When is the best time to visit the preserved African savanna, Masai Mara?
- Feb 03, 2019
- in Articles
- Dr. Linto John
July through October, is the best time to see the great migration & other wild animals at the preserved African savanna, Masai Mara. You get to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, hippos, wildebeest, gazelle & more at Masai Mara, Kenya.
A journey to the roots of nature is what a trip to African savanna can be described in the simplest sentence. This is one such place on the planet, where you feel that you are part of the one large ecosystem called earth. Beyond the concrete jungles, industrialisation and the polluted air, you see & experience how nature exists if there were no humans on earth.
A trip to Maasai Mara is in the list of any wildlife enthusiast and photographer. The journey starts from Nairobi to Masai Mara either by air or road. The landing at a mudstrip in Masai Mara is a new experience for a first time traveller as we are used to the sophisticated aviation systems around the world. There are locals welcoming you at the airstrip dressed up in traditional Masai tribal dress.
The stay was arranged in a lodge within the Maasai Mara National Reserve. You start to experience the African wilderness right from the journey from airstrip to the lodge. Our guide asked if we needed rest after the overnight journey before the evening safari. The excitement was so high that we readily embarked upon the safari jeep into the African savanna.
The journey started around 3 .00 pm in the evening. I had heard that the evening light in in the landscape is magical and really it was nothing less than expected. The never ending grasslands, animals native to Africa ,the setting sun, the animals in the horizon, the light showering through the clouds...you need to be there to experience it. These are moments you wish that never end.
The next day morning started with the hope to see the big five. In Masai Mara you never miss them. You name them and you have it. With an experienced guide, they make sure you get the best experience of Africa. The twelve hour safari starting from morning to evening, it was an action packed day. We witnessed the big five and many more. The sheer joy of watching them is beyond words and scripts.
The great migration is one of its kind you ever see on earth. The wildebeests and zebras are in millions. They travel from Tanzania to Kenya and back from July to October and is a never ending sight throughout your travel in Masai Mara during the season. The other seasons too are buzzing with native wildlife in the savanna.
For an avian enthusiast Masai Mara is a paradise. You never get tired unless you develop cramps in your hand using camera. Watching them live is much more than the pictures convey.
We welcome you to Greencapsafari’s next trip to experience Africa in Sept & Oct 2019. Keep your camera, extra batteries and memory cards ready. Lets fly and experience Maasai Mara.
Dr. Linto John
Bird Photographer
Managing Partner, Green Cap