Masai Mara Travel Guide
- Christabel Ododa
- Aug 24, 2020
- 4 min read
It is wildebeest migration season and all roads are leading to The Masai Mara at the moment. First things first though you will need to know how to get to the Masai Mara, have where to stay in the Mara and know what to do while in the Mara.
How to get to the Masai Mara from Nairobi?
The first time I visited Masai Mara was in September, which is a peak season and the roads can be a pain due to the August rains, the middle of June tends to have milder weather and cheaper tickets! See my best time to see the Masai Mara wildebeest migration calendar.
You have two options to get to the Masai Mara. Direct flights to Masai Mara and the Serengeti from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport will take about 45 mins to get you to the Mara, however, the aircraft is not your giant commercial boeing or airbus planes so be mindful of the luggage requirements to be sure not to get over packed.
The second option is to drive down to the Mara from Nairobi, it is a six hour drive but traveling the Kenyan countryside is an experience in itself, as opposed to renting a car and self driving, I would suggest hiring a guide as this will better help you with navigating your way on the 85 kilometre highway that connects Narok town to Sekenani and the main route to Masai Mara by road.
Masai Mara Lodges and Camps
Almost all accommodations in both Serengeti and the Masai Mara are booked on all -inclusive basis. One of the oldest lodges in Masai Mara, Kenya, Keekorok Lodge is perfectly located in the middle of the migration path and is perfect for a traveler looking to get the full safari experience without having to spend 800+ USD a night. If you are looking to splurge a little, the modern, exclusive Angama Mara perched between the Great Rift Valley and The Masai Mara offers luxurious accommodations your personal butler included! And to enjoy a prime viewing spot of the world famous wildebeest migration, luxurious yet more affordable Lemala Kuria Hills in the Serengeti is a perfect choice.
Masai Mara activities
A typical day in the Mara starts at 6 am, this is because the animals are more active during the cooler times times of the day so be sure to take advantage of the sunrise and or sunset game drives. Seeing specific animals is never a guarantee in the Mara but when you get lucky and spot the game, it is worth every yawn and stretch you struggled with to get up at dawn.
If lucky somewhere hidden way on top of a tree, you will spot a cheetah most likely peacefully resting and not keen on being bothered. A pack of lions sometimes with the seriously deceivingly cute cabs, a herd of elephants somewhere off the trail, gazelles galloping around, the buffalo, Impalas, topi, wildebeest, hyenas, ostriches,zebras are just some of the Masai Mara animals you are likely to spot. Masai Mara has some of the best wildlife in Africa.
You can choose to spend a whole day at the Masai Mara national game reserve or go for a half day safari. Either way,you have a chance to experience dining in the bush. Most camps will have a choice of breakfast, lunch picnic or dinner in the bush options to break the game drives so be sure to set it up with your guide in good time and take advantage of this wonderful experience.
Another way to experience the game is by flying over the Masai Mara and spotting animals from the air while you sip on champagne. The hot air balloon safaris will give this exact experience but should you be feeling like a movie star of your own Masai Mara (Out of Africa) experience then go for a flying safari Meryl Streep and Robert Redford style.
Although a few camps and lodges offer walking trails, Kenyan reserves prohibit walking safaris for the most part so Tanzania might be a better option if interested in walking trails. You could visit a Maasai village though and learn more about Africa's most known nomadic tribe, the Maasai.
Together with park guards paid from the park admission fee, the Maasai tribe helps protect the Masai Mara's natural resources and incredible wildlife from poachers.
Maasai Mara Travel Tips
Make sure to get your yellow fever jab and have some malaria pills with you for this trip.
If driving down to the Masai Mara, use an experienced guide as the roads can be tricky and conditions are prone to change.
Pack up some bug repellent, sunscreen and boots or comfortable shoes.
If you are not a Kenyan native, consider a tropical vacation after your safari and hit Mombasa's sandy beaches, or you could spend a couple of days in the city before catching your flight back home in which case see how to spend a day in Nairobi here.
You can also check out my first trip to the Mara for a more personal experience of the most fascinating trip of my life!
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