Home/Masai Mara/Masai Mara Classic Safari
Scheduled departure · 21–25 Jul 2027

Masai Mara Classic Safari

4 Nights | 8 Game Drives | Start & End: Nairobi

The trip

The Masai Mara is one of those rare places where every game drive feels full of possibility.

The Masai Mara is one of those rare places where every game drive feels full of possibility.

Long before the Great Migration made headlines around the world, this remarkable ecosystem had already earned its reputation as one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations. Vast golden plains stretch towards distant horizons, scattered acacia trees punctuate the landscape and meandering rivers sustain an astonishing diversity of wildlife throughout the year.

The Mara is home to one of Africa's highest concentrations of predators. Powerful lion prides dominate the grasslands, elegant cheetahs scan the plains from termite mounds and elusive leopards patrol riverine forests beneath ancient fig and sausage trees. Large herds of elephants move peacefully across the savannah, while buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, topi, eland and numerous antelope species ensure there is never a quiet moment in the wilderness.

Although the migration months are famous, seasoned safari travellers often choose to visit outside this period. With fewer vehicles, quieter landscapes and resident wildlife spread throughout the reserve, the experience feels more intimate and wonderfully relaxed. Guides have the freedom to spend longer observing animal behaviour, whether it is lion cubs playing beside their mothers, cheetahs preparing for a hunt or elephants interacting within their close-knit family groups.

At Beyond Wild, we believe the quality of a safari is determined by far more than the wildlife alone.

Every departure is led by some of the finest local Maasai guides in the reserve. Having grown up on these plains, they possess an extraordinary understanding of the Mara's wildlife, seasonal patterns and predator behaviour. Their ability to anticipate animal movement, interpret subtle signs and position vehicles ethically allows our guests to experience the reserve at its very best.

Equally important is where you stay.

We carefully select camps situated in the finest wildlife areas of the Masai Mara ecosystem. Being close to the action means less time travelling and more time enjoying the magical early mornings and late afternoons when the reserve is at its most productive.

Across four unforgettable nights and eight expertly planned game drives, this safari showcases the Masai Mara exactly as it should be experienced. Unhurried, immersive and endlessly rewarding. Whether it is your first African safari or your tenth, the Mara has an extraordinary ability to surprise, inspire and leave you longing to return.

This is a fixed-date group departure: the dates, your lodge, two safaris a day and your instructor are all set. You simply reserve your seat — ideal for solo travellers and small groups who want a great trip without the planning. Between drives there's time to rest, review photos, and swap notes over chai with your naturalist.

Tour highlights

  • Eight expertly planned game drives across the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
  • Outstanding opportunities to observe Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Buffalo, Hyenas, Giraffes and an incredible diversity of plains game.
  • Experience one of Africa's finest year-round wildlife destinations.
  • Stay at a carefully selected safari camp in one of the finest wildlife locations within the Masai Mara ecosystem.
  • Safari with some of the Mara's finest local Maasai guides, renowned for their exceptional tracking skills and field knowledge.
  • Small group departure accompanied by a Beyond Wild wildlife expert.
  • Scenic road journey through the Great Rift Valley between Nairobi and the Masai Mara.
Duration
4 Nights
Next departure
21–25 Jul 2027
Group size
12 guests max
Starts from
Nairobi
Style
Scheduled group
Day by day

The route, stop by stop

Day 1 · Day 1, Nairobi to Masai Mara

Day 1, Nairobi to Masai Mara

Your safari begins in Nairobi before travelling through the spectacular Great Rift Valley towards the legendary Masai Mara.
The changing scenery offers a wonderful introduction to Kenya, from fertile highlands and traditional villages to the endless open plains that define East Africa.
Arrive at your carefully selected safari camp in time for lunch before heading out on your first afternoon game drive.
There is no better introduction to Africa than your first drive across the Mara. Herds of zebra graze alongside giraffes, elephants wander across the plains and the possibility of encountering one of the reserve's famous predators is never far away.
Return to camp after sunset for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 · Days 2 to 4, Discovering the Masai Mara

Days 2 to 4, Discovering the Masai Mara

The coming days are spent exploring every corner of one of Africa's greatest wildlife reserves.
Each morning begins before sunrise when the cool air, golden light and active predators create some of the finest safari conditions of the day.
Rather than following fixed routes, every game drive is planned according to the latest wildlife activity. Fresh tracks, recent sightings and the instincts of your Maasai guide determine where the day unfolds, ensuring that every safari feels different from the last.
One morning may be spent following a pride of lions as they patrol their territory, while another could find a coalition of cheetahs scanning the plains for an opportunity to hunt. Leopards often reveal themselves along shaded riverbanks, elephants gather at waterholes and countless herbivores create an ever-changing spectacle across the savannah.
Guests who wish to spend the entire day in the reserve can also opt for full-day game drives with picnic lunches, allowing even more time to explore this extraordinary wilderness.
Between drives, return to camp to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading out once again as the afternoon light transforms the Mara into one of the most beautiful landscapes in Africa.

Day 5 · Day 5, Morning Safari, Return to Nairobi

Day 5, Morning Safari, Return to Nairobi

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a final en route game drive as you make your way towards the reserve gate.
Begin the drive back to Nairobi, carrying with you unforgettable memories of one of the world's finest wildlife destinations.

Pricing for this departure +
21–25 Jul 2027 4 Nights · 12 seats total 12 seats available

Per person, twin sharing:

StayBasisPer person
Per-person priceOn enquiry
Flights (if arranged)At actuals

Prices per person, twin sharing. Seats limited to 12. Final rates confirmed at booking.

Other dates for this trip

25–29 Jul 2027 12 seats total 12 seats available
11–15 Aug 2027 12 seats total 12 seats available
1–5 Sep 2027 12 seats total 12 seats available
Scheduled group departure

Fixed date, fixed price — just reserve your seat.

Everything's set: the dates, your lodge, two safaris a day and your instructor. Per-person pricing is above — book online or on WhatsApp and hold your seat with a deposit.

✓ Seat held on deposit✓ Instructor included✓ Only 12 seats

See all scheduled departures →

The fine print, plainly

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation for 4 nights on twin or triple sharing basis.
  • All meals from lunch on Day 1 until breakfast on Day 5.
  • 3 full-day and 1 half-day shared game drives in custom-built 4x4 safari vehicles.
  • Services of our highly experienced local Maasai safari guides.
  • Services of a Beyond Wild wildlife expert throughout the journey.
  • All park entry fees and conservation charges.
  • Return road transfers between Nairobi and the Masai Mara in air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Mineral drinking water during game drives.
  • Bed night fees for the Masai Mara.

Not included

  • International and domestic airfare.
  • Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) fees.
  • Travel and medical insurance.
  • Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks.
  • Laundry and personal expenses.
  • Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari.
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Any item not specifically mentioned under Inclusions.
Before you go

Travel info

Good to know before you travel+
Group departures are intentionally kept small to ensure a more personal safari experience.
Every guest enjoys a guaranteed window seat during game drives.
The Masai Mara offers outstanding wildlife viewing throughout the year. Seasonal changes influence animal movement and behaviour, ensuring every safari offers something unique.
Morning game drives begin before sunrise, when predators are most active and the light is at its finest.
Neutral-coloured clothing, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars and a zoom or telephoto lens are highly recommended.
The drive between Nairobi and the Masai Mara takes approximately five hours, excluding scenic and comfort stops.
Guests who prefer to fly between Nairobi and the Masai Mara can do so at actual additional cost. Our office will be pleased to assist with flight reservations.
Cancellation policy+
Safari permits are issued per guest and cannot be transferred once confirmed, so this differs from a conventional holiday package.
180 days or more before departure — 100% refund
120 to 179 days before departure — 80% refund
90 to 119 days before departure — 60% refund
60 to 89 days before departure — 30% refund
Less than 60 days before departure or No Show — No refund
Ready when you are

Reserve your seat on the Masai Mara Classic Safari.

Fixed dates, fixed price, expert-led — limited to 12 guests. Hold your seat with a deposit.

Book with confidence

Cancellation, in plain words

31+ days out: full refund minus permit & gateway fees · 15–30 days: 50% · 8–14 days: 25% · ≤7 days: no refund.
Seats on fixed departures are transferable free up to 7 days before. Park closures = full credit note. Permits, once issued, are non-refundable (forest dept rules).
Read the full cancellation policy →
Scheduled departure21–25 Jul 2027
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