Kenya boasts several tourist destinations, but the most sought after is the Masai mara National Reserve. The Reserve lies in South West Kenya, and it is one of the best destinations in Africa for big cats and big 5 safaris. The Mara is home to over 96 mammal species, including large populations of the Big Five, and over 450 bird species.
Planning a tour to Mara from India isn’t a walk in the park, given the different seasons and numerous activities that you can engage in while at the park. This is where tour agencies and tour guides such as come masaimarasafari.in come in handy. It is a Narobi-based travel agency offering the best Kenya tour packages from Bangalore at affordable rates. You can reach them out on phone or Whatsapp at +254719222430. Next, experts from AJKenyasafarias.com ltd share things you should know to plan the best Masai mara tours from Bangalore.
Travel Requirements from Bangalore to Kenya
Just like when traveling to any other country, Kenya authorities require that you have Kenyan Visa to be given entry into Kenya. The Kenya visa is applied online and you will need the following to lodge a full application:
Cost of Kenya Safari from Bangalore
There is a package for everyone, from budget to mid-luxury to luxury packages. The prices go as low as $250 per day per person for budget packages and $1000 per day per person for luxury packages. However, the above costs are just estimates, you can get a customized package to reflect your taste and preferences.
The best time to travel from Bangalore to Masai Mara is during the dry season, which falls between July and October. The dry weather favors the viewing of the wildlife in their natural ecosystem as well as the safari walks and safari drives.
It is important to note that this is peak season, and charges are usually high, and the park is usually crowded as everybody wants to have a glance at the wildebeest migration. The wet season falls between March and May. Although it is a low season, it comes with its own benefits.
One, the charges are low as compared to the peak season making it the best time to visit if you have a constrained budget. Secondly, the park is not crowded, allowing you to navigate the park with ease. However, it is always recommended that you slot your tour during the dry season for an optimal wildlife experience.
There are various activities that you can engage in at Mara. Below are some of the most fantastic activities sought by many people who visit the reserve..
Flying over the Masai Mara as you admire its beauty from the sky is an extraordinary experience. The ride can take about an hour. As you enjoy the tranquility of the balloon, you get to spot the wild animals, and see the riverine forest and high escarpments.
Hot air balloon rides are usually early in the morning or late in the evening. Therefore, you get to enjoy the view of the sunset or sunrise as you marvel at the vast savanna and meandering rivers.
There is nothing that can be compared to this ride. The view is exceptional, and the experience is unforgettable.
This is a major activity that the Masai Mara tour package offers. You can either do it on a 4x4 vehicle, hot air balloon, on foot, or ride on a horse. Most people prefer game drives which mostly are in the evening when the sun is setting.
There are well-trained and highly experienced game drivers who take you out into the Masai Mara to search for famous wild animals such as the lion, elephants, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, buffalos, tigers, and rhinos, among others.
However, if you choose to ride on a horse or walk trying to spot animals, there will be someone to guide you on the trails to follow to avoid meeting dangerous animals. They will be with you the entire time.
Wildebeest migration happens annually between the months of July and October.
Millions of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras migrate from Kenya to Tanzania and vice versa by crossing the river Mara.
The migration happens in a continuous cycle as they follow the greener grass. When migration time comes, crocodiles in the river Mara congregate at the crossing point, waiting to catch their meal.
Wildlife documentary crews set up their cameras to capture this spectacular wildlife footage. However, by visiting Masai Mara, you will be able to watch that happen right in front of you with your naked eye.
Masai Mara is a great place for bird watching. There are about 500 species of birds found within the Masai Mara. Even though when Masai Mara is mentioned, people tend to think of only the big animals, there are some fascinating birds to find as well.
There are 47 species of Prey birds, such as vultures, martial eagle, pygmy falcon, etc. In the grasslands, you find birds such as turkey-sized ground hornbills, secretary birds, kori bustards, jaunty crowned plovers, and flocks of white storks.
At the Mara River, you find kingfisher birds of all sizes. In the forested area, you find birds such as the colorful ross’s turaco and Schalow's Turaco.
Bangalore to Masai Mara trip cannot be complete without visiting the local community and coming up close with their fascinating culture. They will welcome you into their humble abodes, which are usually manyattas made of mud and sticks, show you their huge herds of livestock, and demonstrate their lovely and interesting traditions that have stood the test of time, such as their famous dancing style and dressing.
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