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Masai Mara National Reserve 7-Day Trip Itinerary

Masai Mara National Reserve Trip - Dec 24, 2026 to Dec 30, 2026

Dec 24 - Dec 30

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day adventure to the iconic Masai Mara, perfect for those with a moderate budget. This thrilling trip offers unparalleled wildlife safaris, providing incredible opportunities to witness Africa's Big Five and the Great Migration. Enhance your journey with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride, soaring above the vast plains for a truly magnificent perspective.

Masai Mara National Reserve view
1

Arrival in Masai Mara & First Game Drive

Thursday, December 24
1.1
Morning

Travel from Mumbai to Nairobi

Board your flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya.

This will be an overnight flight.

Ensure you have your visa for Kenya ready. Direct flights or flights with a single layover are available.

1.2
Late Morning

Transfer to Masai Mara

Upon arrival in Nairobi, connect to a domestic flight from Wilson Airport (WIL) to a chosen airstrip in Masai Mara (e.

g., Kichwa Tembo, Mara Olare, or Keekorok). This is a scenic bush flight.

Safari lodges typically arrange transfers from the airstrip to the camp. Confirm these arrangements in advance.

1.3
Afternoon

Lodge Check-in & Lunch

Arrive at your luxury safari lodge, check in, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Take some time to settle into your tented accommodation.

Kilima Camp offers fantastic views and an intimate eco-lodge experience.

1.4
16:00 - 18:30

Afternoon Game Drive

Embark on your first exciting game drive in the Masai Mara.

Keep an eye out for the 'Big Five' and other incredible wildlife as the sun begins to set.

Your guide will provide binoculars and insights into the local wildlife and ecosystem.

1.5
19:30

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy a gourmet dinner at Kilima Camp, often under the stars, sharing stories of your first day's sightings.

2

Christmas Day Full Day Safari

Friday, December 25
2.1
06:30 - 09:00

Early Morning Game Drive

Start your Christmas Day with an early morning game drive, often the best time to spot predators returning from their hunts or lions enjoying the morning sun.

2.2
09:00 - 10:00

Bush Breakfast

Enjoy a special safari breakfast served out in the bush, a unique and memorable experience amidst the sounds of nature.

2.3
10:30 - 16:00

Explore Masai Mara National Reserve

Continue your full-day exploration of the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve.

This area is known for its abundance of plains species and diverse predators. Your guide will take you to prime viewing spots.

The reserve is the only place left in Kenya that resembles the wildlife of old. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1026010-d24820135-Reviews-Masai_Mara_National_Reserve-Narok_Rift_Valley_Province.html?m=66827

2.4
16:00 - 19:00

Leisure at the Lodge

Return to the lodge for some relaxation, perhaps a dip in the pool or enjoy the views from your private veranda.

2.5
19:30

Christmas Celebration Dinner

Indulge in a festive Christmas dinner at the camp, often with special menus and entertainment to celebrate the holiday.

3

Hot Air Balloon Safari & Mara River

Saturday, December 26
3.1
05:00 - 09:00
USD 450-600 for 1 person

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Experience an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara.

Witness the vast plains and abundant wildlife from a unique aerial perspective, followed by a champagne breakfast upon landing.

3.2
09:00 - 12:00

Return to Lodge & Relaxation

After your balloon adventure and breakfast, return to the lodge for some rest and leisure.

3.3
12:30

Lunch at the Lodge

Enjoy lunch back at Kilima Camp.

3.4
15:30 - 18:00

Mara River Exploration Drive

Head out for an afternoon game drive focusing on the Mara River.

This river is a vital lifeline for the ecosystem and a key site for wildlife viewing, especially during the Great Migration.

The Mara River is well-watered and enjoys abundant vegetation, wildlife, and rainfall. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294209-d671381-Reviews-Mara_River-Maasai_Mara_National_Reserve_Rift_Valley_Province.html?m=66827

3.5
18:00 - 19:00

Sundowners in the Bush

Enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks as you watch the spectacular African sunset from a scenic spot in the Mara.

4

Mara Triangle & Cultural Visit

Sunday, December 27
4.1
06:30 - 09:00

Early Morning Game Drive

Another opportunity to witness the active wildlife of the Mara as the day begins.

4.2
09:00 - 10:00

Breakfast at the Lodge

Return to Kilima Camp for a leisurely breakfast.

4.3
10:30 - 13:00

Explore Mara Triangle

Venture into the Mara Triangle, a less crowded but equally rich part of the reserve known for its stunning landscapes and excellent game viewing opportunities.

Your guide (possibly 'Zafarie') will lead you.

The Mara Triangle is a beautiful but sensitive environment, well-respected for its abundant wildlife. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294209-d671383-Reviews-Mara_Triangle-Maasai_Mara_National_Reserve_Rift_Valley_Province.html?m=66827

4.4
14:30 - 16:00
USD 30-50 for 1 person

Maasai Village Cultural Visit

Visit a local Maasai village to learn about their traditions, culture, and way of life.

This offers a unique insight into the indigenous communities of the region.

4.5
16:30 - 18:30

Evening Game Drive

Enjoy a final game drive of the day, as animals become more active with the cooler temperatures.

5

Morning Safari & Lodge Leisure

Monday, December 28
5.1
06:30 - 09:00

Final Morning Game Drive

Embark on a last morning game drive, maximizing your chances to spot any elusive wildlife you haven't seen yet.

5.2
09:00 - 10:00

Bush Walk or Nature Stroll

Depending on the lodge's offerings, enjoy a guided bush walk around the camp area to learn about smaller flora and fauna, tracks, and signs of the wild.

5.3
10:00 - 12:00

Leisure Time at Lodge

Enjoy some free time at the lodge, perhaps relaxing by the pool, reading, or enjoying the panoramic views.

5.4
12:30

Lunch at Lodge

Savour your final lunch at Kilima Camp.

5.5
14:00 - 16:00

Afternoon Relaxation

Spend a relaxed afternoon at the lodge, packing or simply soaking in the last moments of the Masai Mara ambiance.

6

Full Day Game Drives & River Exploration

Tuesday, December 29
6.1
06:30 - 09:30
Included in safari package for 1 person

Morning Game Drive

Embark on an early morning game drive to catch the predators active during the cooler hours.

Explore different sections of the reserve.

Bring your binoculars and camera for optimal wildlife viewing. Your safari guide will aim to find big cats and other elusive animals.

6.2
09:30 - 10:30

Breakfast at Camp

Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some relaxation.

6.3
10:30 - 12:30
Included in safari package for 1 person

Visit Mara River

Head towards the iconic Mara River, known for its significant role in the Great Migration and its resident hippos and crocodiles.

6.4
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch and Downtime

Enjoy lunch at the lodge, followed by some leisure time by the pool or in your tent.

6.5
15:30 - 18:30
Included in safari package for 1 person

Afternoon Game Drive

Set out for another thrilling game drive, exploring new areas of the reserve or revisiting spots with recent animal sightings.

6.6
19:30 - 21:00

Dinner at the Lodge

Savor a delicious dinner, often served under the stars, sharing stories of the day's wildlife encounters.

7

Final Safari & Departure

Wednesday, December 30
7.1
06:00 - 08:30
Included in safari package for 1 person

Early Morning Game Drive

Enjoy one last game drive in the Mara, soaking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness before your departure.

7.2
08:30 - 10:00

Breakfast & Lodge Checkout

Return to the lodge for a final breakfast.

Complete check-out procedures and prepare for your transfer.

7.3
10:00 - 11:00
Included in safari package for 1 person

Transfer to Airstrip

Your safari vehicle will transfer you to the nearest airstrip for your flight to Nairobi.

This 7-day itinerary for Masai Mara National Reserve can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.