If you're short on time, you can pack in both Nairobi’s urban highlights and a Maasai Mara safari into four days by skipping Amboseli and Lake Nakuru—focusing your precious holiday on the savannah.
Start the morning with a game drive in Nairobi National Park, capturing the city skyline alongside wildlife in the same frame. In the afternoon, visit the Giraffe Centre to feed Rothschild’s giraffes, then head to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to watch orphaned elephants being released into the wild. End the day with a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the author of Out of Africa. Wrap up the evening with a taste of nyama choma (grilled meat).
Drive around five to six hours to reach Maasai Mara, passing by viewpoints of the Great Rift Valley. Spend the afternoon entering the reserve for your first game drive and stay overnight at a campsite or lodge inside the park.
Enjoy two game drives—one at dawn and one at dusk—giving you the chance to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and rhinos. Between July and October, keep an eye out for the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River. In the evening, consider a cultural visit to a Maasai village.
After a final morning game drive, return to Nairobi. Depending on your flight schedule, use the remaining time for shopping or relaxing before heading to the airport. If your trip allows, staying an extra night in Maasai Mara could improve your chances of seeing the Great Migration.
Short safaris are usually priced per person and include a 4x4 vehicle, guide, park entry fees, and accommodation in camps. Prices rise significantly during the peak season (July–October), so it’s recommended to book with a reputable travel agency one to three months in advance. Be sure to confirm whether the quoted price includes park fees and optional extras like hot air balloon rides.