Kenya · Group joining · Budget safari
A first taste of the Mara
The shortest way to see the Maasai Mara from Nairobi: a long first-day game drive, a night at Miti Mingi Eco Camp and a morning drive before heading back.
From USD 360 pp
The journey in brief
The experience
If you only have two days, this group-joining safari makes the most of them. You leave Nairobi early, cross the Great Rift Valley and spend the afternoon inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve with a packed lunch.
After a night at Miti Mingi Eco Camp you return to the reserve the next morning before the drive back to Nairobi. The published price is the low-season rate; ask us for the rate on your travel dates.
Two game drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Great Rift Valley viewpoint on the way in
Picnic lunch inside the reserve
Group-joining departures from Nairobi
The route
Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Nairobi
Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nairobi
Day by day
Timings are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Nairobi → Maasai Mara National Reserve
With only two days, the plan is to reach the Maasai Mara with as much of the afternoon left as possible. Leave Nairobi in the morning and pause at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, where the escarpment falls away to the valley floor, before continuing through Narok, the last sizeable town on the road. Enter the reserve through Sekenani or Ololaimutia gate and go straight into an afternoon game drive with a picnic lunch on the plains, looking for the big cats and grazing herds the Mara is known for, before returning to Miti Mingi Eco Camp around sunset.
Day 2 / Maasai Mara → Nairobi
Breakfast at camp, then back through the gate for a second game drive while the reserve is at its most active. Mornings in the Mara can find predators still on the move and herds spread out across the grass, and your guide can cover different ground from the afternoon before. The drive continues until around midday, leaving time for lunch at camp before the return journey through Narok and up the Rift Valley escarpment to Nairobi and your drop-off point.
Where you stay
This budget safari uses the camps and hotels listed below. Where a stop says 'camp/lodge', we confirm the property with your quote.
Maasai Mara · 1 night
The budget tented camp used for Absolute's Maasai Mara budget safaris, close to the reserve.
About Miti Mingi Eco CampAccommodation pattern: Budget · Miti Mingi Eco Camp.
Prices are in US dollars per person. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
Before you travel
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
A soft bag is easiest in safari vehicles. If any part of your trip includes light-aircraft flights, baggage limits apply.
Weather and wildlife movement change through the year. Tell us your dates and we will explain what to expect.
Questions travellers ask
Yes. From USD 360 per person is the low-season rate in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser. The high-season rate is confirmed when you enquire with your travel dates.
Group-joining safaris follow the published route so everyone travels together. If you want changes, ask us about running the route privately.
Yes. Prices are in US dollars per person, as published in our catalogue. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
No. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings vary. Your guide will plan each day around conditions to give you the best chances.
Keep exploring
Group joining3 days · Kenya · Group joining
Daily group-joining departures
Wildlife safari · Budget
The classic three-day Maasai Mara group-joining safari: an afternoon drive, a full day in the reserve and an optional Maasai village visit.
From USD 340 pp
3 days · Kenya · Private or group
Two nights under canvas
Wildlife safari · Budget
Two nights in a tent at Miti Mingi Eco Camp with a full day in the Maasai Mara, including a picnic lunch near the Mara River.
Price on request
Group joining2 days · Kenya · Group joining
Elephants beneath Kilimanjaro
Wildlife safari · Budget
A short group-joining trip from Nairobi to Amboseli, with an afternoon and a morning game drive and a night at Nyati Safari Camp.
Price on request
The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
2 days · Kenya
From USD 360 pp
