From Nairobi: 2-Day Masai Mara Private Safari with Meals

Planning a safari to Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara? This 2-day private adventure offers a chance to see some of Africa’s most famous wildlife with the comfort of a midrange lodge and expert guides. While it’s a quick trip, it packs in some of the best sights and authentic cultural experiences, making it an appealing choice for travelers with limited time or those seeking a personalized safari experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the private game drives with knowledgeable guides promise a more intimate and flexible wildlife viewing experience. Second, the opportunity to visit a Masai village adds cultural depth, giving you a taste of local Maasai life. Lastly, the inclusive meals and comfortable lodges mean less fuss about logistics and more focus on the adventure. One potential consideration? The park entrance fee isn’t included, meaning you’ll need to pay around $200 per entry, which could add up if you plan multiple game drives. This tour is well-suited for wildlife enthusiasts, first-time visitors eager for a taste of Kenya’s wildlife, or anyone wanting a quick, well-organized safari without sacrificing comfort.

Key Points

• Private safari experience with personalized game drives and expert guides.
• Cultural visit to a Maasai village offers authentic local engagement.
• Full board meals and comfortable lodges provide convenience and value.
• Park entrance fees are additional, so budget accordingly.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policies make planning easier.
• Ideal for those with limited time wanting a quality safari experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Masai Mara Safari

How the itinerary unfolds

Your adventure begins early in Nairobi, with a pickup around 6:30 am. The drive through the Great Rift Valley offers scenic vistas and photo opportunities at the viewpoint—a bonus for landscape lovers. We loved the way the journey itself feels like part of the experience, with a sense of anticipation building as you leave behind the city for the wild plains of Kenya.

Arriving in the Masai Mara by lunchtime, you settle into a comfortable lodge, such as Sentrim Masai Mara, AA lodges, or others depending on availability. These midrange accommodations are well-rated for their cleanliness and friendly service, providing a cozy base after exhilarating game drives.

Day 1: Wildlife exploration and culture

The afternoon game drive is your first chance to see the reserve’s famed wildlife. The Mara is known for its high concentration of animals, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. The guides, like the highly praised Samuel from recent reviews, bring a wealth of knowledge, pointing out species and sharing interesting facts. As one reviewer noted, Samuel “gave us a stack of interesting tips and showed us many more animals than expected.”

You’ll enjoy a full day of game viewing, with chances to see lions lounging in the grass, elephants crossing the plains, and perhaps even a cheetah or hyena. The safaris are conducted in an open-roof private vehicle, enhancing visibility and photo opportunities. Keep in mind that if you wish to do more than one game drive per day, there is a fee of around $100 USD per entry in low season or $200 USD in high season, due to government regulations.

In the evening, dinner is served back at the lodge, where you can reflect on the day’s sightings and rest up for an early start again.

Day 2: Early game drive and return to Nairobi

The second day begins with an early breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive, giving you a better chance to spot animals before they retreat into the shade. Lunch is packed, so you can maximize your time in the park. As one guest enthused, this early start increased their chances of seeing more elusive animals.

By around 2 pm, you’ll depart for Nairobi, completing the safari. The drive back allows for more scenic views and photo stops, rounding off a memorable experience.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of $650 per person offers good value considering the private transport, full-board meals, and the comfort of midrange lodges. Transport is in a private open-roof safari van, which is ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. Meals are provided on a full-board basis, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your stay, removing the hassle of finding food on your own.

However, park entrance fees are not included, costing approximately $200 per entry, payable at the gate. This is a significant additional cost, especially if you plan multiple game drives in a short period. Drinks and personal expenses are also extra, so budget accordingly.

Accommodation Options

Depending on availability, you might stay at Sentrim Masai Mara, AA Lodges, or similar midrange properties. Guests have found these lodges comfortable and convenient, with some mentioning they are well-rated for their amenities and friendly staff. Note that for triple bookings or single occupancy, a small supplement may apply.

Additional extras

If you require airport pickups, there’s a small extra fee of $20. Keep in mind, this tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and travelers are advised to bring their passport or ID. Touching animals is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

Authentic Experiences and Guide Expertise

One of the highlights, as reflected in recent reviews, is the guides’ knowledge. Guests consistently praise guides like Samuel for their passion, patience, and ability to spot wildlife that might otherwise be missed. As one review states, Samuel “put in a huge effort to show us a wide array of animals,” and his enthusiasm made the experience even more memorable.

Another valued aspect is the cultural visit to a Maasai village. This provides an authentic glimpse into Maasai lifestyle, enriching the safari beyond just wildlife spotting.

Limitations and considerations

A few travelers noted that animals can sometimes be distant, making close-up examination difficult. Also, the no re-entry policy means if you plan multiple game drives, you’ll pay extra each time. The timing of the drives—mostly early mornings and late afternoons—aligns with animal activity, but you should be ready for early starts.

When is this safari best suited?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors, wildlife enthusiasts wanting a quick but comprehensive glimpse of the Mara, or travelers constrained by time. It balances adventure and comfort with cultural elements, making it suitable for those looking for an authentic yet manageable safari experience.

Final thoughts

This 2-day private safari offers a well-rounded experience that combines wildlife viewing, cultural insight, and comfortable accommodations. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want to maximize their limited time in Kenya without sacrificing quality or authenticity. The guides’ expertise, the chance to visit a Maasai village, and the guaranteed wildlife sightings make it a compelling package.

While the additional park fees and optional extras are factors to consider, the overall value remains strong, especially for those seeking a tailored, private safari experience. Whether it’s your first trip to Africa or a quick getaway, this tour delivers memorable moments and a genuine connection to the Maasai Mara’s incredible wilderness.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
Transport in a private open-rooftop safari van, accommodation at a midrange lodge, and full-board meals during the safari are included.

Are park entrance fees covered?
No, the park entrance fee of around $200 per entry is paid separately at the gate.

How many game drives will I do?
You will have at least two game drives—one in the afternoon on Day 1 and a morning drive on Day 2. Additional drives cost extra.

What are the lodge options?
Guests may stay at Sentrim Masai Mara, AA Lodges, or similar properties depending on availability.

Is this suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, solo travelers can join, but a single supplement may apply if staying alone in a triple room.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the safari uses private, open-roof vehicles designed for optimal wildlife viewing.

Are drinks included?
No, beverages are not included and are paid for separately.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid passport or ID, camera, sun protection, and comfortable clothing suitable for an outdoor safari.

Are children allowed?
The tour is best suited for adults; specific age restrictions aren’t provided, but pregnant women are advised against participating.

This 2-day safari to Masai Mara offers a blend of wildlife, culture, and comfort that’s hard to beat in such a short time frame. It’s a fantastic way to experience Kenya’s most famous reserve with expert guides leading the way—ready to share their knowledge and passion for Africa’s wild side.

You can check availability for your dates here: