4-Day Sanctuary Olonana & Mara River Premium Ground Safari
Overview of 4-Day Sanctuary Olonana & Mara River Premium Ground Safari
Stay in the iconic glass-walled suites of Sanctuary Olonana while exploring the Mara River ecosystem by private 4x4.
Highlights of this Tour
Itinerary and Where to Stay
Day 1: Journey to the Mara River
Your safari begins in the morning as your guide meets you in Nairobi to start the drive toward the Rift Valley. You’ll head out of the city and climb into the cooler highlands before the land drops away at the escarpment. You’ll have a chance to stop at a viewpoint to look out across the valley floor before continuing through the town of Narok. This is the main hub for the region, and you’ll stop here for a break and fuel before the road turns to dirt for the final leg of the trip. You’ll reach Sanctuary Olonana in time for lunch on the deck overlooking the river. After settling into your suite, you’ll head out in the afternoon for your first game drive. The lodge is located at the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment, an area rich in wildlife, and you’ll spend the afternoon tracking the local lion prides before returning to the Sanctuary Olonana lodge for dinner by the water.
Meals Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Where you sleep
Sanctuary Olonana
LuxuryDay 2: Exploring the Mara Triangle
The second day is dedicated to the Mara Triangle, the quieter and more secluded western sector of the reserve. You’ll head out early in the morning when the predators are most active and the light is soft. The Triangle is known for its wide-open landscapes and high concentration of animals, including the rare black rhino and large herds of buffalo. You can take a breakfast box with you to enjoy out in the wild, perhaps finding a spot near the river where you can watch the hippos and crocodiles. During the middle of the day, you’ll return to the lodge to rest and enjoy the views of the river from your room while the animals seek shade. In the late afternoon, you’ll venture back out for another drive, exploring the marshes and thickets for leopards and cheetahs before returning for an evening by the fire.
Meals Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Where you sleep
Sanctuary Olonana
LuxuryDay 3: Deeper Exploration and Local Culture
Having a third day in the Mara allows you to venture further into the heart of the reserve without any rush. You might head toward the Talek area or spend more time along the different river crossing points. This is a great day to follow the movement of the larger herds or to spend time observing the interactions of a specific pride of lions. If you are interested in the local community, you can also use part of the afternoon to visit a Maasai village near the lodge to learn about their ancient traditions and how they live alongside the wildlife. You’ll finish the day with a final game drive, making the most of the last light on the savannah, before heading back to Olonana for your final dinner in the bush.
Meals Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Where you sleep
Sanctuary Olonana
LuxuryDay 4: Final Morning and Return to Nairobi
On the last day, you’ll have a relaxed breakfast at the lodge, listening to the sounds of the river one last time. Once you have finished eating and packed your bags, you will check out and begin the drive back toward Nairobi. You’ll follow the dirt tracks out of the reserve and pass back through Narok town, where you’ll stop for a quick lunch to break up the journey. As you drive back up the escarpment and the air gets a bit cooler, you’ll reach the outskirts of the city. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the international airport in the late afternoon, bringing your four-day journey to a close.
Meals Day 4: Breakfast
What's Included
- Private luxury 4x4 transport
- 3 nights Olonana
- Park fees
- Masai village visit
- All meals
What's Not Included
- Tips
- Insurance
- Flights
Places You will Visit
Book This Package
Quick Info
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Starts: Nairobi
- Ends: Nairobi
This four-day ground safari offers a full immersion into the Masai Mara, traveling by road to one of the most well-known riverfront properties in the reserve. By choosing the drive over a flight, you get to see the transition of the Kenyan countryside, moving from the busy streets of the city through the agricultural highlands and into the open bushland of the Maasai people. Sanctuary Olonana is situated on a private stretch of the Mara River, where the sound of the water and the resident hippos are a constant presence. This trip is designed for those who want a premium experience with a private 4x4 vehicle and a guide who stays with you from the start of the journey in Nairobi until you return.
Important Information to Know
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The Drive: The journey from Nairobi to the Mara takes about five to six hours. While the first part of the road is paved, the final stretch is a bumpy dirt track that can be quite dusty. Using a 4x4 Land Cruiser ensures you have a much more comfortable and stable ride than a standard safari van.
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The Lodge Setting: Sanctuary Olonana is built right on a bend of the Mara River. The hippos are very active and can be quite loud, especially at night. It is a natural part of the experience of staying on the riverfront.
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Climate and Dress: Even though it is hot during the day, the mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cold. It is best to pack layers, including a warm fleece or jacket, for the early morning drives and the evening meals.
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Private Vehicle: Because this is a ground-based safari, your private 4x4 and guide are with you for the entire trip. This gives you more flexibility to stop when you see something interesting along the road or to adjust your daily schedule as you go.
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Park Entry Fees: Your stay at the lodge usually includes your meals and game drives, but it is always important to confirm if the daily park conservation fees are included in your package or if they need to be paid separately at the gate.
