MASAI MARA NAROK HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES
Why Travel to Narok?
Narok is a hidden gem that many travelers overlook when planning their trip to Kenya. However, this town has much to offer those who are willing to explore beyond the usual tourist destinations. Here are some reasons why you should consider traveling to Narok:
- Natural Beauty: Narok is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Kenya. From the Maasai Mara National Reserve to the Ewaso Nyiro River, there is no shortage of stunning landscapes to explore.
- Cultural Experience: Narok is a melting pot of different ethnic groups, including the Maasai people who are famous for their unique culture and traditions. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting Maasai villages and learning about their way of life.
- Adventure: For the adrenaline junkies, Narok offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. From hot air balloon rides over the Maasai Mara to hiking Mount Suswa, there is no shortage of thrilling activities to enjoy.
- Affordable: Narok is a budget-friendly destination, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience Kenya without breaking the bank.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The accommodation here is excellent with numerous options from tented camps, luxury lodges to camping grounds and Holiday homes https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53424437
Top Sights to Visit in Narok
- Maasai Mara National Reserve: The Maasai Mara is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Narok. This game reserve is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino) and offers visitors the chance to witness the annual wildebeest migration. There are a list of actvities to do in the Masai Mara including
- Witness the Wildebeest Migration.
- Set out on your Safari Game Drive.
- Hover Above the Mara in a Hot Air Balloon.
- Create Memories with the Maasai on Cultural Visits.
- Witness Iconic Wildlife on Walking Safaris.
- Marvel at the Mara River.
- Be Amazed by Mara Birdlife.
- Moonlit Moments in the Masai Mara
- Spear throwing with Masai Warriors.
- Cultural Village tour.
- Donning Masai regalia.
- Trying Masai delicacies (Meat, milk and blood)
- Engaging in Masai Warrior dances.
- Ewaso Nyiro River: The Ewaso Nyiro River is a lifeline for the local communities and wildlife in Narok. Visitors can take a boat ride down the river to see crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
- Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site: For history buffs, the Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site is a must-visit. This archaeological site has been inhabited by humans for over a million years and is home to some of the oldest stone tools ever discovered.
- Mount Suswa: Hiking Mount Suswa is a challenging but rewarding experience. This volcanic mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Little-Known Places to Visit in Narok
- Maji Moto Hot Springs: Maji Moto Hot Springs is a hidden gem located just a few kilometers from Narok town. Visitors can relax in the natural hot springs and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Enkare Naiyobi Village: Enkare Naiyobi is a Maasai village located on the outskirts of Narok. Visitors can learn about Maasai culture and traditions, and even take part in traditional dances and ceremonies.
- Loita Hills: The Loita Hills are a lesser-known attraction in Narok but offer visitors the chance to hike through beautiful forests and see some of the local wildlife, including elephants and giraffes.
- Mara Naboisho Conservancy: The Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a community-led conservation project that offers visitors a unique safari experience. Unlike the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the conservancy has limited visitor numbers, making it a more exclusive and intimate experience.
3 Day Masai Mara Safari Itinerary
This 3 Day Masai Mara Guided safari starts from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. Our professional guide will pick you up at 7:00 H from your accommodation to transfer to your Masai Mara National Reserve. Alternatively, depending on your travel plan, pick up can be from Jomo Kenyatta Internation Airport however you will have to book a flight arriving in Nairobi early morning hours. Masai Mara National Reserve is a 6 hours drive by road from Nairobi. You will be briefed first upon your 3 Day Masai Mara guided Safari to Africa’s greatest wildlife Reserve before you embark on the journey. Enjoy a drive through scenic views of the Nairobi suburbs, beautiful savannah grasslands, and the plains of the Rift Valley. You will stop at the great rift valley viewpoint for photography shortly after which you will continue the journey to the park. Upon your arrival at the Park, you will check-in accommodation just in time for lunch. After the refreshment, you will then depart for an evening game drive, expect to see various wildlife species to include: giant elephants, hippopotamus, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and so many more.
Our accommodation options for this safari depend on your package type preference, We are happy to recommend top-notch lodge/ Camp options upon inquiry https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53424437
The next 6 to 10 hours are spent game viewing in Kenya’s leading Masai Mara National Reserve. You will embark on two game drives in the Mara: morning game drive and the afternoon game drive with organized bush breakfast in search of the big five and other wildlife species to include: Masai giraffe, baboons, warthogs, Wildebeest, buffaloes, zebras, jackals, spotted hyenas, topi, impala, Hartebeests, nat eared foxes, the crocodiles and hippopotamus of the Mara and Talek Rivers.
Should your planned time to visit be in the months (July-Sept), you should brace yourselves to witness the thrilling Great wildebeest Migration as it happens in the Mara.
This natural movement of over 4 million grazers from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara National Reserve is the sole reason why many visitors opt to come to Masai Mara National Reserve at this time of the year.
To Note:
• There is an optional cultural visit to the Masaai tribe community within the park; this visit grants you a chance to learn about the Masaai culture, customs, ways of living and their exercising cultural dance.
After the amazing full-day game viewing experience, We transfer back to lodge/Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
We enjoy our last breakfast at the accommodation before we pack up and depart for our last morning game drive in the Mara to catch our last glimpses of the resident wildlife. Exit the park and drive back to Nairobi with a picnic lunch stop. Continue to the airport for your flight home or consider an extension to the beaches of the Kenyan Coast.
Itinerary example for a 4 day Masai Mara tour
The typical itinerary that safari visitors can expect on a 4 day Masai Mara tour includes:
Day 1 – Start your safari from Nairobi
Meal plan: Lunch, Dinner
A tour driver guide reports to your hotel for the start of the safari, with a 8am – 8.30am departure for a scenic drive down into the Rift Valley, to Masai Mara. You will be in your own private safari vehicle and stop briefly en route at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for stunning views of what is the world’s largest valley.
Arrive at Masai Mara for lunch. The afternoon game drive at 3.30pm allows for spotting some of the most incredible wildlife in the park. Return to your camp by 6.30pm. Dinner and overnight at Basecamp which could be Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge or similar, depending on availability.
Day 02 – Enjoy a full day in Masai Mara
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On day 2, you can look forward to enjoying two game drives, one in the morning at 6.15am, before breakfast and the other in the late afternoon after lunch.
As your safari is private, your game drive timings will be flexible, useful if you are traveling with children, or are on a honeymoon. You may also choose to have a full day game drive with a packed picnic lunch at no extra cost. Return to your camp by evening.
Dinner and overnight at Basecamp which could be Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge or similar, depending on availability.
Day 3 – Enjoy another full day in Masai Mara
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy another full day at Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. You may want to add a Maasai Village visit or a Hot air Balloon ride into your safari, which are optional activities that can be booked at an additional cost. Return to your camp by evening.
Wherever you go in the vast Masai Mara, you will see an abundance of wildlife such as Masai giraffe, baboons, warthogs, bat eared foxes, gray jackals, spotted hyena, topis, impala, hartebeests, wildebeest. Elephants, buffaloes, zebras and hippos are also found in great numbers.
Dinner and overnight at Basecamp which could be Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge or similar, depending on availability.
Day 4 – Return to Nairobi
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch
At the break of dawn you embark on your concluding game drive in the Mara followed by a relaxed breakfast and onward departure for Nairobi. Arrive into Nairobi by early afternoon, typically at approximately 2.30pm.
Drop off at your hotel, or free onward transfer to the airport for your flight home.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Private English speaking driver guide.
- Park entry fees.
- Full board meal plan.
- Accommodation.
- Private transportation throughout your trip.
- Airport transfers.
EXCLUSIONS
- Drinks including drinking water at the lodges.
- Travel Insurance.
- International Air Tickets.
- Local Air tickets unless where indicated.
- Tips to driver and porters.
- Any other Item not mentioned.
Best to fly or drive to Masai Mara?
On a 4 day safari, flying and driving to the Masai Mara are both viable options, with flying bringing obvious time savings (50 minutes from Nairobi) and incredible views of the wildlife and landscape. Flying also comes with a higher price tag.
The drive to the Mara takes almost 6 hours, with the last 100km/62mi of the road quite poor. Fly-in safaris usually include top-end accommodation and all your activities.
On a 4 day tour of the Mara, you can easily break up the drive with a stopover. Lake Nakuru NP is the most popular option. This Rift Valley lake teems with birdlife, and this is the best place in Kenya to see rhinos, which are very difficult to spot in the Masai Mara, as well as the hustle and bustle of African countryside life.
Another great option is to spend a night at Hell’s Gate NP. The dramatic scenery is the main attraction and, as there are few dangerous animals, cycling and hiking are permitted in the park.
FAQs
How much spending money do I need for a 4 day Masai Mara safari?
Visitors should budget for approximately $300 for a Masai Mara safari per person per day, including food and accommodation. Masai Mara safaris can be more expensive than their continental counterparts due to the higher costs of accommodation and food.
What animals will I see on a 4 day Masai Mara safari tour?
Visitors on a 4 day Masai Mara safari will see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo), hyenas, wildebeest, giraffes, cheetah, zebras, endangered black rhinos, hippos, crocodiles and much more.
What is the best part of Masai Mara?
The best part of Masai Mara is the renowned and remote western section of the reserve, known as the Mara Triangle. It is managed as a non-profit conservancy run by the local Maasai and is considered one of the best areas for game-viewing in the area.
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