Kenya![Amboseli, Naivasha, Nukkuru and Masaai Mara]- A Must Visit Masai Mara!!

Kenya: The land of Untamed!!

Short Itinerary:

Travel to Nairobi:

We had booked a flight from Bengaluru to Nairobi. There is a direct flight from Mumbai to Nairobi. 

Our flight was via Mumbai. 

FYI: In Mumbai you need to change terminals. You must exit the airport take free bus service which will be available just outside the airport to reach another terminal. So, plan your flight timings accordingly. Approximate time from one terminal to other in Mumbai is 20-40 mins.

Visa:

According to Jan 1st, 2024 notification, Indians are eligible for visa on arrival to visit Kenya. [Please confirm again].

Vaccinations:

Yellow fever vaccination and polio [booster dose] is mandatory for entering and exiting Kenya. Vaccination must be taken at least 10 days before your entry to Kenya.

[Please get the vaccinations from government hospitals, since the valid certificate is mandatory. In Bengaluru we got it from C.V. Raman hospital, Indiranagar. You need to book an appointment, since only 50-60 slots are available per day]

Finances:

Kenyans accept US dollars as well. But the currency must be printed after 1996. Currency printed before that will not be accepted. 

You can even buy Kenyan Shillings. As of today, 1Rs is approximately 0.53 Kenyan Shillings. 

Safari bookings:

I had booked Day-1 to Day-7 via Meektrails [Including all Game drives, sightseeing, stay, water, and food]. 

Vehicle Booking:

You need to be specific about type of a tour[private or shared] and vehicle type . We had opted for 4*4-wheel drive Land cruiser Jeep from Day-1 to Day-7 pickup and drop back to Nairobi.

There is one more vehicle which looks like a van. I was not a great fan of it. If you choose this Van, it would cost you less; But since I wanted to have proper wild safari experience, I chose Land cruiser.

I prefer their vehicle for Game drives. Because, they have Radio communication inside vehicle, where they communicate about spotting of animals on Radio. Then guide drives you to that particular spot. And these vehicles are built for off roads. So, my suggestion is to choose their vehicle!

One of the best company which conducts safaris. Link to Meektrails:

Trip advisor

(https://bit.ly/44YisPh)

Instagram

(https://bit.ly/3q1VczW)

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/MeekTrails

Day-8 and Day-9 we spent on our own without any package [These days are optional for you] 

Detailed Itinerary:

Day1: Amboseli National Park

We reached Jomo Kenyatta airport in the morning at 5.30am. 

We bought safari.com sim card at the airport, freshened up in the airport and stepped out around 7.00am. 

Meektrails team was already present by 6.00am only. 

We had paid 30% of total fees for booking the package [We had paid via credit card. There are extra charges for credit card]. Paid the remaining 70%, bought coffee and burgers at airport and started our trip! 

On this day breakfast is not included in the package. 

We reached the Sentrim Amboseli Lodge around 12.30pm. There was buffet lunch arranged for all guests. And we had sufficient number of options for vegetarians! Obviously non-veg was there by implicit!

Then we had our afternoon game drive scheduled at 3.45pm. We got time to freshen up and get ready for the game drive.

Amboseli National Park:

The vast grassland, and large number of African elephants welcome you into their beautiful wildlife!

We were incredibly lucky to see two Cheetahs on this day itself. But it all depends on luck. 

It is very pleasing to see animals cross the roads in these kinds of Safaris. 

Fortunately, we saw Giraffe crossing the road. 

After that we came back to our resort around 6.00pm. Had buffet dinner and slept. 

 

Day2: Amboseli National Park-Full day Game drive

Today marks the full day Game drive of Amboseli national park! Be prepared to be amused about wildlife!!

After the buffet breakfast, we started the game drive. 

Amboseli is famous for elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro’s view.

Mount Kilimanjaro is present in Tanzania but can be seen from Amboseli.

We saw large number of elephants walking towards water bodies and drinking water. Birds flying high. 

We saw Baboons sitting and few walking. 

Then came the massive surprise. We saw male Ostrich dancing to seduce the female!!  Once female is impressed, she sits down showing that its ready to mate now. We could see Ostriches mating!! 

We were lucky since our guide/driver had a great binocular.

Then we went around to see more animals. Saw 25-30 elephants crossing the road in a line!

For lunch, we had picnic amidst the wild. Our guide had gotten us packed lunch. He had asked our meal preferences well in advance [vegetarian or non-veg].

We were dropped near a small hill. Need to climb a few steps, reach the top of the hill, and can have lunch there. It was quite hot while climbing steps. but View was worth it!

Veg food: Veg Fried rice, egg [optional]cup cake, juice, two toffees, Bread and fruits

Non-Veg: Chicken leg piece, egg [optional]cup cake, juice, two toffees, Bread and fruits.

Number of steps are less. So not to worry. Take your time and come down for post lunch drive.

After lunch, looked for lions, but unfortunately could not spot them in Amboseli. But guide promised us to show many predators in Masaai Mara!

We saw snakes, hippos, Wilder beasts, Wild buffalos, Zebras crossing road, lot many Giraffes, Antelopes, and innumerable elephants. 

Day 3: Lake Naivasha

We started after buffet breakfast from Amboseli to Naivasha.

We stopped at Rift Valley viewpoint.

Rift Valley is amazing natural point! Please read this to be amazed! You can read more about it online! Remarkably interesting thing! I am copy pasting below paragraph from internet for reference.

[Scientists explain the formation of the Great Rift Valley with the help of plate tectonic theory. According to this theory, the earth’s outer shell consists of about thirty rigid sections of rock called plates.

Movement along the boundary between two plates is about 1 to 10 centimeters a year. As plates move, the boundaries may collide, spread apart, or slide alongside one another. Such movements, along with erosion and volcanic activity, have also helped form the valley.

It has been speculated that the rift will soon become deep enough to host a new ocean that will separate Eastern Africa from the rest of the African continent]

Then we checked into our hotel Osotua Luxury Resort, from which Lake Naivasha is seen. Had an amazing buffet lunch. Again, Vegetarian options were plenty!

Our guide had asked us to be ready by 3.30pm. He picked us from our hotel and we went to lake Naivasha.

There already our booking was done for boating. Thus, there was no queue for us. Our guide dropped us to the boat which was private for us. 

Along with boat ride in Lake Naivasha, which is a freshwater lake, we saw many birds and hippos. 

Then boat driver, dropped us to one island, where there was a walking tour arranged for us.

Here you can go quite near to herbivorous animals. Still, they suggested to maintain some distance. 

We went quite near to Zebras, Giraffes, Antelopes, wilder beast.

After that we came to our hotel. Since it was Christmas Day, they had arranged for special non-veg dinner. Of course, Veg was also present for dinner.

Here we met couple of African kids who were extremely talented. They were singing and showing us dance steps. Incredibly beautiful and innocent kids. 

Day 4: Hells Gate

We started from Naivasha, after having breakfast and proceeded towards Hells Gate.

Since we had chosen to cycle, we were taken to choose the cycles before reaching the hells gate. Riding bicycles is optional. If you don't want to ride cycles you can go in your vehicle itself.

In hells gate, we saw the rock where Simba was announced next king in the Lion King movie. Then experienced hot water springs. Not much to explore these days since tourists are prohibited to go down. 

If you do not feel like it, you can skip hells gate.

After this, Checked into Ziwa bush lodge. Very serene place and impressive hosts.

Very beautiful fire place and reading area is available. 

Day 5: Game drive at Lake Nukkuru

Early morning by 6-6.30 need to be ready after having breakfast for the game drive at lake Nukkuru. 

If you are having breakfast early, u need to inform the kitchen previous night with your order. Then again morning just remind them before 10-15 mins, so that they can keep the breakfast ready. Service is quite slow in this place. But you can manage.

After breakfast we headed to Nukkuru lake. Once the permission process was done, we entered and started searching for Black and White Rhinos! yes you can see both! Very few places do have black and white Rhino together! And we saw them both.

We also saw six lions! Different variety of Giraffes also were spotted. Many herbivorous animals could also be seen.

After the drive, as it was pretty late to make it to lunch in Masaai mara, our guide called his office, and they sent a menu from a great café and we were allowed to order whatever we want. We ordered food and they had kept it ready the moment we reached! Our guide guided us to our table and left us to have a tasty meal.

After delicious meal we were headed to the great destination Masaai Mara

Disclaimer: Road from Nukkuru to Masaai mara is very bad. Only this road is not developed amongst our travel triangle. 

So be prepared. 

Once we reached Mara, went to our hotel Zebra plains Mara Camp and checked into our hotel.

Zebra plains Mara Camp:

Some interesting points about this stay:

People are extremely sweet and genuine.

They ask your food preferences the moment you enter.

Tents are quite far from the reception. But they have guards at every corner, who will come to drop or pick you up to and from tent any number of times you want. You can walk on your own. It is safe (we walked on our own). But if you feel u can ask them to drop you.

They assign one person to wait on you for your complete stay. Same person serves you all the meals and takes care of your comfort. 

They prepare very tasty vegetarian food which is a rare thing considering you are in foreign land. Of course, there is delicious non-vegetarian food as well.

They have two campfires and plenty of beautiful space for sitting outside, which opens  to wild life [can see herbivorous animals from your dining table].

Outside seating places are comfortable to enjoy your drinks, read a book in front of campfire or even lie down for sometime. It is very peaceful.

I am sure you will not forget this place once you visit.

And no one is giving me money to write review on this place. I am writing this based totally on my own experience .

Day 6: Full day Game drive in Masaai Mara national Reserve

This day we were excited. We had early breakfast and started to most anticipated day of this trip.

After permission procedures [hardly takes 5 mins. Guide takes care of all that], we entered Mara Reserve, it felt like we are in Jungle book movie!!

You can find most of the Herbivorous animals at one place together grazing and running around. 

There were Topies, Antelopes, Zebras, Giraffes, Impalas, grazing together.

Mesmerizing view I must say.

You get to see Elephant Grass [length of grass is quite long]. Which forms a meadow!

This day would be little, long day. Of course, you can opt for half day Game drive. But we wanted to be in the wild for full day. Hence, we had planned for full day game drive.

Note: Since you are in open jungle, it will be quite windy, and dusty. Afternoons are little hot. But since you are in vehicle you will be well protected. But be prepared for windy and dusty when you stand up in the vehicle.

The moment we were enjoying seeing herbivorous animals, our Guide heard something on Radio and started speeding. We knew! We were prepared to see some predators!!

The moment we reached to the spot, there were 2 lions and 4 lionesses sleeping!! 

Then one lion started walking and crossed the road.

There is something about animals crossing roads. Somehow it looks beautiful!!

From there we went on to see many Lions!! We saw 3 cute little lion cubs with their mothers, and a Lion sitting on a rock inside water body. 

After that, while just driving around looking for predators, our guide got a call on his radio. He started speeding up! Drive was too fast, and the path was purely in meadows! We were holding and sitting in the vehicle impressed with his driving skills. 

By the time we reached the spot, there was one leopard which was going in the bushes. We started waiting there only for some time since we couldn't spot them clearly. Then two leopards, moved inside bushes and we could see them properly!! It was amazing!!!

There is a clean washroom facility available inside the Mara Reserve with no charges. 

After washroom break, we had some snacks, which I had carried from India.

Obviously, our guide loved it. 

Then he went on to show us an Antelope hanging upside down from the tree. Leopards kill Antelopes and hang them upside down for the blood to drain so that the meat stays for longer number of days!! Nature and its brilliance are something else!!

After this we went to international border between Kenya and Tanzania. You can keep one leg in Tanzania and other in Kenya and enjoy little juvenile behavior!

After this we headed for lunch! It is a picnic lunch amidst an open wide Reserve.

Lunch was packed by Zebra Plain resort. Amidst the vast savannah there is rarely a tree we see; but our guide spotted one and made the arrangements for our picnic. 

For vegetarians: Veg Fried rice, veg samosa, 2 plain chapatis, bread, egg [if you are eggetarian], cake, Banana and Juice. 

For non-veg: Chicken leg piece, 2 plain chapatis, veg samosa, bread, egg, cake, Banana and Juice. 

For guide also, same food was packed.

After the romantic lunch, our guide took us near Mara river. Here is where great migration happens around June-July! There is a small walk where a local guard with a gun takes you to see Hippos and African Crocodiles. Walk was nice but it was ridiculously hot.

After the walk, guide headed towards Mara triangle! Very few guides take you here. Separate permission is required to enter Mara triangle. But our guide managed to get it.

On the way to Mara triangle, one lioness was about to attack an antelope but was distracted and started walking towards our vehicle. We had stopped and were observing the lioness. It came straight towards us, crossed the road from just behind our vehicle and disappeared into bushes. One of the favorite moments in Mara.

Mara triangle is very peaceful compared to Mara reserve. As we entered, we saw a lone Tusker amidst elephant grass. This one was said to be little angry Elephant. But do not worry, it did not do anything. 

Then our guide was just driving for long distance without any animals being spotted. We started wondering where we are going? since we are not able to see any animals.

That moment, we saw 100s of wild buffalos at a single place! of course they were little far.

We did not stop for wild buffalos, So, our drive was ongoing. Then suddenly my husband said Cheetah!! I was not expecting any wildlife in this triangle! But we saw Two Cheetahs nicely sleeping below a tree!! Our guide took all those efforts to get us into Mara triangle so that we could see Cheetahs properly!! thanks to him. We could see from remarkably close distance. Here also you can see Tanzania and Kenya border.

Then he proceeded to another road. Below one of the trees, one lion along with its two lionesses were sleeping. We waited here for some time. Then Lion got up, started walking leaving behind its wives. There were few other vehicles also along with us. All started following the lion. It walked about 600mts and found a small water body and started drinking water. 

Everyone’s eyes were on the lion!, which is drinking water. It must have drunk water for about 10-15 mins!! And we all were waiting till it finished. I mean common courtesy to wait😉. Once it was done, it looked around and started walking back. Then we knew where it was going. We went ahead of him and waited for it to come near its wives. He came there and started resting!! We waited here for some time just observing these beautiful predators!

Lions are the laziest animals! most of the times they are sleeping. Hence, if you see any lion standing or walking, then assume u have been incredibly lucky 😀

By this time, it was evening. We started heading back. On the way back we saw group of Mongooses, Substantial number. They look little bit different from Indian Mongoose. 

Then we saw 3 jackals and a Hyena.

By the time we were done, we had seen Big 5 of Kenya! [Elephant, Leopard, Lions, Wild buffalo, and Rhinos].

We stood in the vehicle while coming back enjoying the beautiful nature one more time. Taking it all in. 

Guide dropped us back to hotel Zebra Plains. 

We freshened up, took our books, and headed to shared area, where you can lie down and read a book. We ordered drinks and were reading novels for a long time with the beautiful day’s memories. Our personal waiter made sure to give us blankets so we do not feel cold. 

Night, we had an amazing dinner and slept like babies. 

Day 7: Mara Tribal village visit and Nairobi.

Today, we packed our bags and headed towards breakfast. After breakfast I was quite emotional to leave the place. One of the most beautiful places I ever visited with beautiful, sweetest people!

But in life you must move on. 

On the way our guide stopped for Village visit to introduce us to Mara tribe. 

Mara tribe are by choice away from the civilization. They have beautiful hand made tools to make their life easy. Their houses look so small from outside. But from inside! they have kitchen, kids’ room, parents’ room and guest room. They have proper beds and natural light.  Animal rearing and tourist buying the local items are the main sources of income for Mara tribes.

 

After this we were headed to Nairobi.

Zebra plains had packed lunch for us on this day also. We ate our packed food in some restaurant! Yes, you are allowed to carry your own meal there. 

After food, guide dropped us to our hotel [Around 4.00pm] Lotos Inn[I had booked using Make my trip], and we said goodbye to him. We rested remaining part of the day.

You can choose to return to your country on Day-7 also . In that case, they drop you to airport directly.

Day 8: Nairobi- Optional Day

Morning, after buffet breakfast, we were headed to Giraffe center.

Giraffe center, you can feed giraffes. The food which you feed to Giraffes, would be given to you by the center only. Entree fee is 15USD and cash is not accepted. Only credit cards or M-Paisa. Plastic is not allowed inside premises. 

We booked uber, which works really great in Nairobi, and prices were very reasonable.

Before and after feeding Giraffes, you are supposed to wash hands. We had lunch there only, brought souvenirs for family and headed to National Museum of Kenya.

In museum, you can pay by cash, but at some extra cost. 

My husband is an evolution buff. So, he spent lots and lots of time in museum [while i was totally bored 😒]. Perks of marrying a person who reads a lot 😇. But I love his passion and support it by waiting for him to be done and taking unnecessary videos 😅 

There is also snake park inside the museum. 

After this we headed towards supermarket, using uber where there was KFC and dominos as well.

Bought some food and snacks for the early morning flight.

Day 9: Return to your Country

Our flight was at 6.30am [early morning]. So, we had to be there in airport by 3.30am and out from our hotel by 2.30am! 

Our hotel packed us an amazing breakfast and delivered it to us on previous night itself.

[cold milk, cold juice, cooked vegetables, veg fried rice, cake, croissant, fruits [apple and orange], egg and much more].

We got up around 1.30, took bath and started to airport.

We had booked cab from hotel which costed us 30USD. Cab was present by the time we came to reception, which was around 2.30am.

Cab dropped us to the Airport. [There are two airports with multiple terminals for each]. So read your tickets properly before asking for a drop.

It took us about 30 mins for us to reach the airport. 

At airport, they obviously checked the documents, and we started back to Bengaluru via Mumbai!

Since customs happens in Mumbai, we had to collect our luggage in Mumbai and carry it to different terminal [In free bus of course].

At new terminal, again whole process of luggage dropping, security had to be done.

Then around 9pm reached to Bengaluru.

 

Important info about package:

Included in the package:

All accommodations, all activities, unless indicated.

All transportation, Meals, Park fees, Drinking water (On

all days when you are in the vehicle).

Drinking water is not free in Kenya any where. Buffet food is free, but if you have to drink water, you have to buy. 

park fees, Professional guide.

Excluded in the package:

Additional accommodation before and at the end

of the tour, international flights, Personal items

(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.), 

Tips: Tipping your guide/driver is mandatory in all the tour packages. sometimes its 5USD per person. here it was 10USD.

(Tipping guideline USD$10.00 pp [per person] per day)

Total cost approximation: 

Cost per person for the package is USD 2100  [INR.174090]  + 

Flight tickets[INR.51000] per person for from and to flight.

Flight, I had booked with special seats and food. So costed me little more. You can choose based on your convenience. 

Total cost with package and flight tickets per person= 2,25000INR. 

This is excluding last two nights stays, these two days' food, sightseeing and other general spending. 

Disclaimer: All the info above is according to me when I visited. Anything can change with time! So when you plan your trip, some of the things would have changed! Some tours even get cancelled at the end moment! This was just my itinerary. Read and make your plans accordingly 😃