Overview

Five days in Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserve, built around Big Five game drives, a hot air balloon safari over the Mara plains and a cultural experience with the Maasai people. The Maasai Mara is where the idea of the African safari was born and this luxury package delivers it in full, combining the reserve’s legendary predator density with the spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration between July and October.

Highlights

Big Five game drives across the Maasai Mara
Hot air balloon safari and champagne bush breakfast
Mara River zone and wildebeest crossing viewings
Maasai village cultural experience
Sundowner game drive with nocturnal predator spotting
One of Africa's highest predator densities year round

Itinerary

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The Maasai Mara needs no introduction. It is one of the most famous wildlife destinations on earth and for good reason. This five day itinerary is designed to cover the reserve thoroughly, moving between different zones and habitats to maximise wildlife variety. You arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, spend three full days exploring the Mara's open plains, riverine forest and marsh habitats, and depart on the fifth morning having seen some of the finest wildlife on earth from the comfort of a private luxury camp.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to Maasai Mara

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and meet your Ruhuuka Travels guide. Fly or drive southwest to the Maasai Mara, checking into your luxury tented camp in time for lunch. In the afternoon head out on your first game drive across the open plains. Lions, elephants, zebras and giraffes are commonly sighted within the first hour in the Mara. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 02 :

Full Day Maasai Mara Game Drive

An early breakfast before a full day game drive through the heart of the Mara. The central and northern zones of the reserve hold the highest predator densities, with large lion prides, resident leopards and cheetah families raising cubs on the open plains. Between July and October the Mara River crossings bring the wildebeest migration to a thundering climax. Full day in the field with a packed bush lunch. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 03 :

Hot Air Balloon Safari and Maasai Village Visit

A pre dawn start for a hot air balloon safari over the Mara plains, drifting silently above the wildlife as the sun rises over the Rift Valley. Land for a champagne bush breakfast in the field then return to camp to rest. In the afternoon visit a traditional Maasai village for a cultural experience with the communities whose ancestral lands surround the reserve. Learn about Maasai traditions, livestock keeping and their centuries long relationship with the wildlife around them. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 04 :

Mara River Zone and Sundowner Game Drive

After breakfast drive to the Mara River zone, the stage for the most dramatic wildlife spectacle on earth during migration season. Outside migration season this area holds dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and resident predators year round. Spend the morning in the river zone with a packed lunch in the field. In the late afternoon head out for a sundowner game drive, staying out past sunset for nocturnal predator activity. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 05 :

Morning Game Drive and Departure

An early morning game drive before breakfast for one final sweep of the Mara plains. After breakfast check out and transfer back to Nairobi for your departure flight.