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

info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 3rd Floor Room 3-8. Moi Avenue, Nairobi