Kaptivating Kenya
Look for the bare necessities. The simple bare necessities, forget about your worries & your strife .
Africa’s big predators in abundance, red-robed Maasai warriors, and Out of Africa scenery – if you’re looking for that quintessential East African Safari Experience, then a Masai Mara vacation delivers exactly that!
Kenya is undoubtedly at the top of the safari hit list, and the Mara is tough to beat when it comes to the annual Wilderbeest migration. This is the time when most travelers choose to visit the wildlife capital of the world, having said that…. The Mara is a year-round destination and you can expect an Unforgettable Safari any point in the calendar!
The Mara National Reserve borders Tanzania’s Serengeti and together they comprise a fantastic setting for the famous migration, a dramatic mass movement of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra that is irresistible to wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers. Not all of the animals migrate in the Mara so you can still expect great Big Five game viewing throughout the year – leopards, cheetahs, lions, hyena’s are regularly sighted.
Over 2 million Wildebeest migrate from the Serengeti to the greener pastures of the Masai Mara each year! There is neither start nor finish to their search for food and water, as they circle the Serengeti and Masai Mara in a relentless sequence of life and death.
From October through April, the Mara is a birders paradise. More than 400 species have been recorded to date, ostriches, raptors, long-crested eagles and the stunning lilac breasted roller featuring on the list.
December to March is a great time to go as this is outside of the rainy season when some of the roads might leave your vehicle trudging in the mud. The drive is a long and bumpy road from Nairobi to the Masai Mara and if you have the opportunity to fly there, its certainly advisable that you do so. Or take a stopover at Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru reserves.
The abundance of child-friendly accommodation makes for great Masai Mara family safaris while exclusive lodges in tucked-away locations are the natural choice for a Masai Mara honeymoon. It’s a destination for all ages to Experience!
Game drives are not the only option of Safaris you would find in the Mara. You have the private conservancies where night drives and guided nature walks are offered for exclusive experiences. It’s an extraordinary experience to stay in the Mara for easy access to the bushes for unforgettable game viewing and also to retreat yourself from the chaos of the city life to experiencing solitude, serene nature centric views and unfenced animal viewing which is exceptional.
Hot-air balloon safaris and cultural interactions with local Maasai communities complete the broad range of Masai Mara safari experiences. Any trip to the Mara will leave you an understanding of this untouched civilization, Traditional dancing, village visits and a chance to marvel at the local handicrafts make this a once in a lifetime experience.
There’s more than one way to safari in the Mara and an optional balloon flight over the plains is a great way to get a birds eye view of the stunning landscape and its residents. Usually an hour in length, the ride kicks off in the early hours allowing you to spy the magnificent sunrise while the wildlife stir beneath you. Ending with a champagne breakfast it’s the ultimate way to see the reserve in all its glory.
In the evening, you will experience the most spectacular sunset you would have ever seen! Nothing compares to an African sunset in the Mara which is breathtaking! And as you enjoy your sundowner drinks with bonfire in the serenity of the reserve, this is one experience you will cherish for years to come! I had the most surreal experience, it was drizzling, as I was trying to dodge the raindrops, and suddenly I look behind me to which I thought was a tree, I see this majestic and tall Giraffe right next to me, with its velvet fur and looking splendid chewing away from the leaves, I couldn’t help but gape open-mouthed at its beauty !! They say everyone has their Magical Mara moment, this was mine.
