Introduction to Kenya’s Masai Mara safaris
Welcome to Mallerby’s Luxury Travel, where we specialize in crafting unforgettable journeys to the most captivating destinations in Africa. Today, we invite you to join us on an extraordinary adventure to Kenya’s Masai Mara, a place where nature reigns supreme and luxury meets untamed wilderness. Brace yourself for an enchanting experience that combines luxurious accommodations, exhilarating activities, and authentic cultural encounters. Let’s dive into the wonders that await you in the heart of Kenya for a Masai Mara Safari Experience.
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Luxurious Accommodations in the Masai Mara
Upon arriving in the Masai Mara, prepare to be whisked away to the lap of luxury at our carefully curated accommodations. Mallerby’s Luxury Travel partners with exclusive lodges and camps that offer unparalleled comfort and breathtaking views and suit all types of travellers whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a destination wedding venue, a digital detox or a fun, family vacation. From lavish tented camps overlooking the sweeping savannah to elegant private villas nestled within the wild, each property is designed to provide an oasis of tranquillity amidst nature’s splendour. Immerse yourself in sumptuous amenities, personalized service, and exquisite cuisine, ensuring that every moment of your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.
Big 5 & Wildlife Encounters on a Masai Mara safari
The Masai Mara is home to an astounding concentration of wildlife year-round, making it a dream destination for game viewing – roaming freely are large herds of elephants, resident lion prides, a wealth of antelope and plains game, as well as giraffe, cheetah, endangered black rhino and the elusive leopard. The Mara River is home to large pods of hippo and crocodiles. The dry season, from June to October, is widely regarded as the best time to witness wildlife in their natural habitat, however, January and February are also good months to visit when it’s ‘off-peak’ travel. Your game drive experiences are either morning and afternoon drives, or full day outings with deliciously packed picnic baskets. Experience wildlife at its best on a Masai Mara safari.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara
The Great Wildebeest Migration, often dubbed as the “World’s Greatest Wildlife Spectacle” is a breathtaking event that occurs annually in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Generally, the migration takes place from July to October when millions of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, criss-cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing lands. Whilst river crossing can never be guaranteed, the guides make every effort to plan game drives around the migration movements to get sightings of the dramatic river crossings. Equally as impressive are the herds grazing on the open plains, the sheer magnitude providing exceptional opportunities for thrilling safari experiences and remarkable photography.
Hot Air Ballooning over the Masai Mara
Awake at dawn to embark on an extraordinary hot air balloon adventure over the Masai Mara. Drift gracefully above the expansive plains, witnessing the awe-inspiring sights below. As the sun paints the horizon with vibrant hues, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the iconic wildlife, including the majestic herds of wildebeest, zebras, and elephants. This truly magical experience offers a unique perspective of the Mara’s beauty and is a photographer’s dream come true.
Walks with Naturalists in the Masai Mara
Explore the untamed wilderness of the Masai Mara on foot, accompanied by expert naturalists who share their wealth of knowledge and passion for conservation. As you stroll through the golden grasslands, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter various animal species up close and learn about their behaviours, habitats, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The guided walks provide a rare chance to connect with nature in a profound and intimate way.
Cultural Interactions during a Masai Mara safari
Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai people, one of Africa’s most iconic tribes. Engage in immersive cultural interactions, interact with the Maasai warriors, learn about their customs, and even participate in age-old traditions. This cultural exchange offers a deeper understanding of the local way of life and provides a glimpse into the harmonious relationship between the Maasai and the Mara’s wildlife.
Family Travel in the Masai Mara
A family safari to the Masai Mara is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that your kids will never forget. Mallerby’s Luxury Travel partners with some of the most incredible family-friendly lodges and private houses, that are experts in this field, so chat to us about your requirements. Depending on your children’s ages, activities will be planned accordingly as some have age restrictions that may apply. Additional activities for kids may include nature walks, bow and arrow shooting, storytelling and treasure hunts.
Romance in the Masai Mara
Whether you’re looking for the most iconic proposal spot or a magical venue to say your ‘I do’s’, the Masai Mara offers the most exquisite backdrop for any romantic moment. Add in a unique Maasai blessing to celebrate this significant moment in your life, together with a Maasai dance ritual and private bush dinner under the stars! Whatever your preferences, Mallerby’s will ensure that every moment is tailored to your desires.
Five of our Favourite Accommodations on a Masai Mara safari
Angama Mara
Located high up, overlooking the Masai Mara, Angama Mara has two intimate camps of fifteen tented suites with floor-to-ceiling glass spanning the front to make the most of the dramatic views! Game drives, ballooning, walking, photography, cultural interactions, beading studio, wellness and the perfect venue to capture your special moments, whether it’s a romantic picnic proposal, a wedding celebration or a family safari.
Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp
Set in the private Olderkesi Conservancy, bording the Masai Mara, Cottars 1920’s Camp oozes romance and luxury in nine cream canvas tents. Game drives, walks and runs, cultural immersions, e-bikes, conservation talks and activities, photographic experiences, and a bush bath!
Mara Plains Camp
Located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy on the Masai Mara National Reserve’s northern boundary, this intimate safari camp is one of Kenya’s only three Relais & Chateaux properties. Five suites plus the 2-bedroom private Jahazi Suite offers the finest in luxury. Each suite has a set of professional camera and lenses, plus a pair of high-quality binoculars. Day and night game drives, ballooning, cultural experiences, photography and spa treatments.
Ngare Serian Camp
Hugging the bank of the Mara River in the Mara North Conservancy, Ngare Serian is cosy and intimate with just four chic, spacious, permanent tents. Perfect for exclusive use and children of all ages. Day and night game drives, walking, fly camping and fishing. Photography workshops.
Sala’s Camp
Nestled along the tree lined banks of the Sand River in the Masai Mara National Reserve, this is one of the first camps to witness the legendary annual wildebeest migration. Seven spacious tents accommodate up to 18 guests, each with a private plunge pool. Game drives, nature and birding walks, riverbed games, bush gym, spa treatments and art! Children of all ages with plenty of activities to keep them enthralled.
Planning your Masai Mara safari trip
Planning your trip to the Masai Mara safari should be a fun, interactive experience and Mallerby’s Luxury Travel will assist you the whole way, however, here are some of our top tips to consider before starting to plan:
The Masai Mara can be visited throughout most of the year, however the best time to visit is from July to October for the best weather and exceptional wildlife viewing, which coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Avoid visiting between March through May as this is the long rainy season. The short rains are in November and December; however, these are generally afternoon showers followed by sunshine. April and May are peak rainfall months making the roads in the Masai Mara impassable.
Kenya is an incredible destination to visit as a stand-alone safari and beach vacation, incorporating stays in Nairobi, the Amboseli National Park, Laikipia region and the Kenyan coast. These areas fit seamlessly into a Kenyan flying circuit to offer a diverse and varied journey through Kenya.
We suggest a minimum of 3 – 4 nights in the Masai Mara and a minimum of 2 – 3 nights in each of the other areas being visited. For an incredible 14-night journey through Kenya, we recommend the following:
- 2 nights Nairobi
- 2 nights Amboseli
- 3 nights Laikipia
- 3 nights Masai Mara
- 4 nights Kenyan Coast
Please remember that all our itineraries are curated specially to suit your specific preferences.
The Amboseli National Park has magical views of Mount Kilimanjaro and is known for its large herds of elephants. As a Big 5 area, you can explore on game drive, horse back and with your guide on nature walks. There are also night drives, walking safaris and mountain biking, depending on your lodges of choice.
Just north of Nairobi lies the Laikipia Plateau on the rim of the Great Rift Valley, which has a collection of private reserves and conservancies. It hosts the next largest density of wildlife to the Masai Mara and is where some of the most important conservation work in the country is carried out. Activities in this area include game drives, walking safaris, horse riding, camel riding, cycling, seasonal fishing, community project visits, and conservation experiences such as lion tracking and visiting the anti-poaching dog unit.
The Kenyan coast is lined with white sandy beaches, crystal blue ocean and colourful coral reefs, mixed with Swahili and Arabic history and cultures. We have some favourite accommodations along the coast for all types of travellers looking for a slow, laid-back atmosphere. There are easy flight connections from Nairobi making it a popular extension to your safari vacation. Here you can experience snorkelling, diving, dhow cruises and deep-sea fishing. From December to March, the trade winds make for excellent kitesurfing conditions.
Getting to & Around Masai Mara
There are a number of international airlines flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where we’ll meet you for the start of your trip. Although you can head straight to the Mara if you arrive in the early morning, we highly recommend spending your first night or even two in Nairobi before heading on safari. Nairobi has some incredible hotels and immersive activities that’s well worth the stay.
Getting around in Kenya depends on where your next destination is, and more often than not, you’ll fly from one destination to the next. These comfortable, light aircraft are usually single or twin-engine aircraft that seat anything from 4 to 20 passengers, with everyone getting a window seat. They connect the remote wildernesses and offer you an aerial safari where you can delight in the landscapes below and view the wildlife from your plane window! The runways are in the middle of the wilderness areas, and you’ll be greeted directly off the plane by your ranger – there’s no baggage carousel or airport lounge, just straight from the plane into your game drive vehicle on safari. Mallerby’s Luxury Travel takes care of all your transportation needs, ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish.
Should you wish to explore further afield, Kenya combines exceptionally well with Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Seychelles.
Conclusion
Embarking on a Masai Mara safari adventure with Mallerby’s Luxury Travel guarantees an extraordinary blend of luxury, nature, and cultural exploration. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes, witness the incredible wildlife, and experience the warmth and richness of the Maasai culture. With our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to providing the finest experiences, your journey with Mallerby’s will be nothing short of exceptional. Let us create memories that will last a lifetime in the untamed beauty of the Masai Mara.
