Experience Kenya's natural beauty and wildlife diversity
An unforgettable and enjoyable adventure for any nature and wildlife enthusiast with
knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations.
A well-liked destination for honeymooners and couples, the Masai Mara offers easy access to big cats and other animals, making it an excellent choice for a first-time safari.
Observe the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara, the birdlife in Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, and the breathtaking scenery in Amboseli.
An excellent option to get a flavor of Maasai culture.
A full-day excursion and picnic lunch.
Taking nighttime safaris in designated locations.
Sundowners at picturesque vantage locations.
Trip Facts
Trip Profile :Africe-Kenya-MasaiMara-7days
Trip Type :Safari
Trip Duration :7 Days
Trip Route :Nairobi- Masai Mara- Lake Nakuru- Lake Naivasha- Amboseli- Nairobi
Trek Accomodation :Lodge, resort and camping
Preferred Seasons :January to March and June to October ( Dry season )
August to October for Wildebeest Migration
June to October ( Peak/safari high season)
November to December ( Green/safari low season)
Transportation:Flight and vehicle
Age Limit :No age limit bar
Kenya Masai Mara Big 5 Safari- 7 Days
The Masai Mara National Reserve is a protected wilderness region located near the Tanzanian border in southwest Kenya. The reserve features wide, rolling plains, isolated thorn trees, and far-off purple highlands. These are scenes straight out of Out of Africa, and the sunsets are among the most striking that you will witness. There are few trees since elephants have been tearing them down for centuries.
The Masai Mara safari would undoubtedly make the final cut if Africa had a Big Five for safari sites. It is a traditional safari destination, home to some of the best sights of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. It is also a part of the famous savannah land. That helped to define the East African safari experience many years ago. Along with a healthy mix of public and private nature reserves, Masai Mara is the home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). It’s one of the best spots in Africa to witness cheetahs in addition to the big pride of lions. Watching a cheetah hunt is an exciting sight.
A plethora of wildlife and a moderate climate make the Mara an excellent place to go on safari all year round. The Great Wildebeest Migration, the world’s most spectacular natural event, takes place in both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. August through October is the greatest time to witness the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara. The spectacular river crossings from the Serengeti into the Mara are most visible in August. It is when animals graze there until the November brief rains force them back into the Serengeti.
Big Five Animals of Africa
The main activity is game drives in the morning and afternoon. On the wheel, a qualified guide will point out and describe what you observe. Depending on where you travel, there may also be other activities available. In general, private reserves offer more activities than parks with public access. Night drives and nature walks, for instance, are not allowed in national parks). There are many entertaining activities and informative programs for children at family-friendly lodgings.
In high season (June to October), the Masai Mara can get very crowded, particularly at the river crossings, so if you want a front-row spot, you should make reservations up to a year in advance. To avoid the crowds during this time of year, it’s also a good idea to stay in one of the Mara’s private nature reserves. January through the end of March is the best time to visit the Masai Mara. Most safari visitors are not there. Furthermore, the weather is typically mild to moderate.
“The best months to go safari are June through October when the temperature drops a bit but is still pleasant and dry. There are two key reasons why this time is best for viewing wildlife.“
First of all, there is less and drier vegetation, which essentially makes it simpler to spot animals—especially the big ones like buffalo, elephants, and rhinos. There is slightly less vegetation for even the more cunning leopard to conceal and blend in with. Second, as smaller ponds and streams dry up, there are fewer sources of water accessible. Due to their daily thirst, animals like buffalo and elephants are especially reliant on water. Larger mammals tend to assemble closer to the few surviving sources and are therefore simpler to locate because they cannot survive for a period without it.
Tiger Encounter in Bardia National Park trip itineraries are customisable; according to your choice & the number of days you want to stay. Simply, Contact Us
Itinerary of Kenya Masai Mara Big 5 Safari- 7 Days
1
Arrival at Nairobi, Kenya and drive to Masai Maara National Reserve
When you arrive in Nairobi in the morning, our tour guide driver will get you up from the airport. Then drive to the Masai Mara. The five- to six-hour trip to the Mara Lodge will be enjoyable. You'll go on an afternoon wildlife drive in the expansive plains of Masai Mara after arriving and eating lunch. You'll see the migration of wildebeests and possibly even spot the Big Five. After learning from your guide and taking in the breathtaking views, you'll head back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
2
Full Day Game Drive at Masai Mara
After a leisurely breakfast, we will head out for a full day of game viewing in Masai Mara. We will be covering a variety of areas within the reserve to maximize the chances of seeing a wide variety of wildlife. Look out for predators, herds of wildebeest and zebras, graceful giraffes, and other fascinating animals. We will stop for a picnic lunch in a scenic area of the reserve, taking in the beauty of nature. Later in the afternoon, we will continue the game drive, covering new territory and marveling at the varied landscapes. For an additional fee, you can enjoy hot air balloon rides, trips to nearby villages, and horseback safaris. In the evening, you will head back to your lodge or campsite to relax and enjoy a satisfying dinner.
3
Drive from Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru
Following breakfast, you will depart from Masai Mara lodging and start the about five to six-hour drive to Lake Nakuru. The breathtaking scenery as we go across the Rift Valley will delight all of us. We will will settle into our accommodation, enjoy lunch, and unwind after arriving at Lake Nakuru National Park. We will go on a game drive in the park in the afternoon. Aside from seeing the variety of birds, which includes flamingos and pelicans, we should also look out for buffalo, giraffes, rhinos, and other wildlife. Admire the magnificent vistas of Lake Nakuru and its environs. We will spend the night and dinner back at our lodge.
4
Drive from Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Following breakfast, we will depart from your Lake Nakuru and travel the 1 to 2-hour distance to Lake Naivasha. You will settle in and check into a hotel when you get to Lake Naivasha. You might choose to go on a boat ride on Lake Naivasha in the afternoon, where you can see hippos and many bird species while taking in the tranquil surroundings. As an alternative, you can go to Crescent Island, a sanctuary where you can go on a guided walk and witness animals up close, including wildebeests, giraffes, and zebras. You can unwind in your lodge in the evening while eating dinner while taking in the lake view. Before leaving for your next location the following morning, you can eat breakfast and, if time permits, go on a nature walk or check out neighboring sights like Hell's Gate National Park.
5
Drive from Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park
Having breakfast, we will leave your lodging in Lake Naivasha and drive for five to six hours to get to Amboseli National Park. As we travel to Amboseli, we will take in the breathtaking scenery while we drive. We will check into our lodge or campsite at Amboseli National Park and then enjoy lunch. We will spend some time unwinding and admiring the breathtaking vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, which dominates the skyline of the park. We will go on a wildlife drive in the afternoon in Amboseli National Park, which is renowned for its enormous herds of elephants and stunning scenery. Discover the park's varied ecosystems and witness a great range of animals, such as giraffes, zebras, lions, and cheetahs. After dinner, we will head back to our lodging to spend the night amid the sounds of the African wilderness.
6
Full-Day Game Drive at Amboseli
Experience a full day of game viewing at Amboseli National Park, beginning with a captivating sunrise. Find out the park's renowned elephants, as well as lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species. We will stop for a packed lunch and take amazing pictures. We will explore the park's various regions, making the most of your chances to see wildlife. As dusk falls, head back to our lodging for a delectable dinner and unwind while thinking back on the amazing experiences of the day.
7
Drive to Nairobi and fly back to home country
We will leave our lodging in Amboseli National Park after breakfast. After a 4 to 5-hour picturesque journey, we will return to Nairobi. Following your afternoon arrival in Nairobi, your trip from Amboseli National Park will conclude when you are dropped off at your hotel or airport to fly back to your home country.
Cost Detail
Trip Includes
Airport pick up and drop off on arrival.
All accommodations on a Bed & Breakfast plan
All road transportation arrangements during the itinerary,
All meal arrangements during safari programs
All logistical arrangements during safari programs
Trip Excludes
International flights
Lunch and Dinner while in the town/city.
Tips to porters and staff.
Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered/ Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls
Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated)
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head "Prices included".
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This is a pre-booking form for the lead traveler. We would send you the actual booking form after the confirmation
To reach Kenya’s Masai Mara, fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. From Nairobi, you can either take a short domestic flight directly to one of the airstrips within the Masai Mara or embark on a scenic 5-6 hour drive through the Great Rift Valley. The flights are convenient and offer stunning aerial views, while the road journey provides a chance to experience Kenya’s diverse landscapes.
Once in the Masai Mara, safari lodges and camps offer transfers from the airstrips, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure in this world-renowned wildlife haven.
Facts about Masai Mara
Masai Mara, located in southwest Kenya, is a part of East Africa. The Great Rift Valley, which runs almost vertically through Kenya, encompasses the Mara reserve within its vast valley formations. Covering approximately 1,510 km² (580 square miles), Masai Mara borders Serengeti National Park to the south. It is the northernmost section of the joint Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which spans about 25,000 km² (9,700 square miles) across Tanzania and Kenya.
Breathtaking Wildlife
First designated as a conservation area in 1961, Masai Mara National Reserve is regarded as a year-round safari destination due to its ideal climate and abundant wildlife, making it perfect for excellent game viewing throughout the year. The Mara is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros) as well as the Big Nine African animals, and more than 400 bird species have been identified in the park, many of which are migratory, including nearly 60 species of raptors.
Epic Wildebeest Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration, recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, occurs annually from late July to the end of September, though the timing may vary slightly due to rainfall patterns. During these months, the yellow savannah is dotted with the black silhouettes of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes as they migrate northward from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara in search of food and water, as well as to complete their mating and birthing cycles.
Cultural Guardians
Arguably the most iconic tribe in Africa, the Maasai are nomadic pastoralists who traditionally make a living by herding cattle. Originally a Nilotic ethnic group, they are believed to have migrated centuries ago from the semi-arid Nile Valley north of Lake Turkana. Today, the Maasai inhabit the region around Masai Mara as well as large portions of the Great Rift Valley. They are known for their unique nomadic culture and way of life, as well as their traditional dress of red or brightly colored "shukas" or body drapes.
Stunning Scenery & Landscapes
The word "Mara" means "spotted," a name the reserve earned due to its landscape of short bushy trees and shrubs dotting the vast rolling grassland plains, commonly referred to in Africa as the "savannah." The reserve also features several hilly outcrops and steep cliffs on the westernmost part of the park, known as the Oloololo Escarpment.
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This is a pre-booking form for the lead traveler. We would send you the actual booking form after the confirmation
What your client say about us.
Wonderful and unforgettable trip!
My wife and I wanted to visit Nepal at its best, living, feeling and enjoying this beatiful country and people, in the most possible comfort, safety and relax..but, at the same time, we were not looking for a trip of unnecessary and impersonal luxury, living all the time in an unreal “bubble”. After some research, Tiger encounters was our choice for a 2 weeks trip to Nepal, one week between Karhmandu and Pokhara, and one week safari in Bardia National park.
Mr. Ghanshyam, owner and director of Tiger Encounters, organized for us the best possible tours and experiences. He suggested and booked the proper premium hotels and lodges, visited the best places with top guides, fantastic choices! From the moment of booking the trip, until the very last minute before boarding our plane to come home, we always had a full and great support. Everything was seamless, spotless and perfect. We lived the best of the Himalaya and the wilderness of Bardia beeing always treated like royals, unbelievable !
Thank you very much for all the special moments we lived and enjoyed, we will come again for sure !
Dear Reader, if you are still here, means that you really wish to go to Nepal… in that case, do not hesitate any longer, contact Tiger Encounters right now, you will not regreat it !!!!
Nicola & MariaItaly
Snow Leopard Expedition in Nepal
I have to congratulate Ghanshyam on the great organization, from email communications, logistics and all the attention during the tour. Everything was organized in an excellent way and what I really appreciated was the availability and flexibility. I have travelled a lot, but few times have I met an agency so helpful to plan changes on site. Great drivers, careful driving.
Aashish, our guide, did everything to satisfy every request, always available and kind throughout the trip and very competent even during trekking in search of the Leopard. What about Tashi R. Ghale, a special person, tireless, did everything so that we could realize the dream of sighting the Leopard. It was an honor to meet him and be able to be with him, for me it was one of the best experiences of life. I would have hoped to see the Leopard more closely, but I realize how difficult it is and still being able to hear it during the calls of the mating season was exciting.
Thank you for everything and I can only recommend this agency “Tiger Encounter”!
Alessandra FarinaItaly
The most exciting journey of Snow Leopard and the most perfect service!
Together with Tiger Encounter we went to Nepal in the Annapurna National Park on the trail of the Snow Leopard and it was a magical experience where everything went smoothly. Organizing the trip of a lifetime is a wonderful challenge, but doing it with passionate, competent, and meticulous people who paid attention to every detail and our every wish, ensuring this was truly the trip of a lifetime, was truly fantastic! We were three of us along with me Alessan & Sandara.
These people really exist: they are the Tìger Encounter team.
Professionalism at the highest level, friendliness and respect, always open to any idea and always attentive to our safety.
You couldn’t ask for more.
Alberto CerioniReppubblica Italiana
One of the best tour companies I ever worked with
I’ve travelled to 50+ countries with dozens of tour operators – Ghanshyam and his team absolutely stood out. This was a demanding photography trip and everything was organised perfectly and flexibly when needed, with a lot of personal attention and excellent guides.
Florian KriechbaumerDubai
Bardia and Chitwan Photography Trip
I have traveled to many places in pursuit of photographing endangered species, and surprisingly, I did not have any images of the Bengal tiger. Many of my friends visited India for tiger safaris, but the crowded and hectic national parks discouraged me. After watching a BBC Planet Earth documentary, I discovered that Bengal tigers also exist in Nepal. Following many email exchanges with different tour operators in Nepal, I chose Tiger Encounter — and I am very happy that I made the right decision.
Ghanshyam was extremely flexible with my itinerary. I had to change my plans at least twice, and he accommodated every adjustment without hesitation or even a hint of frustration. He personally came to the airport to receive me and introduced me to my guide, Manju, who accompanied me throughout the entire trip. During the journey, Ghanshyam stayed in constant communication with the guide to ensure I was always well taken care of.
When I book a trip, I highly value creativity, resourcefulness, and flexibility. Not every trip goes perfectly smoothly, so when unexpected situations arise, the way they are handled matters greatly. Ghanshyam earned my trust because he managed every challenge in a way that exceeded my expectations.
Although I had to cut my trip short, I fully intend to return to Nepal, and Ghanshyam will absolutely be my first choice again.
With that said, I have no hesitation in highly recommending Tiger Encounter to anyone planning a trip to Nepal.
Ly DangUSA
Tiger Trip of a lifetime!
I spent 12 days exploring Nepal with Tiger Encounter and it was one of the most incredible trips in my life. They met us at the airport and didn’t leave our side the entire trip. Extremely organized and professional and I’m already planning on coming back. Best way to see tigers in the wild! Couldn’t recommend them enough.
Ryan ShirleyUSA
Tiger Safari in Bardia & Red Panda Trekking
I really wanted to find a local company who could make a personalised itinerary for my husband and I to do red panda trekking and a safari in Bardia National Park to see tigers (among other things). I would highly recommend Tiger Encounter for any trip to Nepal, but especially if you’re looking to encounter wildlife.
Ria & PeterNew Zealand
Outstanding Service
We recently returned from a 2 week private wildlife trekking and safari tour with Tiger Encounter, and couldn’t recommend them highly enough. We found them through a Google search and we are so glad that we did – we were so impressed! Tiger Encounter really offer such a personalised service and clearly care about their travellers.
Jessica & JamesUnited Kingdom
Great Experience with Tiger Encounter
Excellent safari in Chitwan and Bardia. Very professional company and we were looked after really well. Communication was easy and fast response. The guides on the safaris were brilliant and the accommodation was excellent. Can’t rate them highly enough.
Susan Joy BrownUnited Kingdom
The absolute best there is
I’ve been to 28 different countries and countless safaris over the world- let me tell you that this is the standard for every other safari I’ve been on since! The attention to detail, the absolute love and care of the guides, and the tour operator’s genuine wish for you to have the best experience possible made this one of the most amazing tours/safaris I’ve been on.
It was just as amazing to meet the locals and meet the Tharu people as it was to see the rhino and to be close up with an elephant!! (And That tiger that kept in front of our raft to cross the river!!) As an experienced traveler, take my word that you will have a genuinely wild and carefree adventure!!!???
Alison Michell HancockUSA
First Luxuries Jungle Safari Trip to Nepal
Had the most wonderful and life changing experience with Tiger Encounter. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Sharma (owner) who had accompanied me as my guide throughout my adventure. They had planned everything so well and truly make you feel like family. Be it every step of the way from jeep safari, jungle walk, canoe ride, trek through the jungle, mountain trek Mr. Sharma is truly amazing guide, photographer and wonderful motivator. It goes without saying that your guide is your doorway to experiencing everything about the beautiful country you visit. Be it food, shopping, adventure or pleasure. I truly loved every moment of my time…and hope to return to this beautiful country with Tiger Encounter to many more adventures and celebrating a wonderful friendship. Hop you all have as amazing adventures and journeys with them. ?
Chithra SashiBahrain
Fantastic from beginning to end
Thank you Tiger Encounter team for another great experience in beautiful Nepal. We had amazing memories in Mt. Everest & Chitwan! We did wildlife safari, jeep safari, bird watching, village tour & cultural program. You are super professional, knowledgeable. Strongly recommend.
Come across the magnificent Royal Bengal Tigers, and watch them live their untamed lives. Experience this immense quest in the wilderness of the most undisturbed protected area in Nepal.
Join a top-rated Red Panda Photography Expedition in Nepal. Expert trackers, ethical spotting, and high sighting success in Langtang & Eastern Nepal. Perfect for wildlife photographers and conservation travelers.
