4-Day JW Marriott Mara Scenic Drive & Fly-Back Expedition
Overview of 4-Day JW Marriott Mara Scenic Drive & Fly-Back Expedition
The ultimate luxury hybrid journey. Enjoy a private chauffeur-driven 4x4 experience through the Great Rift Valley to the Mara, and a swift flight back to Nairobi.
Highlights of this Tour
Itinerary and Where to Stay
Day 1: The Drive through the Great Rift Valley
Your trip begins in the morning as your guide picks you up in Nairobi for the drive toward the Masai Mara. You’ll head out of the city and climb into the highlands before descending into the Rift Valley, where you’ll stop at a local viewpoint to look out over the wide valley floor. The journey continues through the town of Narok, which is the last major stop for fuel and a quick break before the road turns to dirt. As you head through Maasai land toward the Talek area, you’ll reach the JW Marriott in time for lunch. After settling into your tented suite, you’ll head out in the afternoon for your first game drive in an open-sided vehicle. Your guide will explore the tracks near the river, looking for the lions and leopards that often stay in the thickets nearby. You’ll finish the day with dinner at the JW Marriott Masai Mara lodge
Meals Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Where you sleep
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
LuxuryDay 2: Tracking the Big Cats along the Talek
The second day is dedicated to finding the predators that make this part of the Mara famous. You’ll head out early as the sun comes up to catch the animals while they are still on the move and the air is fresh. The Talek River area is a prime spot for spotting cheetahs and large lion prides, and your guide will use the open-sided vehicle to give you the best possible views for photography. You can choose to have a breakfast box out on the plains to stay out longer or return to the lodge for a mid-morning meal. During the heat of the day, you can relax by the pool or enjoy the lodge’s spa while the wildlife retreats to the shade. In the late afternoon, you’ll venture out again to see what else you can find before the sun sets, returning to the JW Marriott lodge for a quiet evening.
Meals Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Where you sleep
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
LuxuryDay 3: Full Day Exploration of the Reserve
Having a third day in the park allows you to venture further from the river and explore the wider plains of the reserve. You’ll head out after breakfast, perhaps moving toward the central areas where the grass is shorter and the herds are more spread out. This is a great time to watch elephant families moving through the acacia trees or to spend more time observing the behavior of the animals without any rush. You can enjoy a packed lunch out in the bush to make the most of your time in the wild. If you are interested in the local culture, you can also take some time to visit a Maasai village near the park to learn about their traditions and how they live alongside the wildlife. You’ll spend your final evening in the Mara enjoying a meal at the lodge.
Meals Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Where you sleep
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
LuxuryDay 4: Breakfast and Scenic Flight to Nairobi
On your final morning, you’ll have a relaxed breakfast at the lodge, taking in the last views of the Talek River from the deck. After you have finished eating and packed your bags, you will check out and the lodge team will drive you to the Ol Kiombo airstrip. You’ll board a small aircraft for the forty-five-minute flight back to Nairobi, which gives you a great view of the Mara plains and the escarpment from above. Upon landing at Wilson Airport in the afternoon, you will be met and transferred to your hotel or the international airport for your flight home, ending the expedition with a comfortable and quick transition back to the city.
Meals Day 4: Breakfast
What's Included
- Private luxury 4x4 transport to Mara
- One-way internal flight to Nairobi
- Full-board accommodation
- Park fees
- Spa by JW access
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Premium spa treatments
- Tips
- Laundry
Places You will Visit
Book This Package
Quick Info
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Difficulty: Easy
- Starts: Nairobi
- Ends: Nairobi (Wilson)
Important Information to Know
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Luggage for the Flight: Even though you are driving into the Mara, you must pack according to the flight requirements for your return journey. Small planes have a strict limit of 15kg (33lbs) per person, and you should use soft-sided bags so they can fit into the aircraft’s cargo space.
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The Transition: The road journey on the first day is about five to six hours and includes some bumpy dirt sections. The flight on the last day is a much faster way to return, skipping the long drive back through the towns and traffic.
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Open Vehicles: Once you are at the lodge, all game drives are conducted in open-sided 4x4 vehicles. These are excellent for seeing the animals and taking photos, but you should bring a warm jacket for the early mornings and a hat for the midday sun.
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Airstrip Access: You will be using the Ol Kiombo airstrip for your return flight. The drive from the lodge to the airstrip is short and provides one last chance to see the landscape of the reserve before you board your plane.
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Weather: The Mara can be quite cold at night and in the early mornings, even if the days are hot. It is best to pack layers so you stay comfortable throughout the day.
