Kenya: Maasai Mara Safari

A real life Lion King experience in the land where safaris were born; channel ‘Hakuna Matata’ as you come face-to-face with the Big 5 and immerse yourself in Maasai Mara culture

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Private minibus & safari Jeeps
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Stays in hotels, lodges and tented camps
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travelers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Looking for pure, spectacular safari in the land where safaris were born? Step this way.

This seven-day Kenya adventure might just be our most beautifully simple yet. Perfect for first-time safari go-ers or anyone seeking that classic, boutique safari camp experience; this is the Africa of your mind’s eye (with a little bit of Flash Pack sparkle).

We’re talking thrilling game drives through the world-famous Maasai Mara in search of the Big Five. Getting up close and personal to some of Africa’s most intriguing animals on a wildlife cycling tour (yep, two wheels, no car). Plus heart-thumping rides across the forest canopy on East Africa’s longest zipline.

Kenya is the land where safaris were invented (the word means ‘journey’ in Swahili) and they know how to do it well. Expect exclusive tented camps, top-notch local guides and traditional Maasai dinners shared with like-minded travelers under a star-studded sky.

Now, where did you put those binoculars?

A Nairobi welcome

Your adventure begins in the cosmopolitan capital, Nairobi, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to meet you at the airport
Relax at your hotel before meeting your group for a traditional welcome dinner, raising a toast of Tusker beer to the wildlife adventures ahead

Cycle through Hell's Gate

Take a cycle ride through Hell’s Gate National Park in the Great Rift Valley, where you’ll spot your first African wildlife, such as zebras, giraffes and kilpspringer
Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge on Lake Naivasha, where zebras roam freely around the grounds; take an optional boat ride or spend an afternoon by the pool

On safari in the Mara

Travel to world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, home to the wildebeest migration, known as the ‘greatest wildlife spectacle on earth’
Arrive in time for lunch at your boutique tented camp, an exceptional place to stay in the heart of the Maasai Mara
Get your cameras ready for a thrilling afternoon game drive; your expert guide will help you search for the Big Five, from roaming elephants to elusive black rhino

Big five game drives

Wake up to stunning views of the Maasai Mara, with its beautiful rolling hills and Acacia-dotted grassland bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park
Continue to search for wildlife during dawn and dusk safaris; you’ll have the chance for some close-up encounters with the fanfare of animals around you
Back at camp, relax over dinner to the sounds of the African bush, sharing stories of the day’s adventures

A traditional Maasai dinner

Head out for more safari game drives, increasing your chances of spotting the more elusive animals such as solitary leopards and critically endangered black rhino
Visit a local Maasai manyatta (homestead) to meet the ancestral inhabitants of the area, and see how Maasai tribal life has remained unchanged for centuries
Celebrate your last night in the Maasai Mara with a traditional Maasai bush dinner, lit by atmospheric lanterns under the starry African sky

Fly through the treetops

Get your adrenaline pumping as you zipline through the treetops of Kereita Forest on six different routes, with a chance to experience the longest zipline in Africa
Return to Nairobi for a farewell dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant, where ostrich and crocodile feature on the menu, as well as delicious veggie options

Until next time, Kenya

Say goodbye to your new Flash Pack friends as you make your way to the airport for your onward flight; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a taxi

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Sarova Stanley, Nairobi

The city’s oldest hotel, dating to 1902, retains the elegance of times gone past. A lot of history lies within these walls, which have hosted dignitaries from around the world. The famous Thorn Tree Cafe was where early travelers would pin notes to fellow travelers and is regarded as Nairobi’s first regional post office.

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

Situated on the banks of Lake Naivasha, against a backdrop of towering Mt Lognot, this enchanting hideaway boasts a vast acacia woodland where zebras, bushbuck and waterbuck wander freely to graze. Kick back with a cocktail by the outdoor pool or climb the viewing tower for stunning lake views.

Sarova Mara Game Camp

In the heart of the Maasai Mara game reserve, this tented camp offers the classic safari experience with the comfort of a hotel – complete with free-form pool, wellness tent and champagne hot air balloon rides. The setting is superb and the camp has a fleet of well-equipped safari vehicles for optimum wildlife viewing.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi.

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Before 3 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 5 pm onwards starting at the hotel.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

We suggest booking a flight from 1 pm onwards in order to leave plenty of travel time. The hotel is close to the airport but the recommendation is that you arrive at the airport three hours before your flight.

Do you include airport transfers?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

A group departure transfer is provided at 10 am on the day of departure, from your hotel in Nairobi to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). If you require a separate transfer, please consult with your Pack Leader or hotel reception who will arrange a safe and reputable private taxi for you.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 11 USD per day
Driver: 6 USD per day
Local tips: 2-4 USD per day. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips (waiters, porters, room stewards, lodge and hotel staff).

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend spending money of approximately 10-20 USD per day, not including any extra activities you may like to sign up for, such as the hot air balloon ride (450 USD per person), boat ride on Lake Naivasha (25 USD) or visit to the Maasai manyatta (homestead).

How much does the hot air balloon ride cost?

On Day 5, you have the option to begin your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara. You can arrange this with your Pack Leader while in Kenya at a cost of 450 USD per person.

Is Kenya safe to visit?

At Flash Pack, the safety and security of our travelers are of utmost importance to us. We work closely with our ground staff to ensure that our itineraries prioritize safety above everything else. Kenya is a beautiful and welcoming country, but it’s important to be aware of potential safety issues.

Although most tourist areas are generally safe, it’s still possible for travelers to experience crime. Exercise caution, especially in Nairobi after dark. We recommend avoiding walking at night and using reputable transportation services instead, like hotel shuttles.

For more detailed information on safe travel, we suggest consulting government websites such as the US State Department, British Foreign Office, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

Are plastic bags banned in Kenya?

Yes. Plastic bags have been banned in Kenya for environmental reasons. Visitors are not permitted to bring plastic bags into the country in either their hand luggage or checked luggage. Travelers with duty-free plastic shop bags will be required to leave them at the airport. If you do bring any plastic bags, your luggage will be intercepted and any plastic bags will be removed.

What sort of luggage should I bring?

For this adventure, we ask that you bring a soft duffel bag/soft-sided bag rather than a rigid suitcase. Our vehicles have very limited luggage compartments of an irregular shape, and soft bags are much easier to stow. In a worst case scenario, suitcases might have to be left behind and stored at our office in Nairobi. Please note that the maximum weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg. An additional day pack is permitted. A complimentary laundry service is offered at many of the camps and lodges.

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