Masai Mara – Cats & Migration Safari Tour – 9 Nights

TOUR DETAILS

Highlights:
  • 14 x Game Drives / Safaris in Masai Mara National Reserve. Kenya, Africa.
  • Witness one of the most spectacular sights on earth – The Great Migration of over 1.5 million Wildebeests and 500,000 Zebras as they cross the Mara river
  • Safaris/game drives in a 4×4 Toyota Land cruiser specially adapted for photography.
  • Off-Road Permits Included, which means ultimate freedom & flexibility in tracking wildlife
  • The Masai Mara is regarded as one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in Africa
  • Stay in a Camp which is situated in the heart of Masai Mara on the banks of Mara River, all meals included.
  • Best access to all the major crossing points and to the vast plains where the wildebeest graze and the predators hunt.
  • Max 3 guests per vehicle for comfortable watching & photography
  • The chance to photograph majestic Lions, elusive Leopards and sprinting Cheetahs in the wild, multiple times
  • Accompanied by the most passionate and experienced Masai drivers who know the park like the back of their hands
  • Chance to see and photograph the “BIG FIVE” – Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos and Cape Buffalos.
  • Best Recommended Tour for nature lovers & photographers of any skill level
  • This safari is so diverse that it caters for everyone, not just photographers, non photographers are also very welcome.
  • This Safari begins and ends at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, in Nairobi

The Masai Mara is like no other place in Africa; the density of wildlife in the Mara is unmatched and is renowned for its big cats, with lions, leopards and cheetahs all in abundance. During August & September over 1.5 million Wildebeests and 500,000 Zebras gather on its vast plains setting the scene for one of nature’s most incredible spectacles on the face of planet earth and undoubtedly the best wildlife and photographic experience in Africa when they cross the Mara river. They begin their epic journey from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the lush grasslands of the Mara in Kenya, under the watchful eye of hungry predators, from crocodiles to lions. This is a sight to behold for any safari-goer, seasoned or not, as these wild animals sprawl the plains and cross dangerous rivers on their 500km round trip between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. The Migration has earned the Mara UNESCO World Heritage status and is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, making it a must see event for any wildlife photographer and nature lover. The annual wildebeest migration of East Africa is not only the biggest of its kind, but it is also one of the last remaining large mammal migrations in the world. On this exclusive safari you will be taken right to the heart of the action, to the very middle of the famed Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. It is a time when the predators are hungry and the crocodiles are waiting. See some of the most impressive wildlife in Africa, from the big cats and big five, to coming face to face with giraffes and hippos! The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem supports the most diverse migration of grazing mammals in the world and the Masai Mara is crucial in sustaining this mass migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles and is one of the highlights of this safari. Mara’s rich grasslands are able to support these vast herds of migrating animals from Tanzania during critical points in the dry season. Their arrival spells a bonanza for the Mara’s big cats making your chances of spotting them very likely!

Photographic Equipment

The most used focal lengths with a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless cameras are usually between 100-400mm.

Masai Mara is also full of magnificent panoramic views and dramatic vistas so a wide-angle in the 24-70mm range is a must.

Tripod is not required on this tour as there will be no space to mount it in the safari vehicle. Most of the time you will be hand-holding whatever kit you have, beanbags will be supplied and you can also use the vehicle support. Our Vehicles are fully customised to satisfy the needs of photographers, they have fully open sides for an interrupted field of view and also have pop-up roof / hatched roof panels to allow shooting from a higher angle when required.

If you have questions about what equipment you ought to bring, please feel free to contact me.

Climate in Masai Mara in August:

Masai Mara enjoys one of the best climates on earth. Daytime is very pleasant with temperatures in the mid to upper twenties (Celsius), while it cools off significantly at night. This is an enjoyable time to be in the park with lovely weather. Although August is considered as a dry season, rains are common in Mara and it can rain anytime of the day but it usually doesn’t last for very long and doesn’t affect the safaris. Do get warm clothes for early mornings and late evenings.

Late evenings and Early Mornings: 12 to 15 deg Celsius

Afternoons: 22 to 25 deg Celsius

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Arrival in Nairobi and transfer to the Mara)

Take a direct flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya arriving there early morning. Please book any flight which arrives at JKIA Nairobi before 10:30am. We will then be driven to Nairobi Wilson airport which is some 45 mins from the international airport. From there we will board our chartered flight to Mara at around 2pm. Flight time is just under an hour. Once we land, we have a short drive to our camp which is located in the heart of the reserve. After a quick check-in at the camp, we will head out for our first afternoon drive. With only 3 persons in a vehicle, you will have an entire row to yourself with plenty of space to place your camera gear alongside you. After finishing our safari in the evening, we will arrive at our camp just before 7pm with plenty of time to freshen up and have drinks by the camp fire ahead of dinner.

Day 2 to Day 7 (Six days of Safaris)

For the next 6 days you will be taken to what has been called as “the greatest wildlife show on earth”. You will be woken with a pre-dawn tea, coffee and biscuits for a 5.15am departure to photograph in the best light of the day. We take packed breakfast in with us. With a packed breakfast on-board we stay out as long as we need to and we explore the Masai Mara from top to bottom. At some time during the morning we will stop for our packed breakfast, which is awesome in the open air. Then we will continue with our photography until about midday, depending on animal activity. Then it’s back to camp for lunch, rest, editing or backing up your images. Then at 3.15pm we head out again for our afternoon drive and return back at about 7pm. Then the day ends with a campfire and dinner, as everyone shares their day’s sightings. After that its “Lala Salama” (which means “good night” in Swahili) and you wake up only to do it all over again.

Day 8 (Check out from the Mara and return to Nairobi)

After finishing our morning drive, we will return to the camp at around 11am to take shower and lunch and then pack our things to catch the 3pm flight to Nairobi for your onward travels home, with transfers already prearranged. Please book your return flight which departs Nairobi after 8:00pm on the last day.

After arriving back home and processing your images, you will realise that you have got to witness Africa’s most amazing spectacles.

ACCOMMODATION

Our safari camp is located in the heart of Masai Mara on the banks of Mara river. Its an eco-friendly camp with 12 tastefully furnished, well-equipped tents. All tents overlook the Mara River and are well-placed, en-suite with flush-toilets and hot showers. There is a cosy lounge area with a small library and bar to relax after the safaris. With easy access to the north, south, east and west, you will track down the great migration and fill your memory cards.

COST & INCLUSIONS

Tour Cost:

$3990 USD - 1 person (Individual / Solo traveller)

$6990 USD - 2 persons (Twin Sharing)

$8990 USD - 3 persons (Twin Sharing + Single Supplement)

Cost includes:

  • Full Board Accommodation
  • All airport and domestic transfers
  • Internal Flights (Nairobi-Masai Mara-Nairobi)
  • 14 x Safaris in a Private Vehicle on all game drives
  • All meals noted on itinerary above
  • Local beverages (Tea, Coffee, Water, Juice)
  • Safari Permits and Park entry fees
  • Off Road Permit
  • Exclusive vehicle and qualified driver guide

Cost does not include:

  • International flights & Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry and Personal items
  • Tips and gratuities for lodge staff and local guides

50% advance deposit (non-refundable) is required at the time of booking, balance amount can be paid on arrival.

Since it’s a high season in Masai Mara, so do remember to book your trip well in advance. Advance bookings open 365 days prior to the date of visit. I would recommend booking as soon as you possibly can, at least 120 days in advance.

To book the safaris we need the full names of all guests who would be going for the safari along with a copy of their passport. Please note that polio and yellow fever vaccination cards are mandatory and they must be valid as on the date of your return to your country after the Tour.

If you have any questions please feel free to send me an e-mail at: nitish.madan@gmail.com

I will be happy to answer your questions!

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