A safari holiday is expensive and Masai Mara is no exception to it. Kenya’s Masai Mara is a renowned national park and attracts tourists from all over the world. With its sweeping plains, diverse wildlife, and rich culture, Masai Mara offers a safari experience like no other. Although a Kenya Masai Mara tour is costly, there are certain ways you can plan a budget-friendly holiday. Read on more to find out what Masai Mara offers and how you can save money while visiting the park.
Masai Mara National Park
Masai Mara lies in southwestern Kenya, bordering the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Both parks share the same ecosystem. The Mara’s generous biodiversity is home to a large and healthy population of wild animals. Thousands of zebras, wildebeest, impalas and other hoofed animals are frequently spotted here. The Big Five African animals, which are the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and cape buffalo are also found in the Mara. In the park’s rivers lie the deadly Nile crocodiles and sunbathing hippos.
Alongside big cats, the park houses a diverse species of smaller cats as well. Fourteen types of antelopes, mongoose, warthogs, hyenas, and even monkeys are seen in diverse habitats of the Mara. The park is not only famous for its animals but also for birds. With over 450 species of colorful birds residing in the park, the Mara becomes a haven for birders.
The park is divided into different regions and according to different sectors. There are also private conservancies that are established inside the Mara.
The Great Migration
Also called the wildebeest migration, this wildlife event is the greatest spectacle in the animal kingdom. The Mara is popular for hosting this event during certain months and garners witnesses from all around. This migration involves millions of wildebeest joined by hundreds of zebras, gazelles, impalas, and other plain animals. The herds start their journey from Serengeti and cross over to Masai Mara in the latter half of the year.
The migration is on the bucket list of anyone embarking on a Kenya Masai Mara tour It is because migration showcases quite literally the survival of the fittest. Since these migratory animals are followed closely by predators like lions and leopards, lots of predator-prey interaction is also witnessed. Moreover, the highlight of the migration is the river crossing. The Mara River crossing is heart-stopping as wildebeest and other animals jump over the river to continue their journey. However, the Mara River is infested by Nile crocodiles that easily prey on these animals. The migration can be seen during game drives in Masai Mara.
How to plan your budget Kenya Masai Mara Tour
Although Masai Mara is pricey, there are particular ways you can save up on your trip. Here are some of them:
Travel season
Travelers looking for a budget-friendly holiday to Masai Mara should consider going during the low season. January to March is the low season when the park welcomes a lesser number of tourists as opposed to other months. The weather remains favorable, and migratory bird species are also seen during January. Although you may not be able to see the migration, these months mark the calving season. Thousands of baby animals are born, especially in February. You may be able to see predators chasing their prey as well as enjoy safaris without any disturbances.
Accommodation
There are many ways to save up on your accommodation. Typically, accommodation inside Masai Mara is luxurious yet equally expensive. To stick to your budget-friendly plan, consider campsites that can be found inside Masai Mara. Other options include dome tents, ensuite tents, and ensuite cottages all providing different facilities. Outside of Masai Mara, one can find lodges and camps that have reasonable prices.
Activities
To enjoy a budget-friendly Kenya Masai Mara tour, it is recommended to stay for at least a day or two. This way you can explore some regions of the huge park through game drives. Group game drives turn out to be even cheaper. Other than safaris, one can try out nature walks, visit neighboring Masai villages, and enjoy bush meals.
Group or private
Group safaris are cheaper than private tours as it allows you to split the accommodation and transport price. Moreover, access to parks like the Masai Mara becomes easier through group safaris. They are ideal for those on a budget who want to go solo or have to travel with a large group. Moreover, through group safaris, you have a chance to interact and converse with fellow travelers as well as share unforgettable memories from your African adventure. On the other hand, private tours are more expensive although it offers flexibility and freedom of choice.
Are you planning to visit Kenya’s Masai Mara anytime soon? To plan out your own affordable Kenya Masai Mara tour, contact a company specializing in African safaris. This way you can not only receive consultation from travel experts but also plan your vacation according to your budget.
