MASAI MARA

We stayed at Entim Mara, a super luxurious camp located between two of the major crossing points on the Great Migration Route. Our rooms overlooked the Mara river and though we were three weeks too early to witness the migration, the lush vegetation, open grasslands and abundance of wildlife was more than we could digest.

The rooms were large and spacious and sipping a cup of coffee, we got to see hippos as well as giraffes wandering around. Much to our joy, our camp offered free laundary and after travelling for five days, wearing clean and ironed clothes more than we could ask for. The only thing that we didn’t like was the open loos. There is nothing worse than a morning dump with sound effects.

We spent around nine hours a day driving around the mara looking at everything – from Cheetahs to Mousebirds. It was fantastic and we couldn’t get enough. But for those non-animal lovers, the Masai mara can become a little hectic and by the end of the second day, our family was divided in two. Those who wanted to see animals and those who wanted to enjoy the hospitality of Entim Mara camp.

The ideal time to visit Masai Mara for a safari experience largely depends on your specific interests. July to October, is the best time to witness the great migration. If you prefer a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, you might want to consider April and June. 

During this time, the landscape is lush and green, and you encounter fewer tourists. The rainy season, from November to May, is perfect for birdwatchers, as many migratory bird species flock to the region.

Having travellied to the Mara just before the start of the migration, my recommendation is to travel not before September, because by then the grazers would have already crossed the Mara river, and eaten through the vegetation. So, when you are on a safari, you get to see a lot more animals and birds.

During our three days at the Mara, we saw everything… except of the Leopard. It was around, but the tall grass did not help. Small herds of Elephant, prides of Lions, Cheetahs, Cape Buffalo, Coke’s Hartbeests, Wild bores, Zebras, Babboons, Rhinoceros, Hyenas, Jackals …. Basically everything the Mara could offer. 

When it came to birding, I was a little disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, the sighting was fantastic, and we spotted a large number of birds, but maybe it was the tall grass, or the unseasonal rains – either way, I expected more. Some of the birds we saw included African Fish Eagle, African Grey Woodpecker, Paradise Flycatchers, Mouse Birds, Weavers, Storks, Flamingo’s, Kingfishers and Hornbills.

We had heard a lot about ballooning over the Mara, which on day three we did. It was a breathtaking experience and something we all will remember. The balloon ride was followed by a ‘bush breakfast’ and this too was an experience. …. and the one thing we also remember and would not recommend to anyone is a visit to the Masai village. It is rubbish and has nothing to offer. A pure waste of time.

Lastly - The sun sets at the Mara are a must and absolutely breathtaking. I must confess, we did not spend too much time watching the sunsets, but when we go to the Masai Mara the next time, we will definitely watch the sunset with a drink in our hands.

For its sheer size and abundance of flora and fauna, Masai Mara gets a 10/10.