Travel Checklist
Best times to visit
At Masa Mara you can see wildlife throughout the year. The best time depends on what you intend to achieve or your objective.
If you want to witness the “great migration”, please visit between the months of mid-July to 1st week of September. This is when the “great migration” takes place, when over a million wildebeests, also known as Gnus, migrate into Masai Mara from Serengeti and cross the Mara river in herds – a spectacle to behold. If you have patience and get lucky you can also see crocodiles taking down the Gnus when they cross the Mara river. However, this is when the entire world descends on Kenya, please expect hundreds of vehicles all over the park, and needless to mention, its more expensive.
Mid-December to the end of April in my opinion, is the best time to visit, if you are not that keen on witnessing the great migration. Please don’t get me wrong, “the great migration” is awesome. However, during this time Masai Mara generally does not have that many visitors and is perfect for photographers. During this period you can spend time with the wildlife of your choice and take great photos and videos without annoying vehicles spoiling your shot. Being a wildlife photographer, this is my favorite time to be in Mara.
Things to Carry
- Carry Sun Burn Cream, diarrhea medicine and antibiotics.
- Get the plug point converter – OREI UK Adapter from Amazon.
- Having the right hat – Ultra Adventure Hat from REI.COOP Shop .
- Insect Repellant – Repel-Insect-Repellent-Spray from Amazon
- Recommended clothing –Button-Up Shirts from REI.COOP Shop.
- Get after-bite pen. I use After-Bite—Eraser-Relief-Insect from Amazon.
- Set travel notifications with your bank and credit card companies.
Please get up to date on your vaccinations including yellow fever and carry the vaccination proof.
- Carry your daily medicines in your carry-on luggage. Create a backup set and put it in the check in baggage.
- Please carry your medication and start your malaria medication three days before the start of the trip and continue till two days after or as advised by the doctor.
- Carry extra batteries, memory and memory card readers for your cameras. You are in the middle of nowhere and if those things break you will be in trouble.
- Shoes are going to be very important. Make sure you have shoes that covers your ankle and you can walk in them for the whole day and if required sleep with the shoes on. If you plan on buying shoes, do it now and break it in by wearing it for the next two weeks. I use Merrells Jungle Moc.
Merrell Jungle Moc Shoes Mens from REI COOP Shop
- TIA – This is Africa….
Look before you take a step…I see the smile on your face but trust me, this is one piece of advice that will keep you away from unwanted situations.
