Bestseller Maasai Mara 5 Days
Maasai Mara Luxury: Big Cats & Bush Sundowners
- ✦ Big Five game drives in the legendary Mara
- ✦ Stay in a luxury tented camp with butler service
- ✦ Optional sunrise hot-air balloon safari
Ready to book
From
$2,450
← All safarisEaster · Summer · October half-term
Kenya School Holidays: A Safari to Share as a Family
Ol Pejeta, Maasai Mara & Diani 9 Days / 8 Nights From $5,480 per person
Overview
The journey
Built around school terms rather than the safari calendar, with short driving legs, family accommodation and guides who are genuinely good with children. Wildlife first, then the ocean so nobody wants to go home early.
Why this safari
What makes it different
9 days, 4 ecosystems, one private vehicle and guide — and the option to fly the long legs.
4 distinct ecosystems in 9 days
Nairobi · Ol Pejeta · Naboisho Conservancy · Diani Beach — each chosen for a different animal, landscape and light, and ordered so you never double back.
A tight, purposeful route with no wasted days
Every move is planned around game movements and light, so short days still deliver full game-viewing mornings.
Your own 4x4 Land Cruiser and private guide
No shared vehicles and no fixed departure times — you decide when to leave camp, how long to sit with a sighting, and where to have breakfast.
Flown, not driven — included at Ultra-Luxury
Private charters between Ol Pejeta, Naboisho Conservancy, Diani Beach save roughly 30 hours of road time and are included in the Ultra-Luxury price.
Ultra-Luxury is genuinely all-inclusive
All meals, premium drinks, laundry, park and conservancy fees, private guiding and the charter flights are in the price. You should not need your wallet until you tip.
Priced honestly, with fees shown up front
Park and conservation fees, taxes and levies are itemised on your proforma invoice — 50% confirms the booking and the balance is due before travel.
Flying package
Fly between parks, conservancies and countries
Private Cessna Caravan or Grand Caravan charter, meet-and-greet planeside. 15kg per person in soft bags on charter sectors — extra seats can be blocked for luggage. Cross-border sectors include international handling and immigration clearance planeside.
Pick the legs you'd like to fly — the rest stay on the road in your 4x4.
Saves about 30 hours on the road — time you spend in camp instead.
No flights added yet — every transfer is by road.
At a glance
Trip essentials
Best season
Jul – Oct (migration) · Jan – Feb (calving & big cats)
Pace & difficulty
Relaxed — long stays, few moves · Easy — suitable for all ages
Group size
Private departure — 2 to 6 guests per vehicle
Game viewing
30–40 hours of guided game viewing across 5 active days
Destinations routed
Nairobi National Park → Ol Pejeta Conservancy → Maasai Mara National Reserve → Diani Beach
Ideal for
Families with children · Private departures for 2–6 guests
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
Every day is planned to the hour, with the flexibility to change anything before you confirm.
Route overview
- 1
Nairobi National Park
Day 1 · 1 night
- 2
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Days 2–3 · 2 nights
- 3
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Days 4–5 · 2 nights
- 4
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Day 6 · 1 night
- 5
Diani Beach
Day 7 · 1 night
- 6
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Day 8 · 1 night
- 7
Diani Beach
Day 9 · journey ends
- 1
ArrivalDay 1 · Arrive Nairobi
Nairobi National Park
Scenic flightAirport meet, transfer to Karen and an afternoon at the giraffe centre if flights allow.
MorningScheduled light-aircraft flight
AfternoonTransfer, luggage re-pack for light aircraft, and a full trip briefing with your guide
EveningWelcome dinner and route walkthrough with your safari specialist
Highlights
- Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
- Authentic local culture & guides
- Curated lodges & camps in every tier
Hemingways Nairobi
Dinner
Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing
Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage
Visa/e-TA must be approved before departure — we send the checklist on booking
Standard park/reserve fees apply
Best accessed via light aircraft or 4x4 transfer
Neutral greens and browns for game drives — avoid blue and black (tsetse flies)
- 2
SafariDay 2 · To Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Primate trackingScenic flightShort flight to Laikipia, afternoon at the rhino and chimpanzee sanctuaries.
MorningDawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — cultural & community visits
AfternoonSiesta through the heat, then birdwatching & photography
EveningNight drive (permitted in the conservancies), then dinner around the fire
Highlights
- Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
- Authentic local culture & guides
- Curated lodges & camps in every tier
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
All inclusive
Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing
Scheduled light-aircraft flight
Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage
Standard park/reserve fees apply
Best accessed via light aircraft or 4x4 transfer
Soft-sided bag of 15 kg maximum per person on light-aircraft transfers
- 3
SafariDay 3 · Junior ranger day
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Wildlife viewingTracking skills, spoor casting and a lion-monitoring session, then a night drive.
MorningDawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — birdwatching & photography
AfternoonSiesta through the heat, then walking safaris (where permitted)
EveningNight drive (permitted in the conservancies), then dinner around the fire
Highlights
- Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
- Authentic local culture & guides
- Curated lodges & camps in every tier
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
All inclusive
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof and window seat guaranteed
Approx. 1.5 h on the road
Standard park/reserve fees apply
Best accessed via light aircraft or 4x4 transfer
Bring binoculars; one pair per person changes the whole safari
- 4
TransitDay 4 · Fly to the Mara
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Game driveScenic flightCross-country flight, afternoon game drive with a picnic tea on the plains.
MorningScheduled light-aircraft flight
AfternoonAfternoon game drive on arrival — maasai village visit
EveningCamp orientation, hot showers, sundowners and a three-course dinner
Highlights
- Annual Great Migration river crossings (Jul–Oct)
- Highest lion density in Africa
- Resident leopards along the Talek & Mara Rivers
Naboisho Camp
All inclusive
Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing
Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage
Park fees: USD 200/adult/day (high season, non-resident)
Conservancy fees additional — typically USD 100–150/night
A warm fleece for pre-dawn drives — it is genuinely cold before sunrise
- 5
SafariDay 5 · Mara full day
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Cultural visitMorning drive, back for a swim and a Maasai warrior skills afternoon with the camp team.
MorningDawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — photographic hides & sundowners
AfternoonSiesta through the heat, then game drives (morning, full-day, night in conservancies)
EveningSundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars
Highlights
- Annual Great Migration river crossings (Jul–Oct)
- Highest lion density in Africa
- Resident leopards along the Talek & Mara Rivers
Naboisho Camp
All inclusive
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof and window seat guaranteed
Approx. 1.5 h on the road
Park fees: USD 200/adult/day (high season, non-resident)
Conservancy fees additional — typically USD 100–150/night
Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and a swimsuit for the coast
- 6
SafariDay 6 · Bush and beadwork
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Guided walkFamily walking safari at dawn, beadwork and storytelling in the afternoon, bush dinner under the stars.
MorningDawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — cultural & community visits
AfternoonSiesta through the heat, then birdwatching & photography
EveningNight drive (permitted in the conservancies), then dinner around the fire
Highlights
- Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
- Authentic local culture & guides
- Curated lodges & camps in every tier
Naboisho Camp
All inclusive
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof and window seat guaranteed
Approx. 1.5 h on the road
Standard park/reserve fees apply
Best accessed via light aircraft or 4x4 transfer
Spare camera batteries and double the memory cards you think you need
- 7Beach
Day 7 · Fly to Diani
Diani Beach
Scenic flightFlight to the south coast, afternoon on the beach.
MorningSlow breakfast on the terrace, then the reef at high tide — snorkelling over the coral gardens
AfternoonFree afternoon: paddleboards, kayaks or a book in the shade of the palms
EveningSunset cocktails on the sand, then a seafood dinner grilled to order
Highlights
- Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
- Authentic local culture & guides
- Curated lodges & camps in every tier
Diani Beach Resort
Breakfast, Dinner
Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing
Scheduled light-aircraft flight
Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage
Standard park/reserve fees apply
Best accessed via light aircraft or 4x4 transfer
Neutral greens and browns for game drives — avoid blue and black (tsetse flies)
- 8Beach
Day 8 · Reef and sand
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Boat experienceOcean experienceGlass-bottom boat and snorkelling in the morning, camel ride and rock pools at low tide.
MorningSunrise swim followed by a guided walk along the tide line
AfternoonOptional deep-sea fishing, kite-surfing lesson or a spa treatment
EveningDhow sundowner cruise followed by dinner under the stars
Highlights
- Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
- Authentic local culture & guides
- Curated lodges & camps in every tier
Diani Beach Resort
All inclusive
Private road transfer; boat and dhow for excursions
Standard park/reserve fees apply
Best accessed via light aircraft or 4x4 transfer
Soft-sided bag of 15 kg maximum per person on light-aircraft transfers
- 9Departure
Day 9 · Depart
Diani Beach
Scenic flightFinal swim and transfer to Ukunda or Mombasa for your flight.
MorningFinal sunrise game drive or a slow breakfast, then check-out and pack
AfternoonScheduled light-aircraft flight
EveningAssisted check-in for your international flight home
Highlights
- Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
- Authentic local culture & guides
- Curated lodges & camps in every tier
Accommodation confirmed on booking
Breakfast
Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing
Scheduled light-aircraft flight
Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage
Standard park/reserve fees apply
Best accessed via light aircraft or 4x4 transfer
Bring binoculars; one pair per person changes the whole safari
You leave Nairobi National Park with the sound of the plains still in your ears — and a standing invitation to come back for the season you missed.
Transparent pricing
Park & conservation fees included
| Destination | Type | Per adult / day | Days | Per adult |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi National Park | Park entry fee | $50 | 1 | $50 |
| Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Conservation fee | $110 | 4 | $440 |
| Maasai Mara National Reserve | Park entry fee | $200 | 2 | $400 |
| Total statutory fees per adult | $890 | |||
Children under 12 pay 50% and infants under 3 are free. Your proforma invoice itemises 16% VAT, the 2% catering levy and the 2% service charge separately.
What's included
- All accommodation as listed, on the meal plan shown for each day
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof, window seat guaranteed
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- Scheduled light-aircraft flights on the internal legs shown in the itinerary
- All game drives and activities named in the itinerary
- All park, reserve and conservation fees for the routed destinations
- Airport meet-and-greet plus all transfers in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle and camp laundry where offered
- Flying-doctor evacuation cover (AMREF) for the safari days
- 24/7 in-country support line and a proforma invoice with every quote
- Beach transfers and one guided marine excursion at the coast
Not included
- International flights and airport departure taxes
- Visa / e-TA fees and travel insurance (both mandatory)
- Premium drinks, champagne and imported spirits
- Optional extras: hot-air balloon, private guide, spa, diving
- Tips for guides, camp staff and drivers (guidance provided pre-departure)
- Personal shopping, telephone and anything not listed as included
What to pack
- ✦Neutral safari clothing — greens, browns, khaki (avoid blue and black)
- ✦Warm fleece and windproof layer for early-morning drives
- ✦Wide-brim hat, polarised sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- ✦Binoculars (one pair per person) and a zoom lens if you shoot
- ✦Insect repellent with DEET, plus antimalarials as advised by your doctor
- ✦Soft duffel bag of 15 kg per person for light-aircraft legs
- ✦Universal adaptor and a power bank — camp power is generator-timed
- ✦Copies of passport, insurance and yellow-fever certificate where required
Health & safety
- ✦Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all safari areas — confirm with your doctor
- ✦Yellow-fever certificate required when entering from an endemic country
- ✦Camps are unfenced: always walk with an askari escort after dark
- ✦Never stand up or lean out of the vehicle during a sighting
- ✦Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is mandatory
- ✦Flying-doctor evacuation cover is included for your safari days
Good to know
- ✦Kenya e-TA is applied for online and usually approved within 72 hours
- ✦Park fees are payable in USD and are included in your quoted price
- ✦Conservancy camps allow night drives and walking; the reserve itself does not
- ✦M-Pesa is universal for small payments — ask us how to load it
- ✦16% VAT, 2% catering levy and 2% service charge are itemised on your proforma invoice
- ✦Book 6–9 months ahead for July–October and the festive season
- ✦Drones are prohibited in national parks without a written permit
- ✦A deposit of 50% confirms your dates; the balance is due 45 days before travel
Guest reviews & credentials
Why travellers trust us with the Kenya School Holidays: A Safari to Share as a Family
“Our guide read the plains like a book — we were the only vehicle at a leopard sighting twice. Every transfer, camp and park fee was exactly as quoted.”
Maasai Mara · 6 nights
“Travelling with a 6-year-old and grandparents could have been chaos. Perch planned the driving days around nap times and picked family tents with connecting rooms.”
Amboseli & Tsavo · 5 nights
“The migration timing advice was spot on. When one camp went full they moved us to a better one in the same conservancy at no extra cost, same day.”
Serengeti & Ngorongoro · 8 nights
KPSGA silver & gold guides
Every driver-guide is Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association certified, with 8+ years in the parks on your route.
Licensed tour operator
Registered with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (Kenya) and TALA-licensed operations in Tanzania.
AMREF Flying Doctors cover
Air-evacuation cover for every guest for the full duration of the safari, included in your rate.
Vehicle & safety standards
Serviced 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, first-aid kits, satellite comms and daily driver check-ins.
Transparent proforma pricing
Park fees, conservancy levies, 16% VAT, 2% catering levy and 2% service charge itemised before you pay.
4.9 / 5 guest rating
Across 380+ reviewed departures, with a 62% repeat-and-referral rate from past travellers.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
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