3-Day JW Marriott Masai Mara Elite Flying Safari
Overview of 3-Day JW Marriott Masai Mara Elite Flying Safari
The pinnacle of modern safari luxury. Fly directly into the heart of the Mara for a stay at the brand-new JW Marriott Lodge, featuring river-view suites and world-class spa facilities.
Highlights of this Tour
Itinerary and Where to Stay
Day 1: Day 1: Flight to Ol Kiombo Airstrip in Masai Mara
Your journey begins at Wilson Airport in Nairobi for a morning flight to the Masai Mara. The flight takes about forty-five minutes, giving you a look at the landscape from above before you land at the airstrip inside the reserve. A vehicle from the lodge will be there to meet you and take you on a short drive to the property. After a warm welcome and lunch overlooking the river, you’ll have some time to settle into your tented suite. In the afternoon, you’ll head out for your first game drive in an open-sided 4x4, which offers a great view for photography. Your guide will explore the tracks along the Talek River, where predators often wait for prey to come down to drink. You’ll return to the lodge as the sun goes down for dinner and an evening by the fire.
Meals Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Where you sleep
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
LuxuryDay 2: Day 2: Full Day in the Heart of the Mara
The second day is for a full exploration of the reserve. You’ll head out early in the morning, which is the best time to see the big cats while they are still active and the air is fresh. The area around the lodge is known for its high density of wildlife, so you won’t have to drive far to find elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species. You can choose to have a bush breakfast out on the plains to maximize your time or head back to the lodge for a mid-morning meal. During the heat of the day, you can take advantage of the lodge’s facilities, like the spa or the pool, while the animals stay out of the sun. In the late afternoon, you’ll venture out again for another drive, perhaps tracking a leopard or watching a pride of lions as they wake up for the night’s hunt. You’ll end your final full day with a quiet dinner back at the lodge.
Meals Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Where you sleep
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
LuxuryDay 3: Departure
On the third day, you’ll have a relaxed breakfast at the lodge and take some time to enjoy the views of the river from your deck before you pack your bags. After checking out, the lodge team will drive you back to the airstrip for your return flight to Nairobi. The flight back gives you one last look at the Mara plains before you land at Wilson Airport in the afternoon. From there, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel or to the international airport for your flight home, ending your safari with a quick and comfortable transition back to the city.
Meals Day 3: Breakfast, Brunch
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
What's Included
- Return internal flights (Wilson - Mara)
- Luxury airstrip transfers
- Full-board fine dining
- Premium drinks
- 2 game drives per day
- Spa by JW session
- Park fees.
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Premium cellar wines
- Sspa treatments beyond inclusion
- Tips.
Places You will Visit
Book This Package
Quick Info
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Difficulty: Easy
- Starts: Nairobi (Wilson)
- Ends: Nairobi (Wilson)
This three-day flying safari is a high-end experience that skips the long road journey and places you directly into one of the most wildlife-rich sections of the Masai Mara. By flying from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, you save several hours of travel, giving you more time to enjoy the lodge and the surrounding wilderness. You will land at the Ol Kiombo airstrip, which is centrally located within the reserve and just a short drive from the lodge. The JW Marriott Masai Mara is situated along the banks of the Talek River, an area famous for its high concentration of large predators like lions and leopards. This trip is designed for those who want to combine intense wildlife viewing with a very high level of comfort, using open-sided vehicles to get as close to nature as possible.
Important Information for the Flying Safari
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Luggage Limits: Small aircraft have strict weight limits, usually 15kg (33lbs) per person. It is best to use soft-sided bags because they are much easier to fit into the plane's small cargo hold than hard suitcases.
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The Vehicles: Unlike road safaris that use closed vehicles, the lodge uses open-sided 4x4s. This gives you a much more immersive feel and is better for taking photos, but you will be more exposed to the wind and dust.
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Weather and Clothing: Mornings and evenings in the Mara are surprisingly cold, even if it’s hot during the day. The lodge provides blankets in the vehicles, but a warm jacket or fleece is still necessary for the early starts.
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Park Fees: Your stay at the JW Marriott usually covers your meals and drives, but it is important to confirm if your package includes the daily park conservation fees required for each night spent in the reserve.
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Airstrip Transfers: The drive from Ol Kiombo airstrip to the lodge is short, but it often serves as your very first "mini" game drive, so keep your camera ready as soon as you land.
