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    The Ultimate Safari: Comparing Stays at Masai Mara and Naboisho Conservancy

    Africa, Blog, Kenya /

    Masai Mara Reserve The Masai Mara Reserve is one of Africa’s most famous and rich wildlife regions. It is located in southwestern Kenya, bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The Masai Mara Reserve is a public park; anyone can enter and tour it. Many tour operators offer safari tours; this is where my research on Kenyan safaris started. The Masai Mara is home to a kaleidoscope of wild and rocky landscapes, warm and hospitable Masai people, and a fantastic diversity of large and tiny animals. It is world-famous for hosting the dramatic Great Migration, which brings 1.5 million wildebeests to its expansive savannahs every July through October. The Mara also supports about 95 animal species and almost 550 bird species. The Mara is home to the African Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, Cape buffalo, and leopards. The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the few national reserves in Africa that is fortunate enough to host all of “The Big Five.” However, spotting rhinos and leopards can be as challenging as finding gold! The Masai Mara National Reserve is the “Home of the Big Cats” (lions, leopards, and cheetahs). It is famous for having the most significant number of big cats in East Africa and worldwide, delivering exceptional sightings and unrivaled cat encounters. Park Entrance Fee: Visitors pay park entrance fees to support conservation efforts and sustain the park’s ecosystem. As of January 1, 2024, the Masai Mara National Reserve has two different entry fee structures based on the travel season: January 1–June 30: Non-resident adults pay $100 per day, children ages 9–17 pay $50 per day, and students and citizens of Masai Mara pay different rates. July 1–December 31: Non-resident adults pay $200 per day, children ages 9–17 pay $50 per day, and students and citizens of Masai Mara pay different rates. Children aged eight and under receive free admission. Conservancy Private conservancies, such as the Naboisho Conservancy, are not just areas of land set aside for wildlife conservation. The Masai people own these exclusive havens, and local organizations or private businesses run them. Though smaller than the Masai Mara Reserve, these conservancies offer a more intimate and personalized safari experience, making you feel like a privileged guest in the heart of the wild. The Naboisho Conservancy consists of 50,000 acres of pristine wildlife territory and spectacular scenery in the Great Rift Valley. Situated within the greater Mara Region, it borders Mara National Reserve to the southwest, Olare Motorogi Conservancy to the west, and Ol Kinyei Conservancy to the east. The number of tourists at the Mara Naboisho Conservancy is limited—about 100 people at any given time, ensuring you’re not just another vehicle in a crowd. You might find yourself the only one around, enjoying unspoiled views of the wildlife. The Conservancy is home to one of Africa’s highest populations of lions. Their passionate and knowledgeable guides promise a memorable and thrilling time. The Conservancy supports land and wildlife conservation while generating wealth for Masai landowners. By visiting Mara Naboisho, you contribute to protecting the cultural heritage of the local Masai people and improving access to their vital services. Spanning 145 square kilometers, Mara Naboisho Conservancy is the second-largest Masai Mara region and has one of the highest wildlife concentrations in the region. Its rolling hills, riverine acacia woodlands, and sprawling grasslands host elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, and many lions. With only nine safari camps, it offers an exclusive safari that is free from crowds and provides a more authentic feel. Due to the limited number of accommodations, booking early is essential, especially during the peak travel season from July to October. Each camp and lodge offers unique qualities, ensuring a comfortable, satisfying, and exceptional safari experience. What are the differences between staying at Masai Mara Reserve and Naboisho Conservancy?   Access The Masai Mara Reserve is open to the public, meaning there are more tourists. Such activity positively affects the wildlife, as they are familiar with humans’ presence. The reserve accommodates both day and overnight visitors, guided and unguided. Guests staying at the conservatory can interact closely with the wildlife. For instance, at a big cat sighting in the Masai Mara Reserve, you might see 20 to 30 cars, and sometimes even more. Most of the time, you will only see three or four vehicles at a time in a private reserve. Private conservancies only let a certain number of people in each day, and park tourists are not allowed to stay there all day. During the day, people who remain in private conservancies can visit the reserve. However, this isn’t the case; only those residing in conservancies can access safaris. Game Drives The reserve has strict rules about where you can go and what you can do on a game drive. The Masai Mara Reserve restricts game drives to the main road only during daylight hours. Your guide must stay on the road and get closer to the animals. However, the reserve is the best place to see the famous river crossings of the Great Migration in July. Game Drive at Masai Mara National Reserve The Naboisho Conservancy permits guides to drive off-road, allowing visitors to get closer to the animals. There is a limit on the number of cars at each location. The scenery makes it easier to see the animals and enhances viewing enjoyment. Naboisho Conservancy Game Drive Night Drives While the Reserve prohibits night drives, private conservancies like Naboisho permit them. Every safari-goer should have the exciting encounter of seeing nighttime animals like leopards prowling at night at least once. On our night game drive, we saw an unforgettable leopard! Walking Safaris Only private conservancies, not the Masai Mara Reserve, allow walking safaris. Exploring the bush on foot offers a new perspective and lets you learn about the smaller creatures and plants often overlooked during game drives. Accommodations The Masai Mara Reserve has various properties, from camps and lodges to beautiful luxury properties. Accommodations in private conservancies offer a more luxurious and personalized feel. These can

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    The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Kenya

    Africa, Destination, Kenya /

    EXPLORE KENYA                                  Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 224,081 square miles Capital: Nairobi Main Religion: 85% Christian Population: 56.2 million people Official Language: Swahili is Kenya’s official language. English is widely spoken. Currency: The Kenyan shilling is the currency in Kenya. The conversion rate was from 1 USD to 127.62 Kenyan shillings. All major credit cards are accepted. Banking Hours: M-F 09:00–16:00 and Sat 09:00–12:00 Telecommunication: Country code: +254 plus Area Code plus 2-digit Area Codes (Nairobi 20, Mombasa 41, Nakuru 51, Kisumu 57, and Eldoret 53). Climate: Despite its location on the equator, Kenya’s climate is usually sunny, dry, and moderate for most of the year. The Laikipia Plateau in Central Kenya maintains comfortable temperatures due to its altitude. Coastal areas are hotter, but the ocean breeze helps to maintain pleasant conditions for most of the year. There are two rainy seasons: the heaviest rains (called masika) usually fall from mid-March to May, and a shorter period of rain (called vuli) occurs in November and December. January and February are mostly dry, although there may be a chance of rain. The dry season, with cooler temperatures, lasts from May to October. Travel Requirements As of January 1, 2024, foreign nationals can visit Kenya without a visa for business or tourism for up to 90 days. However, most visitors must apply for and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorization (E.T.A.) online at least 72 hours before travel. E.T.A. cost: $30–$34 It takes up to 3 business days to process the ETA.  E.T.A. validity is limited to one trip. To apply for an E.T.A., you’ll need to provide the following information: A recent passport-sized photo Contact information, including email address and phone number, is required. Arrival and departure itinerary Accommodation booking confirmation(s) Use a payment method like a credit card or debit card. If you are visiting for personal reasons, please provide your hosts’ passport numbers (or the number from another identity card). If you are visiting for business, you should have an invitation letter from your company. East African Community (E.A.C.) nationals are exempt from the E.T.A. requirement VAT Refunds: Most goods and services, including accommodations and food, in Kenya include the value-added tax (VAT), which is currently 16%. Foreign visitors must present receipts at the airport and carry purchased items in their luggage to get a VAT refund. Transportation Options Main Airport: Kenya has several major airports, including five international airports and Wilson Airport, the main airport for domestic flights. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the largest airport in East and Central Africa, is the main airport in Nairobi and Kenya. It handles most inbound and outbound flights. JKIA is located in the Embakasi neighborhood of Nairobi, 11 miles southeast of the city’s commercial center. JKIA has scheduled flights to more than 50 countries and it records approximately 123 flights daily. Moi International Airport (M.I.A.), the second-largest airport under Kenya Airports Authority (K.A.A.) management, is the primary airport serving the coastal strip. Wilson Airport, a smaller secondary airport in Nairobi, primarily caters to light aircraft and small airlines. It’s the main airport for domestic flights, especially if you’re heading into the countryside. Kisumu International Airport and Eldoret International Airport are international airports in Kenya.  Public Transport: Non-motorized transport (N.M.T.) is the most widely used mode of transport. In Nairobi, 45% of people walk for their daily trips, and many others use N.M.T. to reach public transport. For transportation within Nairobi, the most popular option is Uber, which provides a reliable and secure means of getting around.  Bus Service: Matatus, or shared minibuses, are the most popular mode of public transportation among natives in Kenya. They leave their destinations when they are full, so there is no set schedule, but with fixed and reasonable fees, they are an excellent way for Kenyans to go about it. Travel by Train: Train travel in Kenya is a unique and picturesque method of experiencing the country’s different landscapes and connecting major towns. Kenya’s railway infrastructure, notably the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), offers pleasant and efficient transportation for inhabitants and visitors. Transport: Over the years, tarmacked highways and flyovers have significantly improved urban roads, particularly those in Nairobi and Mombasa, alleviating traffic congestion. However, rural roads still need to be improved and be in better condition, making navigation difficult for visitors. Travel Safety Tips Kenya is a safe destination compared to other African countries. Nairobi Central and City Square are busy and relatively safe during the day, but it’s best not to travel alone. We had no issues when we took Uber to nighttime dining establishments. As with any large city, exercise caution and common sense. Avoid walking alone or traveling in isolated areas, and always be vigilant. Leave your valuables in your hotel’s safe box, and bring only what you need. Health Safety Malaria is prevalent everywhere, except in Nairobi and areas higher than 2500 meters above sea level. We prepared for this trip and took precautions during our time in Africa. We had anti-malarial medications and different kinds of mosquito repellant that we brought from home. Malaria is more common along the coast and around Lake Victoria. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes only come out at night, so always practice precautions. We wore long sleeves, clothing with permethrin, mosquito repellent spray, and even mosquito repellant bracelets. We had mosquito nets in our bedrooms at Diani Beach to ensure our safety while sleeping. To avoid mosquito bites, we sprayed mosquito repellant daily. We successfully avoided mosquito bites by taking these precautions. If you suspect malaria or any other mosquito disease, such as fever, low energy, chills, and lack of appetite, similar to flu-like symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. There are clinics throughout the country that are well-equipped to deal with malaria. You can receive immediate medication and treatment.  Fun Facts! Kenya has 536 kilometers of coastline in the Indian Ocean. It has

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