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3-Day Masai Mara Express Safari with Flights

Margaret Wangechi
Margaret Wangechi
Tours & Safaris Specialist
5 min read
3-Day Masai Mara Express Safari with Flights

3-Day Masai Mara Express Safari with Flights

Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights

Location: Masai Mara National Reserve

Best For: Time-constrained travelers, business visitors extending their trip, weekend adventurers, first-time safari goers, solo travelers joining group activities

Experience the magic of Africa's most famous wildlife reserve in just three days with this efficient yet comprehensive safari package. Featuring convenient flights from Nairobi directly into the heart of the Mara, shared game drives with experienced guides, and comfortable accommodation at Zebra Plains Camp, this express safari delivers maximum wildlife viewing with minimal transit time.

Safari Highlights

  • Scenic light aircraft flights directly into the Masai Mara ecosystem
  • Shared game drives in specialized 4x4 Landcruisers with pop-up roofs
  • Accommodation at well-located Zebra Plains Camp near wildlife corridors
  • All-inclusive meals and selected beverages during your stay
  • Complimentary laundry service (excluding undergarments)
  • All park fees and conservation charges included
  • Experienced English-speaking driver/guides

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara

Begin your adventure with a morning transfer to Wilson Airport for your scenic flight to the Masai Mara. Watch as urban landscapes transform into vast savannah plains during the one-hour flight. Upon landing at Ol Kiombo Airstrip, meet your guide and transfer to Zebra Plains Camp for check-in and lunch. At 15:00, embark on your first afternoon game drive, searching for the Big Five as the golden light bathes the Mara plains. Return to camp for dinner and overnight, listening to the sounds of the African night.

Day 2: Full Day in the Masai Mara

After breakfast, set out for a full day of game viewing across the iconic Mara landscape. Your experienced guide will take you to prime wildlife viewing areas, searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, and the abundant plains game. Enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic spot within the reserve before continuing your exploration. As the sun begins to set, return to camp with en-route wildlife viewing, followed by dinner and another night under the African stars.

Day 3: Final Game Viewing & Return to Nairobi

Enjoy a final breakfast at camp before checking out at 10:00. Transfer to Ol Kiombo Airstrip for your return flight to Nairobi, arriving at Wilson Airport by 12:20. Continue with your onward travel arrangements, carrying memories of an authentic Masai Mara safari experience.

Accommodation: Zebra Plains Camp

Zebra Plains Camp offers comfortable tented accommodation in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp features ensuite tents with modern amenities, a central dining area, and panoramic views of the surrounding savannah. Its strategic location near the Talek River provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities right from camp.

Package Includes

  • Package Rate: Starting from $1,325 per person sharing ($1,395 single supplement)
  • 2 nights accommodation at Zebra Plains Camp
  • All meals as specified: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Roundtrip scheduled flights: Nairobi/Masai Mara/Nairobi
  • Shared game drives in 4x4 Landcruisers with pop-up roofs
  • Services of experienced English-speaking driver/guides
  • All Masai Mara National Reserve park entry and conservation fees
  • Selected in-house alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Complimentary laundry service (excluding undergarments)
  • All airport/airstrip transfers as per itinerary

Wildlife Viewing Expectations

The Masai Mara is renowned for its exceptional wildlife density and diversity. During your visit, you can expect to see:

  • The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino)
  • Large prides of lions (often 15+ individuals)
  • Cheetahs and leopards in their natural habitat
  • Hippos and crocodiles in the Mara River
  • Massive herds of elephants
  • Thousands of wildebeest and zebras (seasonal migration)
  • Over 450 bird species including numerous raptors

Travel Practicalities

  • Travel Period: February 2026 (excellent wildlife viewing with fewer crowds)
  • Luggage: Strict 15kg per person limit on flights; soft-sided bags essential
  • Group Size: Shared game drives with maximum 6-7 passengers per vehicle
  • Meal Plan: Full board inclusive at camp
  • Physical Level: Easy; suitable for all ages and fitness levels
  • Connectivity: Limited mobile network; embrace the digital detox

Exclusions

  • International flights and visas
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and camp staff
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
  • Premium alcoholic beverages beyond house selection
  • Optional activities not specified in itinerary

Why This Express Safari Works

This itinerary maximizes your wildlife viewing time while minimizing transit through strategic use of flights. Unlike road-based safaris that require 5-6 hours driving each way, you fly directly into the heart of the Mara ecosystem, giving you more time for game drives and relaxation.

The shared vehicle format offers social interaction with fellow travelers while keeping costs reasonable. Zebra Plains Camp provides comfortable accommodations without the premium price tag of luxury lodges, making this an accessible yet authentic Mara experience.

Perfect for business travelers extending their Nairobi trip, visitors with limited vacation time, or those wanting to sample the safari experience before committing to longer wilderness adventures.

Booking Information

This 3-day express safari operates with scheduled flights and shared game drives, making advance booking essential to secure spaces. February 2026 offers excellent wildlife viewing with good weather conditions. Contact Come Travel Kenya Limited to reserve your place on this efficient Masai Mara adventure.

From Nairobi to the Mara and back in just three days—experience the essence of African safari without the extended time commitment.

Article Tags

#express-safari#masai-mara-quick-trip#flying-safari#short-safari-kenya#weekend-safari#shared-game-drives#zebra-plains-camp#budget-safari#time-efficient-safari#nairobi-getaway
Margaret Wangechi

Margaret Wangechi

Tours & Safaris Specialist

Part of the Come Travel Kenya team, passionate about sharing Kenya's beauty and culture with the world.

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