Masai Mara Safari

You have not truly experienced African Wildlife until you go out for a safari. Be it the classic safari in a 4×4 open vehicle or a safari through the skies in a hot air balloon, a safari through the African savannah is a must. It is truly an experience of a lifetime. One of the world’s top wildlife hotspots is at the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. It shares boundaries with a large number of private conservancies. The famous Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of them.

Safari in Masai Mara
Safaris in Masai Mara are famous due to the high chances of spotting all the big five game animals in one trip, besides other animals. The big five game animals include the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. Other species you will be able to spot are hyenas, gazelles, zebras, giraffes, and much more. You might even be lucky enough to spot the elusive Masai Mara cheetah.

Another reason it is such a sought after wildlife destination is due to the Great Migration of Africa. It is truly a wonder to behold due to the sheer size of the event. Between July and November, a massive number of wildebeest arrive from the Serengeti plains to Masai Mara for water and food. They cross large streams of water, teeming with crocodiles. They also need to cross vast grass plains, with predators lurking under the tall grass. The migration follows the rainfall cycle. It is one of the world’s most massive migration when you consider the sheer volume of animals that travel.

Along with wildebeest, gazelles and zebras make the journey as well. Apex predators of the savannah follow the animals as well. Their numbers account to over two million animals.

From December to January, animals such as wildebeests, antelopes and zebras give birth to their young. As a result, you will see the spectacle of birth of life right before your eyes. However, you will also witness a lot of death as the calves are straightforward prey for many predators lurking about. It is truly an experience to behold. Moreover, it is a great way to capture some fantastic photographs you will never forget. You will see how nature is kind yet unrelenting.

Game Drives

To truly experience the African wildlife, you will need at least four days. Masai Mara is excellent for photographers because you have high chances of encountering the big five game animals in action, specially activities like mating, hunting, chasing, stalking etc. Game drives are available in three types, namely, early morning game drive, all-day game drive, and evening game drive. The quality of sighting depends greatly on the quality of the guide you hire, generally silver rated guides are amongst the best, Olgatuni camp uses only these kind of guides. 

Early Morning Game Drives

This game drive starts when the sun rises. Nothing beats the view of the large red sun slowly creeping up out of the horizon while you move across the endless plains of the savannah. The savannah will be cold, which means that you will be able to see a lot of big cats prowling about. Most of the animals and birds wake up around this time, and hence, you will observe a large amount of activity.

All-Day Game Drives

A classic safari experience is what lies in store for you on an all-day game drive. This game drive will take you across the savannah of Masai Mara. From morning till evening, the different faces of the savannah can be experienced. This also means that you will be able to view a wide variety of game. On an all-day safari, you will be ready to visit the Mara River to see hippos. Safari operators usually serve you lunch in the savannah, making it a truly fantastic experience.

Evening Game Drives

This game drive is the best time to view predators and scavengers in action. As the sun goes down in a glorious sunset, the temperature goes down as well. As a result, you will see jackals, hyenas, vultures, and other scavengers, as well as predators being active. Moreover, you will witness a fantastic sunset as the sun sinks into the plains of the vast Mara plains.

Photography Safaris

If you wish to capture the amazing wildlife and natural phenomenon of Masai Mara, then a photography safari would be a great choice to consider. Unlike classic safaris, photography safaris are designed to suit the needs of photographers.

Photography safaris focus on the Great Migration and predators depending on the preferences set by the group leader. The season with the most amount of activity is chosen to help you to witness and capture adrenaline-fueled lion hunts, herds of wildebeests running, and other wildlife spectacles. You even witness and document cheetah chases regularly.

It is the dream of photographers to capture an image of the massive red sun going down the vast plains of Masai Mara.

Photography safaris are usually led by expert wildlife photographers who will teach you how to click great pictures. They often tutor you before the safari and during it, as well. The vehicles used are special vehicles which are open on all sides. Additionally, they have space for photographers to move around and store their equipment, as well. The vehicles are also positioned to offer the best shots. Most camps are located inside the reserve. You can view wildebeest herds from some camps directly.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

One of the best ways to truly appreciate the magnitude of the Great Migration is to view it from the skies. The best and quietest way to observe the beauty of Masai Mara wildlife from the skies is by travelling in a hot air balloon. Hot air balloon safaris usually start early in the morning. Life starts early in the great plains of Masai Mara. Thus, you will witness predators lurking about in the tall grass, as well as animals and birds waking up. Hot air balloons can cruise at low altitudes making it easy to fly over the herds. This guarantees you an amazing bird’s eye view of the vast herds. You will indeed be able to appreciate the massive scale of the Great Migration.