Kenya safaris from Nairobi to Masai Mara offer the quintessential African safari experience. These are some of the best Kenya safaris visiting the famous Masai Mara, from Nairobi.
Kenya is arguably the most famous African safari destination, packed with wildlife attractions and natural marvels. Kenya safaris from Nairobi to the Masai Mara offer an unforgettable journey that's earned its place on many African bucket lists. Part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, the Masai Mara is an ideal place to see the Great Migration and the famous Mara River crossing.
Nairobi is one of Africa’s hottest travel destinations. With Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi is an excellent destination to explore a few days before or after your Masai Mara safari in Kenya. Visiting Nairobi makes a dynamic urban contrast to Kenya’s untouched wildlife areas, and nowhere is more iconic than the Masai Mara National Reserve. For more about the vibrant capital, see the Top Things to do in Nairobi or check out our free Nairobi Travel Guide.
There are loads of Kenya Safaris from Nairobi (ranging from 3-day affairs to longer 14-day trips) that explore the best Kenyan parks and some of the country's most pristine beaches.
While many of the shorter tours head directly to Masai Mara, mid-range Kenya safaris from Nairobi often visit the southern parks - Amboseli, Tsavo, and Chyulu Hills, as well as Lake Nakuru National Park.
Some longer Kenya safaris travel from Nairobi to the more northerly Samburu National Park, the Aberdares, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy, in addition to the Masai Mara.
Below are some of the best Kenya Safaris from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. To view more tours, head to safaris departing from Nairobi.
The following safaris all travel from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. They range from easy-to-manage 3-day Masai Mara adventures to epic Africa Overland Tours that depart from Nairobi and arrive in Cape Town (South Africa) 57 days later. These are just a few of the best Kenya safaris from Nairobi that visit the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
3-days is the bare minimum for a Masai Mara safari from Nairobi. These tours are in-and-out affairs that focus on getting you to the reserve and on safari. While driving is possible, the best way to maximise your time is to fly from Nairobi.
The pick of the 3-day budget Kenya Safaris from Nairobi to the Masai Mara is the 3-Day Kenya Camping Safari, an exclusive small group tour. Departing from Nairobi, this tour is based at a luxury tented camp in one of the private conservancies of Masai Mara. The whole of the second day is spent inside the Masai Mara National Reserve, making for an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
This 3-Day Fly-in Masai Mara Safari to an exclusive safari camp maximises your time spent on game drives by cutting out road travel and focusing on exclusivity. The tour is based in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy and also explores the Noboisho Conservancy. These Masai Mara conservancies are not open to the general public and offer the same safari experience as the Masai Mara without the crowds.
With 4 or 5-days to spend on safari in Kenya, it is possible to squeeze in a visit to Lake Nakuru National Park. However, if visiting the Masai Mara ecosystem is your main objective, a longer stay in one of the conservancies or extra time exploring the Masai Mara itself is well worth the time.
This 5-Day Scenic Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari is an exclusive 5-day small-group camping safari that departs from Nairobi and travels through Kenya's scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara. At the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park, guests can see rhinos and abundant bird species, before spending 2 full days on safari in Masai Mara. The Masai Mara offers thrilling game drives, and, at the right time of year, an opportunity to witness the breathtaking Great Migration of Africa.
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6 to 10-day Kenya Safaris from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, allow more time to appreciate what Kenya has to offer. The longer the tour the more destinations you can explore, but this often means more driving between locations. 6-day Kenya packages include destinations like Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Tsavo, and the Masai Mara, while itineraries longer than this will go further north to Samburu and the Aberdares.
This 6-Day Best of Kenya Lodge Safari starts in Nairobi and goes straight to Amboseli National Park for the first 2 days for exceptional game viewing and breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Day 3 is a travel day and takes in the Rift Valley lakes of Elementaita & Naivasha, where guests are free to relax or explore. Days 4 & 5 focus on the Masai Mara, before returning to Nairobi on day 6. This tour program allows time to relax between game drives as well as time to explore bucket-list items like hot air balloon rides.
Our 8-Day Masai Mara & Kenya National Parks Safari is an exclusive small-group Kenya safari from Nairobi. It visits Tsavo, Chyulu Hills, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru, before concluding with 2 full days in Masai Mara National Reserve. With accommodation at eco-friendly, private, and luxury tented camps, this camping safari is a smorgasbord of Kenya’s most stunning safari destinations.
If you fancy an African bush and beach break, take a look at this 10-Day Bush & Beach Kenya Safari from Nairobi, which explores Kenya’s wildlife and beaches. Visit the iconic Masai Mara Game Reserve, the Great Rift Valley, and Lake Nakuru National Park, enjoying thrilling game drives. Then, unwind for 3 days at a Mombasa beach resort before returning to Nairobi. This affordable small-group safari offers a perfect mix of game viewing and relaxing beach time in Kenya's stunning landscapes
Another great tour is the 10-Day Kenya Safari to Masai Mara & Samburu, designed for older travellers. This affordable 10-day Kenya Safari for Seniors offers an authentic wildlife adventure with some extra comfort along the way. Explore the Masai Mara, Ol Pejeta, and Samburu National Reserve, with flights between parks to minimize driving. Stay in up-scale tented camps and enjoy game drives in comfortable 4x4 vehicles. Highlights include visits to Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. This tour is perfect for mature travellers seeking a unique, easy-paced safari experience in Kenya’s best parks.
This 12-day Kenya Game Parks 4x4 Safari explores diverse wildlife habitats across southern, central, and northern Kenya, staying in lodges along the way. Begin with game drives in Tsavo and Amboseli, then travel to Samburu, Aberdares, and Lake Nakuru. Finish with game viewing in the iconic Masai Mara before returning to Nairobi. The tour includes meals, game drives in 4x4 vehicles, top-quality lodge accommodation, and transport from Nairobi, offering excellent value for money for serious African safari enthusiasts.
The affordable 14-day Kenya Safari & Beach Tour combines a wildlife safari and a laid-back beach retreat. Travel from Nairobi to Masai Mara for a 3-night safari in the reserve, followed by visits to Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island. Explore Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks, spotting the Big 5 of Africa and experiencing Maasai culture. End your Kenya safari with 4 days at Diani Beach, soaking up the Indian Ocean’s beauty. A knowledgeable guide ensures an unforgettable journey to Kenya’s top parks and beaches.
These longer tours go into the epic range of overland safari from Nairobi. They tend to average out cheaper per day and cover large distances. The Africa Overland Tours departing from Nairobi will visit the epic Masai Mara but will include the likes of gorilla trekking in Uganda, top parks in Tanzania, and often also visit Malawi, Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta. The longest Overland Tours even take you to Namibia and South Africa, ending in Cape Town. For those with a thirst for adventure and time to spare, these are incredible tours that will give you a sense of the enormity and diversity of East and Southern Africa.
The longest African safari from Nairobi (that visits Masai Mara) is an epic 57-day Overland Tour.
Regardless of which safari you choose, Kenya is a classic African wildlife destination that has so much to offer both first-time safari goers and experienced travellers. You can learn more about Kenya in our Free Kenya Safari Guide.
Going to the Masai Mara in Kenya is a safari adventure of a lifetime. Find a tour that suits you and your budget by browsing our Kenya Safaris from Nairobi, or speak to one of our experienced East African travel consultants and start planning your bespoke Kenya safari.
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