The spectacular beauty of the Masai Mara comes from hundreds of views; the elegant gait of a giraffe, the graceful run of a leopard and the attractive arrogance of the lion.

It’s a nice idea to get away from boring meetings, demanding bosses and the tedium of everyday life. Africa is the continent where the first human remains were found and the land certainly retains the charm and mystery that drew hundreds of explorers from the west.

One of the world’s best-known wildlife sanctuaries, the Masai Mara covers an area of ​​nearly 1,500 square kilometers and straddles the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. The vast and silent grasslands are teeming with wildlife. Nearly 1.5 million animals move through the Masai Mara, including the so-called big five, namely the lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant, and leopard.

There are beautiful resorts in the Masai Mara ranging from mid-budget to luxury tourist hideaways. Most resorts offer you a full board meal system (which is as good as nowhere to go in the jungle!) and offer tastefully decorated rooms with hot showers and comfortable beds. .

Trip from Nairobi to the Masai Mara

The drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on where your resort is located. Most ‘Kombi’ drivers prefer to leave between 7am and 8am in order to reach the Mara by lunch time.

A ‘Kombi’ is a Nissan van designed to accommodate 9 to 15 passengers. These vehicles are licensed for entry into the Masai Mara and open at the top to allow for easy viewing.

Most Kombis are equipped with walkie-talkie systems and the driver often uses his radio to communicate with other drivers in the sanctuary. the journey from Nairobi meanders through the ‘Rift Valley’; the second longest fault line in the world.

You can enjoy the panoramic views as you descend from the mountains. It’s a good idea to bring drinking water (most tour companies will fill the van with many bottles of drinking water) along with a light jacket. Mornings and afternoons are usually a bit cool, but daytime temperatures are very warm.

Resorts in the Masai Mara

There are many really great places to stay in the Masai Mara. Here is a close up of the best accommodations:

the sarova mara

These are tented accommodations located near the gate. The tents are luxurious with single or twin beds and bath/shower. Meals are served in the restaurant and dining room, which is aesthetically designed to blend in with the wooded surroundings.

Piping hot coffee and tea with biscuits or biscuits is served throughout the day.

the mara simba

‘Simba’ in Swahili means lion. The Mara Simba is found towards the middle of the Masai Mara; Not too deep inside and not too deep outside. Accommodation is in the form of one storey cabins with a ground level plus an upper level.

The rooms are an absolute pleasure to relax in and the baths/showers are hot and luxurious. The rooms are equipped with a balcony where you can relax after your game drives and enjoy the peaceful song of birds or, if you are lucky, the occasional sighting of a hippo in the waters behind the resort.

The food is a delight with an exotic mix of Western, African and Indian cuisine. The dessert table is well stocked with fruit tarts, cakes and custards and often enjoy an impromptu Masai dance performed by locals.

the serene mara

This is a favorite among tourists to the Masai Mara. Located 50 km deep in the jungle, you have to cross the Mara River to reach the Mara Serena Lodge. Very often visitors see a lot of wildlife even on their way to Mara Serena.

The Mara Serena is one of the most picturesque resorts in the Masai Mara and is built on a slight slope. Due to its elevation, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of a large part of the game park.

On a side note, the Mara Serena is home to ‘Hyrax’; a small rodent-like animal that is somewhat similar to a mole.

Tips for Kenya Travel to the Masai Mara

Here are some tips if you’re planning a trip to Africa’s most beloved tourist hotspot:

• The current exchange rate between the Kenyan shilling and the US dollar is calculated roughly like this: 1 USD = 86 Kenyan shillings

• The best time to visit the Masai Mara is from mid-June to mid-August because that is when the migration occurs; thousands of herbivores cross between Kenya and Tanzania. Carnivores naturally follow

• Make sure your tour operator provides you with a friendly and enthusiastic driver. Trips to the Masai Mara depend on how good your driver is and a friendly driver can make all the difference. He will take the initiative to take you to remote corners to see different animals.

• All locals speak and understand English (Swahili is the official language of Kenya)

• You can buy souvenirs and curios at Nairobi’s curio markets; The resorts have shops, but they tend to be expensive. If you’re looking for just one or two pieces, they’re good enough.

A trip to the Masai Mara is a memory for a lifetime. Exotic wildlife, friendly locals, and luxurious resorts contribute to what can only be described as a unique experience. The dark and imposing beauty of the jungle, together with the delicious food and well-appointed rooms, combine to make your Kenyan holiday an experience to savour, remember and tell all your family, friends and colleagues about.