4 Days
Safari Overview
Masai mara is one of the most rewarding experiences for any traveller. In this guide, we share expert tips and insights.
Elevate your African adventure with our 8-Day Luxury Flying Safari, an elite circuit connecting Kenya’s most prestigious private conservancies. By swapping long dusty drives for scenic domestic flights, you maximize your time on the ground witnessing world-class wildlife.
This itinerary features the exclusive Elewana Collection, offering unparalleled comfort in the heart of the wild.
From the rhino-rich sanctuary of Lewa and the rugged landscapes of Loisaba to the predator-dense plains of Mara North, you will experience the best of Kenya from the air and on the ground.
Indulge in “bucket-list” moments, including a Hot Air Balloon safari, night game drives, and authentic walking safaris.
The Masai Mara National Reserve, often simply referred to as the Masai Mara, is globally renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and as the stage for the Great Migration. This vast savannah ecosystem, shared with Tanzania’s Serengeti, is home to an incredible concentration of animals, including the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Your journey into the Masai Mara promises unforgettable encounters with nature at its most raw and magnificent.
Imagine waking to the sounds of the African bush, stepping out onto your private veranda, and witnessing herds of wildebeest or zebras grazing in the distance. Our luxury flying safari ensures you spend less time travelling and more time immersed in these breathtaking scenes. Expert guides, deeply knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and its inhabitants, will lead you on thrilling game drives, revealing hidden wonders and sharing fascinating insights into the behaviour of the wildlife.
Beyond the iconic predators and their prey, the Masai Mara boasts a vibrant birdlife, with over 450 species recorded. From the majestic secretary bird stalking through the grass to colourful rollers perched on acacia trees, every moment offers a photographic opportunity. The expansive plains and winding Mara River create a diverse habitat, supporting this rich biodiversity and making every game drive a unique adventure in the heart of the Masai Mara.
Highlights of Your Masai Mara Safari:
- Elite Flying Circuit: Travel between camps via scheduled flights to save time and enjoy aerial views.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: Glide over the Masai Mara at dawn with a champagne breakfast on landing.
- Conservation in Action: A rare, behind-the-scenes encounter with Loisaba’s anti-poaching sniffer dog team.
- Exclusive Conservancies: Enjoy low vehicle density and high wildlife concentrations in private northern and Mara lands.
- Nocturnal Discoveries: Experience a guided night game drive to see leopards and rare nocturnal species.
- The Elewana Experience: Stay in Kenya’s most iconic luxury camps: Lewa Safari Camp, Loisaba Tented Camp, and Elephant Pepper Camp.
Your luxury safari experience extends beyond game drives. With our carefully curated itinerary, you’ll delve deeper into the conservation efforts that protect this precious ecosystem. Witnessing the dedication of anti-poaching teams or learning about community initiatives provides a profound understanding of the challenges and triumphs in preserving the Masai Mara for future generations. These exclusive encounters enrich your journey, connecting you to the land and its people.
Each day in the Masai Mara brings new discoveries. Whether it’s tracking a leopard on a night game drive, soaring above the plains in a hot air balloon as the sun rises, or enjoying a sundowner amidst the vast wilderness, every experience is designed to be extraordinary. The comfort and elegance of the Elewana Collection camps provide a perfect sanctuary after exhilarating days, ensuring you relax in style while surrounded by nature’s grandeur.
Choosing Bison Safaris for your journey to the Masai Mara means opting for an unparalleled adventure. We combine seamless logistics with authentic, high-end experiences, ensuring every detail is meticulously handled. Prepare for an immersive exploration of Kenya’s wild heart, where luxury meets adventure, and memories are forged that will last a lifetime. Let us guide you to the wonders of the Masai Mara.
Safari Route Map
Wilson Airstrip Nairobi
Lewa Conservancy
Loisaba Conservancy
Masai Mara
Wilson Airstrip Nairobi
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1: Fly Nairobi – Lewa Conservancy
Depart 7:30 AMYou will be picked at JKIA International Airport or your hotel/ place of stay in Nairobi at 07:00 AM and be transferred to Wilson Airport. Fly from Wilson Airport to Lewa Conservancy, where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to Elewana Lewa Safari Camp. Enjoy lunch followed by your first afternoon game drive in one of Kenya’s most successful conservation areas, famous for rhinos, Grevy’s zebra and big cats. Later on, embark on a guided walking safari, returning at dusk to the camp for dinner and overnight stay at Elewana Lewa Safari Camp.
Elewana Lewa Safari Camp.
Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Lewa Conservancy for a luxury afternoon game drive and walking safari.
2
Day 2: Lewa Conservancy
Full DayEnjoy a full day of safari activities with morning and afternoon game drives. Lewa offers uncrowded wildlife viewing, breathtaking landscapes and exceptional photographic opportunities. As the sun sets, enjoy a bush sundowner in the conservancy, reflecting on the day’s activities. Dinner and overnight stay at Elewana Lewa Safari Camp.
Elewana Lewa Safari Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Full-day rhino tracking and sunset bush sundowners in Lewa.
3
Day 3: Lewa – Loisaba Conservancy (Road Transfer)
Full DayAfter breakfast, enjoy a scenic road transfer to Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, take part in a guided walking safari, allowing you to explore the conservancy on foot and learn about tracks, flora and the smaller details of the African wilderness.
You will also enjoy an Anti-Poaching Sniffer Dogs Experience, offering rare insight into Loisaba’s conservation efforts and the vital role these highly trained dogs play in protecting wildlife.
For the adventurous, enjoy an optional escorted mountain biking across the conservancy – a unique, low-impact way to experience the landscape. Return for dinner and overnight stay at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp.
Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Road transfer to Loisaba for a sniffer dog conservation experience and walking safari.
4
Day 4: Loisaba Conservancy – Night Game Drive
Full DayStart your day with a scenic bush breakfast set in the heart of Loisaba Conservancy, surrounded by sweeping views and the sounds of the African wilderness. After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive, tracking elephants, reticulated giraffes, lions, leopards and wild dogs across the conservancy’s rugged landscapes. Return to camp for lunch and relaxation before heading out again for an afternoon game drive, taking advantage of the golden hours when wildlife activity peaks. As the sun sets, enjoy a classic bush sundowner, sipping drinks while overlooking the vast plains – an iconic safari moment.
After dark, embark on a guided night game drive, offering a rare opportunity to encounter nocturnal species such as aardvarks, porcupines, bush babies, striped hyenas and elusive leopards. Overnight stay at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp.
Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bush breakfast, morning game drive and a thrilling nocturnal night drive.
5
Day 5: Fly Loisaba – Masai Mara (Mara North)
Full DayFly to the Masai Mara, landing at Mara North Airstrip. Transfer to Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp, located in the exclusive Mara North Conservancy. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive in one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense regions. Return at dusk for dinner and overnight stay at Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp.
Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Masai Mara for an afternoon safari in the exclusive Mara North.
6
Day 6: Masai Mara (Mara North Conservancy) -Game Drives, Walking Safari & Bush Sundowner
Full DayBegin your day with a morning game drive in the Mara North Conservancy, one of the most wildlife-rich and least crowded areas of the Masai Mara. Expect exceptional sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos. Zebras and the wildebeests. Return to camp for lunch and relaxation before heading out for an afternoon game drive, followed by a guided walking safari accompanied by experienced Maasai guides. This intimate experience allows you to explore the Mara on foot, learning about animal tracks, medicinal plants and the finer details of the ecosystem.
As the day winds down, enjoy a classic bush sundowner overlooking the open savannah – an unforgettable safari highlight. Return to camp at dusk for dinner and overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the African night at Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp.
Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Big 5 tracking and intimate walking safari with expert Maasai guides.
7
Day 7: Masai Mara - Hot Air Balloon Safari, Champagne Breakfast & Game Drives
Full DayBegin the day before sunrise with a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara. Drift silently above the vast savannah as the sun rises, offering spectacular aerial views of wildlife roaming below. Upon landing, enjoy a champagne bush breakfast, a classic safari tradition set in the open plains – an unforgettable highlight of any luxury African safari.
Return to camp for relaxation and lunch before heading out for afternoon game drives, allowing you to further explore the wildlife-rich Mara North Conservancy, renowned for its high density of predators and abundant plains game.
Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure before enjoying dinner and overnight stay at Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon safari followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
8
Day 8: Fly Masai Mara – Fly to Nairobi | Departure
ReturnAfter breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi. Upon landing at Wilson Airport, you will be met and transferred to your Nairobi hotel (booked independently) or to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward international flight back home. This marks the end of your unforgettable 8-day luxury flying safari in Kenya.
Breakfast
Final morning in the wild before your return flight to Nairobi.
What's Included & Excluded
Included in Your Safari
- Meet & greet on arrival at JKIA or Nairobi hotel/place of stay
- Transfers between JKIA / Nairobi hotel and Wilson Airport
- Scheduled domestic flights: - Wilson Airport – Lewa Conservancy, Loisaba – Masai Mara (Mara North), Masai Mara – Wilson Airport
- Road transfer from Lewa Conservancy to Loisaba Conservancy
- Full board accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- All game drives in shared 4x4 safari vehicles with professional guides
- Guided walking safaris in Lewa, Loisaba & Mara North Conservancy
- Bush breakfast in Loisaba Conservancy
- Bush sundowners in Lewa, Loisaba & Masai Mara
- Night game drive in Loisaba Conservancy
- Anti-Poaching Sniffer Dogs Experience at Loisaba
- Optional escorted mountain biking experience at Loisaba (at no extra cost)
- Hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast in the Masai Mara
- Park and conservancy entry fees
- Services of experienced English-speaking safari guides
- All scheduled airstrip and camp transfers
Not Included
- International flights to and from Kenya
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Accommodation in Nairobi (before or after the safari)
- Transfers to Nairobi hotel or JKIA beyond those specified
- Premium alcoholic beverages and spirits (unless specified by camp)
- Laundry services
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, phone calls, spa treatments, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Flying minimizes travel time between remote parks, providing more hours for game viewing and luxury relaxation.
Yes, all scheduled domestic flights between Nairobi, Lewa, Loisaba, and the Mara are included.
Soft-sided bags are required, typically with a weight limit of 15kg (33lbs) per person due to small aircraft constraints.
No, this specific luxury itinerary includes the balloon safari and champagne breakfast.
Full board includes meals; however, premium spirits and cellar wines are usually excluded unless specified by the camp.
You will use shared 4x4 safari vehicles operated by the camps, featuring open sides for the best photography.
Traveler Reviews
S
Steven
"I recently completed a fantastic 7-day 6-night safari in Kenya with Bison Safaris, and it was absolutely perfect. Everything was well-organized, smooth, and truly unforgettable. Our guide and driver Mike was excellent. He is professional, experienced, and has an amazing eye for wildlife. Thanks to him, we saw the Big Five and many incredible animals. He drove safely, shared interesting knowledge, and was always friendly and helpful. He made every game drive fun and memorable. A big thank you to Maggie. She took care of all the details: accommodation, transportation, meals, and schedule. She was responsive, thoughtful, and made sure we had a comfortable and worry-free trip. The 7-day 6-night itinerary was well-designed, covering the best national parks and amazing game-viewing spots. The vehicle was clean and comfortable. The whole service exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Bison Safaris to anyone planning a safari in Kenya. Great service, professional team, and unforgettable experience. Thank you, Mike, Maggie, and the Bison team!"