Can I Visit Masai Mara With My Children?
Can I visit Masai Mara with my children? The answer is bold “Yes”. Undoubtedly, one of the most unforgettable moments of a Family Holiday is going to the bush, especially Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara Game Reserve. Undertaking a safari with children is the most magical thing in the World, and even more so if it is the popular Masai Mara in magical Kenya. Anyone who has been to this stunning Safari destination will agree that it is a special place to take children, but going to the Masai Mara with children is no joke. Regardless of how wonderful you are with car drives and going out of routine, a Masai Mara trip with children still takes a lot of planning and patience.
One of Africa’s popular safari destinations
The spectacular Masai Mara is a popular Game Reserve in the southwestern side of Kenya that skims the Tanzanian border. Popular for the Great Wildebeest Migration and Traditional Masai Manyattas, exploring this extraordinary Safari destination is a life-changing and once-in-a-lifetime experience. This Safari destination is easily one of the most jaw-dropping places on Earth. With its dreamy and magical sunsets, diverse landscapes, and Savannah Plains full of wildlife, what is there not to fall in love with? You will be thrilled that even young children (even a five-year-old) will agree with this too.
If you have visited Kenya with children, you will agree that it is such a thrilling experience seeing lots of wildlife in their natural habitat. Just when you think your trip couldn’t get any better, Masai Mara Game Reserve will keep blowing your mind. Everything about this beautiful Reserve will take you by surprise, from the verdant green landscape on your arrival to the sheer luxury of the Safari Lodge or Camp in the Mara. Not to mention the sheer raw and heart-warming experience of visiting a Masai village, your trip will stay with you forever.
What is the best time to visit Masai Mara with my children?
The Masai Mara can be visited all year round and you are guaranteed to see lots of wonderful wildlife species, regardless of when you visit. Nonetheless, for families yearning to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration, the best time to visit Masai Mara with children is between July and October. However, there are extremely busy months hence start planning/making bookings (for accommodation, flights, and other logistics) several months in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.
Generally, there are two wet seasons in Masai Mara Game Reserve- the first is the one with “long rains”, extending from March through May. The second is the one with “short rains”, and extends from October to December. During these months, animals will still be easily sighted and the rains don’t last long.
An ideal itinerary for Masai Mara with children
Each day on a Masai Mara wildlife safari is slightly different. While it is always an early start (for game drives, or guided bush walks), game drives will surely be included daily. These experiences can be spiced up by adding other short excursions like touring Masai Manyattas (village), a Rhino Sanctuary, or a local school. Usually, timings are typical of Safari Lodge (Camps) but also flexible.
Spectacular wildlife encounters
Most morning game drives are marked by sights of lions, African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, Hippos, Masai giraffes, warthogs, Topis, Impalas, and others which you will find yourselves watching and taking photos of. The elusive leopards are usually spotted on a lucky day. In the middle of the game drive (anywhere between 8:30 and 9:00 am), you take a stop for a bush breakfast to refresh and rejuvenate for the second round of the game drive. The Safari guide will find a safe and scenic spot with jaw-dropping views and space for little legs to run around. Thanks to their knowledge and experience, Native African Tours’ Safari guides know the savannah plains like the palm of their hands and know exactly where to take you.
After over 3-4 hours in the wild, you will get back to the Safari Lodge (Camp) by 11:00 am to relax, nap, and have downtime around the Lodge facilities such as the swimming pool. Be sure to book an accommodation facility with children-friendly amenities/facilities.
Lunch and siesta at the Safari Lodge (Camp) and 4:00 pm, you hop in the Safari vehicle for a full game drive or a visit to the nearby Masai Village combined with a short game drive. The game drive/community visit ends with a sundowner (at 6:00 pm) and picnic drinks for the children. No experience beats the thrill of watching the beautiful sun go down the Horizon over a cold drink and snacks. After the thrilling adventure-filled afternoon, you will retire to the Safari Lodge (Camp) by 7:00 pm for dinner and overnight.
Experiences/Activities to do in the Masai Mara with Children
There are many activities you can enjoy in the Masai Mara and if you are on a trip with children, you should keep your days miscellaneous and plan in some other experiences. Your pre-booked accommodation (Safari Lodge or Camp) is likely to have a list of things you can do and will be more than happy to organize these adventures for you. One thing you will agree about children is that they love doing different things each day, as it stops them from getting fed up with doing the same activities. This offers them a state of some real immersive experience and see how other people live. Here are some of the Masai Mara activities you can enjoy with children;
Game drives
Game drives are the most popular activity in Masai Mara that you can do with children. This helps them to see lions, leopards, Masai giraffes, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, Rhinos, impalas, warthogs, Wildebeests, Zebras, gazelles, Hippos, Cape buffaloes, and lots of bird species.
Visit a Masai Village
While you drive around Masai Mara Game Reserve on a safari, you will most likely see a Masai Village hidden up on the hillsides, behind a fence made out of small trees and sticks. These fences are uniquely designed to protect homes from wildlife and inside them are small huts where they live. These homesteads are known as “Manyattas”. One thing that will amaze you about the Masai is the fact that they have been able to preserve their culture for years and are ready to show it to the World. Guided by a Masai, you will explore the different homesteads, learning amazing things about them- such as the fact that they drink blood and eat goat’s meat as their staple food. Their invigorating traditional dance will stay with you forever.
Visit a Masai local school
Visiting a Masai local school is another unmissable experience with children as it introduces you to their unique way of learning without computers, or the luxury of electricity. The children and teachers will greet and welcome you with wide smiles and you will be moved by the simplicity of life. You can donate scholastic materials or cash (although it is not mandatory).
Important tips when visiting Masai Mara with children
Pack some snacks from home for the children, as they tend to get hungry while traveling. Also pack bottled water, a camera, a breathable and waterproof warm jumper, sunscreen, and a travel medical bag for your safari.
Where to stay during a safari in Masai Mara with children
Many accommodation facilities provide safaris with children, but when planning your trip, ensure to check the ages that are accommodated. For instance, some Lodges/Camps will only accommodate children above 5 years. Some of the top children-friendly accommodation options in Masai Mara include House in the Wild, Hemingways Ol Seki Mara, Lion Sands Masai Mara Lodge, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, Angama Mara, Sala’s Camp, AndBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Sanctuary Olonana, Naboisho Camp, and Elewana Sand River Masai Mara.
In conclusion, exploring the spectacular Masai Mara with children is set to be a life-changing experience, with options of enjoying endless game drives, visiting a local school, and visiting a Masai village. Talk to our Travel specialist to book your Masai Mara safari with children!!
