Kenya Big Cats Experience
Five Days Tracking Lion, Cheetah and Leopard in the Mara
Overview
The Masai Mara holds the highest density of big cats in Africa, and this five-day journey is built around them. With a private guide on a big-cat-rich conservancy, you track lion prides on the hunt, cheetah surveying the plains from termite mounds and elusive leopard in the riverine forest — with the off-road freedom to stay on every sighting.
You stay in intimate, design-led tented camps where guiding is elevated to an art form, and every drive is shaped around the cats' rhythms — early starts, long sits at a sighting, and a guide who reads the bush like a book.
Who It's For
Perfect for wildlife lovers and photographers who want the Mara's predators front and centre, and couples seeking a richly rewarding shorter safari.
Package Highlights
Lion Prides
Track the Mara's famous prides with off-road access on private land
Cheetah & Leopard
Among the best places on Earth to see all three big cats
Private Photographic Vehicle
Beanbags and a guide who works the light for you
Dawn & Dusk Drives
When the cats are most active — long, unhurried sittings
Conservancy Exclusivity
Limited vehicles, off-road and night drives
Bush Dining
Sundowners and private dinners on the savannah
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly from Nairobi to the conservancy airstrip where your private guide collects you. After lunch, an afternoon drive begins the hunt for the Mara's big cats, with off-road freedom to follow whatever you find.
🏨 Accommodation: Mara Plains / Kicheche (tier-dependent)
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Mara Plains Camp
📍 Olare Motorogi Conservancy
A Relais & Châteaux jewel of just seven raised tents, celebrated for exceptional guiding and remarkable big-cat density.
From $2,400 per person per night
Kicheche Bush Camp
📍 Olare Motorogi Conservancy
An intimate, eco-conscious tented camp renowned for its big-cat guiding and classic safari atmosphere.
From $950 per person per night
Mahali Mzuri
📍 Motorogi Conservancy
Sir Richard Branson's striking tented camp, with futuristic suites cascading down a hillside above big-cat country.
From $1,850 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic
(~$1,700/night)
Handpicked luxury lodges, expert guiding and all-inclusive dining
Get QuoteLuxury
(~$2,375/night)
Premium suites, enhanced privacy and the finest guiding throughout
Get QuoteExclusive
(~$3,500/night)
The very best lodges, private vehicle and guide — fully bespoke
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ All accommodation as specified (or equivalent in chosen tier)
- ✓ All meals as per itinerary and selected beverages
- ✓ Light-aircraft flights Nairobi–Masai Mara return
- ✓ Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with expert guide
- ✓ All park and conservancy fees
- ✓ Airport meet-and-greet and private transfers
- ✓ Laundry service and Wi-Fi at lodges (where available)
- ✓ 24/7 on-trip concierge support from Private Tours Cape Town
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to/from Africa
- ✗ Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- ✗ Visa and entry fees where applicable
- ✗ Premium imported champagne, fine wines and spirits
- ✗ Spa treatments and wellness extras unless specified
- ✗ Gratuities for guides, trackers and lodge staff (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses, curios and items of a personal nature
- ✗ Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Best time to travel: Year-round (Jul–Oct for migration). We tailor lodges and timing to the season for the very finest experience.
Why Choose This Package
Big-Cat Capital
The Mara conservancies hold Africa's densest big-cat populations — your odds of all three cats are exceptional.
Off-Road & Night Drives
On private conservancies we go where the main reserve cannot, for closer, longer sightings.
Specialist Guiding
Guides chosen for their big-cat expertise and photographic instinct.
Personally Hosted
Curated and supported around the clock by Private Tours Cape Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Kenya Big Cats Experience?
From $6,800 per person | 5 Days / 4 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
