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Planning Africa
Private Safaris Since 2010
Your journey into the Masai Mara promises encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife. The “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos – are prevalent. During the Great Migration (typically July-October), witness millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River. There are no guarantees in the wild but we advise using expert guides to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Masai Mara is characterized by vast savannah plains, dotted with acacia trees and intersected by rivers and woodlands. The climate is generally temperate, with daytime temperatures averaging 20-30°C (68-86°F). The rainy seasons (April-May and November-December) bring lush greenery, while the dry season (June-October) offers optimal wildlife viewing.
Budgeting for the Masai Mara varies based on your preferences. From North America or Europe, anticipate daily park fees of $80 per adult, accommodation ranging from $150 to $1000+ per night, and internal transportation costs of $200-$500. Travelers from Asia or Australia can expect similar expenses, with potentially higher international flight costs.
Whether you seek luxury lodges, immersive tented camps, budget-friendly safaris, or family-oriented experiences, the Masai Mara caters to all.
The Great Migration (July-October) is a prime time, but the dry season (June-October) offers excellent wildlife viewing. For birdwatchers, the rainy seasons are ideal.
Most lodges and restaurants accommodate diverse preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. We also encourage you to explore local Kenyan cuisine. For a better experience communicate your special dietary needs with your tour operator.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is managed by the Narok County Council. Your tour operator should make prior arrangements and handle all your park fees, park logistics, ensuring you comply with regulations to enjoy a seamless experience.
East Africa boasts a network of stunning national parks. Beyond the Masai Mara, consider the Serengeti (Tanzania), Amboseli (Kenya), and Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania). We can help you combine multiple destinations for a comprehensive East African safari.
Planning a Masai Mara safari involves visa applications and travel arrangements. It’s important to understand that Kenyan entry requirements have recently shifted. As of January 2024, Kenya has moved to an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. Therefore, traditional tourist visas are largely replaced by this eTA.
Your health is paramount. We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel health specialist before your trip.
Most international flights land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. From there, domestic flights connect to airstrips within the Masai Mara. Your choice of operator should be able to arrange all internal flights and transfers on your behalf.
The Masai Mara offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious lodges to authentic tented camps. It is important you have the right information and expectation about your choice of accommodation. Again your tour operator should provide clear information and links to your chosen accommodation available in the travel package.
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Layers are essential for fluctuating temperatures. Essential items include lightweight clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, binoculars, a hat, comfortable shoes, and travel documents. We provide a detailed packing list.
Embarking on an African safari, particularly to iconic destinations like the Masai Mara, is vastly enhanced by partnering with a reputable tour operator. Tour operators usually have in-depth knowledge of the regions you will be touring, wildlife behavior, and optimal viewing locations ensuring a maximized and enriching experience for you, while they simultaneously alleviate the stress of logistical complexities by handling accommodations, transportation, park entry permits, and even visa assistance on your behalf.
Experienced guides and drivers ususally prioritize your safety during game drives and other activities, leveraging their expertise in the local environment and potential hazards. Economically, tour operators often secure favorable deals on accommodations and activities, translating to time and cost savings ensuring you spend more of your time in the wild. Beyond mere logistics, reputable operators champion ethical practices, supporting local communities and minimizing environmental impact, thus contributing to responsible tourism.
At Umani Bliss Safaris we are able to tailor itineraries to your specific interests and preferences, guaranteeing a personalized and memorable safari. Crucially, should any unforeseen issues arise during your trip, our reliable operators are experienced in solving problems, ensuring a seamless and worry-free adventure.
Travel insurance is essential. We recommend comprehensive coverage that includes medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage loss.
The Masai Mara offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious lodges to authentic tented camps. It is important you have the right information and expectation about your choice of accommodation. Again your tour operator should provide clear information and links to your chosen accommodation available in the travel package.
We hope this guide will be useful in planning your trip to the Mara. Choosing to work with us – Umani Bliss Safaris means entrusting your Masai Mara adventure to experienced professionals who will prioritize your satisfaction. We will handle all the details, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of this remarkable destination. We will ensure your safari is seamless, memorable, and profoundly rewarding.
Steve R2025-09-03Verified Could not have been better!! We arrived in Nairobi confused and not really sure what to expect but were met at the airport by Eunice who had organised a driver to take us to our accommodation and proceeded over the next day until we stated our Safari to assist us better than we could ever have hoped. Eunice got us to our Yellow Fever injections, which were a fraction of the cost in the UK, helped us occupy our day in Nairobi and, most importantly, organised our Safari guide for Kenya, John who was incredible. The only mistake we made was organising our accommodation in Nairobi as Eunice would have definitely found us something much better! Our Africa experience could not have got off to a better start and that was thanks to Eunice and Umani Bliss Safari's and we could not be more grateful. dionne e2025-08-28Verified Loved the Motherland!! First of all, the host is really great. We were an hour and a half away from the meet up spot and she helped me arrange a ride in Diani. Once there the driver explained the whole history of all the sites along the way. It was very very enlightening and taught us about the culture. So I read the reviews myself before booking. i was kind of leery because it said I wouldn't see dolphins. I didn't but I understand. It's not like it's a contained space you're literally out in the ocean. It's actually a marina park where you hope to see dolphins. And there's so many boats they probably scare them away. But overall, the excursion was good. I'd get on a bigger boat next time my husband got seasick, but we had the boat ride although the waters were chilly there was great because Unfortunately, the boat ride was somewhat choppy. My husband got seasick. But I enjoyed the snorkeling. One person elected to go diving she had never been in the guy who taught her and went out with her was excellent. The guide on our boat was excellent. Helped everybody in the water when snorkeling he helped take pictures of me. Overall it was a good experience. I will say don't pay for the shrimp and crab when you get on the island there itty-bitty. But the island folks are very Welcoming. The food was pretty good. Be careful going back down to the boat. Make sure to wear water shoes. Klaus M2025-08-14Verified The best travle agency for Kenya and Tanzania Umani Bliss Safaris, made the best experiance for our family, including our kids 3 and 10 years old. We had a warm welcoming at the airport in Nairobi, with an amazing information about our trip. Feeling so seen, and serious of everything. Made the most fantastic trip from Nairobi to Naivasha for two days, back to Nairobi and a 5 hour drive to Masai Mara for 5 days enjoying all aspects of the most amazing safari including 5 star service all the way. We will be back for great adventures at Mombasa / Lamu and Diani this winter, Next year we have booked our trip also to Tanzania and Zanzibar for a great beach vacation. I will at all times recommend Umani Bliss Safaris for all imanigable trips in Kenya and Tanzania The best travle and most professional agency in my opinion. Best regards Klaus Malmgren
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