Author: Irene

Differences between Masai Mara Reserve and Masai Mara Conservancies Visiting Masai Mara is one of the highlights of any safari to Kenya. There is the Masai Mara National Reserve and Masai Mara conservancies. Most people do not know the difference between the two. One of the best places on earth to have an African safari dream come true is in the Masai Mara National Reserve and conservancies. The two never fail to entice and excite. Masai Mara was established in 1961 and at the time it consisted of only 520 square kilometers including the Mara Triangle. The area was later extended to the east and converted to a Game Reserve. The Masai Mara is known for the highest concentration of wild animals in the world. More than 40% of Africa’s larger mammals can be found here. However, there’s more to the Masai Mara than endless plains. Aside from the main Masai Mara National Reserve, there are a dozen community conservancies, several group ranches and quite a few Maasai villages in the area. These conservancies are privately owned by Maasai families. The first Mara Conservancy was established in 2005. The number of conservancies currently is 15, covering an area of 347,011 acres. The conservancies are privately managed and as such, have stricter control on visitor numbers creating exclusivity, while retaining the freedom to offer a wider range of guest activities that are not available in the main reserve. The Maasai families that own the conservancies lease their land to safari organizations and lodges for a monthly fee. Safari organizations also pay Maasai landowners a daily fee for each tourist that visits the wildlife conservancies. These fees are in turn invested in the local Maasai community and generally are used for education or other developmental initiatives. Staying at the Masai Mara conservancies have some

Do I need to tip my tour guide in Kenya? One of the frequent inquiries from travellers venturing to Kenya is about tipping etiquette. Before embarking on your journey, it’s prudent to familiarise yourself with the cultural nuances and traditions of your destination. A little knowledge can go a long way in sparing you any awkward missteps or unintended offences. Tipping practices vary widely across the globe, and in Kenya, though not obligatory, gratuity is warmly welcomed by safari guides and service staff who cater to tourists. A tip should be considered a gesture of gratitude for excellent service rather than an obligation. So why consider tipping? The discourse around tipping is filled with varying perspectives: should it be given at all? What amount symbolise appropriate appreciation? How do experiences—good or bad—influence this decision? Do tour duration and individual roles play into how much one might tip? These are questions many ponder over. In essence, tips convey a heartfelt 'thank you' for exceptional service provided. If your guide has enriched your experience beyond expectation and you'd like to express gratitude tangibly, offering a tip is a wonderful way to do so. Such gestures encourage guides to maintain high standards of guest satisfaction consistently—a win-win scenario where guides benefit financially while guests depart with cherished memories and enhanced impressions of their journey through Kenya's captivating landscapes. How Much Should I Tip My Tour Guide? Embarking on an unforgettable journey with a tour guide who sprinkles local charm and insider knowledge into your experience is simply priceless. However, deciding how much to tip can be puzzling. The beauty of tipping lies in its flexibility; it’s entirely up to you! Gather your travel companions for a chat and find a consensus on what feels fair. Rest assured, whatever amount you choose will likely

Adventure awaits when you step out of society and into the wilderness. The thrill of exploration and the tranquillity of reconnecting with nature is second to none. But when nature calls, we have to answer. For this reason, understanding our camping amenities and cuisines is a must for wilderness adventuring. Tented Camps are generally considered the best for a true safari experience. Tented camps make up the majority of accommodation options while on safari in Kenya ranging from the very luxurious to the very basic. Most luxury tented camps are small with between 5 and 20 tents. All tented safari camps feature spacious canvas rooms with real beds and private, en-suite bathroom facilities. They often have waiter service, and dining is comparable with fine restaurants, with 3-course meals.  Typically these camps are sold on a fully inclusive meal and activity plan, often with local house beverages included. There are different types of tented camps in Kenyan parks, they include; Luxury Tented Camps – They offer breathtaking vistas of the surroundings in a tranquil environment. Most of these camps are located inside the parks and reserves. They generally offer private decks overlooking the bush, large sleeping areas, separate bathrooms, and showers with hot and cold running water and electricity throughout the day and night. Amenities of a luxury tented camp in Kenya include; Running hot and cold water Shower 24-hour front desk service Room service Spa swimming pool Private Flushing Toilet Lounge Terrace air-conditioning Free Wi-Fi Budget Tented Camps –  These camps are meant to cater to the price-conscious traveler. For most people the biggest consideration when opting for a camping safari is budget. Having a small budget or choosing to spend only a small amount of money does not mean that one cannot enjoy a Kenyan safari to the fullest. Almost

Tented camps have always been a source of adventure and excitement for travelers who want to enjoy the wild ruggedness of Kenya! Tented camps offer you a limitless view of wildlife, keeping you away from people’s monotonous activities. There are plenty of tented camps and lodges in Kenya, from the cheapest ones to 5-star luxury levels. In set-up and location, a tented camp is similar to a lodge. You will find tented camps in national parks and game reserves, rather than in a city. Kenya has a world of variety when it comes to tented accommodation camps, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another realm in the bush as your every desire comes to try. Most tented camps and lodges in Kenya offer a private bathroom, generally built in masonry, and equipped with shower and hot water, big beds, and mosquito nets. Electricity, in most cases, is available for a few hours during the day and in the evening time until Midnight. The windows are usually a simple screen or netting – letting the fresh scents and smells of the bush waft in. Often, these tented camps have no fence, so the game is free to walk through the camp and they often do. At these camps, please don’t risk walking alone at night, rather go with a ranger at all times. There are two options available permanent tented camps and mobile tented camps. We’ve put together this quick comparison between the two options so you can make an informed decision as to which is best for you during your safari. Permanent Tented Camps These camps feature tents that enjoy a fixed position throughout the year. Permanent tented safari camps usually come with the full package. They offer state-of-the-art facilities such as a swimming pool, spa, hot shower after your