Things to know before you travel to Mara Bushtops

Whether you’re a first-time safari visitor to Kenya or an experienced adventurer after a more exclusive experience, here are a few things to know before you go. Our team of experts is on hand to answer any further questions you have in relation to lodges, transportation and safari planning for getting to the Maasai Mara National Reserve or can craft a customised itinerary for an unforgettable safari experience.

Before you travel to the Serengeti

What to expect in the Maasai Mara National Reserve ?

Bordering the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most popular wildlife viewing park. It provides the awe-inspiring setting for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, as around 1.5 million wildebeest, followed by large numbers of zebras and opportunistic predators, seek new grazing pastures. Giraffe, impala, cheetahs and hippos also inhabit the park, as do large numbers of elephants and an exceptional birdlife.

Passport Requirements:

â—¦All travellers require a valid passport to travel to Kenya, which must have at least 6 months validity from your arrival in the country.

â—¦You will need to have at least two blank passport pages to allow for entry and exit stamps when you arrive at Kenyan immigration.

â—¦Some passport holders will require a visa before departing for Kenya while others will be issued a visa on arrival. Check with your local consulate or high commission about current visa requirements.

Health Vaccinations and Precautions:

â—¦Some travellers to Kenya will need to have vaccinations prior to travel, so make an appointment to see your doctor a few months beforedeparture. They’ll be able to suggest necessary vaccinations or health precautions that you will need to take, as well as organise any prescription medication.

â—¦Those who are traveling from countries affected by yellow fever will need to show proof of having a yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days prior to arrival. This is a mandatory government requirement and you will be required to show it upon arrival in Kenya.

â—¦There are various anti-malaria precautions available, each of which has its own potential side effects. Chat with your doctor about what is the best option for your travel plans and individual health requirements.

â—¦Your doctor may also recommend a rabies vaccination in the (highly unlikely) case of being bitten by wildlife or other animals during your visit.

Buy Travel Insurance:

â—¦Vencha Travel strongly recommends that all safari visitors purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover them in case of unexpected situations during their visit to East Africa. Look for policies that cover everything from travel cancellations to loss of possessions and emergency medical costs (including evacuation).

What to Pack and Bring?

â—¦Casual, comfortable and easy to wash clothing

â—¦Opt for neutral-coloured clothing, such as beige, khaki or green

â—¦Avoid wearing dark clothing as it attracts mosquitoes and tsetse flies

â—¦T-shirts and long sleeves shirts to protect against the sun

â—¦Cotton shorts, safari trousers and lightweight pants

â—¦A jacket and sweater for chilly early mornings and evenings

â—¦A waterproof jacket

â—¦Comfortable shoes with a good grip

â—¦Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat

â—¦Insect repellent

â—¦Lip balm, moisturiser and eye drops

â—¦Camera and binoculars

â—¦AC/DC converter for your electronic devices

â—¦Medication (malaria, anti-diarrhoea, rehydration, painkillers, anti-allergies, motion sickness)

â—¦First-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic cream and prescription medications

The Maasai Mara Climate

The Maasai Mara region of Kenya experiences a moderate year-round climate, with warm and humid days that are interspersed with cool mornings and nights. Temperatures generally range from 15ºC and 26ºC, although it can rise above 30ºC during the warmer months.

June to October – Dry season

November and March – Short rains

March to May – Long rains

Currency:

The official currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), with 1 USD equal to around 100KES (at the time of writing). You can find banks and foreign exchange counters in most towns and cities, as well as at all of Kenya’s international airports. While U.S. dollars are generally accepted throughout the Maasai Mara National Reserve for lodge payments and staff tips, it’s recommended that you carry small denominations or some Kenyan Shillings as well.

Banks operate Monday to Friday (8:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm), with some also open on Saturdays. Most of the major credit cards are accepted at camps and lodges in the Maasai Mara National Reserve but may incur a surcharge of between 3 and 5%.