Picture Africa in your mind’s eye and chances are you will visualise the vast, acacia-dotted plains of the Masai Mara, teeming with game.
Situated in the south-west of Kenya, the Masai Mara is part of the Serengeti ecosystem. Huge herds move through the sweeping plains on their annual migration followed by a supporting cast of predators. It has gained an unfair reputation as being too busy or too commercial, but this is simply not true.
The knowledge of Steppes’ Kenya experts highlights this misconception of the Masai Mara as too busy. We know the places to avoid – where the crowds can seem overwhelming. Instead, we can take you to small, privately owned conservancies, where the wildlife is every bit as prolific, but the viewing is private and infinitely more memorable.
Every month is different. Peak time in the Masai Mara is August and September, when the migration is in full flow. The promise of rain and fresh grass in the north brings more than a million wildebeests together – into a single massive herd, which pours across the Tanzanian border and into the Mara.
That said, the Mara is always full of wildlife, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking the reserve is void of game for the rest of the year. One of our favourite times to visit is during the green season, from February until March or between October and November. The showers clear the air, the plains are a lush green and the animals look healthy. There are also very few tourists.
With so much choice, there is a camp to suit everyone. Kicheche Mara Camp is a tried and tested classic bush camp. Delivering great wildlife experiences, it is particularly popular with photographers. If you are looking for a safari with added style, then Alex Walker’s Serian is a perfect choice – it features commanding views across the Mara River and a private walking concession.
Somewhere like Cottar’s 1920s Camp provides a true Out-of-Africa experience, with a safari heritage going back to the turn of the last century. Alternatively, jump right into the 21st Century, with the show-stopping design and striking setting at Angama Mara.
“It was 1974 – my first visit to Africa – and the first time I had ever flown in a tiny six-seater bush plane. 45 minutes after leaving Nairobi, we reduced altitude to touch down in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, bouncing from thermal to thermal over endless plains on which herds of buffalo stampeded away and elephants stood and watched us.”
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A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Illona has visited Kenya numerous times, as well as spending time in the Masai Mara as a safari guide at one of the camps. Having explored much of the country and stayed at a variety of camps and lodges, she always enjoys the diversity of activities on offer, including her personal favourite, horse riding.
Chris has explored much of Africa over the years, yet holds firm the belief that Kenya offers the best big-game experience in the world. He has walked, driven, mountain-biked, ridden and paddled past some of Africa’s most exciting wildlife whilst on safari in Kenya. And such is the style and comfort of the country’s lodges, all this was whilst within easy reach of an ice-cold G&T.
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Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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