Masai Mara National Reserve

In October, there were very few animals around. Migration had already ended. However, the amount of lions we saw was very big, and we had the opportunity to watch how they behaved. The fact than migration wasn't on, reduced the number of vehicles around and we could see some lions and other animals alone.

Amazing

I am a Kenyan, born and raised in Nairobi and hadn't yet visited Masai Mara until Last year December(2013). My family and I were hesitant because of the rains and Mara is known to be impassible during the rainy season but we decided to go ahead and not cancel our booking. Aren't we glad we went to the Mara. By road, its almost a 5hr drive on tarmac road until you reach Narok town where the tarmac just starts reducing until there is none as you get near the park. I have been to some Parks and Reserves in Kenya but Mara was the best. We saw a lot of lions(which isn't easy), leopards playing around and some of the prettiest tallest giraffes I have ever seen, among other wildlife. Now we know what the fuss is all about and cannot wait to back during the migration period. We booked directly through Sarova group and stayed at Sarova Mara and it was fantastic, best customer service ever. Our tour driver/guide was from Somak Safaris and he knew his wildlife.

P.s if you can, splurge more on hiring a land cruiser than a tour van when planning to tour Masai Mara. once you get to the rough roads, that's when you really appreciate the 4wd.

Breathtaking!

This was my first trip to Kenya and Masai MaraNational Reserve. I did not expect to so many different and rare species. The first day, just after 10 minutes away from the camp, Masai Mara Game Camp, a black rihno suddenly came of a bush! What a big and beautuful animale.
I did se about 16 lions, males, females og small lion cubs. As you can see in my photos - I did see almost every animals that lives in the area. It was just so breathtaking and I would definetely come back til Kenya and Masai Mara!
Masai Mara is a fantastic National Reserve. The smell form the savannah, a long view and animals all over the area. It is quite but still full og life. I was am humbled to experience the nature as close as I did. Our guide and driver did tell us about the environment and how the kenyansian people is aware and try to protect killing of elephants, rhino and other rare species.

Much to see during a short time.

In the summer of 2011 I worked as a volunteer in Kenya. During that time I and seven other volunteers went together from a Friday to a Saturday to Masai Mara and I must say that this was one of the highlights of my six weeks long stay in Kenya. I have heard before that this national park is a good one, but still it exceeded my expectations.

After entering the gate we saw a lot of gnus and zebras together in flocks. Two of the gnus butted each other and I immediately realize that this trip would be something special. The savannah of the park was open and because of that the sight of animals is good. It only took thirty minutes before we encountered lions. Then it was also possible to drive two meters close to them and I could shoot really nice pictures. During the time in Masai Mara we came to see many lions; flocks of lions, young lions, a lion eating gnu and even grown-up lion males.

However, we came to see a lot more and at the end we had seen almost all animals that one can imagine to see when going for safari. There was only exception; the rhino. Rhinos are the rarest animals in Masai Mara, but it happens quite frequently that they are observed in the park. Consequently, we had bad luck with respect to that, but because everything else was so good I am more than satisfied with the wildlife in the park. There is also a river, where we could see a lot of hippos and crocodiles. At some places it was possible to leave the vehicle and when we ate in free air, a baboon came and wanted our food. The driver did not let him come to close, but I went against his will quite close to the monkey anyway and this was really an amazing encountering. I also liked that we could face cheetahs and some leopards sitting in top of trees, but as I mentioned we saw every kind of animal except the rhino. As implied we were for three days in the park and I would recommend not be there less than that, because the park is huge and there is so much to see. I am interested in photographing and I must admit that the best photos ever taken by my come from this trip.

We lived in Entumoto Safari Camp. The camp consisted of sturdy tents, each suited for two people. I had no problems sleeping there, but I must say that the food was not good. One day we got Spaghetti Bolognese and unfortunately it only consisted of ground beef and water. I had expected some dessert, but we never got any. What I liked about the accommodation is that the camp is guarded by Maasai people. During first evening we sat around a camp fire and heard their stories and experiences of life. We also heard a lion roaring quickly the Maasai guards started to see what was going on. The last day we also got invited to visit a Maasai village. The guards took us there. I am not against paying 1000 Kenyan shilling for that, but I did not like that they did not tell us that before they started to take us there, but first at the entrance. There was also a market in the village, but sadly the same low quality souvenirs as anywhere else in the country were sold there. I think that the Maasais can be seen as real Maasais, but the thing is just that their presence in the park has become to commercialized.

The price for the trip was good and everything was included in the price. Unfortunately, the contact person from the travel company was rude. She told us that everything was included in the price, but when the driver noticed that the entrance fee was increased, we became forced to compensate for that. When we drove home, the driver stopped by the road and bought a sack of dried leaves as fuel for his stove at home. I found it unprofessional doing personal errands when being on duty.

To summarize I am very satisfied with the wildlife experiences of Masai Mara. I could really recommend other tourists to go to this park. Concerning food and accommodation I am not complaining, because we as volunteers chose a low-budget option and we got what we paid for. If you would like to also experience good food during the evenings and good accommodation, which I actually think could be a pleasant part of a safari trip, I would like to recommend you to investigate the offerings of hotels in the park or other camps.

Totally exceeded my expectations!

Maybe I was just naive but it totally exceeded all of my expectations! The accommodations at Sarova Mara were just wonderful. I was thinking "tent" as in camping on the ground in sleeping bags not huge tents with king sized beds and solar heated water. The food selection was great too- buffet style, lots of choices and always something for everyone even the kids. The weather was perfect! No rain, few clouds. It was pretty warm during the day so after an early morning safari run we would just hang out by the pool until the sun started to go down. Our guide, Alex, was great! We got to see the "Big 5" on our first outing!! Lots of zebra, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, lions, antelope. But I didn't expect to see nearly every animal that would be in the reserve. The hippos at the river were great! Lots of great birds too. My favorite was the lilac breasted roller.