A safari to the Masai Mara is a journey that touches the hearts and souls of all who visit. The Masai Mara, locally referred to as The Mara, was established in 1961 in Narok, Kenya, and later became a national game reserve in 1974. It was named in honor of the Maasai people, the ancestral inhabitants of the area. The Mara is home to the majestic big five and continues to attract thousands of visitors every year. It is now one of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa and the world.
Masai Mara sits on an expansive 1500 square kilometers of vast savannah grasslands. It extends further to the Serengeti National Park in neighboring Tanzania. This Serengeti-Mara eco-system is famous worldwide for the Great Migration, a wonder of the world.
Every year, millions of wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, and giraffes attempt to cross the vast plains of East Africa in search of pasture and water. The crossing of the Mara River is the most dramatic of the migration. Here, the animals face the risk of crocodile attacks and even drowning. It is a sight to behold! And frankly, you need to see it to believe it.
If you have been dreaming about a trip to the Mara but don’t know where to begin, you are in safe hands. At Sumpton Safari Adventures, the Masai Mara Safari is our expertise. Read on as we share what you can expect when you book this trip with us.
What to Expect
Logistics
We handle everything so that you don’t have to. Once you reach out to us, we will discuss your preferences regarding flight tickets, airport transfers, and, even accommodation. Our desire is to give you the very best safari experience. We, therefore, liaise with other travel partners in the industry such as airlines, hotels, and lodges to get you the best deals. We also work within your budget and once we agree on the quotation, we then take over all logistics.
On Arrival
Once your plane lands at JKIA, Nairobi, you will find our driver waiting for you. From here, depending on your preference, and how long your flight was, you may need to rest in the city and shake off the jetlag. We will brief you on the details of the trip so that you can know what to expect. We will then drop you off at the hotel where the kind staff will take care of your meals and have a room ready for you. Once you are well rested, we will pick you up the next day and your safari begins.
The Road to Mara
There is a local flight you can catch from Nairobi to the Mara. And the option remains available to you. However, from our expert perspective, you should let us take you to the Mara by road.
The road from Nairobi to the Mara is a captivating journey that takes travelers from the bustling city to the heart of the wild. As you leave the city behind, the landscape transforms into rolling hills and open plains, with glimpses of the Rift Valley in the distance. The road winds through traditional Maasai villages, providing a glimpse into their daily life and culture.
As you approach the Mara, the scenery becomes even more awe-inspiring, with sweeping views of the savannah and distant mountains. The anticipation builds as you near the park gates, and soon you’re immersed in the heart of one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves. The road to Mara is a journey that will leave you spellbound, with memories that will last a lifetime.
Sunrise at the Mara
Sunrise in the Masai Mara is a magical thing to witness. As the light from the sun starts to spread across the savannah, it illuminates the grass and acacia trees that dot the landscape, casting long shadows in every direction. The birds begin to chirp and sing, as the first rays of sunlight catch the dew on the grass, creating a sparkling effect that seems to light up the entire plains.
As the sun continues to rise higher in the sky, the wildlife of the Mara starts to stir from their slumber. Herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles can be seen grazing on the fresh grass, while predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas begin to search for their next meal.
Every moment spent in the Mara is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With our knowledgeable tour operators, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the daily routines of Mara’s captivating wildlife. They’ll lead you to the perfect locations where you can observe the mesmerizing dance between predator and prey as they strategize and evade capture.
Remember the phrase “Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up knowing it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve.”? It truly comes to life in the Mara. As you watch the animals interact, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the animal kingdom as you witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Sunset at the Mara
Sunsets at the Mara are equally breathtakingly and quite the photographer’s paradise. As the sun begins to sink toward the horizon, the sky transforms into a vibrant display of oranges, pinks, and purples. It’s like looking at a painting come to life. The warmth of the sun’s rays against the savannah creates a soft glow that casts a golden light across the landscape. And at night, you will enjoy delicious Kenyan dishes under the stars, usually around a campfire.
There is so much more to see and experience at the Masai Mara. So, talk to Sumpton Safari Adventures today, and let us make your Safari to the Mara a dream come true. You will be happy you did!
