When we were planning our budget Masai Mara safari in Kenya, we were worried about the cost, especially since we had already seen many of Africa’s “Big 5” in South Africa. We wondered if it was worth spending so much just for the thrill of camping in the reserve.
But as soon as we entered the Masai Mara Game Reserve, our doubts vanished. The wide plains of the Rift Valley, teeming with wildlife, were unlike anything we had ever seen before. The vast, blue sky outshone even the prairies of Canada. We saw countless wildebeest, zebra, kudu, gazelle, impala, and many other antelopes grazing together.
In the first two hours of our game drive, we saw large herds of elephants and two lion prides with cubs. Giraffes walked by with their slow, confident stride. We even spotted some cheetahs lounging in the grass, allowing us to take photos.
By the time we arrived at our camp, we were already excited. The campsite was basic but comfortable, with thin mattresses in the tents, a campfire area, a kitchen, dining room, and unexpectedly, hot showers. After researching, we booked our safari with Best Camping Safaris in Nairobi. The manager, Imraan, seemed trustworthy (having lived in Calgary for 10 years), and the company had honest reviews on Trip Advisor.
Reviews mentioned thin beds and okay food, but excellent service and game drives. And they were right. Our guide, cooks, and watchmen were fantastic. Two Masai Warriors guarded the campsite nightly.
As budget travelers, this safari was perfect for us, though they offered more luxurious options too. Falling asleep to the sounds of hyenas and jackals, with Masai Warriors standing guard, was an incredible experience.
Our safari lasted four nights, three spent in tents in the Masai Mara and one in a hotel near Lake Nakuru National Park. It cost $1,400 for two people, including food, guides, accommodation, some drinks, and park fees. While it was expensive for us, experiencing one of Africa’s best parks was essential and completely worth it.
Our safari vehicle, a van with a pop-up roof, allowed us a full 360-degree view of the park. It could hold eight passengers, but we were lucky to share it with just two others, Marcus and Patrick. Our camp was almost empty, just us four.
We had three game drives daily, each lasting between two and three hours: one in the morning, midday, and late afternoon. The first and last drives were best for spotting big cats, hyenas, and other interesting animals. Every drive revealed something new. The feeling of seeing lions or elephants up close was indescribable.
Watching the sky change colors over the plains as the sun set behind the cliffs was breathtaking. The time we spent in the Masai Mara felt like living in a dream, experiencing the dramas of African wildlife firsthand.
I could list countless incredible moments from our four days, but some highlights stand out. On day two, we saw our first Black Rhino, the most endangered African rhino, just 10 feet from our vehicle. Later, a herd of elephants grazed and walked right past us, keeping a watchful eye on their babies.
On day three, we saw hyenas during a game drive, having heard them at night. We had seen numerous lions daily, but one afternoon we witnessed an entire pride feasting on a full-grown giraffe. The smell was overwhelming, but the sight was fascinating. The adult lions guarded the kill while the cubs practiced tearing at the flesh, learning from their parents.
The best moments were saved for last. On our final game drive, we desperately searched for a leopard, the most elusive of the African game. Just when we were about to give up, we spotted a male leopard camouflaged in the grass, only three meters from our van. We watched as he played in the grass, giving us plenty of photo opportunities before he gracefully disappeared into the jungle.
Our drive back to camp was filled with excitement. As we neared the camp, we saw dozens of giraffes slowly walking in a procession. It felt like witnessing something profound and rare.
The entire safari was an unforgettable experience, proving that even though traveling in Africa can be challenging, moments like these make it all worthwhile.
Note:
“The Big 5” refers to lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, known for being the most dangerous animals to hunt. “Safari” is a Swahili term meaning “journey”.