Overview
Masai Mara Game Reserve is world-famous for its authentic safari experience. It is half the story in the annual Great Wildebeest Migration and is home to the Big Five among other wild animals. One can also experience hot air balloon safaris as well as cultural visits to Masai villages. The Masai Mara is about a 6-hour drive from the capital Nairobi or a 45-minute flight.
Day 1
Nairobi/Maasai Mara: (Approx 265 km - 5-6 hrs)
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport / Pick up from your Nairobi Hotel, you will be met and assisted by our representative before commencing your safari to Mara. Arrive in time for lunch and check in at your camp, afternoon at leisure and later go for evening game drive in the famous reserve. Later return to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is considered a “must see” for any new visitor traveling on a safari to Kenya. It is on the “to do” list for many Kenyans and visitors alike because the park is graced by a wide variety of unique and exquisite wildlife and birds
What to see and what to do in Maasai Mara:-
Game Viewing
The Masai Mara Game Reserve is one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing. Game drives are a great way to experience the park and they take place all year round. If the big cats are what you’re looking for on your Kenyan safari, you are guaranteed to spot them at the Mara.
All of the “Big Five” animals (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo) can be spotted here.
Herds of plains zebras are found throughout the park, as well as Masai giraffes, common giraffes, jackals, white-bearded gnus, Oribis, warthogs, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, hartebeests, hyenas, bat-eared foxes, rare Topi antelope and beautiful roan antelope, as well as hippos and crocodiles in the Mara River.
Hippos are abundant in the Mara River as are very large Nile crocodiles, who lay in wait for a meal as the wildebeest cross on their annual quest to find new pastures.
The best time to view animals is either at dawn or dusk.
Wildebeest Migration
Over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and several species of antelope make an annual circular tour between the Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya in search of greener pastures.
The trek happens with a fair share of animal drama as the migrating herds attract the attention of hungry predators – the hyenas and lions that prey on the lame and sick animals along the way.
The animals trek for four months (July-October) towards the Mara. The months of July and August are the best times to see what is truly the world’s most spectacular wildebeest migration and the dramatic sights that occur during the mass crossing of the swollen Mara River.
Bird Watching
For bird lovers, the Mara birds come in every color and size. More than 400 bird species have already been recorded, including birds of prey.
You can enjoy a colorful view of birds such as vultures, ostriches, long-crested eagles, pygmy falcons, secretary birds, marabous, red-winged Schalow’s turacos, white-tipped crests, ross turacos, orange buffs, Pel’s fishing owls, wary guinea fowl, Jackson’s bustards, black-bellied hartlaubs bustards and many others.
Day 2
Maasai Mara: Full Day with Game Drives and Photography
Set off early for a morning game drive to witness the animal kingdom at its most active hour, search for the park’s large populations of wildebeest, rhinoceros, buffalos, lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, cheetahs, zebras, Impalas, gazelles, hartebeest, warthogs, ostrich, Topi and Masai Giraffes among others. Enjoy packed lunch inside the park, by the banks of the river surrounded by beautiful sceneries and wildlife. In the evening Maasai Mara offers fantastic orange tinted sunsets and you will definitely want to capture this moment while sipping on a sundowners back at your lodge.
Maasai Cultural Tours
You will have an opportunity to visit the maasai village where you get a chance to interact with the Maasai people in their traditional setting and experience their culture. Often the Maasai morans (young Maasai warriors) will perform their traditional dance. You also get an opportunity to purchase traditional Maasai souvenirs, art and collectibles. (Maasai cultural tour – optional at an extra US$30 per person)
Hot Air Balloon rides
For the adventurous tourist who wants a sky-high view of wildlife from the hot air, balloon rides and safaris are the best way to travel over the massive Masai Mara park. Hot air balloon rides last approximately an hour and a half and often take place at dawn.
You will get a great view of the animals while you glide above them. Breakfast is prepared on the balloon burner upon landing. (Hot air balloon safari ride – optional at an extra US$450 per person)
All meals and overnight at the camp / lodge
Day 3
Departure, Mara - Nairobi: (Approx 265 kms - 5-6 hrs)
On this morning, you will have breakfast at your camp, and check out. You will then drive back to Nairobi. On arrival in Nairobi, transfer to JKIA for your flight back home or you will be dropped off at your pickup hotel.
