Monday, May 5, 2008

Masai Mara Safari, Kenya: Masai Mara, Safari trips to Masai Mara

Safaris in Kenya during Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara safari tour and holidays in Kenya

THE MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE:
The Masai Mara is one of the best known and most popular reserves in the whole of Africa. At times and in certain places it can get a little overrun with tourist minibuses, but there is something so special about it that it tempts you back time and again.

Seasoned safari travellers, travel writers, documentary makers and researchers often admit that the Masai Mara is one of their favourite places. So why is that? Perhaps it is because of the 'big skies', the open savannahs, the romance of films like 'Out of Africa' and certainly because of the annual wildebeest migration during Masai Mara safari tour holiday and wildlife safaris in Kenya, the density of game, the variety of birdlife and the chance of a hot air balloon ride.

Also because of the tall red-robed Masai people whose lifestyle is completely at odds with western practices, and from whom one learns to question certain western values.

A combination of all these things plus something to do with the spirit of the place - which is hard to put into words - is what attracts people to the Mara over and over.

The Masai Mara lies in the Great Rift Valley, which is a fault line some 3,500 miles (5,600km) long, from Ethiopia's Red Sea through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and into Mozambique. Here the valley is wide and a towering escarpment can be seen in the hazy distance. Most of the game viewing activities occur on the valley floor, but some lodges conduct walking tours outside the park boundaries in the hills of the Oloololo Escarpment. The animals are also at liberty to move outside the park into huge areas known as 'dispersal areas'. There can be as much wildlife roaming outside the park as inside. Many Masai villages are located in the 'dispersal areas' and they have, over centuries, developed a synergetic relationship with the wildlife.

There are four main types of topography in the Mara: Ngama Hills to the east with sandy soil and leafy bushes liked by black rhino; Oloololo Escarpment forming the western boundary and rising to a magnificent plateau; Mara Triangle bordering the Mara River with lush grassland and acacia woodlands supporting masses of game especially Masai Mara safari tour in annual migrating wildebeest; Central Plains forming the largest part of the reserve, with scattered bushes and boulders on rolling grasslands favoured by the plains game.

ANIMALS & BIRDS
In a short stay during the wildebeest migration you could see thousands of animals, at other times there are still hundreds. The plains are full of wildebeest, zebra, impala, topi, giraffe, Thomson's gazelle. Also regularly seen are leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetah, jackal and bat-eared foxes. Black rhino are a little shy and hard to spot but are often seen at a distance.

Hippos are abundant in the Mara River as are very large Nile crocodiles, who lay in wait for a meal as the wildebeest cross on their annual quest to find new pastures.
Cheetah on 4x4 vehicle.

Every July (or sometimes August), the wildebeest travel over 600 miles (960km) from Tanzania's Serengeti plains, northwards to the Masai Mara and the Mara River is the final obstacle. In October or November, once they have feasted and the grass has all but gone, they turn around and go back the other way.

The Mara birds come in every size and colour including common but beautiful ones like the lilac breasted roller and plenty of large species like eagles, vultures and storks. There are 53 different birds of prey.

Altitude is 4,875-7,052 feet (1,500-2,170 metres) above sea level, which yields a climate somewhat milder and damper than other regions. The daytime rarely exceeds 85°F (30°C) during the day and hardly ever drops below 60°F (15°C) at night.

-Rainy Season: It rains in April and May and again November and this can cause some areas of the Mara to be inaccessible due to the sticky 'black cotton' mud.
-Dry Season: July to October is dry and the grass is long and lush after the rains. This is a good time to come and see the huge herds of migratory herbivores.
-Hottest time: The warmest time of year is December and January.
-Coldest Time: June and July are the coldest months.

MASAI MARA SPECIALITIES
· Wildebeest Migration
. Wildebeest Migration River Crossing.
· Hot Air Ballooning
· Huge savannahs of golden grasslands
· Big skies
· Rift Valley escarpment
· Lion sightings

FACTS:
.This is a malarial area
.The reserve covers an area of 1,510 km²
.There is no night driving and vehicles must be back at the lodge by 6pm.
.Several lodges are located outside the park's boundaries, but as there are few fences you may not be aware of this.
.This is a Reserve rather than a National Park and it belongs to the Masai people.

Check for more African safaris in Kenya safari offers to include safaris in Kenya and safari tours in Masai Mara and Kenya safari holidays.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Kenya safari - Travel warning against Kenya relaxed on March 21, 2008

US State Department has relaxed travel warning against Kenya owing to the rescinding cases of violence and security. Kenya tourism industry has dramatically welcomed the move to help the ailing sector. Americans can now travel to Kenya especially with the migration season in July. Canadian government also reviewed travel warning a few days earlier. Come visit Kenya to see its magical beauty in terms of culture, wildlife, scenery, white sparkling beaches, Mount Kenya and many more. See safaris in Kenya trips available

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Maasai Mara migration safaris & Serengeti Wildebeest migration Safaris

This July to October, enjoy Masai Mara wildebeest migration safari with African Sermon Safaris for Kenya safari holiday and Masai Mara safari tours. View wildebeests as they cross the Mara River and crocodiles/predators feasting on them. Stay in one of the many magical lodges located in the migration path. More details can be found with your professional safaris in Kenya outfitter and Masai Mara safari tour operator

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Mount Kenya Climbing: Trekking & hiking in Kenya

Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain at 5,199m and the highest of all Kenya Mountains. Mount Kenya is roughly circular, about 60km across at the 200mm contour, where the steep font hills rise out of the gentler slopes of the centered highlands arrange safaris in Kenya to include climbing Mt Kenya trek and hiking adventure experience

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Hot air balloon safari ride in Masai Mara & Serengeti

Masai Mara hot air balloon ride is probably the most beautiful balloon flight in the world and the ultimate African safari experience. This can be arranged in during safaris in Kenya (Masai Mara and Great Rift Valley) and Tanzania in Central Serengeti. At dawn we take off, rising as the sun rises and float in whichever direction the winds of the morning take you. Further details can be seen with hot air balloon ride in Masai Mara safari tour during safaris in Kenya safari tour.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Kenya family tour & Kenya family safari vacations

ASS 901: 9 Days Kenya Family Safari in Kenya
Whilst adults enjoy the many hours driving through the open African savannah plains in quest of the many species of fauna and flora, we recognize that young children tire easily and become bored on 2-3 hours of game viewing in the confines of a safari vehicle. This safari is specially designed for families with children aged 4-16 years. It includes a dedicated full-time children educational and entertainment programmes, ‘Adventurer Club’.

The Adventurer’s Club's ultimate mission is to give young visitors a valuable lesson in the vitality and fragility of the African Wilderness, and to teach natural appreciation for life. The range of subject matter is as diverse as it is fascinating – from mammal habits and habitats, to the migration of birds and butterflies, the use of medicinal plants to environmental quizzes and treasure hunts, traditional dances, games and handicrafts.

Day 1: Nairobi
Arrive Nairobi airport, met and assisted. Transfer to The Norfolk Hotel for an overnight rest.

Day 2: Mount Kenya
Drive to Mount Kenya for an overnight rest at Serena Mountain Lodge. This afternoon enjoy a guided nature walk on Africa's second highest mountain on this family holiday. Dinner and overnight floodlit game viewing from the lodge's balcony, Mountain Lodge Serena. B,L,D

Day 3 and 4: Samburu Game Reserve
Drive to Samburu Game Reserve for game viewing and the children’s first experience of the Adventurer’s Club. Meals and overnight Samburu Intrepids Club. B,L,D

Day 5: Sweetwaters
Drive to Sweetwaters, a 24,000 acre private game reserve with magnificent views across the plains to the twin snow capped peaks of Mt. Kenya. Activities are game viewing drives, a visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and to see Morani, the tame rhino. Meals and overnight Sweetwaters Tented Camp. B,L,D

Day 6: Great Rift Valley
Drive to Lake Naivasha for lunch and afternoon boat trip to Crescent Island. Dinner and overnight Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge/Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge/Lake Naivasha Country Club. B,L,D

Day 7 and 8: Masai Mara
After early breakfast depart for Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and flight over the Rift Valley to the Masai Mara game reserve for game viewing and the children's Adventurer’s Club. Meals and overnight Mara Intrepids Club. B,L,D

Day 9: Depart
After breakfast, return flight back to Nairobi for lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant. Afternoon visit to Giraffe Centre where children can hand feed giraffes. Proceed to Karen Blixen Museum and later transfer to the airport for departure from Kenya. B,L

This safari may be extended to a beach resort in Mombasa Island or Zanzibar, please enquire more at the time of booking.

More details and information regarding family safaris in Kenya, please contact African Sermon Safaris for professional Kenya safari holiday and Masai Mara safari tour advise.