African safaris have always been at the top of my travel bucket list, and when the opportunity finally came, Masai Mara was the obvious choice for our first adventure into the wild. This iconic national reserve in East Africa spans over 1,500 square kilometers, and it’s renowned not only for its breathtaking savannas but also for its incredible wildlife. As one of the premier safari destinations, the 4 Days Masai Mara Safari promised an unforgettable experience, and it certainly did not disappoint. From the moment we arrived, it was clear why this place is a dream come true for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Considering all the hype surrounding Masai Mara, we were eager to dive into our safari experience to see if it truly lived up to the excitement. In this guide, we’ll share our firsthand journey and insights, helping you determine if the Masai Mara Safari is worth the hype for you, so you can make an informed decision for your own adventure.

How to Get to Masai Mara? 

Getting to Masai Mara was an adventure in itself. We flew into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and spent the night at a nearby airport hotel to rest up before heading out the next day. After a hearty breakfast, we made our way to Wilson Airport for a short, scenic flight on a small plane to Keekorok Airstrip, right in the heart of Masai Mara. Upon landing, our lodge vehicle was waiting to whisk us away to our accommodation.

While flying is the quickest and most convenient option, especially for those pressed for time, you can also opt for a road trip from Nairobi to Masai Mara. The drive takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, but it offers a unique chance to experience the Kenyan landscape up close.

Masai Mara Fly in Safari

For us, flying into Masai Mara was the best way to maximize our time in the wilderness. The flight offered stunning views of the expansive landscape, giving us a sneak peek of what was to come. The journey takes about two hours from Nairobi, with occasional stops to drop off passengers at different airstrips within the Mara region.

While the fly-in safari option is a bit pricier than the road trip, the convenience and the chance to see the Mara from above made it a worthwhile choice. A quick heads-up: there’s a 15 kg baggage limit per person (including both carry-on and checked luggage), and you’ll need to pack in soft bags like duffels, as hard suitcases aren’t allowed on these smaller planes.

4 Days Masai Mara Safari Itinerary

We embarked on an unforgettable 3-night, 4-day safari to Masai Mara. Our package was thoughtfully designed to ensure a seamless and immersive experience, and it included:

• 3 Nights, 4 Days Accommodation at Keekorok Lodge on a full board basis (this included all three main meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—usually served as delicious buffets).
• Round-Trip Flights from Nairobi to Masai Mara and back.
• 2 Airstrip Transfers within Masai Mara for smooth connections.
• 2 Private Transfers to and from Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
• 6 Game Drives provided by the lodge in their comfortable 4×4 vehicles, with expert guidance from a professional English-speaking Driver-Guide throughout.

This itinerary gave us ample time to explore the stunning wildlife and vast landscapes of Masai Mara, offering a true taste of the safari experience.

👉 Want to know what to expect on safari and top things to do in Masai Mara? Check out this blog for all the essential tips!

Checking In Keekorok Lodge, Masai Mara

Keekorok Lodge is a deluxe safari-type lodge located in the heart of Masai Mara National Reserve. As one of the first properties established in the reserve, it has a rich history and offers an exceptional safari experience. The lodge’s location and overall ambiance are beautifully designed to blend with the surrounding wilderness. We stayed in one of the premium rooms, which offered stunning views of the park, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the Mara.

The Big 5

This was our first African safari, and our main goal was to spot all of the Big Five animals—Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo. The term “Big Five” was originally coined by big-game hunters to describe the five most challenging animals to hunt on foot. Today, it’s a popular term used by safari tourists and operators alike.

But beyond the Big Five, there’s also the Big Nine, which includes the Big Five plus Giraffe, Zebra, Cheetah, and Hippo. Masai Mara is home to all of these animals, making it an ideal location for trying to spot the entire Big Nine during your safari.

That said, remember you’re in the wild—so while it’s possible to encounter all these iconic animals, there’s no guarantee. The key tip here is simple: never skip a game drive! The more you venture out, the better your chances of catching a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.

Best Time to Visit Masai Mara

Wondering when the best time to visit Masai Mara is? Well, it all depends on what you’re hoping to see. We chose to visit in November, which isn’t the peak season for safaris. This time of year offers fewer crowds, lower costs, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. November is also a great season if you want to see baby animals and abundant birdlife—it truly felt like a win-win.

November marks the start of the short rains in Masai Mara, the second rainy season of the year. You can expect light rain and occasional localized downpours. Our guide was experienced enough to strategically steer around the rain, ensuring our vehicle stayed dry for most of the trip. In fact, we only encountered short rain on one of our six game drives.

Of course, you can always plan your visit around major events like the Great Wildebeest Migration, which is a spectacle in itself. Ultimately, it’s all about balancing what you want to experience, your budget, and your vacation time when planning your safari to Masai Mara.

Safari Highlights – Animals in Masai Mara, Kenya

Lions of Masai Mara

The lion is Africa’s largest big cat and the most sociable member of the cat family. In Masai Mara, you’ll have plenty of chances to spot these magnificent creatures. We were fortunate to encounter a stunning lion taking a nap during our first evening game drive. Lions are primarily nocturnal hunters and sleep for about 20 hours a day—what a life!

One interesting fact we learned from our guide was why lions sleep on their backs. Apparently, sleeping this way allows heat to escape through their tummies and paws, keeping them cool. On another occasion, we observed a pride of sleeping beauties, a few lionesses who were relaxing and preparing for their next hunt. Fun fact: lionesses usually take the lead during hunting.

One of my favorite sightings was of a male lion with his kill. He was eating his meal by the bush, completely uninterested in sharing it with anyone else—true to the king’s nature!

During one of our evening game drives, we also heard a lioness making distinct noises. Our guide speculated that she might have been calling out for her group after getting separated. Lions have the loudest roars of the big cat family, and they communicate through a complex system of calls, each serving a different purpose.

The Elusive Leopard

A key tip for any African safari is to always look up—especially when searching for the elusive leopard. These majestic cats love to lounge on tree branches, often blending in with their surroundings. On our visit to Masai Mara, we were lucky enough to spot one of these beautiful creatures resting high in the trees, offering us a rare and unforgettable sighting.

Leopards are known for being secretive and elusive, so spotting one can feel like a true safari achievement. Keep your eyes peeled and be prepared to look beyond the obvious when exploring the savannah!

Magnificent Elephants in Masai Mara

One of the most iconic animals you can spot in Masai Mara is the majestic African elephant. Throughout our safari, we encountered several elephants, each encounter leaving us in awe. Elephants are incredibly intelligent and display such emotional depth, making them a truly captivating species to observe.

No matter how many elephants you see, it always feels like it’s not enough. Elephants are my favorite animals, and every moment spent watching them—whether they were grazing, playing, or simply strolling through the savannah—was absolutely mesmerizing. Their sheer size and gentle nature are a reminder of the wonders of the animal kingdom.

Chase and a Miss

During one of our evening game drives, we spotted a female lion crouched low in the grass, eyeing a giraffe and her calf in the distance. We stopped our vehicle off to the side and began watching her carefully through our binoculars, eagerly anticipating a hunt. Time passed, but nothing happened. Most of the other vehicles eventually left, disappointed by the lack of action.

However, we decided to stay a little longer, and our patience paid off. Soon, not one, but two lionesses emerged from the tall grass and sprinted towards the baby giraffe. The poor calf bolted in a desperate attempt to escape, with the lionesses hot on its heels. Thankfully, the giraffe managed to outrun the predators and survive the chase—an intense moment that left us in awe of nature’s raw power.

Tip: Always remember to bring binoculars on safari! If you don’t own a pair, investing in a good set before your trip is well worth it. Binoculars truly enhance the safari experience, allowing you to spot wildlife from a distance and capture the finer details of the animals in their natural habitat.

Beautiful Giraffes

The baby giraffe in the earlier chase was incredibly lucky to survive. Did you know that more than half of giraffe calves don’t make it past their first few months due to predators? It’s a tough start for these graceful creatures.

Giraffes are the tallest land animals, reaching up to incredible heights. Despite their size, they can run surprisingly fast—up to 50 to 60 km per hour. In Masai Mara, you’ll encounter Kilimanjaro giraffes, distinguished by their unique, irregular star-shaped patches across their bodies.

Giraffes are incredibly picturesque, making them a favorite among safari photographers. If you’re on an evening safari, don’t miss the chance to capture the quintessential shot of a giraffe silhouetted against the breathtaking Masai Mara sunset—it’s an image you’ll never forget.

African Buffalo

The African buffalo, also known as the Cape buffalo, is an imposing creature, weighing nearly 800 kg. It’s also one of the most dangerous animals in East Africa, known for its unpredictable temperament. In Masai Mara, you’ll often spot large herds of Cape buffalo grazing peacefully across the savannah. But don’t be fooled by their calm demeanor—if you stop to take their picture, you might just catch one of them giving you an angry stare, reminding you of their formidable presence.

Our Noisy Neighbors- Hippos

The Hippo Bar at Keekorok Lodge quickly became our favorite hangout spot. Situated right by the river, it allowed us to enjoy a drink while watching the hippos in their natural habitat. Our room was conveniently close to the river, so we were treated to the sounds of hippos wheezing, honking, and grunting throughout the night. I must say, hippos are incredibly noisy creatures!

At dusk, these massive animals leave the water to graze on the grass near the lodge, providing another thrilling sight. For safety, all guests staying near the river are required to be escorted by a guard during the late nights and early mornings. This precaution is standard at most lodges in Masai Mara, but it made for an exciting experience in itself.

Mating Dance

During our safari, we spotted a variety of Masai Mara birds, but one of the most memorable moments was witnessing a Grey-crowned crane performing its mating dance. It was a captivating display as the crane attempted to impress its potential mate, showcasing a beautiful courtship ritual right in the heart of the wild. The elegance and grace of these birds left us in awe, reminding us of the incredible wildlife diversity Masai Mara has to offer.

All Big 9 except…

We were fortunate to spot every animal in the Big Nine during our safari, except for the Rhino. It’s now top of the list for our next adventure, and we can’t wait to tick that box. We had countless other encounters with impalas, jackals, wildebeest, antelope, and many more. Each moment added to the magic of the experience.

The big question is—was this safari worth the hype? Without a doubt, 100% yes! From the unforgettable wildlife sightings to the stunning landscapes, this safari exceeded every expectation. I’m already dreaming of my next African adventure. If you’ve ever wondered about the allure of an African safari, I wholeheartedly believe that everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime.

👉 Are you ready to plan your own safari adventure to Masai Mara? Check out Go2Africa for expert guidance and to customize your safari experience, ensuring you get the most out of this unforgettable destination!

Pin this adventure for future safari inspiration! 🦁