Where the Migration meets the Mara River
The Maasai Mara isn't just a national reserve. It's the northern third of the Serengeti ecosystem — an unbroken stretch of golden grassland that funnels nearly two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle across the Mara River every July, in one of the last great spectacles left on Earth.
Almond Safaris flies you in directly from Diani's Ukunda airstrip, skipping the eight-hour Nairobi transfer and putting you on a game drive within ninety minutes of leaving the coast. You stay inside the reserve or on a private conservancy bordering it — meaning you're already in the cats' territory when the camp wakes you with coffee at 5:45am.
From late July through October, the Mara River becomes the stage for one of nature's most violent gambles — wildebeest plunging in by the thousand while crocodiles wait. We position you at the crossing points the cats know best.
Marsh Pride, Topi Plains, Rhino Ridge — the Mara's lions are the most studied population in Africa. Add cheetah on the open plains and leopard along the Talek River, and most guests see all three within 48 hours.
The conservancies surrounding the reserve are leased from Maasai families who still herd cattle and goats here. Visiting includes a real village stop — not staged, with one of the elders we've worked with for years.
Optional add-on: a 60-minute sunrise balloon flight over the plains followed by champagne breakfast in the bush. Roughly $580 per person. We book the dawn slot — the wind is steadier.
"The Mara doesn't perform. It just is — vast, ancient, and entirely indifferent to your itinerary. Which is exactly why you'll never forget it." — From a guest review, October 2025
A typical itinerary — but flexible. Tell us how you like to travel and we'll adjust pace, accommodation tier and activities to suit you.
Morning pickup from your Diani hotel for the 30-minute road transfer to Ukunda Airport. The 90-minute Safarilink flight crosses Tsavo and the Rift Valley before banking into the Mara. Land at Keekorok or Olkiombo airstrip, where your driver-guide meets you. Lunch at camp, then a 4pm game drive into the Topi Plains. Sundowner at a kopje with views toward the Tanzanian border. Dinner under stars.
Pre-dawn coffee, 6am drive — this is when the cats are still hunting. By 9am you're typically watching a pride feed, then we follow the river north toward the crossings (in season). Picnic lunch in the bush. Afternoon focuses on whichever sighting board chatter is best — leopard kill, cheetah cubs, hyena den. Optional Maasai village visit en route back. Evening at camp.
Final morning game drive — often the best, as the cats reposition for the day. Brunch at camp, transfer to airstrip for early afternoon flight back to Ukunda. We can extend by 1–2 nights or chain you onto Amboseli, Lake Nakuru or Samburu — ask before booking.
We work with all of these properties directly. Pricing below is per person, twin-share, all-inclusive of meals and game drives where stated.
Cliffside lodge inside the reserve at Oloolaimutia Gate. Rondavel-style rooms, big pool, a 20-minute drive to the best plains. Reliable for first-time visitors who want comfort without the luxury price.
On a Mara River bend with monkeys in the trees and a viewing deck where elephants regularly walk past. The infinity pool faces west. Best mid-tier choice for serious game viewing — sits in the centre of the reserve.
Tucked into a private bend of the Sand River near the Tanzania border, far from the crossing-day crowds. Twelve canvas-and-thatch tents, butler service, tracker-led drives. The sundowner spot here is the best in the Mara.
No deposit to enquire. We'll confirm availability, hold your dates for 48 hours, and send a tailored quote within one business day.
All prices below are in USD per person, twin-share, for the same 3 days / 2 nights package. Bigger groups pay less per head — same trip, same lodges, same vehicles, just shared between more people. Kenyan-resident rates available — ask us.
📌 What's included: Includes return Safarilink flights Ukunda ↔ Mara, all park fees, lodge full-board, game drives, transfers.
Groups of 10+ or special requests? We arrange private vehicle convoys, exclusive-use lodges, weddings, incentive trips, school groups and family reunions. Send a WhatsApp message to +254 797 036 943 or email booking@almondsafaris.com for a custom quote within one business day.