Spectacular Gameviewing in One of Africa's Legendary Reserves
Masai Mara National Reserve Extension
Overview
Set at an altitude of about 5,000 feet, the Masai Mara National Reserve is breathtakingly beautiful with the wide Mara River, one of Kenya's largest rivers, snaking through its green, tree-studded grasslands. The river is home to many hippos and enormous groups of elephant that wander through the lush marshes along the river's edge. Among the plains game found in the Mara are eland, topi, zebra, giraffe, and Thompson's and Grant's gazelle, and buffalo graze here in abundance. There are also some of the rare and endangered black rhino, not always easy to find but a wonderful sight when encountered. The Mara is one of the best places in Kenya to see lion, as there are numerous roaming prides. Early booking is recommended due to limited availability.
Arrive: Nairobi, Kenya
Depart: Nairobi, Kenya
Highlights
- Safari in Kenya's iconic Masai Mara, with its prides of lion and herds of wildebeest
Itinerary
Fly from Nairobi, Kenya (or from the Serengeti in Tanzania), on a 40-minute flight to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Transfer to your tented safari camp in the heart of the Mara and enjoy an afternoon game drive. (Note: Other lodge guests may join you for safari activities; there is an option to upgrade to a private vehicle at additional cost, subject to availability.) Overnight at either Naibor or Rekero Camp, both small, exclusive camps with a personal feel...BLD
With excursions in custom-built 4WD vehicles that allow intimate yet unobtrusive access to the animals, enjoy spectacular sights: abundant migrating plains game tracked by magnificent predators, including some of the largest lion prides in Africa. Explore across open plains and up onto ridges, coming amazingly close to grazing antelope and zebra, and you can often observe browsing elephants and giraffe among the acacia groves. The guides and Masai trackers, the traditional nomadic “keepers” of this spectacular wilderness, have unsurpassed skills at spotting wildlife. Other activities (depending on the camp) include walking safaris and cultural visits. Overnights at your camp...BLD each day
Start the day with an early morning game drive, then fly to Nairobi by a scheduled charter flight. In Nairobi, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon tour to the Giraffe Center, Karen Blixen Museum, and optional shopping. Dayroom and dinner at the Four Points, conveniently located near the airport. Transfer to the airport for your evening departure flight...BLD
A visa is required for U.S. citizens visiting Kenya.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.