Masai Mara Safari

"The 8th Wonder of the World" is how the Great Migration through the famous Masai Mara is known. Many have come back time and again to witness this mass movement of wild animals through the wilderness, an unparalleled sensation. 

"I just wanted to say a big WOW, WOW,WOW about our experience on the Masai Mari safari. It is one that both myself and Ryan will never forget. Our experience is hugely down to Kelly and Kamau who were truly amazing from start to finish. They met us at the hotel and Kelly had the biggest warming smile and welcomed us with open arms. We were so well looked after throughout the whole trip."

Located in the south-west region of Kenya, 270 kilometres (about 5 hours) from Nairobi is the Masai Mara which boasts an abundance of wildlife all year round, not just during the Great Migration. A safari to the Mara can incorporate five star lodges or luxury permanent tented camps inside the Reserve or if you are on a budget, we can provide safari tents and you can enjoy camping under the stars with the sounds of the wildlife all around.

Each year the Mara plays host to one the world’s greatest natural spectacles, the Great Wildebeest Migration from the Serengeti. From July to October, the promise of rain and fresh, life giving grass in the north brings nearly 2 million Wildebeest together into a single massive herd. They pour across the border into the Mara, making a spectacular entrance in a surging column of life that stretches from horizon to horizon.

Masai Mara safari day by day plan

The Masai Mara Game Reserve

The Masai Mara is one of Africa’s premier game reserves where you get close encounters with a diverse population of game all year round. With its iconic landscape of endless seas of golden grass dotted with picturesque acacia trees the Masai Mara fulfils the dreams of any visitor searching for the perfect safari experience. This natural wonderland is home to cheetah, leopard, large prides of lion, elephant, giraffe, hyena, huge Nile crocodile, hippos and many other species.

The Masai Mara spreads over 1,510 square kilometres of rolling plains, sudden rocky outcrops, and green winding rivers and is one of the few locations in Africa that you stand a good chance of seeing the 'Big 5' on one game drive.

Highlights

The activities include going for walks along the river bank of the Mara river (with an armed Ranger!) and also climbing the Oloolaimutia hills. Having picnic lunch at the Mara river bank and going for game drives searching for the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros).

Hot air ballooning over the Masai Mara wildebeest migration is an awesome experience. There is little that can match the aesthetic appeal of a huge colourful balloon rising like an airborne lollipop out of the pre-dawn darkness into the first rays of the sun. You will also be able to explore the Masai Manyatta’s (villages) and join in a Maasai dance at the end of your visit.

Masai Mara safari clothing suggestions

We recommend keeping clothing light and long sleeved during the day, with jumpers for the evening and a raincoat or umbrella for when it rains.

• Short & Long Sleeve Shirts - Long sleeved is for protection from the sun and insects in the evenings.
• Shorts & Trousers - again, long trousers can protect from the sun & insects.
• Safari Hat - wide brimmed works best, but a cap is a good alternative!
• Jacket/Fleece - it can get colder in the evenings and early morning game drive
• Shoes - Comfortable trainers/shoes and a pair of sandals. You will need some type of hiking or safari boot if you plan on any walking safaris.
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Personal first-aid kit
• A small day pack
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• African/Kenya Guide Book
• Money belt
• Torch (important on camping/budget safari)
• Water bottle
• Insect Repellent
• Underwear & socks

It is important that you take you anti-malarial prophylactics and a visit to your GP before going to Kenya will be necessary for the prescription. For more kit information, click here.

 Why us?

• We have strong ethical standards. We do not outsource and our equipment and vehicles are all fully owned by the company. We always put back into the local people and communities where we work.
• There is also a charity for street children called Moving Mountains, which Gavin started after years running rehabilitation camps for disadvantaged kids and building schools and clinics. The company works very much in tandem with the charity covering all of its overheads and managing project research and implementation. You can even spend a day with some of our kids and see what education and life is like in Kenya.
• In Maasai Mara National Reserve, the local Masai people benefit from income generated through tourism in the Game reserves which are run by the community.
• Adventure Alternative Kenya is a licensed tour company based in Nairobi. Our staff are trained, experienced and speak excellent English. We organise all the staff, equipment, permits and hotel arrangements.