The Masai Mara self-drive safari circuit covers Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve — 4 days in a Land Cruiser 4×4 driving the Mara’s open savannah, river crossing viewpoints, and predator territories without a guide or set schedule. This is Kenya’s most rewarding self-drive destination, with lion, cheetah, leopard, and (July–October) the world’s largest wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River.

Circuit Overview

  • Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
  • Distance: Nairobi – Mara return, approx 600 km total
  • Vehicle: Land Cruiser V8 or Prado (dry season)
  • Best timing: July–October (migration); November–January (predators, no crowds)
  • Park fee: USD 80/person/day (non-resident, 2027/2028 rates)
  • Campsite: Mara public campsites from USD 20/person/night

Day-by-Day Route

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara (280 km, 5–6 hours via Narok). Afternoon game drive on arrival.

Day 2: Full Mara game drive day — 6 am dawn circuit through the lion territory, Mara River hippo pools, afternoon predator circuit. No time limit.

Day 3: Second full day — Mara Triangle or river crossing viewpoint positioning. Flexibility to follow sightings.

Day 4: Dawn circuit then return to Nairobi by early afternoon.

Book This Circuit

Vehicle hire for this circuit starts from USD 90/day for a self-drive configured Land Cruiser Prado with camping kit, roof tent, cooler box, and recovery equipment. Book now or contact us for a quote.