5 Days Masai Mara Safari Tour – Witness the Big Five and the wildebeest Migration in Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave, especially during your Africa Safari tours. During this 5 day Masai Mara safari tours, you’ll see nature at it’s like the lions hunting at sunrise. Also, see elephants walking through open plains and herds of wildebeest moving like a living wave across the grass. This 5-day Masai Mara extended journey moves beyond the fleeting glimpse, allowing you to sync with the ancient rhythms of the African bush.
Additionally, it is an invitation to witness the raw drama like the predator-prey chases and the drama that comes with the wildebeest’s crossings in the Mara Triangle. Unlike Masai Mara short tours, this five-day itinerary offers the luxury of time to wait for a cheetah to hunt, to sit by a hippo-filled river, and to get lost in the Mara’s magic. This Masai Mara holiday starts and ends in Nairobi, with flights at Wilson Airport. Lastly, join this 5 day Masai Mara trip and witness the top things to do in Kenya that is the big five and the great migration in Africa.
Worst and Ideal Time to Visit Kenya for this 5 day Masai Mara safari tours
The ideal months to go for this 5-day Masai Mara Safari tours are from late June to October. This dry season coincides with the legendary wildebeest migration in Masai Mara, with millions of wildebeests and zebras arriving from the Serengeti National Park. So, in this 5 day Masa Mara safari in Kenya you will experience exciting river crossings of the Mara River and spot crocodiles hunting down these wildebeests.
Alternatively, the Worst months to enjoy this 5 day safari in Masai Mara are from March to May. So, you won’t experience the big 5 safari in Kenya to the fullest, as the grass during this time becomes long and lush. Hence, this becomes hard to spot and track these big 5 animals in Kenya, like the lions and leopards. Lastly, the herds are far away in the Serengeti. So, you’ll miss the great adventures of this world spectacle if you go for this 5 day Masai Mara Safari tour in these months.
Summary of 5-Day Maasai Mara Safari Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Nairobi and Arrival in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Fly to Wilson International Airport in Nairobi Kenya. Drive to Veliscape Mara Camp in Masai Mara National Park.
- Afternoon game drive through acacia woodlands, see impalas, giraffes, and sunset over Oloololo Escarpment, then dine at camp.
Day 2: Game drive for the Big Cats Adventure in Masai Mara
- Early game drive to Musiara Marsh to observe some big 5, possibly leopards, lion prides and then the wildebeests.
- Picnic lunch under an acacia tree, return to Veliscape Mara Camp for dinner.
Day 3: Explore the Mara River and the Mara Triangle
- Game drives to Mara Triangle and Mara River by 9:00 AM, witness the great wildebeest migration crossings, crocodiles, hippos, and elephants.
- Picnic lunch by the Mara River, enjoy a bush dinner at Veliscape Mara Camp after capturing predator-prey action.
Day 4: Experience the Cultural Immersion with the Maasai People
- Walk to a Maasai Manyatta after breakfast, see Adamu dance, and learn pastoralist traditions.
- Share traditional lunch, buy crafts, and return to Veliscape Mara Camp for dinner.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive in Masai Mara and Departure to Nairobi
- Short morning game drive to spot hyraxes, buffaloes, and kopjes.
- Check out from camp, drive back to Nairobi City, later to Wilson Airport for departure.
Inclusions
- Transfers from Wilson Airport, 4×4 vehicle in Kenya for game drives.
- 4 nights at Veliscape Mara Camp (en-suite tents).
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunches, dinners (lodge/bush), welcome drink.
- Game drives, Maasai village visit, guided walks
- Masai Mara National Reserve Entry park fees.
- Professional guide services from Serengeti Masai Mara Experts.
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Wilson Airport, travel insurance, and Kenya visas.
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, crafts).
- Alcoholic drinks, unlisted activities (e.g., hot air balloon safaris).
- Medical/emergency costs.
Must-Do Activities during this Affordable Luxury 5-day Masai Mara holiday
- Game drives in Masai Mara: Spot Lions, leopards, and wildebeest in Musiara Marsh (Day 2); wildebeest migration tracking, and elephants in Mara Triangle (Day 3).
- Wildlife photography tour: Sunsets (Day 1), lion prides (Day 2), Mara river crossings (Day 3).
- Maasai cultural visit: Adamu dance, pastoralist traditions, meal (Day 4).
- Predator-prey observation events: Lion hunts (Day 2), crocodile attacks (Day 3).
- Picnic lunches: Under acacia tree (Day 2), by Mara River (Day 3).
- Bush dinner: Starlit wilderness meal (Day 3).
- Guided walking safari in Masai Mara: Maasai village visit (Day 4).
- Scenic exploration: Acacia woodlands, kopjes (Days 1, 3, 5).
- Wildlife spotting: Impalas, giraffes (Day 1), hyraxes, buffaloes (Day 5).
Note: You will spend all four nights at Veliscape Mara Camp. This is a charming and intimate Masai Mara tented camp situated on the Oloolaimuta Hills. So, it offers breathtaking views over the Mara ecosystem and a perfect blend of authentic safari adventure. Lastly, they have a warm, comfortable hospitality, whereas costs go as low as 270$ for two individuals per night.
Detailed Itinerary for the 5 day Masai Mara safari tours from Nairobi
Day 1: Transfer from Nairobi and Arrival in Masai Mara National Reserve
Fly into Wilson Airport in Nairobi in the Morning and our safari guide will be waiting to kick-start your 5 days Masai Mara safari tours in Kenya. You will be transferred to Veliscape Mara Camp in the Masai Mara National Reserve in a 4×4 safari vehicle. So, the trip to Masai Mara from Nairobi is 270 kilometers and will take you about 5 hours to get to Masai Mara.
Your expert guide will make sure you check in at Veliscape Mara Camp and will be your eyes and ears for the next five days. After a refreshing welcome drink at Veliscape Mara Camp, you will be escorted to your tent, a comfortable sanctuary with an en-suite bathroom that blends seamlessly with the environment.
Later in the Afternoon, go on your first game drive through the Acacia Woodlands and witness the sunset and the Oloololo Escarpment. Additionally, traverse through the open grasslands dotted with the flat-topped Acacia trees in this park with your guide. Point out the gentle slopes of the distinctive ridges that form the western boundary of the reserve.
Also, see the various herds of impalas across the Masai Mara plains, and spot giraffes grazing. Lastly, head back to Veliscape Mara Camp after the first afternoon game drive for rest and prepare for the following day.
Day 2: Game drive for the big cats adventure in Masai Mara
After an early breakfast, head deep into the core of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Your guide will drive you towards the Musiara Marsh, one of the permanent water sources that is a lifeline for wildlife. This is a territory of the famous Pride of Lions that has also featured in many wildlife documentaries. Spend time observing the social dynamics of lions lounging in the sun and cubs play-fighting. Also, observe the powerful males surveying their kingdom as they stalk and look forward to engulfing their prey.
You’ll not only spot the wild species but also panoramic views, including seeing thousands of Wildebeests on the move and Grant’s gazelle roaming the savanna landscape. The highlight meal will be a picnic lunch under the emerald acacia tree in the heart of the reserve. This Masai Mara picnic lunch experience makes you feel truly part of the wilderness. On the drive back to your tented camp, you might be lucky enough to spot a solitary leopard resting on the branch of a tree with its spotted coat camouflaged perfectly. Additionally, these are rare animals to see in the reserve. Later, you will rest at the lodge after dinner.
Day 3: Explore the Mara River and the Mara Triangle
Today, you are to venture into the Mara Triangle, a distinct western section of the reserve demarcated by the Mara River and the Oloololo Escarpment. This area is exceptionally well-managed and has a different, more rugged topography that is ideal for photographers. So, by 9:00 am, you’ll be picked up by the safari guide and the drive itself involves climbing the escarpment, which offers stunning views of the Triangle. Also, see the Mara River which has brown, winding waters that are the stage for the Migration’s most dramatic event. Similarly, witness the vast herds of wildebeests as they cross the Mara River through the dangerous zone of both marine and land predators.
Your guide will drive along its banks, and you’ll see massive Nile Crocodiles basking on the sandbanks. Also, spot pods of grunting Hippos submerged in the pools. In addition, visit the Mara Serena Safari Lodge for a stunning viewpoint. Later, have your picnic lunch at one of the designated Mara Serena Safari Lodge sites overlooking the Mara River.
The plains here are rich with Elephants moving in majestic family groups and large herds of buffaloes. Observe the rocky outcrops in this 5 day Masai Mara National Park safari. In addition, these are perfect habitats for the elusive Klipspringer. So, on this day, you’ll capture a lot of thrilling moments, including the predator- prey action at its peak, before you go back to your Masai Mara lodge for a bush dinner.
Day 4: Experience the Cultural immersion of the Maasai People.
This morning offers a change of pace, focusing on the human culture in the Masai Mara that has been intertwined with this land for many years. So, after breakfast by 10:00 am, embark on a visit to a genuine Maasai Manyatta (village) near Veliscape Mara Camp. You will have a walking safari in Maasai Mara Kenya, with your guide to visit the Maasai People. Experience a respectful and authentic exchange as you will be welcomed by the Morans (warriors) and also witness their incredible Adamu (jumping dance).
Later, you’ll be invited into a traditional home to learn about the Maasai pastoralist way of life. Also, gain insight into their complex relationship with the wildlife you’ve been observing. This Maasai Cultural Expedition adds a rich, human layer to your 5 days Masai Mara safari tours. Spend a whole day with them and also taste their traditional meal at lunch time. Also, you can support these people through buying their handicrafts, especially the jewelry, before you go back to your Camp for dinner and rest.
Day 5: Morning game drive in Masai Mara and Departure to Nairobi
Early in the morning, after your breakfast at your affordable luxury Veliscape Mara Camp, you will check out. Next, embark on a shorter Masai Mara safari game drive. This will focus more on things like the hyraxes and buffaloes that you might not have seen in the past days. Also, see distinctive geological features like the kopjes, which are a unique granite formation. Lastly, your guide will drive you through Nairobi to the Wilson Airport. Hence, this will signal the end of your 5 days Masai Mara National Park safari.
Is this 5-Day Masai Mara Safari tours worth it?
This 5 days Masai Mara migration and big 5 safari allows you to explore different regions of the vast reserve. So, you can spend a full day in the remote Mara Triangle. Another along the Talek River, and another seeking out specific prides of lions, rather than just rushing from one “big five” sighting to the next. Hence, there are increased wildlife encounters, whereby the Mara’s drama is unpredictable. However, by dedicating five days to the Masai Mara safari holidays, you dramatically increase your chances of witnessing rare events, including the river crossing during the migration. Also, a successful predator hunt, and the intimate behavior of a leopard with her cubs.
Another key advantage is that you also visit an authentic Maasai village. This is not a rushed photo opportunity but a meaningful cultural exchange. So, you can learn about their traditions, social structure, and deep-rooted connection to the wildlife you are observing. Therefore, with park fees and travel costs being significant, this 5-day Masai Mara safari tours maximizes your trip investment since you get significantly more game-viewing time per dollar spent compared to a shorter 1- or 2-day trip.
