Masai Mara National Reserve Flying Safari Package

Name: Masai Mara National Reserve Flying Safari Package
Brand: Trunk Trails Safaris
SKU: tour_en_9032
Price: 200 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Gallery

masaiMasai Mara National Reserve is a reserved savannah wilderness in the southwestern part of Kenya. Together with Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, as they share the same ecosystem they form one of the world top safari game viewing ecosystem. Masai Mara National Reserve covers 1,510square Kilometers and is about 27km from Nairobi Capital city by road which takes 5-6 hours and 40-45 minutes by flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport. 5-6 hours road drive, takes you to one of the games of Masai Mara National reserve; Oloololo Gate, Oloolaimutia Gate, Sekenani Gate, Musiara Gate, Talek Gate, and Sand river Gate. The reserve offers many attractions as its home to a year around excellent concentration of game viewing paradise including famous millions of wildebeest, zebras, elephants, big cats (Lions, cheetahs and Leopards) alongside migratory corridor, endangered black rhino, large hippos and crocodiles and recorded 450 bird species in the reserve. Mara Ecosystem, encompasses Mara Triangle and lots of conservancies including Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Mara North, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet. Also, there are many accommodations built within and outside the Masai Mara National Reserve consisting Lodges, Tented Camps and camping grounds.

The Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara was included as one of the seventh greatest wonders of the modern world.” It is now officially known throughout the world. Many have come back time and again. They have witnessed this mass movement of wild animals roaming free through the unspoiled and savage wilderness. The air fills with the click-click of the cameras. You have not seen something like this before. Africa is changing quickly, and human encroachment into the wildlife reserves has continued erasing traditional migration routes. In association with the development and changes in the way of life, the image of wildlife roaming free is slowly getting deleted. Fortunately, Masai Mara National Reserve retains its charisma of open, limitless land. It is one of the places in Africa that still prides itself on wildlife concentration. Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara Masai Mara is located in the southwestern of Kenya, 290 kilometers from Nairobi. The abundance of wildlife and the remoteness of the reserve implants memories that no money can buy. Migration is a recent phenomenon (the ’60s and ’70s was the biggest boom), with about 250,000 individuals. Gradually, with time, the number has risen to the current population of over 3,000,000 individuals. Add to it an estimated 1,500,000 Zebras, and the result is one of the most magnificent scenes in the world. The massive display attracts hundreds of big cats as the populations provide abundant prey. The giant African crocodiles lie in wait, patiently, as the big herds come to cross the river or to drink. It is the Masai community who are not so pleased with the whole phenomenon. The wildebeests compete with their vast herds of Borana cattle for the grasslands. To them, it is a big calamity, especially because the wildebeests transmit diseases to their flocks and poison the waters with their fetal sacs. This world-famous migration is a circle of life, which, in simple terms, means that there isn’t a start or an end. Only where the herds are located at a particular time. The significant determinant is the availability of pastures. The plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Serengeti are a favored spot as grass abounds and the wildebeest find a safe place to graze. It is also here that over 500,000 new calves are born, and the nearby waiting jackals or hyenas take many. Newborns have little time to strengthen their legs. As soon after birth, the “pilgrim” continues. By April, the rains are over in southern Serengeti, and the plains have dried up. The vast herds then gather and face the long march northwards and westwards. The natural lawnmowers abandon the exhausted grasslands of southern Serengeti to head for the already tall grass of the Western corridor, near the shores of Lake Victoria. The pioneers of the migration movement are the majestic herds of zebras. They prefer the long stems of the coarse grass. This way, they leave behind shorter grass, which the wildebeests favor. From late June to July, the mass starts pouring into the Kenya Masai Mara reserve, where fresh, tender, and mineral-rich grass is already waiting. Here, they meet the resident Mara populations of about 150,000. Also commonly referred to as the Loita plains herds, they spend most of the season northeast of the Mara. When it gets dry, they pour into the interior of the Mara in search of greener pastures. The migrating herds spend roughly 3 to 3 and a 1/2 months in the Mara, crossing through Sand River, which is a tributary of the Mara along the boundary of Kenya and Tanzania. They trek westwards and cross the Mara River and sometimes the Talek River. Usually, around this time, heavy rains on the Mau Escarpment (the origin of the Mara River) fill the Mara River to the brim. This is a good time to watch the trunk-looking crocodiles while they await the forthcoming feast. Finally, the gnus (wildebeests) venture into the river. This gregarious, coordinated behavior of the herds, usually teamed with zebras, creates an incredible scene. That’s just what the cameras have been waiting for. They wander along the river looking for a convenient crossing point. This moment is filled with tension for both the gnus(wildebeests) and the audience. They survey for a less steep part of the river bank and with no obvious danger. Finally, one takes courage and plunges into the river, and magically, the rest fall into the footsteps and, in one organized line, cross the river. In addition to the crocodiles, accidents also occur. The river’s current can be too strong for some, especially the young ones. Or getting stuck between the rocks in the river and breaking limbs, a direct ticket to the jaws of the giant crocodiles. Finally, the crossing is done, and the trek to their unknown (or known) destiny continues. Maasai Mara Serengeti wildebeest migration safari in the month of October, they are already heading to Serengeti, where the rains have treated the southern grasslands to a lush, green carpet of rich grass. Once again, they are heading to the southern plains, where a new generation will be born to start the life cycle all over again.

Close your eyes, and for a moment, feel your body lift up, with you having no control over it, and there is a certain part of you, inside you, saying to yourself, I am crazy for taking this balloon safari. This is what most people feel when the excitement of a Masai Mara hot air balloon safari crosses one’s emotions of self-control and independence. Soar high over the Savannah plains while wildlife roams wild and free beneath you. Book your spectacular Masai Mara balloon safari with us. Hot air balloon rides take place in the scenic beauty of Masai Mara. A gentle ascent takes you well above tree-top level, and the whispering light breeze soothes the hearts as you enjoy a panoramic view of wildlife drama unequaled anywhere in the whole wide world. Thrilling drama of nature’s battle of predators versus the prey, that is constantly displayed in the savanna grassland from time immemorial. It’s worth your dollar!

The 2026 Great Migration in Masai Mara: Your Ultimate Guide to Nature’s Greatest Show The earth trembles. Dust rises in golden clouds against the African sky. Over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle thunder across the savannah in a primal rhythm that has played out for millennia. This is the Great Migration 2026, and there is no better place to witness it than Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara. If you have ever dreamed of watching predators stalk their prey, witnessing dramatic river crossings, or simply feeling the raw pulse of the wild, the Masai Mara National Reserve safari packages offered by Trunktrails Safaris will turn that dream into reality. What Makes the Great Migration 2026 So Special? The Great Migration is not just a wildlife event. It is the largest overland migration on the planet. Every year, millions of herbivores move in a continuous loop between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, following the rains and fresh grazing. The 2026 season promises to be exceptional, with early rainfall patterns suggesting lush grasslands and abundant wildlife activity. Why the Masai Mara? While the Serengeti hosts the migration for much of the year, the Masai Mara becomes the stage for the most dramatic chapters. From July through October, the herds cross into Kenya, and the Mara River becomes a theater of survival. Crocodiles wait in the murky waters. Lions patrol the banks. The wildebeest must cross or starve. The Masai Mara National Reserve covers 1,510 square kilometers of rolling grassland, acacia-dotted plains, and riverine forests. It is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and boasts one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa. When the migration arrives, the Mara transforms into the ultimate safari destination. Wildebeest Crossing Dates: When to Visit in 2026 Timing is everything when planning your Great Migration 2026 safari. The herds do not follow a strict calendar, but decades of observation have revealed reliable patterns. July: The first herds begin crossing the Mara River. Early July is quieter, with smaller groups testing the waters. By mid-July, the crossings intensify. August: Peak migration season. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra are in the Mara. River crossings happen almost daily, often multiple times per day. This is the best month for guaranteed sightings. September: The herds are still abundant, but some begin drifting back toward the Serengeti. Crossings continue, though less frequently. The predator action remains intense. October: The tail end of the migration. Most herds have moved south, but stragglers remain. October offers fewer crowds and excellent predator sightings as lions and cheetahs capitalize on the remaining prey. For the most dramatic Masai Mara river crossing experiences, book your safari between late July and early September. Trunktrails Safaris monitors migration patterns closely and adjusts itineraries to maximize your chances of witnessing this spectacle. The Drama of the Mara River Crossings The Mara River is the migration’s most dangerous obstacle. Steep banks, strong currents, and Nile crocodiles make every crossing a life-or-death gamble. Wildebeest gather in nervous herds, sometimes for hours, before one brave individual leaps. Then chaos erupts. Thousands plunge into the water. Some are swept away. Others are dragged under by crocodiles. Calves struggle to keep up with their mothers. The air fills with grunts, splashes, and the primal sounds of survival. On the far bank, lions and hyenas wait. The crossing is not the end of the danger. It is just the beginning. Witnessing a Mara River crossing is a privilege few travelers experience. It requires patience, timing, and local knowledge. The guides at Trunktrails Safaris have spent years tracking migration patterns and know the best crossing points. They position you for front-row seats to nature’s greatest drama. Masai Mara Safari Packages: Options for Every Traveler Trunktrails Safaris believes that every traveler deserves to experience the magic of the Masai Mara, regardless of budget. That is why we offer tours and safaris designed for every pocket. Budget Safari Masai Mara

Overview

Tour Summary

Prices and Seasons

Description

The Masai Mara Flying Safari Package takes off from Wilson airport. We pick you up from your hotel and drive to Wilson airport to catch a light aircraft for the 45-minute flight to Masai Mara. Game drives are done using 4×4 Land Cruisers and can be either private or in a shared lodge or camp 4×4. When using our private openside 4×4 Land Cruiser you have the luxury of deciding game drive times with your driver while when using the shared lodge or camp vehicle, game drives are fixed and take place on a schedule that cannot be varied. You have 4 game drives in Masai Mara and on the third day, you fly back to Nairobi where we pick you up at Wilson airport and transfer you to your Nairobi hotel or the airport.

Game Drive Schedule and Activities

Each day on this Masai Mara Flying Safari is crafted for maximum wildlife viewing and relaxation.

Day 1: Arrival and Afternoon Adventure
Your journey begins with a morning transfer to Wilson Airport, followed by a scenic flight to the Masai Mara. Upon landing, you’re whisked away to your lodge, where you’ll settle in and enjoy lunch—especially handy if you arrive on an early flight. After some downtime to soak in the views (or perhaps to test out the pool), get ready for your first game drive in the later afternoon. This is when the light gets golden, and the wildlife is out and about. Expect to return to your lodge by early evening, just in time for a delicious dinner.

Day 2: Early and Late Game Drives, Plus Leisure Options
Wildlife are most active at dawn, so you'll set out for an early morning game drive around sunrise—prime time for spotting predators on the move. After returning to your lodge for a well-earned breakfast, you’ll have the late morning and midday free. Options include lounging at the pool, joining a walking safari, or visiting a local Maasai village (some activities may require advance booking or an extra fee). After lunch, there’s another safari drive later in the afternoon, when animal activity ramps up again. Evenings can bring entertainment from the lodge or simply time to unwind.

Day 3: Final Breakfast and Farewell
After a freshly prepared breakfast, you’ll check out—and maybe squeeze in a last moment on the veranda gazing over the savannah—before heading back to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi. and on the third day, you fly back to Nairobi where we pick you up at Wilson airport and transfer you to your Nairobi hotel or the airport.

Typical 3-Day Masai Mara Flying Safari Itinerary

Your 3-day Masai Mara adventure begins with a morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel (or international airport), followed by a short transfer to Wilson airport. With a quick check-in and your camera at the ready, you’ll board a light aircraft for a scenic 45-minute flight over the Great Rift Valley to the Mara’s open plains.

Upon touchdown, a friendly driver-guide welcomes you right from the tiny airstrip. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll settle into your lodge or camp and enjoy lunch. There’s time to unwind—maybe by the pool or simply absorbing those endless savannah views—before heading out for your first exhilarating game drive later in the afternoon. Wildlife is active, and your experienced guide helps you spot some of the Mara’s famous residents. As evening arrives, you return to your lodge in time for dinner and a restful night.

Day two is all about maximizing your time in the Mara. Early mornings are prime for game viewing, so you head out at sunrise when the predators prowl and grazers are on the move. You’ll return for a hearty breakfast and a leisurely morning back at camp—perhaps trying a nature walk or visiting a local Maasai village (small extra charge applies). After lunch, get ready for another afternoon game drive, exploring new corners of the reserve before retiring for dinner. Some lodges spice up the evening with a bit of entertainment or stories around the fire.

On day three, you enjoy a laid-back breakfast with a final glimpse of the rolling plains before checking out. A short transfer brings you back to the airstrip, where your return flight whisks you over the Mara’s golden grasslands and back to Nairobi. At Wilson airport, we greet you once more to ensure a smooth connection to your next destination—whether it’s back to your hotel or onward to your international flight.

What's Included in Your Safari Package

When you book this adventure, you get a well-rounded package that keeps things smooth and stress-free. Here’s a quick look at everything bundled into your safari costs:

Comfortable lodging at the reserve, including full board—so all your meals are covered.
Round-trip flights between Nairobi and Masai Mara, with all taxes taken care of.
Three expertly guided game drives in Masai Mara, using the lodge’s reliable 4x4 vehicles.
A professional, English-speaking driver-guide to accompany you on each wildlife excursion.
A complimentary breakfast experience at the Hippo Pool—a morning worth waking up for.
Transfers to and from the airstrip while in Masai Mara.
Private transportation between Wilson airport and your Nairobi accommodation, both before and after the safari.
Around-the-clock support, for those just-in-case moments or any extra help you might need.

With all these essentials included, your focus can stay on spotting that elusive lion or snapping the perfect sunrise photo over the savanna.

What a Typical Day on a Masai Mara Safari Looks Like

Your days in the Masai Mara are a vibrant mix of adventure, relaxation, and discovery. Here’s what you can expect:

Morning: Game Drives and Stunning Views

Start your day early with a sunrise game drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle—this is prime time to see wildlife at their most active. Keep an eye out for elephants lumbering through the grass and big cats lounging after a night’s hunt. After an exciting morning in the bush, you’ll head back to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.

Midday: Leisure and Lodge Life

With the thrill of the morning behind you, enjoy well-deserved leisure time at the lodge. Relax by the swimming pool, take in panoramic views of the Mara plains, or consider optional activities like a nature walk or a visit to a local Maasai village (these extras can be arranged at your request).

Afternoon: More Exploration

After lunch, set out again for an afternoon game drive, often timed for when the heat wanes and animals start stirring for the evening. Your driver guide will help you maximize wildlife sightings and can tailor the experience to your interests if you’re in a private vehicle.

Evening: Relaxation and Entertainment

Return to the lodge before dusk, just in time for a delicious dinner. Evenings are a chance to unwind—sometimes with cultural performances, storytelling, or simply sharing sightings with fellow travellers around the campfire.

Throughout your safari, all meals and scheduled game drives are included, with plenty of flexibility for relaxation and optional add-on experiences. This mix of adventure, comfort, and cultural immersion makes every day in the Masai Mara uniquely memorable.

Optional Add-On Experiences

To make your Masai Mara adventure truly unforgettable, you can enhance your safari with a range of unique experiences. Whether you’re interested in cultural immersion or a touch of luxury, here are a few popular add-ons:

Maasai Village Visit
Spend time with the Maasai community, learn about their traditions and daily life, and enjoy authentic interactions that provide a deeper understanding of local culture.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Take to the skies at sunrise for a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over the Mara’s sweeping plains. This experience offers spectacular aerial views of wildlife and landscapes, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant
Relish a unique culinary adventure in Nairobi with a renowned barbeque feast featuring a variety of meats in a lively, festive setting.

These optional activities can be arranged in advance or on arrival, subject to availability. Each offers a different perspective on Kenya—whether floating above the savannah, sharing traditions with the Maasai, or tasting the flavors of Nairobi.

Our driver guides and vehicle provide you with the flexibility to do game drives as you wish and do longer game drives since lodge game drives are limited to 2 hours per game drives. Using our vehicles means you can doe either full day game drives or morning and afternoon game drives and leave with packed breakfast or packed lunch if on a full day game drives. You get unparalleled flexibility when you use our vehicles and guides.

Lodge Amenities and Optional Activities

During your stay in the Masai Mara, you’ll enjoy a host of comforts and opportunities to enhance your safari experience. Most lodges come equipped with inviting swimming pools—ideal for cooling off between game drives or unwinding with scenic views of the savannah.

In addition to pure relaxation, you can add a little adventure to your stay through a range of optional activities available at an extra cost. Popular choices include guided nature walks for a closer look at the Mara’s unique ecosystem, or a visit to a local Maasai village for an authentic cultural encounter. These experiences offer deeper insight into the land and its people and can easily be arranged with our team—just let us know if you’d like to include them in your itinerary.

If you’re looking to fill a leisurely afternoon, you might also find evening entertainment at the lodge, from traditional dance performances to storytelling sessions around the fire. Combine these touches of comfort and exploration for a well-rounded Masai Mara adventure.

24/7 Support Throughout Your Journey

Rest easy knowing that our team is available around the clock while you are on safari. Whether you have a quick question, need help with unexpected travel hiccups, or simply want local tips, our dedicated backup support is just a call or message away—ensuring peace of mind from start to finish.

Highlights

flexibility to do game drives
full day game drives or morning and afternoon game drives

Flexible Tour Pricing

Our tour prices vary based on the number of travelers, travel dates, and seasonal demand. To ensure you receive the best possible rate, please send us your booking request and we will promptly provide you with a tailored quotation

Just returned from a 5-day Mara trip. Joseph is the best guide. He found the "Big Five" for us in just two days. The accommodation was luxury and well worth the cost. Safe driving and very punctual. I saw this beautiful elephants at close range and a giraffe , i was excited and i promise to visit again.

Carlos Kebabe

7-day safari covering multiple parks. Benson was our guide. He is a safe driver and knows the wildlife very well. The trip was very well organized.

Mary ann Bosibori

Amboseli for 4 days was a dream come true. Peter was our guide and he knew all the best spots for photography. Saw huge elephant herds with Kilimanjaro in the background. Professional and reliable service throughout.

Baraka Caleb

April 21, 2026

Just back from a 4-day Masai Mara trip with my wife. Our guide, Joseph, was incredible and found a leopard on our first afternoon. The Land Cruiser was clean and the pop-up roof was perfect for photos. Everything ran on time from the airport pickup. Great value for the price. Highly recommend. Did a solo 3-day Amboseli safari. David is a pro guide who knows exactly where to find the big elephant herds. Accommodations at the lodge were comfortable and the food was better than expected. Booking process was smooth through WhatsApp. 10/10.

Caleb Baraka

April 10, 2026

I enjoyed my visit to Nairobi park and the elephant orphanage. The vehicle we used was very comfortable and the guide was very informative. Thanks trunk trails for the experience. It was worth every penny.

joypristineapartmentkilimani

April 8, 2026

Travelled with Trunktrails and the whole safari was so exciting. I loved their guides and vehicles

Masai Mara National Reserve Flying Safari Package