Holidays in Kenya: a getaway to the Masai Mara

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The spectacular beauty of the Masai Mara comes from hundreds of views; the elegant walk 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 attracted 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, rhinoceros, elephant and leopard.

There are beautiful resorts in the Masai Mara ranging from mid-budget to luxury tourist lodges. 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. .

Nairobi trip 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 to reach the Mara by lunchtime.

A ‘Kombi’ is a Nissan van designed to accommodate 9 to 15 passengers. These vehicles are authorized to enter the Masai Mara and open at the top to allow 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 plenty of bottles of drinking water) along with a light jacket. Mornings and evenings are usually a bit cool, but daytime temperatures are very warm.

Resorts in the Masai Mara

There are many really good places to stay in the Masai Mara. Here is an approach to the best accommodations:

sarova mara

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

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

The Mara Simba

‘Simba’ in Swahili means lion. The Mara Simba is located towards the middle of the Masai Mara; neither too deep inside nor too far out. Accommodation is in the form of single 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 chirping of birds or, if you are lucky, the occasional sighting of a hippopotamus 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 sees 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 playground.

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 roughly calculated as follows: 1 USD = 86 Kenyan shillings
  • The best time to visit the Masai Mara is from mid-June to mid-August because this is when the migration takes place; thousands of herbivores cross between Kenya and Tanzania. Carnivores naturally follow
  • Make sure your tour operator provides you with a friendly and enthusiastic driver. Masai Mara trips 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 shop for souvenirs and curios at Nairobi’s Curio Markets; The resorts do 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 all contribute to what can only be described as a unique experience. The dark and awe-inspiring beauty of the jungle, along with delicious food and well-appointed rooms, combine to make your Kenya vacation an experience to savor, remember and tell about with all your family, friends and colleagues.

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