Kenya · Group joining · Budget safari
Daily group-joining departures
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
The journey in brief
The experience
This is Absolute's most popular short format. You join other travellers in Nairobi, drive through the Great Rift Valley and reach the Mara in time for lunch and an introductory afternoon game drive.
Day two is a full day in the reserve with a picnic lunch near the Mara River. On the last morning there is time for an optional visit to a Maasai community before the return to Nairobi.
Group-joining departures from Nairobi
Full day in the Maasai Mara with a picnic lunch
Mara River area, home to hippos and crocodiles
Optional Maasai village visit on the final morning
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
Meet your driver-guide and fellow travellers in Nairobi and leave via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint and Narok. Arrive at camp for a hot lunch, then set out for a two- to three-hour introductory game drive, returning around sunset.
Day 2 / Maasai Mara National Reserve
Breakfast, then a full day in the reserve with packed lunches. Break for a picnic near the Mara River, where hippos and crocodiles are found, and continue exploring until late afternoon.
Day 3 / Maasai Mara → Nairobi
After breakfast there is time for an optional visit to a local Maasai community, arranged at extra cost. Leave the Mara mid-morning, stop for lunch at Narok and arrive back in Nairobi in the afternoon.
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 · 2 nights
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
You travel with other guests booked on the same route, sharing the vehicle and driver-guide. It keeps costs down and suits solo travellers, couples and friends. Ask us about departure availability for your 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.
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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.
3 days · Kenya
From USD 340 pp
