Three-Day Fly-in Masai Mara Safari from Mombasa
3 Days / 2 Nights Days
Mombasa, Kenya → Mombasa, Kenya
Wildlife
Easy
Why Choose This Safari?
July through October is the standout window for this route, when the Wildebeest Migration is typically in the Masai Mara itself, including dramatic Mara River crossings. Outside migration season, the dry months from late December through February still deliver excellent game viewing and reliable weather, both for game drives and for the optional hot air balloon safari, which depends on calm morning conditions to fly
Itinerary
Day 1 — Mombasa to Masai Mara
Your driver picks you up early from your hotel or the airport in Mombasa and takes you to Moi Airport for your light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara. On arrival, your Masai Mara driver is waiting to take you to your lodge via a scenic route, so your very first game drive effectively starts the moment you land. After lunch at the lodge and a chance to settle in, you head out for an afternoon game drive into one of Africa's most famous reserves — a proper introduction to the Mara before your first night even arrives.
Day 2 — Full Day in the Masai Mara
You have two ways to start today: a sunrise game drive, timed for your best chance at lions and leopards still active from a night's hunting in the cool morning air, or a hot air balloon safari over the Mara at dawn, floating silently above the plains before touching down to a champagne breakfast surrounded by wildlife — genuinely one of the more memorable ways to see the reserve. After a late breakfast, the rest of the day is yours to shape: relax back at the lodge until lunch, or head out with a picnic lunch for a full day in the park. If the Wildebeest Migration is in season, this is your day to track the herds; otherwise, it's a full day dedicated to finding the Big Five across the Mara's open plains.
Day 3 — Masai Mara to Mombasa
One last game drive rounds out your Masai Mara stay before you head to the airstrip for your return flight to Mombasa. On arrival, your driver is waiting to transfer you back to your hotel or straight on to the airport, bringing your three-day safari to a close.
What's Included
Rate Includes
- Private transfers in Mombasa (hotel/airport to Moi Airport, and return)
- Return flights between Mombasa and the Masai Mara
- Park entry fees for Masai Mara National Reserve
- Expert local guide and 4x4 safari vehicle throughout
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- 2 nights' accommodation in the Masai Mara
Rate Excludes
- International flights
- Kenya visa / eTA fees
- Travel insurance
- Hot air balloon safari and champagne breakfast (almost always a separately priced add-on, please confirm)
- Breakfast on Day 1, if not arranged separately before your early pickup
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs)
Best Time to Go
July through October is the standout window for this route, when the Wildebeest Migration is typically in the Masai Mara itself, including dramatic Mara River crossings. Outside migration season, the dry months from late December through February still deliver excellent game viewing and reliable weather, both for game drives and for the optional hot air balloon safari, which depends on calm morning conditions to fly.
Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the hot air balloon safari included in the price?
It's offered as an option on Day 2, but balloon safaris are almost always priced separately from the core safari package across the industry. It's worth confirming the exact cost with our accounts team before this goes live so it's clear to guests upfront.
Will I see the Wildebeest Migration on this trip?
If you're traveling during migration season, roughly July through October, tracking the herds is one of the Day 2 options. Outside that window, the Mara is still excellent for general game viewing and the Big Five, but the migration itself will have moved on to the Serengeti.
How long is the flight between Mombasa and the Masai Mara?
The itinerary doesn't specify an exact flight time, but light aircraft connections between Kenya's coast and the Mara are typically a couple of hours, often with a stop or two along the way — we'll confirm the specific routing and schedule for your dates.
Where will I stay in the Masai Mara?
You'll overnight at a lodge within the Masai Mara for both nights; the specific property will be confirmed closer to your travel dates.
Is Day 2 a full day of game driving or more relaxed?
That's up to you after the morning's sunrise game drive or balloon safari, you can either take it easy at the lodge until lunch or head back out with a picnic lunch for a full day in the park. It's one of the more flexible days on any of our itineraries.
What's included in the price?
Flights between Mombasa and the Masai Mara, transfers, park fees, your guide and vehicle, and the meals listed in the itinerary are included; the hot air balloon safari is a separate optional add-on, and full pricing details are still being finalized with our accounts team.