
07/02/2025
Here’s a fun-filled 3-day, 2-night itinerary for a Masai Mara trip from Nairobi to Narok, staying in a holiday home in Narok Town, with exciting activities and plenty of relaxation along the way:
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Day 1: Nairobi to Narok and Arrival
Morning: Depart from Nairobi to Narok
7:00 AM: Start your journey from Nairobi to Narok, a town about 3-4 hours away by road. The route offers beautiful views of the Great Rift Valley along the way, so don’t forget to stop for photos at the scenic viewpoints.
- You will travel via the Maai Mahiu before arriving in Narok. You can make a brief stop at Maasai Market (in Narok) or along the way for some souvenirs and local snacks.
Midday: Arrival in Narok
- 12:00 PM : Arrive in Narok Town, a gateway to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Check-in at our holiday home. a private Airbnb property that offer a cozy atmosphere. An hour drive to Masai Mara, ensuring you are still close to nature and the reserve.
- Lunch : Enjoy a home-cooked meal or head to a local restaurant in Narok. You could try local meals.
- Afternoon: Explore Narok Town
- Take a leisurely walk around Narok, where you can experience the Maasai culture and browse the markets.
- Visit Narok Museum for a glimpse into the region’s history and the Maasai people's rich heritage.
- Evening: Relax and Dinner
- Return to your holiday home to relax and unwind. Spend your evening enjoying a warm meal and the tranquil surroundings.
- Our holiday home has a bonfire with outdoor seating, you can enjoy a peaceful evening watching the stars.
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Day 2: Full-Day Masai Mara Adventure
- Early Morning: Depart for Masai Mara
- 06:00 AM: After breakfast, head out early for a full-day game drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The reserve is famous for its wildlife, especially during the Great Migration (if traveling in August), with thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles crossing the Mara River.
- The game drive will take about 1.5-2 hours from Narok to the main entrance of Masai Mara.
- Morning: Safari in Masai Mara
- Head into the reserve for an exciting morning game drive. The Mara is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and offers spectacular wildlife experiences.
- Look out for lions resting under trees, elephant herds by the river, and giraffes grazing in the open savannah.
- Lunch: Picnic in the Mara
- Enjoy a packed picnic lunch inside the reserve at one of the designated spots.
- Afternoon: More Safari Adventures
- Continue your afternoon game drive, exploring more areas of the Mara and increasing your chances of spotting different wildlife.
- Optional: If you'd like an additional experience, consider a hot air balloon ride (an extra cost) over the Mara at sunrise or sunset, for breathtaking views of the wildlife and landscape.
- Late Afternoon: Return to Narok
- After an exciting day of safaris, head back to Narok by 5:00 PM.
- Arrive at our holiday home, freshen up, and relax after an adventurous day.
- Evening: Dinner and Relaxation
- Enjoy dinner at the holiday home or a local restaurant in Narok.
- Spend the evening relaxing, or if you’re feeling up for it, visit a nearby Maasai village for a cultural experience, where you can learn about Maasai traditions and lifestyle. A gig can also be arranged at the home for you.
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Day 3: Relaxed Morning and Return to Nairobi
- Morning: Relaxed Start
- After a busy day, take it easy on the final morning. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some downtime.
- If you’re up for it, you can visit the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies or Maji Moto just outside Narok, where you may find fewer crowds and more chances to interact with the Maasai community.
- Late Morning: Departure from Narok
- 11:00 AM : Pack up and check out of your holiday home in Narok.
- Start your return journey to Nairobi via the same route. You can stop along the way at some scenic spots for photos or to stretch your legs.
- Afternoon: Arrival in Nairobi
- 2:00 PM: Arrive back in Nairobi, completing your 3-day adventure.
- If you have time, consider stopping for lunch or exploring the city before heading home.
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Things to Know:
1. Accommodation : Make sure to book our holiday home (Kyeems Holiday Cottage Narok) https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53424437... in advance, especially during peak seasons like August. Our holiday home is close to the town center for easy access to both town and the Mara Reserve.
2. Transport : The road from Nairobi to Narok is generally good, but be prepared for a bumpy ride in some areas, particularly closer to the Masai Mara. If you prefer, you can hire our **4x4 vehicle** for extra comfort.
3. Food: While there are options in Narok, you can cook in our holiday home and also bring snacks, especially for the safari days, as food options within the Masai Mara may be limited.
4. Clothing: Wear neutral colors(brown, beige, green) on the safari to blend in with nature and avoid attracting unwanted attention from animals.
5. Game Drives: Safari drivers are typically knowledgeable, but feel free to ask about specific animals or areas you’d like to explore more.
6. Cash & Currency: Carry Kenyan Shillings (KES) for transactions in Narok and local villages. Credit cards may not always be accepted, especially in rural areas. but you can buy a local simcard to operate mobile money (M-pesa) which is easily accepted across Kenya.
7. Health & Safety: Ensure you are up-to-date on vaccinations and carry mosquito repellent for safaris. It's also wise to bring a first aid kit, especially if you plan on self-driving.
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This itinerary ensures that you experience the best of both worlds—safari adventures in Masai Mara and a peaceful retreat in Narok Town. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and Maasai culture!