SMALL GROUP JOURNEYOFFERS

The Ultimate Mara Lodge Hopper

2026▾
7
Days
2
Mara Lodges
7
Guests (Max)

Two distinct Mara experiences — the Oloololo Escarpment and the Talek River in one seamless circuit

See Pricing & Inclusions ↓
7 Days
Small Group
from $10,100 pp
Home  ›  Safaris  ›  Kenya  ›  The Ultimate Mara Lodge Hopper

OverviewThe Maasai Mara is not a single landscape — it is a collection of distinct ecosystems, each with its own character, wildlife patterns, and sense of place. The Ultimate Mara Lodge Hopper gives you access to two of the most contrasting and exceptional lodge positions in the entire reserve: Angama Mara on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment 500 feet above the Mara Triangle, and JW Marriott Mara Lodge on the Talek River in the heart of the main reserve. Two lodges, two perspectives, two ecosystems — one extraordinary week in the Mara.

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Angama Mara — one of the finest lodge positions in East Africa, 500 feet above the Mara Triangle on the Oloololo Escarpment

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Mara Triangle — strictly managed vehicle limits, exceptional predator density, and the most intimate wildlife encounters in the reserve

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Oloololo Escarpment sundowners — evening drinks on the clifftop above the Rift Valley as the sun drops behind the western wall

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Hot air balloon safari over the Mara Triangle at dawn — champagne bush breakfast on landing

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Private kopje lunch on the granite rock formations of the Triangle — the reserve spread out in every direction below

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JW Marriott Mara Lodge — five-star lodge on the Talek River, opening access to central Mara and leopard country

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Talek River night drive — hyena clans, genets, and nocturnal predators of the river corridor after dark

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Private Maasai Enkiama cultural immersion on the final morning

The Ultimate Mara Lodge Hopper

Why Travel With Finders & Keepers Safaris

All-inclusive luxury camps and lodges, hand-picked for every leg of the journey

Private or small-group journeys with a dedicated chauffeur-guide and butler service throughout

Authentic conservation and cultural experiences shaped by local guides and communities

Custom-built 4x4 Land Cruisers and, where needed, private regional & bush flights

Flexible, tailor-made scheduling — every itinerary can be adjusted to your pace

Signature experiences, fine dining and wellness moments woven into every day

Route Map
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Interactive Route Map

Nairobi → Wilson Airport → Angama Mara (Days 2–5) → Internal Vehicle Transfer → JW Marriott Mara Lodge (Days 6–7) → Mara Airstrip → Wilson Airport → JKIA, Nairobi

Itinerary

Nairobi

Day 1 | Nairobi — Welcome & Pre-Departure Briefing

VIP arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A private luxury chauffeur transfers you to the JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi for a welcome dinner and pre-departure briefing with your Finders & Keepers Safaris specialist.

The briefing covers the itinerary and the distinct character of each of the two Mara lodges — their positions, their access to different sections of the reserve, and what makes each one extraordinary in its own right.

Day 1 | Nairobi — Welcome & Pre-Departure Briefing
Angama Mara

Day 2 | Fly Into the Mara — Angama Mara & Oloololo Escarpment

After an early breakfast, your private driver transfers you to Wilson Airport for the scheduled safari flight into the Maasai Mara. Angama Mara sits on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment — 500 feet above the Mara Triangle floor — with a panoramic view of the entire reserve that is unlike any other in the Mara.

Your guide and Land Cruiser collect you from the Angama airstrip. The afternoon game drive descends from the escarpment onto the Mara Triangle plains — a section of the reserve with significantly lower vehicle density than the main reserve and exceptional predator activity. Sundowner on the escarpment edge as the sun drops behind the Rift Valley wall.

Day 2 | Fly Into the Mara — Angama Mara & Oloololo Escarpment
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 | Mara Triangle — Big Cats & Migration Tracking

The Mara Triangle is managed separately from the national reserve and maintains strict vehicle limits — fewer vehicles per sighting means more intimate, private encounters. The morning drive targets the resident cheetah of the open triangle grasslands and the large lion prides that hunt the migration herds.

A private bush lunch in the field. The afternoon drive tracks the current wildebeest movement and positions at the Mara River for potential crossing activity. Angama's elevated position above the Triangle gives your guide an exceptional aerial advantage in tracking herd movements.

Day 3 | Mara Triangle — Big Cats & Migration Tracking
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 | Hot Air Balloon Safari & Kopje Lunch

Rising before dawn for the hot air balloon safari over the Mara Triangle — drifting silently above the plains as the sun rises over the escarpment. The Triangle view from above is extraordinary: the herds below, the Mara River snaking through the plains, the Rift Valley wall to the west.

After landing, a full champagne bush breakfast on the open plains. The afternoon drive explores the granite kopje formations of the Triangle — rock outcrops that serve as leopard territory and lion lookout points. A spectacular private kopje lunch is served on the rocks with the reserve spread out below. Oloololo Escarpment sundowner as evening falls.

Day 4 | Hot Air Balloon Safari & Kopje Lunch
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 | Final Morning at Angama & Transfer to JW Marriott Mara Lodge

A final morning game drive from the Angama position — one last scan of the Triangle grasslands from the escarpment viewpoint. After brunch at the lodge, a private vehicle transfer crosses into the main Mara reserve toward JW Marriott Mara Lodge on the Talek River.

Check in and a late afternoon game drive into the central Mara — a different section of the reserve, different predator territories, different migration front. The Talek River corridor and central Mara grasslands open up from this new position.

Day 5 | Final Morning at Angama & Transfer to JW Marriott Mara Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Talek River

Day 6 | Talek River Territory & Night Drive

JW Marriott Mara Lodge sits on the Talek River — a different ecosystem from the Triangle, with dense riverine forest, resident hippo populations, and the leopard territories that follow the river corridor. Morning drive along the Talek and into the open central Mara.

Afternoon exploration of the private conservancy adjacent to the reserve. Evening brings a night game drive — the Talek River corridor after dark, with hyenas, genets, and the nocturnal predators of the Mara.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 | Maasai Cultural Immersion & Departure Flight

A final morning with a private Maasai village visit — a genuine cultural encounter organised with the local Enkiama community. Elders explain the enkiama homestead architecture, demonstrate traditional fire-making, and share the oral history of the Maasai relationship with the Mara ecosystem.

After lunch, your guide transfers you to the Mara airstrip for the scheduled safari flight back to Wilson Airport, Nairobi, and your private guide transfer to JKIA for international departure.

Day 7 | Maasai Cultural Immersion & Departure Flight
Departure from Maasai Mara
Breakfast, Lunch

Want to adjust the pace, swap a lodge, or extend this journey?

We are here for that. Every Finders & Keepers Safaris itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed departure — the pace, the lodges, the length, the dates and the party travelling can all be reshaped around you. Tell us what you would change and a specialist will rebuild the journey and price it honestly, before you commit to anything.

Tailor This Journey →
Tailor this journey with Finders & Keepers Safaris
Where You Will Stay

Hand-Selected For An Unmatched Experience

JW Marriott Hotel NairobiNight 1
Nairobi, Kenya

JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi

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Angama MaraNights 2–5
Mara Triangle, Maasai Mara, Kenya

Angama Mara

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JW Marriott Mara LodgeNights 6–7
Talek River, Maasai Mara, Kenya

JW Marriott Mara Lodge

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Why This Journey

What sets this journey apart

Seven days, two superb Mara positions: a clifftop lodge above the Mara Triangle, then leopard country on the Talek River.

01

500 feet above the Triangle

Angama Mara overlooks the Mara Triangle, where strictly managed vehicle numbers and exceptional predator density make for intimate sightings, with sundowners on the Oloololo clifftop.

02

A balloon and a kopje lunch

A dawn balloon with a champagne breakfast on landing, then a private lunch on the granite kopjes with the reserve spread out below.

03

Then the Talek River

JW Marriott Mara Lodge, a five-star lodge on the Talek River opening onto central Mara and leopard country, with a night drive and a Maasai cultural immersion.

Best ValueJan – MayGreen season — lush landscapes, fewer crowds
Peak SeasonMay – SepPeak dry season & the Great Migration
Shoulder SeasonSep – DecMigration wind-down, still excellent game viewing
Best forShort-trip travellersCouplesBig-cat lovers
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Inclusions & Offers

Deposit Offer

Hold 2027 for half the usual deposit

Confirm any 2027 departure with a 15% deposit instead of the usual 30%, booked before 31 December 2026.

  • Your balance is not due until 60 days before departure.
  • The reduced deposit holds your camps, permits and internal flights at today’s rates, so a mid-year price movement does not reach you.
  • Applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be combined with a group discount on the same booking.
Solo Travellers

30% off the single supplement

Travelling on your own? We cut the single traveller supplement by 30% across selected 2027 departures.

  • The supplement covers the sole-occupancy cost a camp charges when a room sleeps one rather than two.
  • Available on selected camps and dates — your specialist will tell you which of your nights qualify before you commit.
  • Nothing changes about the journey itself: same guide, same vehicle, same rooms.
Group Offer

Bring three, the fourth travels free

Book four guests on a 2027 group departure and the fourth guest’s safari cost is on us.

  • The waiver covers the land portion — camps, meals, guiding and game drives.
  • International flights, visas, gorilla and chimpanzee permits and personal spending are excluded, as those are paid to third parties per head.
  • All four guests must travel on the same departure date and book together.
What's Included
  • All accommodation, Full Board
  • All alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages (excl. premium imported spirits)
  • All park & conservancy fees
  • Scheduled safari flight Nairobi–Mara–Nairobi (return)
  • Internal vehicle transfer Angama Mara → JW Marriott Mara Lodge
  • Hot air balloon safari with champagne bush breakfast
  • Night game drives
  • Private kopje lunch on the Mara Triangle formations
  • Oloololo Escarpment sundowner setup
  • All daily game drives with specialist guide
  • Maasai Enkiama cultural village visit
  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser & driver-guide
  • Bottled water & in-vehicle refreshments
  • ✓Travel insurance facilitated on your behalf (adjusted in your quote if you are already covered)
  • Visa application fees
  • Airport transfers (Nairobi)
  • Complimentary Nairobi city tour for early arrivals
What's Not Included
  • International flights to/from Nairobi
  • Premium imported spirits & Champagne
  • Gratuities for guides & camp staff
  • Items of a personal nature

Per Person Pricing

Per Person Sharing$11,200
Single Traveller SupplementOn Request
ⓘ Prices are per person and based on double/twin sharing accommodation. Single travellers pay the supplement shown above. Speak to us for current availability and tailor-made options.

2027 Season Pricing

The same unforgettable journey, priced by season.

Jan – May Best ValueGreen season — lush landscapes, fewer crowds
$10,100
May – Sep Peak SeasonPeak dry season & the Great Migration
$12,900
Sep – Dec Shoulder SeasonMigration wind-down, still excellent game viewing
$11,400

Flexible Payment Plan

1

Reserve today with a low early deposit to lock in your 2027 dates and pricing.

2

Spread the rest across convenient instalments, at a pace that suits you.

3

Final balance due one month before departure — nothing more to pay once you fly.

Speak To Us

Journey Details

Minimum Age

Varies by camp, activity and national park

  • Camps and lodges — Most safari camps accept children from six years, with shared game-drive vehicles usually from eight to twelve. Many properties will take younger children on a privately booked vehicle.
  • Walking safaris — Guided walking safaris carry a firm minimum of fifteen or sixteen years across most reserves. This is set by the licensing authority, not the camp, and is never waived.
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking — Uganda and Rwanda both enforce a strict minimum of fifteen years. It is a national park regulation and there are no exceptions.
  • Hot-air balloon safaris — Operators generally require children to be at least seven, and tall enough to brace unaided in the basket on landing.
  • Family and exclusive-use camps — A number of our camps run dedicated family units, child-minding and tailored activity programmes, and will relax their usual age limit for a sole-use booking.
  • Talk to us first — Age limits vary from property to property and from activity to activity. Speak to our experts before you book, and we will pre-arrange the details with each lodge around the ages of the children travelling with you.

Safari Duffel

Duffel, safari hat, vest and hooded jumper

  • Your duffel — A soft-sided Finders & Keepers Safaris duffel, sized for the 15 kg limit on the light aircraft that move you between camps. Rigid suitcases cannot be carried on those flights at all.
  • What is inside it — A branded Finders & Keepers Safaris safari hat, a safari vest, and a hooded jumper for cold dawn starts and balloon mornings.
  • Yours to keep — The bag and everything in it is a gift, not a loan. Nothing is returned at the end of your journey.
  • Packing around it — Soft luggage, neutral colours, and layers. Laundry is included at nearly every camp, which is why 15 kg goes further than it sounds.

Note

Best timed around wildlife movement patterns

Kenya's game viewing is exceptional year-round, though the Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara peak between July and October. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all safari areas — please consult your doctor before travel.

  • Early starts — Safaris begin very early in the morning. Your guide will confirm what time you will be collected from your camp or lodge.
  • Tailoring this journey — If you would like this package with more or fewer days, arranged for a group, a family or a solo traveller, or with add-ons, reach out and we will tailor it for you.
  • Route changes — Your guide or driver may alter the route in certain circumstances, but every destination set out in the itinerary will be covered.

Documents

Kenya eTA required before arrival

  • Passport — Valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least two blank pages for stamps.
  • Kenya eTA — Kenya replaced its tourist visa with an Electronic Travel Authorisation in January 2024. Apply online before you fly — approval normally lands within 48 to 72 hours, but allow a week.
  • African passport holders — Citizens of almost every African country now enter Kenya without an eTA. East African Community nationals — Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda — may stay up to six months; other African nationals up to two.
  • Yellow fever — A vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have transited, a country with yellow fever risk.
  • We file it for you — Whether you are flying in from overseas or travelling from elsewhere on the continent, we complete and submit your visa application on your behalf. You hand us your documents once. We do the filing, chase the approval, and carry the confirmations in your travel pack so nothing rests on you remembering a reference number at a counter.
  • Most of Africa is open to you — The great majority of our African destinations are now either visa-free or issue a visa on arrival, so an embassy queue is rarely in your future at all. Where a visa on arrival does apply, we prepare and lodge the paperwork ahead of you — you reach the desk with a finished file rather than a blank form and a biro.
  • Before you travel — Entry rules change frequently and without much notice. Your specialist confirms the current requirements for every passport in your party at the time of booking, and checks them again before you fly.

Guaranteed Departures

Guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 4 guests

  • Once confirmed, you travel — When your departure date is confirmed, it is guaranteed. We do not cancel, merge or reschedule a confirmed departure for commercial reasons, however the final numbers fall.
  • What confirms a departure — A departure becomes confirmed once the agreed number of travellers has been reached and paid for in line with the agreed payment schedule. Places held without payment do not count towards it.
  • If the minimum is not reached — Where a group departure has not reached its agreed numbers, we tell you early rather than late, and you choose: move to the next available date, continue at a revised small-group rate, or take a full refund of everything you have paid.
  • Solo journeys — Solo and tailor-made itineraries carry no group minimum at all. Your dates are confirmed the moment your deposit is received.
  • Visas — We prepare and submit your visa application on your behalf. Please note that the granting of a visa rests solely with the immigration authority of the country concerned, and is never guaranteed by us.
  • Medication — We arrange malaria prophylaxis, together with anti-nausea and anti-anxiety tablets, for your journey. Any prescription medicine should be confirmed with your own doctor before you travel — they remain the final authority on what is suitable for you.
  • Africa is not always hot — Despite the stereotype, Africa moves through distinct seasons and mornings at altitude can be genuinely cold. A hooded jumper is provided for cold conditions, and for every guest joining a hot-air balloon safari.
  • Dietary requirements — If you have strict dietary needs, please tell us at the time of booking. This includes vegans, guests in recovery, non-drinkers, and anyone following a prescription from their doctor.
  • Travel insurance — We facilitate travel insurance for our clients. If you are already covered, please say so during booking so we can take it into account in your final quote.
  • Tailoring your quote — Some of our inclusions — hot-air balloon safaris, for example — may not be what you want. Point these out and we will adjust your final offer accordingly.
  • The Maasai massage & spa recovery — Guests travelling the safari circuit by road rather than by air should expect long and tiring days. The rough terrain of the jungle gives the vehicle a constant jolting ride, known affectionately as the Maasai massage. A spa session is provided at the end of your safari to recover.
  • What to pack — Neutral colours are the rule on safari: khaki, olive, stone and brown. Avoid black and dark blue, which draw tsetse flies, and leave camouflage at home entirely — it is reserved for the military and illegal for civilians in several African countries. Bring layers for cold dawn game drives, long sleeves and trousers for dusk when the mosquitoes are out, closed walking shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses. Lodge dinners are smart-casual; nothing formal is needed.
  • Your safari duffel & kit — The duffel bag is used when flying into the parks, where luggage is limited to 15 kg per person. A branded Finders & Keepers Safaris safari hat and safari vest are also provided.

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