A Game Drive In the Mara- What to Expect

A game drive in Maasai Mara can be fun all year round. There is no particular time of the year when you will not find wildlife in the Game Reserve. However, if you are more fascinated by the 8th Wonder of the world, the wildebeest migration, the best time for a Kenyan Safari will be between late July and October.  The best time to view animals is either at dawn or dusk.

While staying at Mara West Camp you will access the Masai Mara Game Reserve through the Oloololo Gate which is only 3 km from the camp. Kindly note that you will be required to pay a park fee of $80 per person.

We offer game drives in our 4×4 vehicles with specially outfitted open hatches for prime game viewing and photography. This is the best way to explore the wilderness of the Mara and its wildlife. We also have highly skilled and knowledgeable drivers and guides who will help you understand the flora and fauna.

Mara West safari vehicleBrace yourself to be wowed by the wild animals. Nothing really prepares you for the first time you meet the African wildlife. You are almost guaranteed to see lions, leopards, cheetah, hyenas, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, baboons, warthogs, buffalo, zebra, elephants, and of course hippos and crocodiles in the Mara River. If you visit Maasai Mara between July and October the wildebeests and zebras will be at their highest numbers and you will more likely see the lions, cheetahs and leopards hunting.

Most animals have their hiding places and most camouflage with their surrounding so know where to look to avoid missing the animals. A leopard for instance will be up a tree while crocodiles will be hiding under water in the Mara River. To know exactly where different animals are to be found you can carry a wildlife distribution map.

giraffeMost of the animals are dangerous so look out for signs to know if you are getting too close to the animals. For example watch out for steaming dung heaps to give you a good indication how close you might be to an elephant. Finally remember to follow all the park rules as listed here  for your own safety and for the protection of the animals and the habitat.

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