1. WHERE IS MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE ?

Masai Mara National Reserve is a large game reserve in Narok County in Kenya, which is a country in East Africa. It covers approximately 1500sq. kms in size and bounds the Serengeti Park to the south. It is globally renowned for its exceptional wildlife and perhaps for the Great Migration.

2. WHAT IS GREAT MIGRATION ?

The great migration also known as the wildebeest migration is the mass movement of over a million plus animals including wildebeest, antelope, Zebra and the Big Cats such as Lion from Serengeti and Masai Mara. The migration is actually a continuous year long clockwise movement encompassing Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya, influenced by a number of factors including weather, pasture and mating~birthing cycles.

3. DO I NEED A VISA TO ENTER KENYA?

Yes, nationals of most countries require a Visa to enter Kenya and for many nationals the Visa is available on arrival.

Nationals or Citizens of the following countries require a visa that cannot be obtained online or on arrival at any Kenyan airport and instead the Visa must be applied in advance through the relevant Kenyan Embassy: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan.

Please note the information above is subject to change without notice so all travelers are asked to check for the latest information through the relevant Kenyan embassy or High Commission or consulate prior to departure.

4. WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MASAI MARA ?

Masai Mara National Reserve is regarded as an year round safari destination as it offers ideal climate with abundant resident wildlife for excellent game viewing. However, the best wildlife viewing months in Kenya are during the dry season from late June to October. This is also when the spectacular wildebeest migration occurs.

5. CAN A CHILD COME ON A SAFARI?

Yes, and there is no age limit.

6. IS THERE MOBILE NETWORK COVERAGE AT MASAI MARA ?

Yes. Both Safaricom and Airtel mobile service providers have coverage at the Mara. Some lodges and Camps have complimentary WI-FI and computers for guest’s use.

7. IS IT SAFE TO VISIT MASAI MARA ?

Masai Mara is quite safe to Visit. Kenya itself is one of the safest countries in East & Central Africa which is why many global UN bodies and regional Embassies as well as international companies have chosen Nairobi as their headquarters for the African region. The Kenyan parks and reserves are professionally managed with adequate security in place. Safety is bolstered by the fact that wilderness areas in Kenya such as Masai Mara, away from urban areas, is naturally safe and secure.

8. WHAT IS THE CLIMATE LIKE IN KENYA IN WINTER AND IN SUMMER?

KENYA enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country.

The average annual temperature for the coastal town of Mombasa is 70F minimum and 86F maximum. The capital city, Nairobi is 55F minimum and 78F maximum.

There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December.

Coolest months? June through September.

Warmest months? December through March.

9. WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE IN KENYA?

Swahili and English are the national languages of KENYA.

10. SHOULD I TAKE A CAMERA? SHOULD I TAKE BINOCULARS?

Yes, You are going to a photographer’s paradise wherever you go in Africa so do take plenty of memory cards to record your trip. They will not always be readily available everywhere you go. So to avoid disappointment take a lot with you as well as spare batteries for flashes.

Yes, A good pair of strong binoculars is a must on safari, especially if you are a keen birder or “twitcher”.

11. CAN I DRINK TAP WATER IN KENYA?

Although tap water may be fine in most areas for bathing and brushing teeth, we recommend that you drink bottled water at all times.

12. HOW MUCH BAGGAGE CAN I BRING?

When traveling on safari, baggage should be kept to a minimum. Charter flights and vehicle transfers do not allow a large amount of baggage. Soft duffle bags should be used rather than suitcases, as frequently the airplane baggage lockers cannot fit a large suitcase.

Laundry service (excluding underwear) is available in all of the properties so large amounts of clothing are not required. Towels are supplied in the lodges and hotels.

Hotels provide electricity for such items as shavers and hair-dryers. Some lodges run generators for electricity in the evenings. Most camps do not have electricity so hair-dryers and electric shavers are not usable.

13. WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING?

Long-sleeved, lightweight shirts or blouses and trousers, with a sweater and light jacket are appropriate for the evenings. Shorts and t-shirts are suitable for the hotter days. A lightweight rain jacket is useful and a wide-brimmed hat is vital. Dress is casual. The camps do not have heating, so bring something warm in which to sleep.

A good pair of walking shoes or boots is advisable when out on walks or horse rides. However, within the camps, lodges and hotels, light footwear may be worn. Neutral colors, such as gray, khaki, browns or greens, are best; bright colors and patterns, including white, can spook animals and birds.