4-Day Masai Mara Christmas and New Year Safari

Masai Mara National Reserve

Rates From $1,915

About This Tour

The Masai Mara plains offer a steady rhythm of wildlife and wide landscapes. This journey travels through open grasslands where light and nature change with the passing hours. It suits families and couples looking for a focused safari experience during the festive season.

The flow moves from the city into the heart of the Mara for three nights. This pace allows for deep immersion into one of the world’s most famous wildlife areas. It avoids the fatigue of multiple stops and long travel days.

This trip feels calm and reassuring with a balance of activity and rest. Guests spend nights at a single lodge, which creates a settled atmosphere. The movement is unhurried and follows the natural patterns of the landscape.

Our Community Impact

Johnbow quietly supports local growth by prioritising lodges that employ staff from nearby communities. This safari contributes directly to the region through the payment of conservancy and park fees. We choose partners who value local culture and provide fair opportunities for residents.

Our Sustainability Promise

We focus on responsible travel by using 4×4 vehicles that follow designated tracks to protect the soil. Our partners work to reduce plastic waste and manage resources carefully. Johnbow selects lodges that operate with a respect for the natural environment and local ecosystems.

Why This Safari Works

The itinerary works because it focuses on a single destination for maximum wildlife time. By staying at one lodge, travellers avoid the stress of frequent packing and long road transfers. The 4×4 Jeep transport ensures comfort on the terrain while the three-night stay allows for a thorough exploration of different Mara sectors. This structure is ideal for first-time safari guests and families who prefer a steady, manageable pace without rushing between parks.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • All-Inclusive Meals
  • Big Five Experience
  • Children Allowed
  • Couple
  • Cultural Visits
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Private Safari
  • Road Transfer

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara by road
  • Day 2: Full Day Safari, Masai Mara
  • Day 3: Masai Mara Experience
  • Day 3: Masai Mara to Nairobi by road

Destinations

  • Masai Mara National Reserve

Where You Stay

  • Mara Serena Safari Lodge (3 nights)

Safari Highlights

  • Soft morning light over the Mara plains
  • The steady rhythm of the 4x4 journey
  • Open grasslands filled with wildlife
  • Warm festive atmosphere at the lodge
  • Quiet moments by the Mara River
  • Wide horizons and iconic acacia trees
  • Late afternoon game drives in the reserve
  • Unbroken views of the star-filled night sky

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Diani to Nairobi

Itinerary Highlights

  • Descent into the Great Rift Valley
  • First entry into the Mara grasslands

Itinerary information

The journey begins with a drive from Nairobi toward the Great Rift Valley. The landscape transitions from urban surroundings to expansive volcanic plains. As the vehicle enters the Masai Mara, the first wildlife sightings often appear in the tall grass. The day moves at a calm pace as guests settle into the lodge for the start of the safari.

  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Sunrise over the Mara ecosystem
  • Active wildlife in the cool morning air
  • Vast plains stretching to the horizon

Itinerary information

The day follows the natural movement of the reserve from dawn. A full day of exploration allows for travel into deeper parts of the Mara. The rhythm is dictated by nature, with stops to observe animal behaviour in the open light. The 4×4 Jeep provides an elevated view of the landscape and its inhabitants throughout the journey.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Lewa to Masai Mara

Itinerary Highlights

  • Lodge-based calm and relaxation
  • Gentle afternoon movement through the bush

Itinerary information

The third day offers a chance to deepen the connection with the Mara. Guests can choose a slower pace or focus on specific areas of interest within the reserve. The atmosphere remains quiet and steady, allowing for a thorough appreciation of the ecosystem. The day concludes with a final night under the expansive African sky.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Last glimpses of the Mara plains
  • The steady climb back to the highlands

Itinerary information

The final morning includes a last look at the Mara before the return journey. The vehicle moves back through the Rift Valley, climbing toward the Nairobi highlands. The transition from the wild plains back to the city is handled with a gentle pace. The safari ends upon arrival in Nairobi during the afternoon.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: End of Safari

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We designed this four-day flow to offer a settled and unhurried experience. Staying at one lodge removes travel fatigue and lets you truly connect with the Mara. ❞

~Johnbow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

SeasonDate Range2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
Peak Festive Season23Dec – 3Jan, 2027$2,260$2,000$1,915

Important Rate Notes

  • Rates vary based on room availability and specific festive dates.
  • A single room supplement applies for solo travellers.
  • Child policies vary and must be confirmed at the time of booking.
  • Lodge substitutions of a similar standard may occur if the primary lodge is full.

What's Included

  • All accommodation during the safari
  • Transportation on a Jeep 4x4
  • Game drives
  • Meals
  • Park fees
  • Government Taxes/VAT
  • Bottled mineral water

Optional Addons

  • Hot air balloon flight over the Mara
  • Guided Masai village cultural visit
  • Private bush dinner under the stars
  • Professional photography safari guide

What's Not Included

  • International flights to and from Kenya
  • Kenya entry visas
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips and gratitude for the guide
  • Drinks and beverages not in the meal plan

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this itinerary is specifically planned for the festive season with a settled pace at the lodge
While there is more space than on flights, we recommend soft-sided bags for easy packing in the 4×4 Jeep.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge typically provides festive themed meals and celebrations during the holiday week.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

Posted on Google Google
Dorcas Munga profile picture
Dorcas Munga
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great planning and communication. My trips have been smooth. All expectations met 💯
Posted on Google Google
Mike Bourassa profile picture
Mike Bourassa
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our driver, Patrick, made the experience even more special with his outgoing personality and his knowledge of each park. He always made certain that he positioned his vehicle just right so we could get a perfect photo. He shared a lot about African culture an answered our questions. His keen eye spotted a cheetah from a long distance and we experienced the animal stalk and catch his prey (only to have a hyena steal it from him at the end). The accommodations were excellent at Massai Mara but were a bit too primitive at Amboseli. The large openings between the sleeping area and the bathroom brought way too many bugs into the tent. Wonderful memories of the entire experience!! We hope to come back next year and Patrick will be our choice of guide.
Posted on Google Google
Kate Mandere profile picture
Kate Mandere
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wonderful team, very warm, helpful and well coordinated!
Posted on Google Google
Emmy Chepkoech profile picture
Emmy Chepkoech
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I recently booked my 1st trip with Johnbow Tours and Travel and it was an outstanding experience from the start to finish. The team was professional, well-organised, helpful and incredibly friendly. Transfer to my hotel room and back was handled smoothly allowing us to relax and enjoy our journey. The fact that they allow lipa mdogo mdogo was not overwhelming paying for the package...I can't wait to book again with Johnbow 😊
Posted on Google Google
Gloria Kikete profile picture
Gloria Kikete
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jonbow has offers seamless travel service with a personal touch.
Posted on Google Google
Lolo Chgn profile picture
Lolo Chgn
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Safaris de 5 jours depart Nairobi et arrivée à Diani beach Visite des parcs d’amboseli, tsavo ouest et est , t.hills Découverte d une faune magnifique Notre chauffeur Chombo a tout fait pour rechercher les animaux et il était à notre écoute ! Dépaysement total garanti Les hôtels étaient tout confort avec des conditions d’alimentation en eau et électricité précaire ! Nous remercions vraiment Morris et Chombo pour ce magnifique Safari
Posted on Google Google
Irene Nduku profile picture
Irene Nduku
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent services, the team was friendly, efficient and went above and beyond to meet my need.Their service was prompt and effective. I highly recommend
Posted on Google Google
Cheyenne van den B profile picture
Cheyenne van den B
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a two day tour with Johnbow Tours & Travel to Tsavo West. The park itself is not that good to be honest, but we stayed at Salt Lick lodge and that was amazing. The animals are coming so close to the lodge, it is really beautiful to see. The driver Pius was also really nice and he had a lot of knowledge about the animals. I have been in contact with Morris and that was also really pleasant because of the arrangement we had.
Posted on Google Google
virginia mumo profile picture
virginia mumo
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
As a team of 12pax..we had an exceptional good experience with the Johnbow team. Well informed and humble team who contributed a lot to an enjoyable trip and creating memories.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Stay06810033473 profile picture
Stay06810033473
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Customer Servive Customer service was great!Communication was timely and effective especially as there were some flight changes.Either way the bookings were perfect, customer service was exceptional and we even got a treat for our anniversary, at no extra costElijah and Sam were very helpful.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Annette M profile picture
Annette M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Exceptional Experience with Johnbow Tours and Travel! I had an unforgettable trip to Bali and Thailand, the guides were amazing, the places beautiful and the itinerary on point. Bali has very many temples and beautiful rice terraces, the swings and sunset views unforgettable. thank you Johnbow for the tour.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
KSP profile picture
KSP
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Memorable Safari with a Great Team and Guide We had a really good experience with Johnbow Tours during our Kenya safari. Morris, our main point of contact, was communicative and professional throughout. He stayed in touch via WhatsApp both before and during the trip, answering all our questions quickly and clearly, which gave us a lot of confidence going in.The pricing felt fair for what we received, and the Land Cruiser was comfortable, especially considering the long drives. They also provided snacks at the start of the trip upon request, which was thoughtful.Our guide, Paul, was very knowledgeable. He had a sharp eye for spotting animals and shared interesting facts about everything we saw. We had plenty of game drives and were lucky to spot a wide variety of wildlife.The only small issue was around water. We had been told water would be included throughout, but at a couple of the lodges, we were charged for drinking water, tea, or coffee during meals. It wasn’t a big deal, but having clarity on that from the start would’ve been helpful.Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable safari. The team was dependable, the schedule was well planned, and we felt taken care of from start to finish. I’d absolutely recommend Johnbow to anyone planning a private safari in Kenya.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Alain V profile picture
Alain V
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A great experience, a must for everyone who reads this Jonbow, our driver who has the same name as the agency, took very good care of us. He was on time for the appointment. Once on the road he was super attentive. In the park he was always the first to spot the game. He gave us very good explanations about all the animals we saw. No effort was too much to make us spot all the game. Super friendly and helpful guy. He operates from Mombasa/Diani Beach. He made sure that our safari will remain unforgettable.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
winnie a profile picture
winnie a
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Dubai tour 2024 was a birthday gift to my son who turned lucky number seven. I writing to thank you for coordinating our trip to UAE, dubai. Everything was perfect; the flight, the hotel was clean and all staff were friendly and professional. Special thanks to Mary Gathua as she was the one who coordinated everything for us.The tour guides were excellent! They made things as easy for us as possible. I really appreciate these and that indicate the quality services that they provide.We had dubai town tour and our guide, Mr. Albert did exceptionally well. We learnt about the origin of UAE and the important features in dubai. We had dhow cruise with dinner, and the dessert safari with dinner.Desert safari was the best of the trip (the driver , Mr . Zaheer was very professional, and the overall experience was thrilling and amazing). The desert safari remains in my priority to do list when I visit dubai next.I would certainly recommend Johnbow Tours and travel to anyone wanting to visit Dubai. Thank you again and look forward to plan our next vacation with you.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
maryanne o profile picture
maryanne o
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Awesome Best tour company ..travelled to Dubai in Emirates .Booked the best hotel in Dubai..Johnbow staff are friendly and accommodatve I rate them10/10 they're affordable too .
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
M A profile picture
M A
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Superb service Happy New Year! Eunice managed our travel plans superbly, and I’m grateful. Our stay at Pride Inn was delightful; the staff’s service, food, attention, and entertainment made our holiday special and memorable. Thanks again for your excellent services.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
gladys n profile picture
gladys n
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Efficient Eunice of John Bow ,was pretty helpful from getting us a hotel to SGR tickets, and transfers to the hotel.She also called to ensure we arrived safely.I loved the seamless process and especially because we chat on whatsapp mostly. Johnbow tours keep their word! I would choose them again.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Christine N profile picture
Christine N
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Awesome experience This travel company was very efficient. I engaged them on whatsapp in the morning and by afternoon they had finalised everything including the sgr tickets. Their staff Eunice was readily available even at night because we did night travel. And early morning at 4 am, she called to find out if the driver had picked us. I would recommend them anytime
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Sabina M profile picture
Sabina M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
It was a time of relaxation and fun. The trip was well planned from Nairobi to Maasai Mara. We had so much fun and took so many photos. We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants and other animals. If we could do it again, we would still chose Johnbow tours and travel.
info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 3rd Floor Room 3-8. Moi Avenue, Nairobi