Safari Adventure
Area Guide
The Masai Mara is one of the world’s largest ecosystems home to a splendid variety of trees, plants, birds, reptiles, mammals and of course the big cats.
The Migration
Tempted by greener pastures, the wildebeest arrive at the Mara River around July and cross over into the Masai Mara plains. Their spectacular northward migration is dictated by weather patterns, but typically the wildebeest remain in the Masai Mara until about October when they return to Tanzania. The Masai Mara National Reserve and Mara North Conservancy are located west of the Rift Valley and are a natural extension of the Serengeti and a key dispersal area for wildlife.
Approximately 1.3 million wildebeests as well as hundreds of thousands of other animals, including zebra and gazelle coming from the south make the journey. They are met on the Masai Mara plains by another migratory contingent, the resident wildebeest herds of the Mara region. These animals reside in the northeast of the Mara, the Loita Plains and Hills, and are also drawn by the lush grasslands. By October, the rains are heading back south to the Serengeti, and the migration reverses, continuing the cycle of life.
Less famous, yet very impressive, is the Loita Hills migration, where thousands of local wildebeest drift in from the east in May and often stay in the Mara North Conservancy throughout the year, heading back to the Loita Hills only when it rains again in March. This makes the Masai Mara an all-year destination and not just a seasonal environment.
Seasons
The Masai Mara is an all-year destination and not just a seasonal environment. Each season offers unique highlights.
January – March
The main focus is on the big cats and their cubs that are generally born at the end of the year, and the local Loita Hills wildebeest migration
April – June
Emerald season, quiet, an ornithological dream!
July – September
Wildebeest migration and river crossing season
October – December
Most animals are giving birth
Game Drives
Take advantage of our daily game drives within the Masai Mara National Reserve for a unique safari experience. Neptune Mara Rianta luxury camp offers different kinds of game drives, an early morning drive and a late afternoon drive. All-day game drives are also available, these include a picnic lunch during your tour. Night game drives are available upon request.
Early Morning Game Drives:
After being woken up by the delicious smell of freshly ground coffee, a delicious cup of tea or a succulent cup of hot chocolate, our safari experts will guide you through the wonders of the African bush and the beauties of the Reserve’s wildlife just as the colours of the sunrise enlighten the day. You will be driven in our 4×4 vehicles by our highly qualified guides through the Masai grassland. You will then return to camp to enjoy a perfectly set breakfast.
Afternoon Game Drives:
Your adventure of the afternoon game drive usually takes place late afternoon, driven in our 4X4 vehicles and guided by our qualified tour guides, you will experience your magical safari till the sun sets.
Guided Nature Walks
A thrilling adventure that will take you to the heart of the Kenyan bush to discover Masai Mara’s wildlife from up-close. Your ranger will show you how to track animals and will brief you on how to approach the animals always keeping a safe distance.
Bird watching
Bird Watching remains one of the most sought-after activities at Masai Mara.
The Park is inhabited by over 470 species of birds from vultures to marabou storks, ostriches, African pygmy falcons and the lilac-breasted roller amongst many others. Not one day will pass without seeing one of these beautiful animals.
Hot air balloon
Another thrilling experience to not miss during your stay at Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp is the hot air balloon safari. There is no better way to admire the beauty of nature from above. You will have time to take your perfect picture and portrait the exceptional views as you float above Masai Mara’s breathtaking and unique scenery.
Maasai cultural visit
Masai Mara is home to the Maasai ethnic group, known for their distinctive dress and vibrant culture, you will have the chance to embrace a culture that has kept its traditions for the past centuries. They will warmly welcome you in their village and tell you all about their everyday life as well as how they live and hunt on the Masai grounds.
Park Rules
1. ENJOY THE AMAZING SCENERY AND WILDLIFE
Please give yourself plenty of time to enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth. You are welcome to stay with animals for as long as you wish as long as you follow the park rules below.
2. KEEP AT LEAST 25 METRES AWAY FROM WILDLIFE
Human activity interferes with an animal’s behaviour; to see animals behave naturally you must keep a good distance away. Please stay at least 25 metres (roughly five vehicle lengths) away from animals. Never put your guide at risk of being fined by asking him to drive too close to an animal.
3. KEEP IT TO A WHISPER
Wild animals will move away or freeze if they hear human voices. To watch animals continue with their normal hunting, feeding and nursing activities please lower your voice and remain calmly seated. Shouting, clapping, or cheering disturbs the wild animals and is strictly prohibited. Please switch off the engine, radio and mobile phones at a sighting.
4. NO MORE THAN FIVE VEHICLES AROUND ANY ANIMALS
To ensure minimum disturbance no more than five vehicles are allowed around one wildlife sighting. When there are more than five, the viewing time is reduced to 10 minutes. In that event take your turn and wait at a minimum distance of 100 metres.
5. LET SLEEPING LIONS LIE
Respect the animals. Do not harass any wild animals by forcing them into movement, blocking their path, or follow them too closely. Vehicles and human interference can cause confusion; separating an animal from its young or preventing a hunting lion or cheetah from bringing down its prey. Always keep a good distance from young families, as well as dens, burrows and nests.
6. GUESTS MUST REMAIN INSIDE VEHICLES WHEN CLOSE TO WILD ANIMALS
For safety reasons, you must remain inside the vehicles when close to wild animals. This rule also applies for sitting or standing on rooftops.
7. HAVE A PICNIC
At designated areas, you are welcome to stretch your legs, enjoy the view or have a picnic lunch. Check for animals, including the above branches. Stay within 25 meters of your vehicle.
8. DON’T SHARE YOUR LUNCH
Wild animals become habituated if fed, causing them to abandon normal hunting and feeding behaviours. They can then become aggressive and threatening towards humans, which may lead them to be destroyed.
9. HELP US KEEP THE MARA BEAUTIFUL
Please ensure that all litter is brought back to the camp with you, including cigarette butts. We want everyone to enjoy the wonders of the Mara. Please do not take any specimens will you; bones, feathers, stones, plants and flowers must all stay where they are.
10. NIGHT GAME DRIVES
Afternoon game drives can easily be extended into an exciting night game drive. Please use a red filter to view animals at night which does not disturb their normal behaviour.
11. RESPECT OUR RANGERS
These rules and the Masai Mara rangers protect the wildlife and the environment. They are there to make sure that each person who visits the conservancy can enjoy their stay. Please respect our rangers and work with them – we are all responsible in ensuring the protection of the Mara. Thank you and enjoy your stay!
Masai Mara National Park Fees
All Park Fees listed below are daily (24h) conservancy fees and are listed in USD unless otherwise noted. They can be paid directly at the Musiara entrance gate and are not included in the Camp price.
Category
Non-resident Adult: $ 200 (12h) Daily Fees (July – December)
Non-resident Adult: $ 100 (12h) Daily Fees (January – June)
Non-resident Child: $ 50 (12h) Daily Fees
East African Resident Adult: 4,500 Kshs Daily Fees
East African Resident Child: 2,000 Kshs Daily Fees
Kenyan Citizen Adult: 3,000 Kshs Daily Fees
Kenyan Citizen Child: 1,000 Kshs Daily Fees
Our Safari Guides
Daniel Nabaala
As a young Maasai Moran (warrior) Daniel Nabaala was born and brought up in the Maasai community where he spent his time herding his father’s livestock. He is now 26, married and has two kids. To fulfil his desire to join tourism, Daniel attended thorough training as a professional safari guide at Koiyaki Guiding School. He has a bronze medal with KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association) and is determined to sit for the silver-level exams soon. Asked what challenges him most in the field, Daniel Nabaala said he feels bad when he cannot explain to guests the animal’s behaviour due to the language barrier. As such he is determined to study Italian as an additional foreign language.
Daniel Kisemei
Daniel Kisemei started by lecturing tourists visiting their village and as such he was encouraged by guests and friends who admired his communication skills to work as a tour guide. He was lucky later to join the Amboseli Institute of Hotels, Tours & Catering and attain a Diploma in tourism management. He is a bronze-level guide with the KPSGA and looking forward to achieving Silver. At 26, he is married with a Son and he spends time herding his cattle whenever he is at home on leave. He has a photography passion collecting and identifying pictures of various birds.