Home › Budget Kenya Safaris › 3-Day Masai Mara Budget Safari

3-Day Masai Mara Budget Safari

Duration

3 days, 2 nights

Parks

Masai Mara

Travel style

Private, budget

Vehicle

4×4 Land Cruiser

Best time

Jun to Oct, Jan to Feb

Overview Route Itinerary Lodges Prices What’s included Reviews FAQ

Trip overview

This 3-day budget safari takes you to Kenya’s Masai Mara, home to the Big Five and plenty of other wildlife. From open savanna to winding rivers, the Mara packs a lot of animals into one reserve.

The trip is built for travellers who want time in the Mara without spending a fortune. You stay in comfortable, no-frills camps, so your budget goes on what matters most: time in the bush with the animals. Your guide knows the reserve well and will help you spot wildlife you might otherwise miss on every game drive.

Your route

Masai Mara 2 nights. Starts and ends in Nairobi.

Long drive days? Ask about flying to the Mara instead. It can save most of a day.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara

4-5 Hour Drive · Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Your adventure begins with a 6:00 AM pickup from your Nairobi hotel. The drive runs through the Great Rift Valley, with a stop at a viewpoint for photos. Enjoy a quick lunch in Narok town before continuing to the Masai Mara, arriving around 2:00 PM.

After a brief rest at your camp, set out for an afternoon game drive. This 3-hour introduction to the Mara might reveal elephants browsing on acacia trees, zebras grazing alongside wildebeest, or a pride of lions getting ready for the evening hunt. As the sun sets, return to camp for dinner.

Dinner and overnight stay at Enchoro Wildlife Camp.

Day 2: Full Day in Masai Mara

Game Drives · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Rise early to the sounds of the bush. After a hearty breakfast, leave at 6:30 AM with packed lunches for a full day exploring the Mara. Your guide will take you through the reserve’s habitats, from open grasslands to riverine forest, in search of wildlife.

Morning might bring leopards returning from their nightly hunts or hippos heading back to the river as the day warms up. By mid-morning, you could find elephant herds protecting their young or giraffes browsing the treetops.

Stop at a scenic spot around noon for a picnic lunch. The afternoon drive might lead you to the Mara River, famous for its wildebeest crossings during the migration, where crocodiles bask on the banks and hippos wallow in the water.

As the day cools, predators become more active. Your guide will look out for a cheetah stalking prey or lions setting off on a night hunt. Return to camp at dusk, around 6:30 PM, for dinner and stories around the campfire.

Dinner and overnight stay at Enchoro Wildlife Camp.

Day 3: Masai Mara to Nairobi

Cultural Visit & Return Journey · Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

For your final morning, choose between an early game drive (extra cost) or a leisurely breakfast at camp. If you choose the drive, you’ll leave at 6:00 AM for a 2-hour safari, a last chance to spot wildlife and see a Mara sunrise.

After breakfast, check out and visit a nearby Maasai village at 9:00 AM. Spend about an hour learning about Maasai traditions, visiting a local home, and perhaps joining in a traditional dance.

Begin the return journey to Nairobi around 10:30 AM. Stop for lunch en route, arriving back in the city by 5:00 PM. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or the airport.

Where you'll stay

Deluxe room at Enchoro Wildlife Camp — Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Masai Mara

Twin room at Enchoro Wildlife Camp — Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Masai Mara

Large tent at Enchoro Wildlife Camp — Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Masai Mara

Superior double room at Enchoro Wildlife Camp — Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Masai Mara

“Or similar” means we may swap a lodge of the same standard if one is full on your dates. We always tell you before you book.

Prices for 2026 and 2027

Season	2 people	3	4	5	6
Jan to Jun	$800	$700	$600	$600	$600
Jul to Dec	$980	$900	$840	$800	$750

Prices are per person sharing, in US dollars. Single supplements and child rates on request.

What's included

Included

Park entry fees
All accommodation as listed
All meals as indicated
Game drives with a professional guide
Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or the airport
Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser
All government levies and taxes

Not included

International flights
Spirits and premium wines (house wine and beer are included at most lodges)
Travel insurance
Single room supplement
Tips and personal expenses
Kenya eTA (electronic travel authorisation) and Kenya’s mandatory travel insurance

Deposit: 30% to confirm your lodges
Balance: due 60 days before travel
Cancellation: full refund if you cancel more than 60 days before travel. Full cancellation policy

Reviews from our guests

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cameron M 
 
 
 
 Verified A Couple in December 2025 - 5 Stars
We booked with Stanley and Majestic Safari for the 6-day luxury tour through Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli. The trip completely exceeded our expectations, even despite it not being ‘peak season’ we were able to tick off Africa’s Big 5 on the very first game drive. This was in no small part down to our guide, Bonnie, who was an essential part of tracking these animals - you have to request him if booking through Majestic. Each accommodation also exceeded our expectations in terms of location, comfort, quality and service of the staff. Being a first time safari for us, we weren’t sure what to expect - but selecting the luxury option was well worth it. All aspects of travel and organisation was seamless. Once booked, there was next to nothing for us to think about as we were in experienced hands - and we were glad to have partnered with Majestic as there was significantly more organisation required in the background than we originally realised. Stanley also went above and beyond the itinerary, picking us up from the airport late at night despite the tour not starting until a few days later and ensuring we had some food to take into the hotel. This was after providing us with in-depth packing lists and general guidance on exploring Nairobi. I couldn’t recommend Majestic enough and hope to arrange another trip with Stanley in the future.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Coastal66646927528 
 
 
 
 Verified A Beautiful Safari with an Excellent Guide – Just Check the Route First
Majestic Kenyan Safaris gave us a wonderful Kenya experience, and our guide was genuinely lovely. He was calm, kind, and extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, parks, and local environment, which made the safari both engaging and meaningful. One thing worth noting for future travellers is the itinerary structure. Over the six-day safari, the route involved long drives in a zig-zag pattern rather than a simple circular loop. This meant more transit time on some days. This was not the fault of the company or the guide, as the itinerary was clearly outlined, but something we wish we had paid closer attention to when booking. Overall, Majestic Kenyan Safaris were professional, warm, and well organised. With careful attention to route planning beforehand, they offer a truly memorable safari experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Anouchka905 
 
 
 
 Verified The most Unforgettable Safari
Stanley Gichuki crafted the journey of dreams Thanks to our incredible guide, Bonie whose fearless spirit turned every mile into magic. He welcomed us in Samburu National Park and led us off the beaten path with a deep, soulful knowledge of the land, its stories, its rhythms, its wild heart. Samburu was our favorite in terms of landscape. We stood in awe in Samburu as reticulated giraffes swept across the horizon, watched Grevy’s zebras stride with quiet elegance, and felt the earth tremble beneath African elephants. We held our breath as a cheetah emerged from the tall grass, and we followed Kamau Boniethrough wet, treacherous tracks to where lions rule their hidden kingdom. Our journey continued into Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a sanctuary of hope, where we encountered the gentle wisdom of chimpanzees at the Jane Goodall, Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and witnessed the immense beauty of both white and black rhinos, alongside more elephants, more lions… and countless unforgettable moments. Our journey ended in the Maasai Mara . Our last drive was unforgettabel as we watched a cheetah devouring a thompson gazelle, leaving the rest of the kill to a fight between two jackals and a flock of vultures. We had a brief encounter with a leopard walking down a river and watched more lions enjoying their buffalo lunch. Truly memorable experiences. Kenya, you are once in a lifetime. Thank you
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   goort g 
 
 
 
 Verified Safari with Majestick Kenya
We just returned from a 9 days safari, and we enjoyed it very much. Everything was arranged very well, our driver/guide Bonnie was outstanding. The tour company did everything to be helpfull in picking up from the airport, taking us with their jeep to all the place we visited, and we had very nice game drives. We went to Samburu, Oj Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. The lodges were great, good value for money and we were upgraded in 2 places. Thank you Majestick, and al your staff. We highly recommend you.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sam G 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing Safari Experience!
Just got back from an amazing 7-day safari with Majestic Kenya Safaris! Our guide Samuel was fantastic - incredible wildlife knowledge and spotted animals from miles away. We saw the Big Five, including a pride of lions with cubs in the Maasai Mara. Everything was perfectly organized from airport transfers to accommodations. The mix of lodges and tented camps was great, and falling asleep to African bush sounds was magical. Vehicle was comfortable for the longer drives between parks. One activity got cancelled due to weather, but they quickly arranged something even better. Would definitely recommend to anyone planning a Kenya safari - unforgettable experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tejl Kercova 
 
 
 
 Verified Best Safari experience!
Majestic Kenya Safaris in Nairobi exceeded all my expectations! From the moment we booked, their team was incredibly professional and attentive, ensuring every detail was taken care of. The safari itself was breathtaking—our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and knew the best spots for wildlife viewing. We saw the Big Five up close, along with stunning landscapes that felt like something out of a dream. The accommodations were luxurious yet blended seamlessly with nature. What stood out most was their genuine passion for conservation and community support. I highly recommend Majestic Kenya Safaris for an unforgettable, world-class experience in Kenya!