Safaris in Masai Mara National Reserve | Kenya Budget Camping

In Kenya’s south-western reaches is the famous Masai Mara, the stage where in conjunction with Tanzania’s Serengeti the most spectacular show on earth is played out on the rolling plains; the great migration.

In early July the first wildebeest have reached the Mara River after exhausting the grasses of the Serengeti. The Wildebeest then are set to brave the crocodiles that have lay in wait for them as they cross over into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park. Not all of the herd cross the river - some remain in the Serengeti. Of those that make the crossing, many, as if tempting fate, re-cross again with no apparent reason. But the majority of the wildebeest, zebra and gazelle will reside in the Mara until October time when they start to think of heading back.

The infamous crossing of the Mara River by large numbers of the migrating herds is elusive, rapid and unforgettable. Staying at a camp near to the Mara River during this spectacular event is unforgettable. The wildebeest almost show a fear of the river, it is clear that they are aware a danger lurks beneath the surface, often you will find them milling around and hanging back contentedly. But when they feel the time is right a sudden chaos breaks out, clambering legs kick out everywhere as they stamp down the banks and across to the other side en masse as there is undoubtedly safety in numbers.

The Maasai Mara is a superb location for unforgettable game drives, insightful walks with Maasai guides and hot air ballooning for a bird’s eye view of this fantastic park.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa’s most well known attractions, conjuring up the traditional images of what is a safari. The abundant predators here are lions which can be seen daily on your game drives with the other members of the Big Five encountered around every corner.

The Mara River is a permanent water source for the reserve’s wild life and so even when the last stragglers cross the river to join the main migration throng in the Serengeti there are still large herds that remain in the Mara, making the reserve a year round safari destination.

The Mara offers a diversity of accommodation styles as well as wildlife. There are the large lodges that introduce many to safaris in the main areas of the park and then there are the small, exclusive tented camps, taking just ten or twelve guests at a time and offering a personal touch that makes your safari very special indeed, it is this type of experience that we would suggest for you.