Maasai Mara 2024
MAASAI MARA MIGRATION
The Great Wildebeest Migration is often called one of the world’s wonders or “the World Cup or Super Bowl of wildlife”.
The Start of our Maasai Mara Experience
Our journey began on the 20th of August 2024 flying into Nairobi’s major international airport, Jomo Kenyatta International, where we transferred directly to the Tamarind Tree Hotel for a very welcoming overnight stay. The next day we flew to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in a 12-seater Cessna Caravan C208 from the nearby domestic Wilson Airport. (Wilson Airport was initially called Nairobi Aerodrome but was re-named Wilson Airport after its founder, Ms Florence Wilson.) At the small gravel airstrip in the Maasai Mara Reserve, Daryl and Sharna Balfour, our hosts and guides for the next few days, welcomed us.
We travelled for about one hour in comfortable customised 4×4 safari vehicles to our next destination, a traditional private mobile tented safari camp. The staff welcomed us, including resident Kenyan naturalist guide Pierre Burton and Maasai specialist guide Lolo Nkalma. We were allocated a “tent steward” who accompanied us to our tent. Lunch was served, and that afternoon, our adventure started with our first official game drive.
So, we embarked on a week’s safari, visiting the beautiful Maasai Mara National Reserve. Every day was filled with heart-stopping moments of joy and awe at the incredible natural surroundings we were travelling through. This is East Africa—abundant wildlife, vast wild open spaces, and the warmest, most welcoming people.
The Maasai Mara is most famous for hosting the annual wildebeest migration between mid-July and mid-September but is also well-known for its high density of predators. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas live here in healthy numbers.
The Bush Camp
The mobile camp featured “Livingston Style” safari tents with comfy beds and flushing toilets attached. As this is a whole wildlife experience with no fences, the Maasai warriors stand guard around camp all night. All the tents are mobile and are erected solely for the safari, at a secluded and private location in one of the best game viewing areas of the Mara, with easy access to many of the most common river crossing points.
A luxury tented safari in Maasai Mara
The service truly shined. At 5:30 each morning, with the wake-up call, each tent is supplied with warm water for the inside and outside basins, recreating the atmosphere of the original mobile safari camps of a bygone era that Ernest Hemingway, Teddy Roosevelt, and Robert Ruark experienced.
The commitment to service, attention to detail, and design of the camp lend itself to a spectacular safari destination.
Breakfast and Dinner in Maasai Mara
There are specific times for the daily meals, but what was special in the dark early mornings, before we left for our first game drive, was the little black pot with oatmeal cooking over the fire outside. Added to that there were yogurts, fruit, other cereals, rusks and of course, coffee and tea available for the early morning ‘pick me up’
Big highlights were having midmorning breakfast out in the bush, which was set up as lovely picnics under lone Balanites trees or next to the Mara River, while watching wildebeests, giraffes, and zebras grazing in the distance. Having a picnic meal in such a scenic setting makes it truly memorable, and I don’t think anything beats a meal in the bush.
Every evening (after drinks around the campfire) the most amazing quality 3-course meals, prepared by four experienced safari cooks, were served in a large, airy mess tent at spectacular candle-lit tables with fine china and glassware. The details of the decorations never ceased to amaze us, as the table was set differently each evening and we were again blown away by the incredible attention to detail.
Cultural experiences in Maasai Mara
On this safari the guests each receive a traditional kikoi to wear to dinner at night. That just enhances the cultural experience and connection to the Maasai people. The last evening we were treated to Maasai warriors who performed their traditional song and dance, inviting us to participate.
On our final night, we had the most unforgettable sundowners on a high riverbank, where the Mara and Talek Rivers join and become one celebrating our amazing experiences of the past couple of days in the park. As the sun gently dipped over the horizon, we returned to camp where a delicious meal and the surprise of the Maasai warriors doing their traditional dances awaited us.
Daily Game Drives
Our daily routine was pretty standard while on safari. We would leave camp around 6:15 and be well inside the Maasai Mara enjoying our first sightings soon afterwards. Heading out before dawn in the damp morning mists gave us some stunning sunrises…
The Mara Triangle is managed by the non-profit organization Mara Conservancy, which was established by local Maasai leaders. This organization focuses on sustainable tourism and anti-poaching efforts to protect the wildlife and their habitats
Mara Triangle
On the first day of a full-day trip, we drove to the Mara Triangle which borders Tanzania to see if we could find the wildebeest as they weren’t in the area of the camp yet. As there are no fences, beacons indicate the borderline. We saw wildebeests as far as the eye can see, looking like ants coming over the hills – a sight to behold. On our last day, we returned to the Mara Triangle to look for the wildebeest again. There they were again in all their numbers…truly an impressive sight. We came across 3 carcasses and lots of vulture activity, indicating that the cats had been very busy in the area.
From our first day on safari, gazing across the sunlit plains, the view of zebras, giraffes, gazelles, topis (one of Africa’s most widespread antelopes), and other herbivores was truly remarkable.
Vultures of the Masai Mara
Thomsons gazelle with babies (Copy)
Game drive and photos (Copy)
Impalas Maasai Mara
Coke’s hartebeest Maasai Mara (Copy)
Ilse on Safari Maasai Mara (Copy)
Zebras having a bath
Maasai Mara Big Cats
The Maasai Mara Region is unrivaled for its big cat viewings – on our first morning, we were lucky to observe 2 male lions, from the Black Rock pride, sleeping and a leopard hunting which we followed for a while. We also observed a lion feasting on a buffalo carcass peering at us with one eye through the buffalo horn.
Male lions often form coalitions, which are groups of two or more males that work together to control territory and access females.
Approximately 850 to 900 lions live in the Maasai Mara and surrounding conservancies. The Mara ecosystem is one of the world’s premier locations where you can spot this mighty beast in the wild.
Highlight and Favourite Safari Moments
Some of the guests traveling in the group had a special request to view the notorious crocodiles and hippos. My experience has been that the more time you spend on the plains, the “luckier” you get. Luckily, we came across many hippos and giant prehistoric-looking crocodiles, and what stood out as a special moment was a mother hippo with her baby out of the water, calmly basking in the sun.
The vehicles are connected over the Radio for communication and the guides across Maasai Mara and Serengeti constantly share information on sightings. One of our most memorable experiences was probably the following:
A lioness with cubs was spotted and we went to look for this sighting. Lone and behold we came across the lioness and her 2 cubs, about 3 weeks old, hiding in the bushes and as things happened in nature, a hyena that probably caught the scent, came to investigate too. The lioness’s mother instincts kicked in and she first hid in the long grass, then jumped and attacked the hyena leaving him yelping and running off with his tail between his legs. This event was a highlight of our trip and continued the following day…..
As a group, we emotionally connected with the lioness and her cubs and decided to return to the same area the next day. Full of excitement we found her still there, and what’s more, she was moving her cubs to a new den, one cub at a time. Interestingly enough she was not the least perturbed by our presence. We noticed 3 hyenas lurking in the background also monitoring her movements. At one point during her trip with the first baby, she put it down and chased the hyenas who luckily fled. In the end, making the lengthy trip twice, she had both babies safely in the bushes close to the river in a new hiding place.
Around the fire that evening we christened her Mama Kamili which means “perfect Mother” in Swahili. Other groups saw her move the cubs several more times over some time. Once the cubs are about three months old the mother and the cubs will rejoin the pride and then be safer.
A herd of impalas watched intensely how this whole saga unfolded.
The Maasai Mara continued to provide us with unforgettable experiences as our safari progressed, leading us to encounter more magnificent big cats – we spotted a cheetah, and just further on we came across a male lion with 3 lionesses with 2 cubs, about 3 months old. The same afternoon we came across a huge breeding herd of elephants, mainly females and babies. I was expecting elephants, but I hadn’t quite contemplated the scale of the herds. The herds are huge and are made up of impressive individuals. It’s also incredible how close to the vehicles they move while grazing, and the sheer quantity of the elephants is something to behold.
Maasai Mara FAQ
Where to see the Big Five in Kenya?
- The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the best locations in Kenya to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). The region is known for its high predator density and abundant wildlife.
- Conservancies surrounding the Maasai Mara, such as the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, are also prime locations for Big Five sightings, offering more exclusive experiences with fewer crowds.
- The Amboseli National Park is renowned for its elephants with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, while Laikipia Plateau provides excellent opportunities to see black rhinos.
When Is the Best Time to See the Maasai Mara Migration?
- The best time to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara is mid-July to mid-September. During this period, massive herds of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River, often providing dramatic predator-prey interactions.
- For a different perspective, consider visiting during the calving season in January and February, when thousands of baby wildebeests are born, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs.
How much does the Maasai Mara Migration Safari cost?
The fully inclusive cost of the seven-night safari is US$7800 per person sharing. A single supplement may be applicable for guests wishing to occupy a tent alone, depending on the number of single applicants. A $2500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking, and full payment is due 100 days before the safari begins. Please note that the price may be subject to change due to currency fluctuations, park fee increases, or fuel price surcharges. We recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover any unexpected cancellations.
What is included in the Maasai Mara Migration Safari package?
The safari package includes:
- Accommodation in a traditional mobile tented camp with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms.
- All meals, including 3-course dinners served in the dining tent or out in the bush.
- Daily game drives in custom 4×4 vehicles with expert guides.
- Return flights from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara.
- All park fees and taxes.
- A fully guided experience with wildlife photographers Daryl and Sharna Balfour and Ilse de Villiers, who will provide insights into photography and art.
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Most international travelers require a visa to enter Kenya. The eVisa application can be completed online before arrival.
What is the accommodation like in the Maasai Mara?
Guests stay in traditional mobile tented safari camps featuring spacious tents with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and flushing toilets. The camps are eco-friendly and situated in prime wildlife-viewing locations.
Are the Maasai Mara camps safe?
Yes, the camps are staffed with trained Maasai warriors who ensure safety throughout the night. Tents are secure, and the guides are experienced in managing wildlife encounters.
What animals can I expect to see during the Maasai Mara Migration Safari?
In addition to the wildebeests and zebras of the migration, you’ll encounter the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and countless bird species.
Overview of our trip
As I return to my art studio, I carry with me the vivid images, the vibrant colours of the landscape, and the intricate details of the animals. This experience has fuelled my creativity and reinforced my commitment to capturing the beauty and drama of the natural world in my work.
I am inspired to capture the beauty in my work, hoping to convey the importance of protecting these magnificent animals and their habitats for generations to come. The sheer scale of this natural spectacle left a lasting mark on my soul.
As a wildlife artist, I have always dreamed of experiencing iconic wildlife events, and this adventure did not disappoint.
Secure Your Spot for the 2026 Maasai Mara Migration Safari
Don’t miss out on the experience of a lifetime! Join our exclusive safari to witness the breathtaking Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara, guided by renowned wildlife photographers and artist Ilse de Villiers.
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot now for August 2026!
Maasai Mara Safari Details:
- Dates: August 2026
- Duration: 7 nights
- Cost: US$10,000 per person sharing (all-inclusive)
- Deposit: $2500 per person (non-refundable)
- Full Payment Due: 100 days before departure
- Included: Accommodation, meals, game drives, park fees, and return flights from Nairobi.
Maasai Mara Migration 2026
Secure your spot today. Fill out contact form bellow.