, tell us before you book and we will advise you.
Best time to go
You can visit the Maasai Mara all year round. However, many travellers come between July and October. During these months, the great wildebeest migration usually reaches the Mara from the Serengeti in Tanzania. Even so, the herds follow the rains, so the exact timing changes each year. On the other hand, the rest of the year is quieter. In fact, lions, elephants and buffaloes live in the reserve all year, so game viewing stays rewarding.
Tips for your Maasai Mara trip
A little planning helps you get the most out of a short safari. Here are a few simple tips from our guides:
- Pack layers. Early game drives can feel cool, while middays are warm.
- Bring binoculars and a good camera. Many animals stay at a distance.
- Wear neutral colours. Khaki, green and brown suit a safari best.
- Carry sun protection. Bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Respect local customs. Always ask before you photograph people in the village.
- Keep some cash. It is handy for souvenirs and tips.
Extend your 3 day Maasai Mara safari
Three days in the Mara is a great start. However, you can easily see more of Kenya. For instance, our 6 day Magical Kenya safari and 9 day Explore Kenya safari visit more parks. Alternatively, you can enjoy views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park. Note that the Maasai Mara is a national reserve run by local authorities, while parks such as Amboseli fall under the Kenya Wildlife Service. You can also cross into Tanzania for our 3 day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari.
Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. So, just tell us your dates, group size and interests. Then, we will send you a clear plan for your 3 day Maasai Mara safari for free. Get in touch today and start planning your Kenya adventure.
Book Now
Not sure where to start? Chat with our safari specialists. We’ll help you find the perfect adventure.Every great journey begins with a conversation. Let’s plan yours.
Contact Us
- info@tourwithroots.com
- +256 776 83 1722
- +256 200 905 219
- Universal Apartments, Spine Road - Naalya - Kampala(U)
Related Safaris
Uganda Safaris
7-Day Best of Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife
Our 7 day Uganda gorilla safari combines mountain gorillas with classic savannah wildlife in one week. You look for chimpanzees
Uganda Safaris
10 Days Best Uganda Safari
Our 10 day Uganda safari is a relaxed loop through four great national parks, finishing with two easy days at