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TOP 10 SAFARI ATTRACTIONS IN MASAI MARA & SERENGETI

The Top 10 Safari Attractions in Masai Mara & Serengeti

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Maasai Mara and Serengeti are highly rated National Parks that are situated in Kenya and

Tanzania respectively, East of Africa. They are consistently in the top 10 must-visit National

Parks in Africa. They gain their remarkable reputation because they give tourists an alluring

safari experience. Let’s dive in and see what the fuss is about. Below is a well thought out list of

Top 10 Safari Attractions in Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park.

 

1. Wildebeest Migration

The wildebeest migration is recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. The

members of the antelope family traverse between the savannah and woodland vegetation of

Serengeti and Masai Mara National Parks in search of greener pastures. This phenomenal

event often happens between July and November. It is estimated that slightly over 2 million of

these herbivores make the trek.

Their journey is of course filled with a lot of obstacles, particularly as they cross the various

rivers that are infested by crocodiles. They are also preyed upon in the savannah and open

woodlands by members of the cat family. This action-packed journey is interesting to watch.

This wonder of the natural world attracts a lot of tourists, local and foreign; thus, it has

gained recognition at the helm of the Top 10 Safari Attractions in Masai  Mara and Serengeti National Park.

 

2. Big Five

Coming in second in the list of Top 10 Safari Attractions in Masai Mara and Serengeti National

Park is the Big Five. If you want a good chance of spotting the infamous Big Five, look no

further than Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park. The two parks are known to be the home

of the Big Five. Chances are, nine of out of ten you will spot all of them. The big 5 comprising of

the lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant are a great attraction as they lure tourists from all

over the world thus being featured among the list of the Top 10 Safari Attractions in Maasai

Mara and Serengeti National Parks.

 

3. Luxury Travel

Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Parks offer epitomes of Luxury travel. From the

transportation which is either by well kitted land cruisers/vans or even planes as the parks are

equipped with runways, to state-of-the-art camps, cottages and hotels. There are also

numerous travel agencies which offer great deals on safari and stay in the parks at exceptional

prices. This gives convenience to tourists thus makes planning for a safari much easier.

 

4. Hot Air Balloon Safari 

Watch the sunrise at 1000ft above sea level over a hot air ballon ride as you tour the park and

watch the animals from a bird-eyes view. Be sure to get good pictures from an aerial point of

view. This activity is more interesting during the great wildebeest migration. The activity is

concluded with breakfast or lunch in the wild!

 

5. Maasai Community

The Maasai community resides within the two national parks. The semi-nomadic patriotists

community is known for their rich culture, i.e., high jump dances, unique dressing in bright red

robes and are known for being fearless warriors. They live in huts made from cow dung, sticks

and grass roofing called manyattas. They are amiable and will teach you many skills, like how to

hunt, milk domestic animals, prepare traditional meals, and much more. Their way of life is

tourists’ major attraction. A trip to either Maasai Mara or Serengeti National Parks is not

complete without taking a detour to one of the villages of the Maasai community. The Maasai

community is a major attraction thus being recognized as one of the Top 10 Safari Attractions in

Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park.

 

6. Breathtaking Landscapes

The two national parks are blessed with breathtaking landscapes such as the savannah plains,

open woodlands, escarpments, rivers that are filled with crocodiles and the rugged terrain which

is always exciting to offroad on.

 

7. Diverse Wildlife 

Other than the big 5, the two National parks are blessed with a wide variety of wild animals. It is

estimated that over 90 species of mammals 470 species birds reside in the parks.  The parks

which mainly comprises of savannah vegetation create the perfect habitat for the animals.

 

8. Guided Nature Walks 

Who said you have to be in a Landcruiser or tour van to enjoy a safari? One can explore the

parks on foot while being guided by guides who are often skilled Maasai warriors in their ever-

vibrant look of red robes, a spear and a club. During the walk, one will a get a good chance of

spotting wide variety birds, animals and indigenous plants.

 

9. Camping and Meals in the Bush

Talk about thinking out of the box! Hotels in Serengeti and Maasai Mara National Park offer

packages of camping and meals in the bush in various designated areas in the park. This is a

fun activity for tourists who come in groups. You will be in the company of bird chirps and

groans from hungry carnivores.  It has gained popularity over the years hence making an

appearance in the list of Top 10 Safari Attractions in Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks.

 

10. Night Game Drives

To close the list of The Top 10 Safari Attractions in Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks is

night game drives. The wilderness doesn’t sleep. It is argued that the wilderness comes to life

as the night creeps in. Go out of the norm by exploring the national parks at night creeps in.

This is an exciting activity, particularly for adrenaline junkies, as the wild is unpredictable. Masai

Mara and Serengeti National Parks have an array of nocturnal animals like bush babies, civets

and nightjars. At night, it is the best time to spot them. It is also the perfect time to catch the

carnivores engaging their prey, as they are more active at night.

Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks are two safari destinations blessed with an array of

attractions as summarized in the above list of Top 10 Safari Attractions in Masai Mara and

Serengeti National Parks.

Contact Robert for more details on Planning a Masai mara and Serengeti safari on

whatsapp: +254 722 661 827 or email us on info@sojournsafaris.co.ke

masai-mara-river-crossing-safari-joining-budget-packages-2023

Masai Mara 3 Days Joining Safari $250 plus park fees

Joining Masai Mara 3 days camping safaris are three day and 2 nights in Mara reserve from Nairobi. It is the most optimal time to see all the wildlife in the Mara. You will join a group of six other guests and share the game drive vehicle as well as the twin bed tents at the camp. If you do not mind sharing a tent with a friend, then the Mara joining tours are what you need to save money.

12 Días / 11 Noches Naivasha, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzíbar

12 Días / 11 Noches Naivasha, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzíbar

Día 1: Nairobi – Lago Naivasha – Parque Nacional Hells Gate

Reúnase con su guía en el aeropuerto de Nairobi y conduzca hasta el lago Naivasha. Llegue y regístrese en el mejor campamento del oeste de Naivasha. A su llegada, tome un paseo en bote de 1 hora para observar aves y buscar hipopótamos y un safari a pie en Crescent Island. Observe las jirafas, las cebras y los ñus mientras camina por esta isla mágica. Por la tarde, diríjase al Parque Nacional Hells Gate para un safari en bicicleta. Durante la noche: Naivasha West Best Camp: https://naivashawestbeachcamp.co.ke/

Día 2 (D, A, C): Naivasha –Masai Mara

Desayuno temprano y salida de Naivasha hacia Masai Mara. Pase por el fondo del Gran Valle del Rift y llegue a las llanuras de Loita de Mara. Regístrese en el campamento de Enkorok o similar. Almuerzo y safari nocturno a las 16:00 h hasta el anochecer.

Noche: Campamento Enkorok Mara: https://www.enkorokmaracamp.com/gallery/

Día 3 (D, A, C): Masai Mara

Todo el día en Masai Mara con un safari a las 06:30 y de nuevo a las 16:00. Tiene la opción de tomar un safari en globo esta mañana para un desayuno con champán en el monte.

Noche: Campamento Enkorok Mara

Día 4 (D, A, C): Masai Mara

Salga del campamento de Enkorok y regístrese en el campamento de las llanuras de cebra en el lado Talek de Masai Mara. Game drive de día completo con almuerzo campestre en el parque. Visite un pueblo masai por la noche para aprender sobre su cultura. Durante la noche: Campamento Zebra Plains: https://zebraplainscollection.com/mara-camp.php

Día 5: (D, A, C) Serengeti

Conduzca hasta la frontera en Isebania y pase por la aduana de Kenia y obtenga una visa de Tanzania. Conozca a su conductor, guía y chef de Tanzania a la 1 p.m. Comience un viaje de 2 horas a Serengeti, llegando a tiempo para un safari al atardecer. Durante la noche: Serengeti savannah camp: https://serengetisavannahcamp.com/

Día 6 (D, A, C): Serengeti

Después del desayuno, salga hacia las infinitas llanuras abiertas y los impresionantes cielos del Serengeti. Un recorrido panorámico de 4 horas, un safari de día completo junto con un safari nocturno. Pernocte: Serengeti Savannah camp

Día 7 (D, A, C): Ngorongoro

Game drive temprano en la mañana y luego, después de una mañana relajante y un almuerzo temprano, diríjase a Ngorongoro, donde pasará la noche en el área de Karatu. Alojamiento: Country Lodge Karatu. https://countrylodgekaratu.com/gallery/

Día 8 (D, A, C): Ngorongoro

Desayuno temprano, diríjase directamente al suelo del cráter para un recorrido de día completo por el cráter con almuerzos tipo picnic. Alojamiento: Country Lodge Karatu

Día 9 (D): Arusha – Zanzíbar

Conduzca a Arusha por la mañana y llegue alrededor del mediodía. Tome un vuelo por la tarde a Zanzíbar y luego conduzca hasta la playa de Bweju. Alojamiento: Evergreen Beach Hotel / Dhow inn Boutique

http://www.zanevergreenbungalows.com/
https://www.dhowinn.com/en/photos 

Día 10 (D): Zanzíbar

Desayuno y día completo en la playa de Zanzíbar. Visita opcional a plantaciones de especias y pueblo de piedra. Alojamiento: Evergreen Beach Hotel/Dhow inn Boutique

Día 11 (D): Zanzíbar

Día completo en la playa de Zanzíbar disfrutando del sol y el mar. Alojamiento: Evergreen Beach Hotel/Dhow inn Boutique

Día 12 (D): Zanzíbar- Nairobi

Salga después del desayuno y conduzca una hora hasta el aeropuerto, y luego vuele a Nairobi. Tome su vuelo de regreso a casa por la noche.

Costo del tour: $ 3,800 por persona

Incluido

• Tarifas de entrada a los parques

• Alojamiento en campamentos MID RANGE

• Transporte en jeep 4x4

• Todas las comidas según el itinerario

• Servicios de un guía de habla inglesa/española
 

Excluido

• Billetes de avión a Zanzíbar ($410 por billete ida y vuelta)

• Elementos de Carácter Personal

• Bebidas Y Bebidas

• Consejos para guías

What are the Dos and Don’ts for Self Drive Safaris in Kenya?

1. The Dos and Donts of Self Drive Safari in Kenya

Dos and Don’ts of Self-drive safaris in Kenya. The best way to save some money and enjoy the freedom of a safari is to go by self-drive safaris. It is important to know the things to do and those things to avoid when on self-drive in Kenya. Firstly, the things that are most important to take great care on are your safety, security and time. You will need to run your itinerary by the tour company for them to tell you what is possible and what is largely impossible to achieve within your time frame.

1. Top 17 Dos (Things To Do)on your Self Drive Safari in Kenya

2. Things to do on your self drive safari

Kenya Self-drive safari from Nairobi. Below are the things to do before and during your Kenya self-drive safari. You can decide to run through most of these dos with your Nairobi self-drive car hire company for them to advice you on your safety on the road, security at camp and at pit stops and time management between destinations.

  • Do check your car hire vehicle condition
  • Do check the terms and conditions of hire
  • Do check on what is included in the cost and what is not
  • Do check the validity of insurance and inspection sticker
  • Do check the state of the tyres
  • Do a test drive of the vehicle a day prior to hire
  • Do confirm on rescue arrangements in case of breakdown or getting stuck
  • Do lock up your vehicle at pit stops and ensure all doors and windows are secured
  • Do a check list of cutlery and menu items to hire or buy
  • Do take travel insurance before embarking on your safari in Kenya
  • Do have some money in cash USD and local currency on safari
  • Do take your malaria prophylactic drugs as prescribed by your doctor
  • Do confirm your itinerary with the safari company day-by-day
  • Do read park rules to avoid off road driving, littering or feeding wildlife
  • Do enjoy the beautiful scenery across Kenya
  • Do enjoy the freedom that comes with self-drive Kenya safari itineraries
  • Do have a great time and interact with people in the towns, Kenyans are a very welcoming people.

2. Top 10 Don’ts (Things Not To Do) On Your Self-Drive Safari in Kenya

3. Things NOT to do in your Self Drive Safari in Kenya

Here are 10 things that you should NOT do at all cost during your self-drive safari in Kenya. Most of these don’ts are things that ensure your safety on the road and security during travel. Kenya is mainly a safe country in the towns as long as you keep to the day time hours. You can be in the middle of a market with hundreds of people in rural Kenya and be safer than a street in New York. Kenyans are amazingly peaceful and happy people. But you should watch out for the secluded sections on major highways for highway bandits. Avoid having bathroom breaks in the middle of nowhere.

  • Don’t pay full amount for the vehicle in advance before you view it
  • Don’t drive off the vehicle without confirming it has a spare tire, wheel spanner and first aid kit
  • Don’t assume availability of the same vehicle as show on the websites
  • Don’t stop on major highways for whatever reason unless at petrol stations and safe areas
  • Don’t expect any help to be offered for free by the local people; a coin is hard to come by and people are more than willing to help you out for the money.
  • Don’t drive at night and time your arrivals to next destination at 1800hrs always
  • Don’t display money or jewelry openly; for obvious reasons
  • Don’t leave your phone, laptops, cameras unattended both in vehicle and at restaurants
  • Don’t access money from ATMS that are located in plain sight of passersby, it’s tempting
  • In case of a tire puncture, stop at places with crowds as opposed to secluded location
4. A good 4×4 Self Drive Safari Vehicle is better

There are much more to know on the dos and don’ts while on Kenya self-drive safari but most of these also apply to other countries that you have ben to before. Taking a little caution is always the best way to avoid theft or getting stranded or lost. Where in doubt of the route, you can always stop at the petrol station and enquire on directions. Traffic and regular police are also always very happy to help you with directions.

5. Self drive vehicles in Kenya with Roof Tent are available

3. Get More Details on Self Drive Car Hire Safaris in Kenya

Kenya is a beautiful country to explore on your own time and pace. A self-drive tour in Kenya gives you unlimited flexibility to explore the major national parks without breaking your bank. You also get to stay in either luxury lodges or ground camping. Whichever your choice, a self-drive in Kenya is easy to do and is highly recommended as opposed to the tight scheduled itineraries where your freedom is curtailed.

Book or enquire more about Kenya self-drive safaris in Nairobi from Robert; Send us a whatsapp message on +254722661827 or email us at info@sojournsafaris.co.ke

Top 8 Masai Mara Game Reserve Highlights in Kenya | Sojourn Safaris Ltd

Masai Mara Game Reserve Highlights

Discover Masai Mara game reserve safari from Nairobi. Explore Maasai Mara 3, 4 or 5 day safari staying in luxury lodges or budget tented camps. Watch the big five animals and the great wildebeest migration and the Mara river crossing stampede. Whichever Masai Mara tour package you choose, you will be in for a treat in one of Africa most sought after wilderness vacation.

Here are 8 best Masai Mara game reserve safari highlights and things to do in Mara.

  • Explore Big five game drives
  • Discover Mara Walking safaris
  • Camp in tented camps
  • Watch the birds
  • Track the Wildebeest migration
  • Visit a Masai village
  • Ride a horse
  • Fly in a Masai Mara balloon safari

1.     Explore Big Five Game Drives

Explore Masai Mara game reserve in 2 daily game drives to look out for the lions, elephants, buffalos, leopard and rhinos. You will experience a game drive at 6:00am and again an evening game drive at 16:00hrs until dusk. Drive along the expansive Mara plains with wildlife strewn all over the plains. Masai Mara is home to over 3 million animals including giraffes, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, gazelles, hippos, jackals, baboons, wild dogs among other millions of animals. You will be able to view the big five animals in a single day in the Masai Mara.

Explore Big five game drives

2.     Discover Mara Walking Safari

Discover Masai Mara walking safaris in private ranches around the Masai Mara game reserve. Most of the group ranches around the Masai Mara offer walking safaris. You will be picked by an armed Masai warrior and walk among the wildlife in the plains in the early morning to view wildlife as close as possible. Your Masai Mara guided walking safari will last s for 1hr or 2 hours and you are able to see the lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos at a much closer proximity.

Discover Masai Mara walking safari

3.     Camp in Tented camps

You can camp in tented camps in Masai Mara to get that exciting oneness with nature feeling. Experience immersion in nature by sleeping in a tented camp complete with a bed, private bathrooms and a verandah to watch the sunset from. You don’t have to break the bank by staying in lodges while you can stay in some of the Masai Mara budget tented camps just next to the Masai Mara game reserve. Enjoy a bon fire in the evening outside your tented camp as you savor the day’s exploits in the game drives.

Camp in Masai Mara tented camps

4.     Watch the Birds in Masai Mara

Go on bird watching trips in Masai Mara and watch the more than 400 species of birds in the game reserve. Masai Mara has many species of birds in the various ecosystems including the riverine and ponds, the savannah grassland birds and the forest area birds around the forested areas. There are some resident masai mara bird’s species and some migratory birds that you can watch in Masai Mara. Some of the birds you will see in grasslands include secretary birds, kori bustards, ground hornbills, jaunty crowned plovers etc. on swampy areas you will see the saddle billed storks, yellow billed storks, sacred ibis, goliath heron and rufous bellied heron. Birds of prey include the martial eagle and the pigmy falcon including the majestic bateleur eagle.

Watch birds in Mara

5.     Track the Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara

Track wildebeest migration for 3 or 4 days across the plains of Masai Mara safari. You will go on long game drives viewing the millions of wildebeests across the grasslands. Get a chance to see most of the 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles migrating from Tanzania into Kenya and back. Your wildebeest tracking game drives will see you get close to live lion kills, cheetah chases and leopard ambushes. All the big cats will keep you entertained as they chase around the wildebeests. Mara river crossings are great places you will visit to see the awesome river stampedes as thousands of wildebeest scram and swim in the flooded river. Against all odds and marauding crocodiles, the wildebeests cross the river Mara in great numbers and you will able to witness and discover the migration in all its greatness.

Track Wildebeest Migration

6.     Visit a Masai village

You can visit a Masai village on your second day in Masai Mara. You have option of several Masai villages to go to in one of the afternoons. Learn how the Masai people dance the jumping dance, how they make fire from sticks, how they marry and many other local traditions. Visit one of their houses that have little ventilation and made from dirt and cow dung. Visiting the Masai village, you should also be ready to be asked to buy some trinkets and curios made by the Masai. These are mostly beadworks as the traditional knives and daggers won’t get into a plane. The Masai will be happy to invite you to join in their traditional jumping dance.

Visit a Masai Village

7.     Ride a Horse

Ride a horse and go on horse riding game drives in the private conservancies around Masai Mara game reserve. You will go on a guided horseback game drive in Masai Mara to watch the animals up close on horses. These are very popular safaris that allows you to ride off road as opposed to going on a game drive in a car which restricts you to the motorable tracks only. This will ensure that you are able to get as close as possible to the game and wildlife.

Ride a Horse

8.     Fly in a Masai Mara Balloon safaris

Go fly in a balloon safari in Masai Mara and watch the wildlife from up above. You will be picked early before dawn for your balloon safari in Masai Mara. Your Mara balloon flight starts before dawn and you will be able to see the sunrise and the animals below as they scamper from your balloon. The cool morning weather coupled with the millions of animals below and the thrill of the actual ride makes a Mara balloon safari a must activity. After the flight, you will be served with a champagne breakfast and go on a 1hr game drive as well as get a certificate after the ride. Make sure to go on a Masai Mara balloon safari. The Masai Mara balloon safari cost is worth the time you will spend and the experience.

Fly in Masai Mara balloon safaris

Book your Masai Mara safari from Robert; send him a quick whatsapp message here +254722661827

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