Malindi to Masai Mara 3 Day Fly-in Safari

Starting From and Returning to Malindi & Watamu Beach Areas

We’ll pick you up directly from your hotel or resort in Malindi or Watamu and transfer you to Malindi Airport for your morning flight. Kenya is world-renowned for its stunning beaches, but no visit here is complete without experiencing our magnificent game parks. There’s just too much incredible wildlife and scenery to miss!

Let Natural World Kenya Safaris take the hassle out of your journey, whisking you from the comfort of your beach resort to a nearby airport. From there, it’s just a scenic two-hour flight to one of the most famous wildlife reserves on the planet — the Masai Mara National Game Reserve.

As you soar above Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, including panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley, you’ll marvel at how this quick flight saves you a long 15-hour drive overland. Upon landing, a warm welcome awaits you from your lodge host, who will escort you to your accommodations, serve you lunch, and prepare you for your first exhilarating game drive in a 4 x 4 Land Cruiser.

The Masai Mara is a vast, thriving ecosystem home to hundreds of wildlife species — from powerful lions and elusive leopards to small bat-eared foxes. You’ll witness a dramatic parade of predators and even greater numbers of grazers, including wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle. During the migration season from July to October, these populations swell into the millions, creating one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.

The Mara’s rolling grasslands, dotted with iconic acacia trees, provide a stunning backdrop for unforgettable encounters with wildlife. You’ll also see the Mara River, where crocodiles lie in wait to ambush their prey, a scene full of raw drama and natural power.

Over your 3-day safari, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore this magnificent terrain and witness the timeless rhythms of African wildlife — all just a short flight away from your beach holiday. This safari adventure is perfect for children, seniors, and anyone with a sense of adventure!

Safari Pickup/Drop-off Venues and Times:

Malindi Resorts: 7:00 AM
Watamu Resorts: 6:30 AM

Tour Highlights

The spectacular Masai Mara Reserve
Aerial views of Kenya’s varied landscapes including the Great Rift Valley
Possible views of Mt. Kilimanjaro (weather permitting)
Spectacular wildlife throughout the Masai Mara during game drives
4 x 4 safari vehicles for your comfort and safety
3 game viewing drives, plus short game viewing drives to and from airstrip

Day 01 :

Daily Itinerary

Depart from Malindi/Watamu – Masai Mara

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Your safari adventure begins early with a pickup from your beach resort in Malindi or Watamu. We’ll transfer you to Malindi Airport to catch your chartered flight.

Between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., you’ll take off for an approximately two-hour scenic flight. From your window seat, enjoy breathtaking views of the sprawling Kenyan landscape, including the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro rising proudly in the distance.

You will arrive at the Masai Mara airstrip around 10:30 a.m., where your Natural World Kenya Safaris guide will be waiting to welcome you. From there, hop into a private, open-top 4 x 4 safari Jeep, ready to begin your thrilling exploration of one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife reserves.

Once settled into your private, open-top 4 x 4 Jeep, you’ll embark on your first introductory game drive from the airstrip to your safari lodge or tented camp. Here, you can freshen up and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.

Lunch will be served as you relax and get ready to immerse yourself in the spectacular Masai Mara experience.

The Masai Mara is renowned as one of the world’s richest ecosystems, boasting dense populations of wildlife and incredible biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for predators stalking the golden plains and rolling hills—lions, leopards, cheetahs, and smaller carnivores all make their home here.

On your first full game drive, your expert guide will track these magnificent creatures along with dozens of other species as you explore the breathtaking landscape.

Throughout your three-day Mara safari, your game-viewing schedule is completely flexible. Work with your guide to plan how often and how long you’d like each game drive to be—your adventure, your pace.

Note: Guests staying in conservancies who wish to visit the Mara Triangle area to witness the Great Migration river crossings should note there is an $80 per person surcharge.

You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at your chosen safari lodge or tented camp, where you’ll spend your first night surrounded by the sounds of the wild—resting up for the adventures that await on the following days.

Day 02 :

An early rise will greet you with the Mara’s golden morning light, as the park awakens and wildlife begins to stir. You can choose to embark on as many game drives as you wish throughout this full day, exploring the sweeping savannah dotted with iconic acacia trees.

Keep an eye out for Africa’s Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—while marveling at the incredible diversity of species that make the Mara their home.

If you’re visiting during the Great Migration season (July to October), prepare to be amazed by the vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle pouring into the reserve, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife spectacles on Earth.

To deepen your experience, consider an optional visit to a local Maasai village, where you’ll meet the indigenous people and learn about their rich culture and traditional lifestyle.

For a breathtaking perspective, ask your guide about the optional early morning hot air balloon safari. Floating above the Mara at dawn, you’ll witness the park come alive in the soft light, with wildlife roaming below as far as the eye can see.

After a day full of adventure and discovery, return to your lodge or tented camp to rest and recharge for the days ahead.

Day 03 :

We’ll rise early to make the most of our final day in the Mara, eager to soak up every last moment of wildlife viewing. Whether it’s spotting new species you haven’t yet seen or revisiting your favorites, this day is yours to cherish.

After an invigorating morning game drive, we’ll return to your accommodation for a hearty breakfast, sharing stories of your safari adventures so far.

With a little time left, we’ll set out on one final game drive, savoring the sights and sounds of the Mara as the day unfolds.

Eventually, we’ll make our way to the airstrip, ready to board your flight back to Malindi—carrying with you unforgettable memories of Kenya’s extraordinary wilderness.