Masai Mara, Kenya

Wake-up around 5–5.30am, a quick coffee, and out on the morning game drive by sunrise. Back to camp for brunch and a rest in the heat of the day, then an afternoon drive until sunset and dinner in camp. Some days we take breakfast or lunch with us and stay out longer.

Lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and hippos are seen almost every day, and leopards and cheetahs often. Rhinos are rare in the Mara. Nothing is guaranteed, as these are wild animals.

June is the start of the dry season. In the Mara, days are mostly sunny and around 25°C, but early mornings drop to 10–13°C and the vehicles are open, so bring warm layers. There can be the odd shower.

Nairobi is at altitude and June is its cool season: mild days and chilly evenings.

Yes, accommodation is shared: two people to a tent at camp and to a room in Nairobi. Couples and friends share together.

If you'd like your own tent and room, a single supplement applies.

Yes. Most visitors apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) at etakenya.go.ke, up to 90 days before travel. It costs US$30 and is usually approved within three working days. Your passport needs at least six months' validity and a blank page.

Since 5 October 2026, every visitor also needs Kenya's travel health insurance. You buy it as part of the eTA application (about US$48 per adult) and it lasts 90 days. We'll send everyone the exact steps before we go.

A yellow fever certificate is only needed if you arrive from, or transit through, a country with yellow fever risk (see the list). Flying direct from Europe or North America, you normally don't need it.

The Mara is a malaria area. See your doctor or a travel clinic about antimalarials and routine vaccinations a few weeks before you travel.

It isn't compulsory, but we strongly recommend it.

Kenya's compulsory travel health insurance (see the visa question) only covers medical emergencies in Kenya, so it doesn't replace your own policy.

You book your own international flights into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).

Arrive any time on day 1 and we'll pick you up. Fly home any time on day 9.

We travel by road, so there are no light-aircraft weight limits. Keep it to one main bag and a daypack each. A soft duffel bag is easiest to load into the vehicles.

Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige), layers, a warm fleece or jacket for early drives, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and binoculars if you have them. Plugs are UK-style (Type G). Plastic bags are banned in Kenya. We'll send a full packing list once you've booked.

The Kenyan shilling is the local currency, but camps take US dollars (notes printed after 2009) and major cards. Tipping isn't compulsory but is appreciated.

By road from Nairobi in our own Land Cruisers, 5–6 hours each way with stops along the way, including the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. The last stretch is bumpy.

Entim Private and Ilkeliani are both tented camps inside the reserve, with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms and solar-heated showers. They're comfortable, not roughing it, and both have wi-fi.

Meals at camp are included. Let us know any dietary requirements in advance. Drink bottled or filtered water only.

There's wi-fi at camp and mobile signal in much of the Mara. A Safaricom eSIM gives the best coverage.

Yes. Kenya is generally safe for travellers and the camp team looks after you throughout. Wild animals can walk through camp, so staff walk you to your tent after dark. On game drives you stay in the vehicle unless the guide says otherwise.