3-Day Masai Mara and Naivasha Hells Gate National Park-Safari

Set out on a captivating 3-day safari through Kenya’s renowned Masai Mara and Naivasha Hells Gate National Park. This private guided tour offers a chance to witness the awe-inspiring Big Five, learn about the rich Masai culture, and explore the stunning African wilderness. With luxurious accommodations, full-board meals, and a flexible pickup from Nairobi’s airport, this safari promises an unforgettable experience for a maximum of 6 travelers. Whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters or a deeper connection with the natural world, this tour may just be the perfect fit for your adventurous spirit.

Key Points

• A 3-day safari in the Masai Mara and Naivasha Hells Gate National Park, offering an intimate experience with a maximum of 6 travelers.
• Includes transportation, lodging, meals, and optional activities like a boat ride and Masai village visit, with potential holiday supplements during peak seasons.
• Pickup is from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, with a flexible start time and ample opportunities to witness the Big Five game animals.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the terrain and activities, but the small group size allows for personalized attention from the guide.
• Reviews indicate mixed experiences, with strengths in luxury accommodations and food quality, but some reports of vehicle issues and communication concerns.

Tour Overview

This 3-day Masai Mara and Naivasha Hells Gate National Park safari whisks travelers away to the heart of Kenya’s wildlife-rich landscapes.

Based in Nairobi, the private guided tour promises close encounters with the Big Five game animals. The experience includes transportation, lodging, meals, and optional luxury upgrades.

With a maximum of 6 travelers per tour, the safari offers an intimate and flexible experience, catering to various needs.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, most travelers can participate, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.

The tour’s overall rating of 4.0/5 from 10 reviews reflects a mixed experience, with highlights and areas for improvement.

Included Experiences

What does this 3-day Masai Mara and Naivasha safari tour include?

The tour covers transportation in a modified safari vehicle with hotel or airport pickup and drop-off.

Entrance fees for the national parks are also included.

Travelers can enjoy full-board accommodation with meals provided.

Optional activities like a boat ride ($30 per person) and a visit to a Masai village ($20 per person) are available.

Notably, holiday supplements may apply.

The tour starts at 7:30 am, and the maximum group size is 6 travelers.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience begins, though most travelers can participate, excluding wheelchair users.

Pickup and Timing

The tour starts at 7:30 am, with pickup available from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

The flexible pickup time allows for a seamless start to the safari, accommodating travellers based on their arrival. This 3-day tour covers the Masai Mara and Naivasha Hells Gate National Park, providing ample opportunity to witness the renowned Big Five game animals.

The key pickup and timing details include:

1. Pickup location: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
2. Pickup time: Flexible, based on traveller arrival on Day 1
3. Tour start time: 7:30 am
4. Maximum group size: 6 travellers per tour

Group Size and Accessibility

Although the tour has a maximum group size of 6 travelers per outing, the experience is designed to accommodate most participants.

The safari vehicles are modified to provide ample space and visibility for everyone. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible due to the nature of the terrain and activities involved. Travelers should keep this in mind when booking the safari.

Despite the group size limitation, the intimate setting allows for personalized attention from the guide, ensuring an immersive and memorable wildlife viewing experience.

Flexibility and an adaptable mindset are key, as the unpredictable nature of the African bush can sometimes require changes to the itinerary.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have provided mixed reviews for the Masai Mara and Naivasha Safari, with both positive and negative feedback.

The tour’s strengths include the luxury accommodations, delicious food, and sightings of the Big Five game animals. However, some travelers reported vehicle issues and communication concerns with the driver. The tour operators are addressing this feedback to improve future experiences.

Notable comments highlight the importance of:

1. Exercising patience during wildlife spotting due to the vast areas covered.
2. Managing expectations, as the safari experience can vary depending on factors beyond the operator’s control.
3. Prioritizing flexibility, as the tour’s schedule may need to adapt to road conditions or wildlife sightings.
4. Maintaining open communication with the tour staff to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Accommodation and Meals

Luxury accommodations and delectable meals are central to the Masai Mara and Naivasha Safari experience. Travelers are booked in comfortable lodges and tented camps, offering stunning views of the wilderness.

Full-board meals are included, featuring a variety of local and international cuisine. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, catering to diverse dietary needs. The food is consistently praised for its quality and freshness, complementing the overall safari adventure.

Optional activities, such as a boat ride on Lake Naivasha or a visit to a Masai village, are available at an additional cost, providing opportunities to further take in the natural and cultural richness of the region.

Optional Activities

The safari tour offers several optional activities that allow travelers to further enjoy the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

These include:

1. Boat ride ($30 per person) to explore the scenic Lake Naivasha and spot an array of waterbirds, hippos, and other wildlife.

2. Masai Village visit ($20 per person) to gain insight into the traditional way of life of the Maasai people, including their customs, ceremonies, and handicrafts.

3. Hot air balloon safari (price varies) for a breathtaking aerial perspective of the Masai Mara’s vast savanna and the chance to witness the movement of wildlife from above.

4. Guided walking safari (price varies) to experience the bush on foot and learn about the intricate ecosystem and the smaller flora and fauna often overlooked from a vehicle.

Holiday Considerations

Holiday supplements may apply for this Masai Mara and Naivasha safari, which travelers should consider when booking their trip.

These supplements can cover additional costs during peak travel periods or holiday seasons. Rates may increase due to high demand and limited availability.

For instance, if the safari coincides with a major Kenyan holiday, there could be surcharges for accommodation, meals, or activities.

Travelers should carefully review the tour inclusions and any potential add-ons prior to finalizing their booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Day’s Itinerary for This Tour?

The typical day’s itinerary includes early morning and late afternoon game drives to maximize wildlife sightings, with time allocated for meals and optional activities like boat rides or Masai village visits between drives.

How Long Is the Drive Between the Different Parks?

The drive between the different parks on this tour can vary, but it’s typically around 3-4 hours each way. Travelers should expect some travel time between the Masai Mara and Naivasha Hells Gate National Park during the 3-day safari.

Are There Any Opportunities for Walking Safaris During the Tour?

The tour does not include any walking safaris. It focuses on game drives in modified safari vehicles for viewing the Big Five animals. Travelers can, however, opt for a boat ride or visit a Masai village for additional activities.

Can Children Participate in This Tour, and Are There Any Discounts?

Children can participate in this tour, and there are discounts available. The tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers, including children. Discounts may apply for younger travelers, though specific details aren’t provided in the overview.

What Wildlife Species Are Commonly Spotted on This Safari?

This safari tour commonly spotlights Africa’s iconic "Big Five" wildlife – lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffaloes. Guests can also expect to see a variety of other wildlife, including wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and diverse bird species.

Recap

This 3-day safari offers an immersive journey through Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara and Naivasha Hells Gate National Park. Travelers can expect personalized attention, luxurious accommodations, and opportunities to spot the Big Five. Optional activities, such as a boat ride on Lake Naivasha and a visit to a Masai village, further enrich the experience. With flexible pickup from Nairobi and a small group size, this safari is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable African adventure.