Mara Serena Safari Lodge In Masai Mara, Kenya

Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Masai Mara Safari tour, Kenya

Mara Serena Lodge is an infinitive interpretation of a traditional Masai Mara Manyatta village of domed huts. Secreted deep within the Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge is the ultimate Kenya safari holiday destination. Set high on a bush-cloaked hill, embraced by arcing vistas and washed by a sea of richly rolling grasslands, it stands centre-stage to one of Kenya's most dramatic wildlife arenas and has a ringside seat for the greatest wildlife show on Earth, the legendary animal migration of the wildebeest. 

Drawing its inspiration from the traditional Maasai cultural motif of a cluster of domed, mud-coloured huts encircled by a "Boma" of brushwood, the Mara Serena hotel offers a rare blend of raw African splendor and sumptuous sophistication. The essentially ethnic dcor also draws on a vibrant colour-palette of sun-burst colours, embellished by a unique selection of Maasai art to create the look and feel of a traditional bush encampment. The Serena Mara Lodge features individual rooms, each with their own balcony and view of eternity. A sky-blue swimming pool and a spectacular restaurant, overlooking a water hole where fantasias of creatures collect to drink.

No safari lodge in Masai Mara has such a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape than Mara Serena Safari Lodge. It is on this very terrain where the annual Masai Mara wildebeest migration takes place, when millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle traverse the landscape to feed on rich new grass and give birth to their young calves. 

The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to gazelle, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, the legendary black-manned lion and many more.

If you'd like to say "I do" under the endless skies of the famous Masai Mara and create the magic of your vacation honeymoon in one of the greatest natural arenas on planet earth, then why not marry in the Mara Serena Lodge?
It's not only that you'll be guaranteed a beautiful day, a wedding banquet in traditional safari style, a Masai guard of honour and the chance to end your special day in the indigo stillness of an African night, but also that all you'll have to do on the day, is enjoy it. 

We do the rest. As to formalities; from registrar to certificate, cake to champagne, all will be arranged and when it comes to flowers, Kenya grows some of the finest blooms in the world. Tempted? If so, provide passports, birth certificates and an affidavit to prove that you are both single and say yes in the Mara Serena Hotel. At the Mara Serena Safari Lodge they have the experience, the team and the equipment to cater for a wide range of private functions, receptions, parties and formal events. We are also adept in making your special occasion not merely memorable, but entirely unique.
 

Accommodation Mara Serena Safari Lodge 

Styled to mirror the circular motif of a traditional Maasai "Manyatta", the lodge has been designed to blend international sophistication with raw African beauty. The wide-spaced and secluded rooms have been sensitively designed so as to blend seamlessly into the landscape whilst offering magnificent Mara-vistas from their private verandas.

As for the interiors, individually styled in exuberant bush colours they feature spacious bathrooms and the calm sophistication of a world-class hotel.Set on a high ridge, Mara Serena is a modern incarnation of a traditional African village of domed huts. The huts are distanced apart so guests of each room have uninterrupted views of the landscape. 

The lodge is the only such property in the Mara Triangle- one of the world's richest wildlife sanctuaries - and as such, its guests can be assured a high degree of privacy when enjoying their safari experience.

There are total of 74-guest rooms: 72 twin beds and 2 with double beds.
Voltage is 240V in rooms and adaptors are available at the reception desk; shaver outlets have both 110V and 240V.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge Hotel Restaurant
Every visitor will love the restaurant overlooking the waterhole giving you the chance to observe Africa's wildlife a little closer. The dining room provides a vibrant atmosphere with a selection of dishes that is both imaginative and traditional. The main dining room is spectacularly decorated in three large domes and three small ones resembling enlarged Masai Manyattas. 

Sumptuous international menus, buffets and barbecues are served to guests alongside authentic African style.

The full-service lounge and bar located in the main building serves fresh fruit juices, soft drinks, tea and coffee, cocktails, wines, spirits and liqueurs.
Meal times are as follows:

Breakfast: 7:00 am to 9:00 am
Lunch: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Dinner: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm dishes.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: African Safari Tour Travel Guide

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania; East Africa

Serengeti put simply is Tanzania’s most renowned National Park. It is the largest covering an area of 14,763 sq km of protected area and borders the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, safaris tours and holidays in Kenya and includes wildlife safaris. Its far-reaching plains of endless grass, tinged with the twisted shadows of acacia trees, have made it the quintessential image of a wild and unblemished Africa. Its huge stone kopjes are home to rich ecosystems, and the sheer magnitude and scale of life that the plains support is staggering. Large prides of lions laze easily in the long grasses, plentiful families of elephants feed on acacia bark and trump to each other across the plains, and giraffes, gazelles, monkeys, eland, and the whole range of African wildlife is in awe-inspiring numbers.

The annual wildebeest migration safari through the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara safari tour attract visitors from around the world, who flock to the open plains to witness the largest mass movement of land mammals in the world. Close to a million animals make the seasonal journey to fresh pasture to the north, then later to the south, after the biannual rains. The sound of their thundering hooves, raising massive clouds of thick red dust, has become one of the legends of the Serengeti plains. The entire ecosystem thrives from the annual wildebeest migration, from the lions and birds of prey that gorge themselves on the weak and the faltering to the gamut of hungry crocodiles that lie in patient wait at each river crossing for their annual feed.

But it’s not just the wildebeest that use the Serengeti as a migratory pathway. The adjacent reserves of Maswa and Ikorongo, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as well as the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya all allow the animals and birds of the area a free range of movement to follow their seasonal migrations. Indeed, in the wake of the wildebeest migration, many of the less attention-grabbing features of the Serengeti are often overlooked. The park has varied zones in which each ecosystem is subtly different. Seronera in the centre of the park is the most popular and most easily visited area. The Grumeti River in the Western Corridor is the location for the dramatic river crossing during the wildebeest migration. Maswa Game Reserve to the south offers a remote part of the park rewarding in its game-viewing and privacy, and Lobo near the Kenyan border offers a change to see plentiful game during the dry season.

Aside from traditional vehicle bound safaris, hot air ballooning rides and safaris over the Serengeti plains has become a safari rite-of-passage for travel enthusiasts. The flights depart at dawn over the plains and take passengers close over the awakening herds of wildebeest and zebra, gazelle and giraffe. The extra altitude allows guests to witness the striking stretches of plains punctuated only by kopjes. Up in the sky, you have Africa all to yourself during your Kenya safari tour and holidays experience.

Kenya Safari Holidays Information Guide

Kenya Safari Holidays Information Guide
A Kenya holiday gives you the exclusive chance to merge the total relaxation of a beach holiday vacation with a true Kenya wildlife safari tour. The commencement of cheap safari holiday packages to the Kenya coast of Mombasa, Malindi, Watamu, and Lamu Island has in fact brought down the prices of traveling to Kenya and most of the wholesale package tour operators, safari company and travel agents in the Europe, Japan and America now offer packaged travel holidays to Kenya. This is great news for those searching for perfect beach holiday and adventure safaris in Kenya sun vacation destination.

It also means that you can take advantage of the cheap tours to Kenya and go on a Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo safari holiday as an excursion from the beach. What many travelers especially from Australia and Canada have done in the past is to book a beach package holiday in Kenya, taking advantage of the cheap flights and hotel resorts , villas in Mombasa and then sign up for a few days to travel on Safari in Kenya
 
How to Plan a Perfect Kenya Holiday

Step 1: Book a Package Holiday to the Beach in Kenya safaris
Step 2: Book your Kenya Safari Holiday

There will of course be travel companies, tour operators and safari agencies that will book both your beach and safari holiday under one package, this can take away some of the work involved, just be sure that you are getting a good holiday deal.

Step 1: Package Holiday on the Beach in Kenya
Research and book a cheap package holiday on the beach in Kenya .Kenya has some of the best beaches in the world, with popular beach holiday destinations that include Malindi, Diani and Mombasa. The Kenya coastline is out of this world; with bone-white sands, crystal clear waters and coral reefs that make Kenya is a great place to Scuba Dive as well as to laze on the beach. The historical city of Mombasa consists of a maze of narrow streets, a busy port, the historical Fort Jesus, some incredible mosques as well as some great places to eat including a range of Italian, European, Asian and Swahili restaurants.

Step 2: Kenya Safari Holiday
Research and book a day or multi-day Kenya safari holiday for a few days either before, during or after your beach holiday. Holiday safari in Kenya must surely be the home of the safari, in fact it could be argued that the safari was born in Kenya as the word 'safari' is a Swahili word that means a journey. (Swahili people come from Kenya, Tanzania and northern Mozambique).

Kenya has a vast array of national parks with pretty much every wildlife that you could ever hope to see as well as Africa's single most famous safari draw, the annual Great Masai Mara Migration safari that happens between September and October every year as the vast herds of wildebeest travel between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara park reserve which takes its name from nomadic Masai people, who wander as freely across the Kenya-Tanzania border with their cattle.

If you book your safari holiday, whilst you are still at the coast, make sure that you either have transport or if you can be collected. Most organized safaris in Kenya leave from Nairobi, but there are ones that will collect you from Mombasa or even right from your hotel.

Illustration of a Kenya Holiday Safari
The Masai Mara safari Adventure safari below is great for combining with a beach holiday on the Kenya coast and can be booked from African safaris and Adventures. It is fairly short, only lasting three days and starts and leaves from Nairobi. So you could organize to go on it before or after your trip to Mombasa and the coast.

Masai Mara Safari tour Adventure
This safari will take you through the Great Rift Valley on to a tented camp in Kenya's famous Masai Mara reserve. You will get to explore the diverse wildlife, crossing rolling plains spotted with famous acacia trees. Your game viewing drives are spread out over all three days, with excellent chances of seeing the "Big 5" - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino. The varied wildlife and natural environment, in addition to the colours and culture of the local Masai people, come together to provide a spectacular safari experience.

Day 1: Nairobi to the Masai Mara Game Reserve
pick up from Nairobi or Mombassa hotel resort and travel through the Great Rift Valley on to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. In the afternoon you can go on vacation safari, through the vast open plains and flat-topped acacia trees, and keep your eyes peeled for some rare wildlife, such as the rhino or the elusive leopard.

Day 2: Masai Mara Game Reserve
You will spend the day on safari in search of the park's large populations of wildebeest, buffalo, lion, elephants, and giraffes. Marvel at gazelles, impala, and ostrich from wonderful vistas along the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment. Later you stop at a traditional Masai village for an optional visit to learn about the local Masai culture.

Day 3: Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi
Go for an early morning game drive and watch the sun as it rises over the savannah of the "Mara". In the late afternoon, you will return to Nairobi where your safari ends.

Best Time for Kenya safari travel: Best time to travel to Kenya

Best Time for Kenya safari tour and travel: Best time to travel to Kenya

What’s the best season for an African safari in Kenya?
There are several factors to look at if you want to determine the best season for an African safari in Kenya. Kenya is located under the equator and it’s hot throughout the year. In principle, the country is an all-year round destination. However, you have the dry and rainy seasons, and each has it’s pro and cons.

Dry and rainy seasons:
Most tourists come during the dry seasons: from December to February and, especially, from July to August. The popular parks (especially Masai Mara and Amboseli) are crowded then, and prices are higher. July-August is a bit cooler then December-January, when the average daily high temperature is 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

In between the dry periods, the rainy seasons take place: the ‘long rains’ (April to June) and the ‘short rains’ during October-December.

It depends on your own priorities what’s the best season for an African safari holiday in Kenya. The big plus of the dry seasons is that wildlife viewing is easier. The vegetation is less dense, and the animals come out to the water places, so safari guides know where to find them.

The big advantage of the rainy seasons is a vibrant, exotic and lush scenery and flora, less tourists, and about 30-50% lower prices for accommodation and tours.

On the other hand, it’s harder to get around in some parks during the rainy seasons because of roads are turned into mud. You will generally need a 4WD in the parks then.

The best of both worlds:

Some say that March offers the best of both worlds, making this the best season for an African safari. Intermittent rains start during this month. Game viewing is excellent over short new grass of the plains. Spring-like conditions are moderated by cool nights and the average daily high temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are a bird lover, then the best time to go is between October and April. During that period, next to the many hundreds of bird species already present in Kenya, there are also more than 120 migrant species present who have arrived from the Northern hemisphere.

Nairobi-Mombasa train with Kenya Railways

Mombasa train service schedule

Once referred to as the Lunatic express has now re-branded ‘The rift valley railway train services’

The Nairobi Mombasa train schedule.

The train departs Nairobi three time a week – Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Fridays. The train return from Mombasa on Tuesdays Thursdays and Sundays.

The train serves an an economical way to travel to and back from the coastal areas. The journey is a night ride both ways and the ticket cost includes, dinner, breakfast and beddings.  

The reporting time to board at the Nairobi train station is by 6.00 p.m. to board the train to Mombasa or to Nairobi which departs at 7.00 p.m.   You will need to check with the front office to collect your boarding pass and coupe allocation number.

There are two or three sittings for dinner depending on the number of passengers, this is booked with the Dining Car steward who after departing Nairobi / Mombasa, will visit each carriage (if you prefer the first sitting, which is the most popular, you are advised to find the Dining Car and book this prior to departure from Nairobi / Mombasa).

 

Nairobi-Mombasa train travel in Kenya safari holiday tour

Again bedding and meals are included in the cost of your train ticket. The steward will bring your bedding and make up your beds during the early evening.

Your coupe can only be locked from the inside so please do not leave any valuables in your coupe when empty. We also recommend that you secure the window and pull down all the blinds whenever leaving your coupe unattended.

The train is expected to arrive in Mombasa / Nairobi at 8.30 a.m. the following morning.

Fist class coupe will accommodate two persons and the second class will take four persons with sleeper beds.

First class fare.

Cost of a return ticket is US$ 150 Per person.

Cost of a one-way ticket either way is US$ 75 Per person.

Second class fare.

Cost of a return ticket either way is US$ 130 Per person.

Cost of a one-way ticket either way is US$ 65 Per person.

It is a wonderful experience to be chugging through the Athi Plains and beyond, there is so much to see from the train at the day time little gap that is missed when driving down the Nairobi - Mombasa Road.

Nairobi-Mombasa train with Kenya Railways,Nairobi airport transfers to railway station Rift Valley Railways Train safari journeys from Nairobi to Mombasa to Nairobi African great train travel and tours. Train travel from Nairobi to Mombasa and Mombasa to Nairobi can help complement your tour experience during your safaris in Kenya.

African Sermon Safaris can help you book the train service when you take Kenya safari holiday tour and travel in Kenya to include Masai Mara safari tour with them.

Kenya safari - Wildlife safaris Kenya

Safaris in Kenya - Wildlife safaris Kenya tour:

Kenya has a magnificent climate and landscape - part of which rests on the equator - making for a land of astounding contrast. There are snow-capped mountains, such as Mount Kenya, Africa's second largest mountain after Mount Kilimanjaro in neighbouring Tanzania. The waterfalls and lush tropical forests of Aberdare National Park provide a welcome relief from the arid open plains of Samburu and Kenya's north-eastern region. If that isn't enough, visitors can bask in the sunshine on the palm-fringed white beaches of the Coast Province.

Most visitors to Kenya experience this extraordinary contrast by spending a few days on the coast, bathing in the warm, tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean, before venturing inland for that quintessential of African experiences: the Kenya safari. Wildlife in Kenya is astounding; particularly in the Masai Mara, home of the big five - elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, lion, leopard - as well as hippos, crocodiles and the now endangered cheetah. Birds and wildlife are as abundant as they are varied and it is a wholly unforgettable experience. Imagine being surrounded by thousands of wildebeest and zebra, thundering along like a great train towards greener pastures. This is their Great Annual Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara. It is both humbling and mystifying.

But there's much more to a safari in Kenya than just game drives. Safari lodges themselves are superb for wildlife viewing while you enjoy your lunch between game drives. Lodges and camps are usually located beside rivers, which lure all sorts of wildlife to drink and bathe. Safari lodge activities are quite unique, what with invitations to silver-service bush dinners; night game drives to track the leopard; bush picnics and Maasai dancing. Discover all the secrets of Safaris in Kenya and Masai Mara safari tours and more in the photo-illustrated Kenya safari holiday wildlife holiday travelogue.

All information for Kenya travel can be found on this web site, including visa requirements, jabs and the best malaria tablets for Kenya. From thrill-seekers looking for excitement and adventure, to sun-worshippers planning a relaxing Kenya beach holiday safaris - a Kenya tour vacation has it all.

Whether you're planning a beach holiday safaris in Kenya, wildlife safari, or a Kenya beach safari tour combo, you will discover plenty of information here to help with your preparations. Perhaps you're unsure about which game reserve(s) to visit or maybe you're just wondering when is the best time to travel to Kenya?

Masai Mara Safari in Kenya

Masai Mara safari tour and safaris in Kenya
The Masai Mara (aka Maasai Mara) is a large park reserve in south-western Kenya, which is effectively the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park game reserve in Tanzania. Named for the Maasai people (the traditional inhabitants of the area) and the Mara River which divides it, it is famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of the wildebeest every July and August, a migration so immense it is called the Great Migration.

Geography
With an area of 1510 km² the Masai Mara is not the largest game park in Kenya, but it is probably the most famous. The entire area of the park is nestled within the enormous Great Rift Valley that extends from the Mediterranean Sea to South Africa. The terrain of the reserve is primarily open grassland, with clusters of the distinctive acacia tree in the south-east region. The western border is the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment of the Rift Valley, and wildlife tends to be most concentrated here, as the swampy ground means that access to water is always good and tourist disruption is minimal. The easternmost border is 224 km from Nairobi, and hence it is the eastern regions which are most visited by tourists.

Masai Mara Wildlife
The Masai Mara is perhaps most famous for its lions. All other members of the "Big Five" are to be found in the Masai Mara, although the population of black rhinoceros is severely threatened, with a population of only 37 recorded in 2000. Hippopotami are found in large groups in the Masai Mara and Talek Rivers. Cheetah are also to be found, although their numbers are also threatened, chiefly due to tourist disruption of their day-time hunting. As mentioned above, the plains between the Mara river and the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment are probably the best area for game viewing, in particular regarding lion and cheetah.

Like in the Serengeti, the wildebeest are the dominant inhabitant of the Masai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions. Around July of each year these ungainly animals migrate in a vast ensemble north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving an immensity of hervibores: some 1,300,000 Wildebeest, 360,000 Thomson's Gazelle, and 191,000 Zebra. These numerous migrants are followed along their annual, circular route by a block of hungry predators, most notably lions and hyena.

Numerous other antelope can be found, including Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, impala, topi and Coke's hartebeest. Large herds of zebra are found through the reserve. The plains are also home to the distinctive Masai giraffe as well as the common giraffe. The large Roan antelope and the nocturnal bat-eared fox, rarely present elsewhere in Kenya, can be seen within the reserve borders. The Masai Mara is a major research centre for the spotted hyena. Additionally, over 450 species of birdlife have been identified in the park, including vulture, marabou, secretary bird, hornbill, crowned crane, ostrich, long-crested eagle, and pygmy falcon.  

A typical safaris in Kenya to Masai Mara safari tour and holidays as offered may be as follows:

3 Days Maasai Mara Lodge Safari tour

Day 1: Nairobi - Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Distance: 285 kms (5 hrs) Morning drive into the Masai Mara with its amazing concentration of wildlife and outstanding scenery. Lunch at the lodge Afternoon game drive. Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge, L,D.
 
Day 2: Masai Mara Game Reserve
Morning and afternoon game drives in the finest game sanctuary in Kenya, noted for its lions and other wildlife. Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge, B, L,D.
 
Optional Visit to a local Maasai village at a cost of $25 per person or hot air balloon ride at US$ 450 per person may be undertaken on this day
 
Day 3: Maasai Mara - Nairobi
Early morning game viewing drive. After breakfast drive back to Nairobi to arrive at approximately 1.30pm, B
 
Tour cost: US$ 800 per person sharing. Single room supplement: US$ 155
 
Tour Cost Includes:
-Guarantee price/guarantee safari on confirmation
-All ground transport whilst on safari in a comfortable safari minibus equipped for game viewing, photography and touring
-Full board accommodation whilst on safari and meal plan as described, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
-Accommodation in double/triple room
-All park entrance fees to include government taxes
-Service of an English speaking professional driver/guide
-All game drives as detailed in the itinerary
-Bottled water whilst on safari
-Start and end in Nairobi.
-Personalised service

Tour Cost excludes:
-Tips
-Laundry
-Beverages/Drinks
-International flights
-Visas
-Items of a personal nature
-Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

You may want to take this trip to Masai Mara safari tour. If you wish you, please contact African Sermon Safaris in Kenya and also for other offers like Masai Mara safari tour and Kenya safari holiday to see wildlife in Kenya

Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro - Climbing in Kenya and Tanzania

Climb Mt Kenya safaris in Kenya - Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania:
Kenya is located in the eastern part of Africa. It has an area of about 150,000 square kilometers. It is a very popular tourist destination and also a hotspot for climbing and hiking. In the central highlands a couple of hundred kilometers north of the equator lays Mt.Kenya. It is here, where the Kikuyu god 'ngai' resides. It is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa. It is one of the few places near the equator on Africa with permanent glaciers. The name of the country has been known to have been derived from climbing Mt.Kenya which was formerly known as Mount Kirinyaga.

The mountain is located 180 kilometers north of Nairobi and it can often be seen from high-rise buildings in Nairobi and from Thika. It is an extinct volcano, which formed a couple of million years ago. The mountain is located in the Mount Kenya National Park, which is a designated protected area around the mountain above 3200m altitude. The Kenya Wildlife Service manages the park. The national park covers an area of 700 square kilometers and was established in 1949.

Kenya enjoys an equatorial climate with average annual temperatures of about 26C and diurnal temperatures of about 3C. There are two rainy seasons on the mountain from April-June and October-December. The mountain is an important water catchment area and many rivers such as the Naro Moru emerge from the melting glaciers.

The first documented ascent of the mountain was by Halford Mackinders. At the moment the mountain attracts several thousand climbers both local and international annually. It is this popularity, which has contributed to the deterioration of the environment and the litter accumulation.  

At the base and around this mountain are famous hotels such as the Mount Kenya Safari Club, Outspan Hotel, Naro Moru River Lodge, Treetops Lodge, Mountain Lodge, Aberdare Country Club, Bantu Lodge and several others. Tourists who do not wish to climb often visit the hotels for the view, luxury accommodation, fresh air and the tranquil atmosphere.

Compared to climbing Mt. Kenya Africa’s highest mountain Kilimanjaro is a relatively easy climb and the main summit of Uhuru peak (5895m) can be reached by most climbers. The mountain, though the highest is relatively a boring climb with not much scenery or change in landscape. The origin of the name Kilimanjaro still remains a mystery and is thought mean a great hill in Kiswahili. It is also thought that Mount Kilimanjaro once belonged to Kenya up until the division of the British empire in east Africa when the Queen of England altered the border of the two nations to accommodate the mountain onto Tanzania. After that local history has it that the presidents of the two nations agreed on a trade; Mount Kilimanjaro will be part of Kenya if Kenya hand over Mombasa to Tanzania which did not happen as Kenya would loose a strategic port and its second largest city.

Though Kilimanjaro is relatively dry and can be climbed all year round the main dry climbing season begins from January-February and June-September. For climbers with limited time one can easily fly to Kilimanjaro International airport from either Nairobi or Dar es salaam and stay overnight in Moshi or Arusha town.

The Mount Kenya Clean Up Mission 1998 was formed in May 1998. It was an idea based on previous attempts by the community to clean the mountain.

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

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.

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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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.