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How to Plan Your 3-Days Maasai Mara – Joining Safari
Maasai Mara is one of the most popular national parks in Kenya with an abundance of wild animals and beautiful scenery. The 3-Days Maasai Mara – Joining Safari is an excellent opportunity to experience the safari adventure, learn about the Maasai culture, and explore the vast savanna of the park.
This how-to guide will give you all the information you need to plan your Maasai Mara safari, from booking your trip to what to expect on your adventure.
Step 1: Book Your Safari
To start your Maasai Mara adventure, you’ll need to book your trip. A great option is Viator, which offers the 3-Days Maasai Mara – Joining Safari for $345 per person.
This tour includes shared transportation, bottled water, shared game viewing drives, a Maasai cultural tour (for an additional $30), and park entry fees for more game time.
The meeting point for the tour is CJ’s along Koinange St in Nairobi, Kenya. The tour starts at 6:30 AM and ends back at the meeting point. Confirmation of your booking will be received at the time of booking, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Step 2: Prepare for Your Safari
Before embarking on your safari adventure, there are some things you should do to prepare. Here are a few essential items that you should pack for your trip:
- Comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Bug repellent
- A hat or cap to protect your head from the sun
- A camera or binoculars to capture the beautiful wildlife
It’s also important to know that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
Step 3: Arrive at the Meeting Point
On the day of your safari adventure, ensure you get up early and arrive at the meeting point by 6:30 AM at CJ’s Restaurant. You’ll be picked up by the safari operator, who will transport you and the other guests to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Safari Adventure
The 3-Days Maasai Mara – Joining Safari offers shared game viewing drives, which gives you a chance to see some of the wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is home to the “Big Five” animals: lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards. You’ll also have an opportunity to see other animals such as giraffes, zebras, and hippos.
In addition to wildlife viewing, the tour also includes a Maasai cultural tour. Here, you’ll get a chance to learn about the Maasai culture, visit their village, and interact with the Maasai people.
Step 5: Return to the Meeting Point
After a fulfilling day of game drives and cultural tours, the operator will return you to the meeting point by 6:30 PM. You can then leave to rest and recover from the day’s activities.
Step 6: Cancellation Policy
If for any reason you need to cancel your safari adventure, you can do so up to 24 hours before the tour starts for a full refund. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted, and if you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Conclusion
The 3-Days Maasai Mara – Joining Safari is a great way to experience the Kenyan savanna, learn about the Maasai culture, and see some of the world’s most iconic wildlife. By booking with Viator and following the above guidelines, you can make your experience both enjoyable and unforgettable.
Book the tour here and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
An Insider’s Guide to Maasai Mara – Beyond the Joining Safari
Maasai Mara, located in Narok County, is the most famous tourist destination in Kenya. Known worldwide for its wildlife and its rich Maasai culture, Maasai Mara offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, if you’re interested in experiencing the lesser-known side of Maasai Mara, the following insider’s guide will show you hidden gems and experiences that only locals might know.
Local Attractions: Discover the Hidden Treasures
Beyond the national reserve, Maasai Mara has several hidden treasures that are often excluded from conventional tourist itineraries. One such attraction is the Morijo Cultural Village, where visitors can experience an authentic Maasai culture tour. On a more historical note, the Siria Escarpment offers hiking trails that whisper stories about the Maasai tribe’s past and the vast Mara plain.
Another fascinating destination is the Ololo Escarpment, where visitors can spot more wildlife, enjoy lush green forests, and experience breathtaking views of the sun setting beyond the horizon. For a relaxing day out, consider visiting Ol Seki Hemingways Mara Camp, which offers bird watching, camel rides, and an exclusive experience of the Mara ecosystem.
Dining Spots: Savor the Local Cuisine
When it comes to food, Maasai Mara has a wide variety of delicious local dishes. To try the most authentic Maasai cuisine, visit the Oloololo gate market, where you’ll find grilled meats, vegetables, and other traditional dishes at reasonable prices. If you’re interested in experiencing a luxury dining experience, then the Angama Mara Camp is where you should visit, and you’ll enjoy top-quality meals accompanied by an incredible view of the Mara landscapes.
For a cultural dining experience, visit the Maasai Mara University joint and experience the local food culture, where you get to sample meals prepared using the traditional cooking techniques.
Cultural Experiences: Explore the Diversity
Maasai Mara is dominated by the Maasai culture, so visitors can experience various aspects of their beliefs, traditions, and ways of living. One way to do this is by attending cultural festivals like the Mara Day festival, where the Maasai celebrate their culture through music, dance, and dressing.
Visitors can also visit the Ngata-Kimintet Conservancy, where local communities have come together to conserve wildlife and cultures and share their stories with guests. Beyond the Mara River lies the Kisoro village, where visitors can learn how the Masai community coexists with nature and interact with the locals in their day-to-day activities.
Local History: Relive the Past
Being a land rich in culture and history, Maasai Mara has several stories from the past that visitors can relive. One such story is the Mara Engai, which is the story of how the Maasai people believe they came to the Mara plain. Visitors interested in the colonial history of the region can visit the Karen Blixen Museum, which once belonged to the author of “Out of Africa.”
Other historical landmarks worth checking out include the Mara Intrepid Museum, showcasing the diverse wildlife and landscapes of the Maasai Mara, and the Mara Triangle Hippo Pools, where visitors can learn about the crucial role the Mara River plays in the area.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Get Adventurous
Visiting Maasai Mara wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the surrounding wilderness. One such experience is the hot air balloon ride, offering unforgettable views of the Mara Reserve, Mara River, and Serengeti plains from the air. You’ll get to witness the sunrise, and if lucky enough, spot some wildlife from the sky.
Another adventurous activity for visitors is the Maasai Mara Walking Safari, where visitors get to experience the Mara ecosystem with a Maasai guide’s help. It’s a great way to learn about the wildlife and landscape up close and personal.
Conclusion
In summary, Maasai Mara offers not just the typical joining safari but also a rich culture, history, and hidden treasures that are waiting to be discovered. By exploring these hidden gems, visitors can gain a deeper perspective and connection to the people and their land. Here’s hoping that this insider’s guide will help you experience the best of Maasai Mara.
