This flying safari to the Masai Mara is designed for travelers who want to maximize their time in the reserve while avoiding long road journeys. The package offers a seamless experience with scheduled flights, comfortable accommodation at La Maison Royale Masai Mara, and multiple game drives in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari enthusiast, this 4-day fly-in safari delivers exceptional wildlife encounters, including the Big Five, and the chance to witness the Great Migration (seasonal).
Low Season
USD $2,155
per person sharing
April – June | November
High Season
USD $2,590
per person sharing
July – October | December – March
Package Overview & Highlights
- Return scheduled flights from Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to Masai Mara
- 3 nights full-board accommodation at La Maison Royale Masai Mara
- Daily game drives in a shared 4×4 safari vehicle with professional guide
- Access to prime wildlife areas – Big Five, Great Migration (July-October), cheetahs, hyenas
- Scenic fly-in experience over the Great Rift Valley
- Optional hot air balloon safari and Maasai village visit (extra cost)
Destination Overview – Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserve, forming the northern continuation of the Serengeti ecosystem. Its open savannahs, acacia-dotted plains, and the Mara River create a haven for an extraordinary diversity of animals. The reserve is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino), along with cheetahs, spotted hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and over 470 bird species. During the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October), over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras cross the Mara River in one of nature’s greatest spectacles. The Masai Mara offers excellent game viewing year-round, with the dry season (June–October) being optimal for predator sightings and the green season (November–May) providing lush landscapes and exceptional birdwatching.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara (Fly-In & Afternoon Game Drive)
Morning flight Scenic Rift Valley views Afternoon wildlife safari
Transfer to Wilson Airport for your morning scheduled flight to the Masai Mara. The flight offers breathtaking scenic views of the Great Rift Valley, volcanic craters, and rolling hills before landing on a bush airstrip inside the reserve. Upon arrival, you will be met by your lodge driver-guide and transferred to La Maison Royale Masai Mara with a short game drive en route. After checking in, enjoy a delicious lunch and some time to relax. In the late afternoon, head out for your first game drive, exploring the reserve’s open plains. The Masai Mara is known for its rich wildlife, and you may spot elephants, giraffes, and big cats. Return to the lodge as the sun sets for dinner and overnight.
Flight: 45-60 min
Afternoon game drive: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: La Maison Royale Masai Mara
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: La Maison Royale Masai Mara – Request rates
Day 2: Full Day Safari – Morning & Afternoon Game Drives
Early morning predator drive Big Five search Optional full day
Start the day with an early morning game drive (06:00-09:00) when wildlife is most active. This is the prime time to see lions on the hunt, leopards returning to cover, and hyenas finishing night kills. Return to the lodge for a full breakfast. After breakfast, you have two options: relax at the lodge by the pool, or continue with a full-day game drive with a packed lunch to explore deeper into the reserve. The Mara’s open plains make wildlife viewing easier and more rewarding. You may encounter large herds of wildebeest, zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, and topis, along with elephants and buffalo. Expect excellent chances to see lions, cheetahs, and if lucky, leopards. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Morning game drive: 3 hours
Optional full day: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full Day Safari Experience – Explore Different Sectors
Mara River region Migration crossings (seasonal) Photography opportunities
Enjoy another full day in the Masai Mara, exploring different areas of the reserve. Your guide may take you to the Mara River region, where large herds of wildebeest, elephants, and hippos gather. If traveling during migration season (July–October), you may witness dramatic river crossings – thousands of wildebeest and zebras braving crocodile-infested waters. Alternatively, track predators across the plains or visit the eastern sector known for cheetah sightings. A picnic lunch will be served at a scenic spot inside the reserve. Optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari (USD $550 per person) or a Maasai village visit (USD $25 per person) can be arranged for this morning or afternoon. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Full day game drive: 8-9 hours
Migration crossings: July-October
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Final Morning & Departure
Short final game drive Return flight Seamless transfer
After breakfast, check out from the lodge. Depending on your flight time, you may have the opportunity for a short morning game drive (approximately 1-2 hours) to catch any animals you may have missed. Transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled return flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival at Wilson Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for onward connections. End of safari.
Optional short game drive: 1-2 hours
Flight: 45-60 min
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Maison Royale Masai Mara
La Maison Royale Masai Mara is a luxury tented camp situated in a prime wildlife area within the Masai Mara ecosystem. The camp offers spacious double rooms with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and private verandas overlooking the savannah. Facilities include a restaurant serving international and local cuisine, a bar, and an outdoor swimming pool. All meals are provided on a full board basis. The camp is known for its personal service, comfortable beds, and excellent game viewing from the property. Night game drives and bush dinners can be arranged on request.
Safari Package Inclusions & Exclusions
Price Includes
- Return scheduled flights from Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to Masai Mara
- 3 nights full board accommodation at La Maison Royale Masai Mara
- Game drives in a shared 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Park entrance fees for Masai Mara National Reserve
- Airstrip transfers in the Mara
- Services of a professional English-speaking guide
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities (hot air balloon safari, Maasai village visit)
- Tips and gratuities
Optional Experiences (Available at Extra Cost)
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: Float above the Mara at sunrise with a champagne breakfast in the bush. USD $550 per person.
- Maasai Village Visit: Spend time with a traditional Maasai community, learn about their culture, dances, and manyatta life. USD $25 per person.
- Night Game Drive: Explore the reserve after dark to spot nocturnal animals like leopards, genets, and aardvarks. Price on request.
Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara for This Safari
The Masai Mara offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, but the dry season (July to October) coincides with the Great Migration river crossings – the most dramatic time to visit. During these months, animals congregate near the Mara River, and predator activity is at its peak. The weather is sunny with cool nights. The green season (November to June) offers lower rates, fewer tourists, and lush landscapes. This is an excellent time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia. Calving season (January to February) brings newborn wildebeest and increased predator action. For this 4-day flying safari, we recommend planning between June and October for the migration experience, or January to February for a quieter, lush safari with good game viewing.
Migration crossings: July-October
Peak predator activity: July-October
Calving & green season: Jan-Feb
Lowest rates: April-June & November
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private safari?
Game drives are in shared 4×4 vehicles with other lodge guests (max 6 persons). Private vehicle upgrades available on request.
What is the luggage allowance on the flight?
Each passenger is allowed 15 kg (33 lbs) in a soft-sided bag. Hard suitcases are not permitted on light aircraft.
Can I see the Big Five in 4 days?
Yes, the Masai Mara has all Big Five. Lion, elephant, buffalo are common; leopard and black rhino are more elusive but frequently sighted with a good guide.
What should I pack?
Neutral-colored clothing, a warm jacket for early mornings, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, power bank, and comfortable shoes.
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Most nationalities require an e-visa. Apply online at the Kenya e-visa portal before travel.
Is the hot air balloon safari worth it?
Absolutely – it provides a unique aerial perspective of the Mara and includes a champagne breakfast in the bush. Highly recommended for special occasions.
Photography Tips for Your Masai Mara Flying Safari
For the best wildlife photos, bring a telephoto lens (200-400mm or longer). A wide-angle lens (24-70mm) is perfect for landscapes and balloon shots. Use a fast shutter speed (1/500+) to freeze action during predator hunts or river crossings. Early morning (6:30-9:00) and late afternoon (16:00-18:30) provide the most flattering golden light. A polarizing filter reduces glare from water and animal coats. Carry extra batteries and memory cards – you will take hundreds of photos. For balloon safaris, use a lens with image stabilization and shoot in continuous mode.
Conservation & Responsible Travel in the Masai Mara
Your safari directly supports conservation efforts. Park fees fund anti-poaching units, habitat protection, and community development. The Mara Elephant Project, Lion Guardians, and Mara Predator Conservation Programme work to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect endangered species. By choosing a fly-in safari, you reduce carbon emissions compared to long road transfers. Please respect wildlife – maintain a safe distance, never feed animals, and avoid littering. Support local Maasai communities by purchasing authentic crafts and respecting their cultural traditions.
Prices are per person sharing a double room. Single supplement available on request. Terms and conditions apply. Seasonal price variations – contact us for exact dates.
