Safari in The Masai Mara is one of the most sought experiences by thousands of safari-goers across the world. The Masai Mara located in southern Kenya is arguably the best animal kingdom in EastAfrica and Africa at large. The Mara boasts of the big five, huge numbers of predators including; lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas. Other wildlife includes; elephants, Buffaloes, hippos, wildebeests, rhinos, among others. It also cannot go without saying that this blissful animal kingdom is home to the great wildebeest migration, a seasonal movement of millions of grazer herds from adjacent Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
It is often that we get so many questions from our visitors to The Masai Mara concerned about their safety from the wild animals in The Masai Mara while on a safari. Safety from animals on safaris is guaranteed if you are to follow the list of given safety guidelines that govern wildlife activities in the Masai Mara. It is not in any safari operator’s interest to lose a visitor, so guidelines were set to ensure that they don’t.
While on a safari in the Masai Mara, your safari driver/ guide will always look out for you and inform you of the rules. It is common that many travelers opt for self-drive safaris which is a brilliant idea but over the years has come with many challenges, many of these visitors appear in the park without guidance and with the least knowledge on how to conduct game drives or even finding their way around the park. We do not recommend this type of safari, ensure to acquire the service and guidance of a professional guide that will be in charge of your safari, and also ensure your trip in the Masai Mara is conducted under the set guidelines.
Visiting the Masai Mara, you will once the sun has gone down be asked what time you want to have your dinner, then told to wait in your room or tent until that time when a Maasai or armed guard will be sent to pick you up from your room then escort you to the dining place and then back again after dinner. Some visitors do find it tedious whereas others consider it an exciting ritual. But given that you are in an unfenced wilderness full of wildlife and predators free to roam at will, it is advisable to follow rules and move around with an escort after dark. Depending on the accommodation you will opt for, some do afford the luxury of telephones whereas others have a simple whistle for emergencies.
The time to be alert for potential dangers in the wilderness of the Masaai Mara is while out for bush walks or walking safaris and to a lesser extent horseback safaris. Whatever the case you will always be with an experienced armed ranger, guide, or Maasai Tracker. It is absolutely very important to always follow their instructions carefully at all times. It is no place to let your guard down not even for a single moment. There have been incidences in the past where tourists have been killed, much more common incidences are with elephants, so never become too lax about anticipating any potential danger while out in the wilderness. Some of these incidences actually involve victims that have plenty of experience in the bush.
Under no circumstances should you ever wander off alone, be it in the daylight, and when for a moment you need to stage off to use a toilet or take a photograph, ensure to inform your guide as these are experienced individuals well versed with the lesser animal occupied areas of the Masai Mara. If an animal is to chance on you without the aid of a ranger or guide, the chance of survival is close to zero. Avoid swimming in rivers or lakes unless given a go-ahead by your guide, hippos are herbivores but highly territorial species known to the biggest killers after mosquitoes. Always ensure to treat wildlife with respect, and encourage your guide to keep a safe distance when viewing and tracking animals. All in all most precautions to look out for on a safari in the Masai Mara are actually linked to common sense
The Masai Mara is one of the remaining best-kept Animal kingdoms in the world, if you can visit, it is a chance not to be missed. You can check out our carefully crafted Masai Mara safari trip itineraries exploring the park on unmatched wildlife activities with add-ons to some of East Africa’s best attractions in the region.
