Masai Mara FAQs

What makes the Masai Mara so unique?

The Masai Mara is the only region in Kenya where visitors can still enjoy game viewing in an untamed and ancient wilderness area. The game viewing, combined with experiencing the culture and traditions of the Masai tribe, makes a Masai Mara experience nothing short of phenomenal.

The world famous annual migration, undoubtedly one of the world's biggest wildlife events, also passes through the Mara each year between July and October.

When is the best time to travel to the Masai Mara?

The best time to travel is between July and October. During this period visitors have the possibility of experiencing the annual wildebeest migration.

How do we get there?

You can either fly into the Mara by a light aircraft charter flight from either Nairobi or Mombasa or you can have a road transfer arranged. Flights take approximately 45 minutes to and hour from Nairobi and approximately 1.5 hours from Mombasa. The road transfer from Nairobi to the Mara can take anything from 6 to 9 hours.

Are there any luggage restrictions?

Yes. Luggage on charter flights is restricted to 15kg per person and must be carried in soft bags only.

What kind of activities can I do in the Mara?

In the national park, you can go on game drives during the day in closed vehicles with pop up roofs, but no night drives or walking is permitted for safety reasons. In the private conservancies, many lodges offer both day and night drives as well as safari walks.

Game drives in the private reserves are also sometimes in open vehicles. Cultural tours can be arranged from most lodges and hotels as well.

Does the Masai Mara have the Big Five?

Yes, In abundance! Although rhino is not as commonly seen as are the other animals.

Will our guide carry a gun or rifle with them?

Rangers on safari walks in the private parks will carry guns or rifles with them. However, these are only used in extreme circumstances. Guides and driver guides in the national parks do not generally carry rifles with them.

Can I bring my children on safari in the Masai Mara?

Yes. There are several child friendly lodges in the Masai Mara. Children of virtually any age are welcome on game drives because all of the game drives in the National Parks are done in closed vehicles with pop up roofs (as opposed to the open-sided 4x4 vehicles used in Southern Africa).

If you are travelling with children, we recommend that you travel by air. The large travel distances by road are bumpy and trying on both parents and kids.

Is it safe to drink the water?

No. We recommend that you drink bottled water which is readily available at all of the lodges and hotels.

Will there be electricity for me to charge my camera? What kind of plug will I need?

Apart from a few of the bush camps and mobile safaris, all accommodation has some form of permanent, albeit sometimes erratic, electricity (solar power or generator), The supply is generally 220-240v and plugs are either round or square with three-pins.

If you have a video or digital camera, make sure your battery charger is of the same voltage. Most 5-star hotels and lodges will provide you with adapters but the smaller B&B's, 3-star and some 4-star accommodations will not.

Although they are available to buy in some major African cities, we recommend that you buy your own adapters before departure.

What is the local currency and how should we manage carrying our money?

The unit of currency is the Kenyan Shilling. Instead of exchanging your money we recommend that you rather carry small denominations of US Dollar cash with you. Pre-1996 US Dollars are often not accepted due to a large number of counterfeit notes in circulation worldwide. Try to ensure that any US currency you bring over is post-1996.

Visa credit cards are accepted at many of the lodges, but it is quite a frequent occurrence that the machines don't work or that there are power shortages so it is always best to make sure you have some cash with you.

Most people carry between $50 & $100 per person per day for all expenses. If this seems low, take more. If this seems high, remember that you don't have to spend it all.

Plan to carry enough money to cover your expected expenses, plus a small reserve. Your credit card can be your financial emergency kit. By far the biggest variable in your budget is your taste for souvenirs.

Is it rude to barter or haggle at the local markets?

No. Haggling is not rude and is often expected.

What is the standard tipping procedure?

Tipping in Kenya is entirely at your discretion. However, we suggest the following as a reference guide:

• Game rangers, specialist guides - US$5-10 p/guest p/day
• Trackers, Mokoro Canoe Paddlers - US$5 p/guest p/day
• Game lodge, hotel staff - US$5 p/guest p/day placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally
• Tour guides - US$5 half day, US$10 p/person full day.
• Transfers - US$2 p/person
• Restaurants - 10% good service, up to 15% for exceptional service

What is the standard of accommodation like?

The accommodation that we sell in the Masai Mara ranges from 3-5 stars. However, accommodation in East Africa does have lower quality standards than the lodges of Southern Africa. A five star in East Africa is often similar to a 4 star in Southern Africa.

What can one expect to pay for accommodation?

This varies drastically depending on where you are staying and the level of luxury and exclusivity you are looking for. For lodge accommodation, you can expect to pay anything from $250 (US Dollars) per person per night upwards.

The cost of accommodation generally includes all meals. At certain lodges it will include various activities and certain drinks as well.

Is there a dress code?

There is no set dress code on safari in Kenya, however at most lodges you will want to at least wear long trousers to dinner. Very revealing clothing is not recommended.

Enquire now |  Add to my enquiry