Compare safaris

Maasai Mara Short Safari — 3 Days vs Maasai Mara Big Five Intensive — 5 Days

Both trips explore the Maasai Mara, but they suit different travellers. The 3-day option is a focused, efficient taste of the reserve, while the 5-day itinerary trades a little more time and cost for deeper game viewing and a more relaxed pace.

Here's how they stack up side by side, and who each one is for.

At a glance

  Maasai Mara Short Safari — 3 Days Maasai Mara Big Five Intensive — 5 Days
Duration 3 days / 2 nights 5 days / 4 nights
Price from $795 $1390
Group size 1–8 1–8
Difficulty Easy Easy
Destinations Maasai Mara Game Reserve Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Route Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nairobi Nairobi → Maasai Mara (4 nights) → Nairobi

Choose Maasai Mara Short Safari — 3 Days if…

You're short on time or budget and want the Mara's headline wildlife in a tight, well-organised 3-day trip.

Choose Maasai Mara Big Five Intensive — 5 Days if…

You want unhurried game drives over 5 days, better odds at the big cats and river crossings, and time to settle into the rhythm of the bush.

Bottom line

Short on time? The 3-day delivers the highlights. Want the full Mara experience? The 5-day is worth the extra days.

Still deciding?

Tell us how you like to travel and we'll recommend the right fit — or tailor either itinerary.

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