Masai Mara National Reserve

Handshake with the animal kingdom!

We visited Masai Mara National Reserve in November 2011 which is considered to be a rainy season there. And rainy it was! As soon as we checked in to Sentrim Mara Lodge, it started pouring. For a moment we felt that the game drive we had been dreaming of had been drained away, but soon the weather started to ease off. The heavily clouded atmosphere added a breathtaking spectacle in the overall atmosphere.

Masai Mara presented an uninterrupted expanse of grass and trees which is really a treat to watch. Roaming around in the wilderness with the animals is something which is beyond expression. It like being a candid observer of a wildlife routine!

We also took the Hot Air Balloon Safari, without which I feel the safari experience is half-done!

The safari is absolutely safe and the precautionary procedures are well observed. The lodges range from extraordinary to very disappointing depending on what you pay for. Our experience of Sentrim Mara Lodge was really an exciting one.

Masai Mara is famous for the Wildebeest and Zebra migration to Tanzania around Mara River. We were not expecting to observe this natural wonder in November, but we were extremely lucky that we were able to see the famous uninterrupted chain of wildebeest migrating in November, and that was something which has left deep memories to me and my family.

I would do it again

Wildlife, scenery, weather, accommodations, food, transport, our guide - all amazing. The guides knew where all the animals like to hang out. I was only here for 4 days, so I only saw a small portion of this reserve, and I would love to go back and spend more time on my own. I worry about the noise and pollution impact of so many diesel engines, the high number of tourists in the area, the seemingly high number of dirt roads, and water consumption due to tourism in a savanna setting that seems quite arid. The hotel we stayed at was very well maintained, the staff were wonderful, and the food was tasty. I loved the architecture, and thought it contributed to the "bush feel". I appreciated the commitment to electricity conservation and the fact that solar water heating was used. It was unfortunate that our drives happened in the mid-day when lighting is not very conducive to photography. I generally do not like being on organized tours - I prefer the freedom that going alone provides - but it was worth it to have a guide here since I wasn't well educated about the wildlife and it was my first time to Africa. I hope to visit this reserve again, as well as others in the region, and would like to do a walking safari. Our group's focus was on The Big Five and other large mammals so I didn't feel comfortable rating birding. I did see a number of pretty cool birds just by chance! Four days wasn't enough...I want to spend 4 months out here!

Wild...

We went to Kenya for our honeymoon.
We had the chance to get a great guide and driver who took the time to let us look at Nature's beauties. He gave us a lot of explanations about the country, the animals, the people. The guy was pretty interesting.
We first stop at Lake Nakuru. We had the chance to see 2 000 000 pink flamingos. Amazing scene. The lodge was good, the food aswell but there were many many many mosquitos out there. Take some cream with you.
Then, we went in Masaaï Mara for 3 days. AWESOME!!! We've seen 4 of the 5 fives. The Leopard's pretty hard to see. We didn't have that chance. But we've seen some stuff we will never forget. What you see in reality is far better than what you see on TV.
It's hard to describe a trip like that. If you like wildlife, don't hesitate a second.

I saw all the animals! Amazing feeling!

It was amazing

It was so amazing especially the wild beast crossing the river to the other side plus the weather not forgetting the tour guide it's place would like to visit again

Soooooo many animals

Coming to Masai Mara National Park in Kenya is a must!

The park has an abundance of wildlife but leopards are a very rare sighting.

Wildlife - stunning!
Organizational aspects take down the experience...

The best park in Kenya for wildlife and to meet the traditional Masai people. It is a huge park so plan lots of time here but you will see all of the animals here in their natural setting.