ON SAFARI
- Kenya
Masai Mara Game Reserve
Masai Mara Game Reserve
Situated on Kenya’s south-western border with Tanzania, the Masai Mara is perhaps the world’s most famous wildlife area – an extension of the famous Serengeti plains and one of the few areas where animals can be seen in the large numbers that existed a hundred years ago.
Lying at an altitude of around 5500 ft, the habitat is predominantly open grassland plains dotted with trees and thickets, and incised with forested drainage lines. The Mara and Talek rivers flow, or hold water, throughout the year, sustaining the vast wildlife population. The diverse habitat enables many different species to co-exist, including the Big 5 – elephant, black rhino, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard and it’s not uncommon to see some 30 species of larger mammal on a three or four day Masai Mara safari. The birdlife too is impressive with over 500 species recorded.
The Masai Mara is particularly impressive when the annual wildebeest migration is in residence. The migrating herds of zebra and wildebeest usually arrive sometime in July and remain until late October. During this time, the herds often cross back and forth across the Mara River. These river crossings can be very dramatic with crocodiles and lion waiting in ambush. The Masai Mara is also known for its excellent ‘big cat’ viewing, and plays host to the BBC’s popular Big Cat Diary series. Even outside of the ‘migration season’ the Masai Mara safari region offers spectacular game-viewing, particularly the larger predators – lion, leopard and cheetah. Although the Masai Mara attracts a huge number of visitors, and it is difficult to have this game-viewing paradise to yourself, there are selected areas which offer a more exclusive experience.
The whole Masai Mara safari region encompasses the official Masai Mara Game Reserve, as well as a series of Maasai-owned group ranches and private conservancies that border the reserve to the north. There are no fences between properties and outside the National Reserve itself, the wildlife mixes freely with the local Maasai people, who can often be seen tending their livestock. The Maasai, a very proud people, are an integral part of the ‘landscape’.
Safari camps which lie outside the reserve itself may offer walking safaris as well as game drives. Horse riding trails are also available, whilst limited private safari houses are perfect for families.
For more information on Masai Mara safaris please call us on 01787 888590 or contact us to speak to one of our safari specialists.
- Kenya
Kenya Introduction
Introduction to the spectacular and diverse country of Kenya
From rugged hills and montane forests to endless savannah plains, Kenya offers incredible physical diversity. The scenery is breath-taking and the wildlife viewing is some of the finest available in the world, with the Masai Mara leading an impressive list of great safari areas. Walking safaris, horse riding safaris and mountain trekking will appeal to the more adventurous, and cultural interaction with the charismatic Maasai or Samburu is highly likely on any safari. For those looking for relaxation, the glistening white sands of the Indian Ocean coastline beckon.
Kenya’s safari history goes back to the early 1900’s and its fine tradition of personal guiding and warm hospitality still exists today. While a few wildlife parks have become commercially busy, it is a mistake to assume that exclusive safari regions, remote wilderness areas and intimate safari properties do not exist. Kenya caters for the experienced enthusiast just as easily as the first-time visitor.
Easy to reach from Europe and with a varied and well-organised internal tourism infrastructure, Kenya safaris deliver good value for money compared to other comparable destinations. In particular, Kenya offers some of the most cost effective ‘safari and beach’ combinations. Whether budget is important to you or not, this ability to easily combine incredible game-viewing with beautiful beaches has always made Kenya a wonderful family holiday or honeymoon destination.
So whether you’re looking for a specialist wildlife experience, a ‘bush & beach’ special celebration holiday, or perhaps a wonderful African adventure as a family, Kenya is the perfect destination to consider.
For further information on Kenya safari options please call us on 01787 888590 or contact us to speak to one of our safari specialists.
More information on seasons and when to travel »
- Kenya
John & Dinah travelled to Kenya
We had a wonderful holiday – truly a trip to be remembered and memories to cherish.
- Kenya
David & Carole travelled to Kenya & Zanzibar
We didn’t expect the food on safari to be that special – but it really was a case of ‘fine dining in the bush.
- Kenya
Charles travelled to Kenya
My recent trip was absolutely excellent and just about the best safari trip I have done. In terms of game-viewing, conditions could simply have not bee better. The Mara North Conservancy was like a parkland with short green grass and wexcellent visibility. Lions were seen on almost every game drive and we saw a pair of mating leopards. The grass was longer at Laikipia/ Ol Pejeta but there was no problem viewing the animals. Apart from the rhino sanctuary, highlights here included seeing black rhino out in the open (three in on day!). An encounter with a female cheetah and two almost fully grown cubs was also brilliant. There were plenty of elephants visiting the waterhole in front of the lodge. These conservancies in Kenya are brilliant for wildlife watching – particularly combined with staying in a small camp.
- Kenya
Tim & Judith travelled to Kenya
Everything about our holiday exceeded our expectations. Even our briefing notes were superbly accurate.
- Kenya
- TanzaniaKim & family travelled to Kenya & Tanzania
To relax, I still close my eyes and in my mind wander through our wonderful itinerary in Africa.
- Kenya
- RwandaMichael & Janet travelled to Kenya (& Rwanda)
We had some amazing sightings in the Mara – each day we thought we had seen it all’ and each day there was more – cheetah with six 3 month old cubs, leopards, mating lions etc! Once again, Rob, thank you!
- Kenya
- RwandaMichael & Janet travelled to Rwanda (& Kenya)
As always, a brilliant holiday. Rwanda was quite a surprise – a beautiful country and lovely people.
- Kenya
Sarah and Julia travelled to Kenya
We would like to thank Mary Grimwood of Safari Consultants for all her hard work throughout the entire planning & booking process. I was very impressed with the service she provided from the moment Mary called me after receiving my online enquiry – detailed questions were asked of what I was looking for and then an itinerary was swiftly emailed which was changed many times due to my indecision. Throughout Mary was extremely helpful answering the many questions I raised. It made a big difference that the places she recommended she had actually visited. Thank you Mary – I know who to ring when planning my next safari!