Getting Around Maasai Mara

Getting Around Maasai Mara

Most of the Masai Mara tours often are “fly-in” itineraries to maximize your time on safari, Masai Mara is not recommended as a self – drive destination.

Most travellers fly-into Nairobi’s major international airport – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the Mara’s various airstrps. From there you will be transferred to your camp or lodge by a 4×4 safari vehicle. The more affordable option is a road transfer from Nairobi, but keep in mind that it is a 270 kilometer or 168 mile –journey to the Masai Mara Reserve’s nearest gate – this can take between four and five hours.

How To Choose The Best Mara Safari

Masai Mara is a rewarding safari destination which offers many unique experiences, depending on your travel style.

experiences, depending on your travel style…

TRAVELLER TYPE	RECOMMENDATIONS	HIGHLIGHTS
First-time safari goers	Nairobi-Amboseli-Masai-Mara round-trip	Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Sanctuary in Nairobi Wildebeest Migration in season Cultural encounters with Maasai tribes Amboseli’s elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Photographers and birdwatchers	Low / Green Season	Best light of the year Colourful migratory birds Plenty of predator action as grazers give birth
Honeymooners	Exclusive settings in private concessions Combines well with a beach destination	Hot-air balloon safari Private candle-lit dinners in romantic settings
Families	Travelling with children over 8 years, teenagers and grandparents	Family-friendly lodges Children’s safari activities Child-minding services
Solo	Tailor-made tours to maximise budget.	Adventurous and

Masai Mara National Reserve is the ideal destination for first-timer safari goers and visitors to Africa, because of the following reasons

• Roads in the reserve are well-maintained
• Guides and staff speak English
• It is easy to enjoy 360-degree views of the landscape and to spot animals – the terrain is open, flat and unobstructed by thick vegetation
• Thanks to well-established conservation projects, wildlife is abundant and healthy
• Meaningful and authentic cultural encounters are possible thanks to mutually beneficial relationships between safari operators, tribal land owners and conservationists.

Whether you are travelling solo, with your family, or celebrating your marriage with a romantic honeymoon or anniversary vacation, we recommend getting in tour with one of our African Safari Experts. GET IN TOUR TO TAILOR – MAKE your safari itinerary and accommodation to your wishes and interests.

Health And safety

Kenya is a safe destination to visit and thousands of travelers go on a safari in this country every month. We have been tailor – making Masai Mara Safaris.

Before Your Safari

• Consult your travel clinic about necessary vaccinations well in advance
• Check with your doctor about taking the right prophylactic for malaria, although the risk is low during Green Season (November to April) and very low during peak season (July to October), the risk is higher if you are going to visit rural villages outside the Masai Mara National Reserve.
• Also remember to let your doctor known if you will be scuba diving as part of your Kenya Safari as some medications may interfere with the safety of diving.

During Your Safari

• Always stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and a good hat – even in winter
• Listen to the professionals, always heed your guide’s warnings and instructions. They know the best and are there to keep you safe in the wild
• Don’t have late nights in your camp or lodge’s bar. Wake – up calls for game drives are early and you don’t want to miss out on having an incredible safari experience
• Always walk to your tent with a guide or escort at night, even if your camp is fenced.
• Don’t keep food in your tent or room, you might get an unwanted visit in the middle of the night.

  

Masai Mara Safari Combines best with?

It is possible to combine your Masai Mara Safari with The Rest of Kenya

The Rest Of Kenya:

DESTINATION	WHY VISIT
Amboseli National Park	• The best views of Mount Kilimanjaro • Great big game viewing, especially elephants
Laikipia and Lewa	• Off the beaten path – great for seasoned safari goers • See rare northern white rhino and black rhino • Go on camelback safaris
Samburu National Reserve	• Great game viewing, especially leopard and wild dog • Fascinating cultural interactions • See the ‘Samburu Special 5’: Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx and Somali ostrich
Lake Nakuru	• See Kenya’s famous flocks of flamingos • Over 400 recorded bird species
Diani beach	• Popular family resorts • Exclusive beach lodges
Lamu Archipelago	• Reef scuba diving and snorkelling • Barefoot luxury experience – ideal for a honeymoon

The Rest Of Africa

It is also possible to combine your Masai Mara Safari with the rest of Africa, because Nairobi is a major transport hub for East Africa, it is very easy to get to other sensational destinations.

COUNTRY	WHY VISIT
Tanzania	• See the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti • Superb Big 5 viewing in Ngorongoro Crater • Idyllic beach holiday in Zanzibar
Zambia	• See Victoria Falls • Fantastic walking safaris • Boat cruises on the Zambezi River
Zimbabwe	• See Victoria Falls • A classic safari experience in sensational parks
Uganda	• Unforgettable gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Malawi	• Outstanding snorkelling in Lake Malawi
South Africa	• Visit Cape Town • Travel the gorgeous Garden Route • Experience the renowned Kruger National Park

Masai Mara Travel Tips

Climate

• Summer is December to March – average temperatures: 20°C / 68°F to 34°C / 93°F
• Winter is June to August – average temperatures: 18°C / 64°F to 29°C / 84°F
• Long rainy season: mid-March to June
• Short rainy season: October to December

Money And Spending

The Kenyan Shilling is the national currency of Kenya but US Dollars are widely accepted. Your Safari Experts prefers to create an all-inclusive itinerary for you, meaning that extras like hot air balloon safaris are included and you need only take cash (in US dollars, preferably) for sundry purchases.

Major credit cards are accepted in Nairobi as well as bigger lodges

Tipping for good service is customary, although it is entirely at your discretion. A 10% tip is the norm when a service charge is not included in your bill.

Etiquette

• Kenya is a reasonably conservative society which places emphasis on good manners and courtesy
• Always ask permission before photographing the local people

What To Pack

• Light causal wear in neutral colors such as grey, khaki, brown or green. Avoid white, black and bright patterns as these can attract insects or distract game
• A warn jackets for evening game drives.