Is it safe to go on a safari in Masai Mara National Reserve?

Yes, it is safe to go on a safari in Masai Mara. Acclaimed to be one of the best reserves in the world and Kenya, Masai Mara is a very safe safari destination well protected by professionally trained wardens and park rangers. There are great chances of spotting wildlife throughout the year in Masai Mara National Reserve with the best time being from June to October. Masai Mara is best known for the wildebeest migration, which is experienced every year when millions of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and antelope are seen crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River and Grumeti into Masai Mara National Reserve from Serengeti-National Park in Tanzania.

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Some of the animals that are found in Masai Mara National Reserve include the big five: lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes and elephants, among others. One of the most popular questions asked about Masai Mara National Reserve is whether it is a safe place to visit and the answer is yes. The security around Masai Mara National Reserve is provided by both the government and private security agencies procured by the different accommodation facilities.

Some of the reasons as to why Masai Mara is a safe destination have been listed below:

The location

Located along the border of Kenya and Tanzania, far away from almost all town settlements, is Masai Mara National Reserve. The border is not marked, but it is secure, ensuring the security and safety of the locals, wildlife and tourists. Masai Mara’s strategic location makes it safe to visit, and it is safe to note that Kenya as a country is a secure place to visit, and all travel warnings will warn you to be extra careful, especially in urban areas like Mombasa and Nairobi.

The management of the Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve is known to have the best management which is professional and welcoming to all tourists visiting the national reserve. Government counties in the area send out highly trained armed rangers to provide protection to all tourists and animals in Masai Mara. The armed rangers are always patrolling the area in groups 24 hours a day, and the different accommodation facilities offer their security, creating additional security and hence making Masai Mara a safe place to visit.

Tourists to the Nature Reserve are advised to follow the rules that were set up by management and note that all tourists are expected to leave Masai Mara by 6:30 pm or return to their camps because no one is allowed in the park at night.

Masai Mara National Importance

Masai Mara National Reserve is the most visited and popular in Kenya, and the Kenyan government has done its best to make sure that the national treasure is kept safe through the provision of trained armed rangers for extra protection. Since it is a top destination in the whole world and was declared a UNESCO Heritage site, the Kenyan government pays close attention to Masai Mara National Reserve and its security.

Safety tips for tourists during a safari to Masai Mara

Traveling to Masai Mara is an exciting experience that every tourist has, and it does not matter whether you are going for a game drive, walking safari or many more others; it is better and essential to prioritize safety throughout your safari. In this guide, we are going to look at the different tips that will keep you and fellow travelers during your Masai Mara safari and note that even though Masai Mara is a safe destination, you still need to keep personal safety.

Research about the destination: Get to know more about Masai Mara Nature Reserve and what to expect on your safari. Read more about the documents needed to have access to Kenya and the park, and know more about the currency, transportation, language, and any other information that is necessary to ensure that you have a safe and exciting safari experience.

Choose a reputable tour operator: There are numerous tour operators that can easily organize a safari to Masai Mara, but note that not all are genuine, and there are scammers as well. Reputable operators are registered and read about their reviews online. Payments are not made using individual bank accounts, but company details are to be provided. Carry out extensive research about the different tour companies and compare them before narrowing down your choice.

Transportation safety: It does not matter whether you are going to use public or private transport means; make sure that you prioritize safety during your trip to Masai Mara by using licensed, reputable transportation services if you are using public means and a tour operator for private means.

Travel Insurance: Ensure that you obtain travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, unforeseen events and medical expenses. You will have peace of mind because you will be protected financially in case of any emergencies during your trip.

Secure your entire luggage: Even with the tight security during your safaris, you need to keep your belongings safe. Use a money belt to keep your money safe, avoid displaying jewellery and expensive electronics to the public and leave your valuables in the lodge. Get in touch with us.

Safety upon arrival into Kenya and Masai Mara

The first city that tourists see upon arrival is Nairobi, and although it is safe, there are levels of crime, including pickpockets, thieves and conmen. Some of the simple rules that you have to follow to have an incident-free and safe safari include:

• Upon arrival, keep your luggage close to you and do not allow guides to harass you in any way. Confirm that the person picking you up is from your tour operator.
• Never flash your valuables like money, jewelry, phones and cameras, among others. Keep them hidden at all times.
• Keep all valuables in a safe and close your door to the room each time you are leaving.
• Never walk alone, especially at night.
• Do not accept any help from strangers and look like you know where you are going. When you look lost, you easily become a target for criminals.
• Lock the doors of your car and keep the windows up at all times.
• Take enough rest to avoid being fatigued on your safari.

Safety in booking with a tourist operator

When it comes to booking a Masai Mara safari, you need to look at the best tour operator and with so many companies operating in East Africa; it becomes hard to know the frauds and the right companies to use. First, you need to book in advance, and below are some of the pointers that will help you choose the right tour company.

• Identify the tour company that you are willing to use and check out their reviews. Many tour companies have reviewed profiles and most of them have certificates of excellence with great reviews. Read both the positive and negative reviews to be able to have an unbiased selection.
• Visit and explore their different social media profiles. Social media profiles can give you an insight into how the business works and the services that they offer. The social media handles will also show you whether the company is professional or you are dealing with scammers and thieves.
• Contact the company with as many questions as you can and seek advice. Some companies have robots that respond fast, but all tourists deserve personalized responses for all their inquiries. Contact us for your bookings.

Safety during game drives in Masai Mara

When tourists are traveling to Masai Mara, they often forget that the animals they are watching are in their natural habitat and are extremely unpredictable. Although many of the animal species are used to the presence of safari vehicles, they are still wild and see humans as prey. Some simple rules and regulations need to be followed whether you are going to have a self-drive or guided safari drive to be safe. Here are some of the rules and regulations to keep you safe during your game drive in Masai Mara.

• While the wild animals are used to safari vehicles, any human noise will disrupt them, and you are requested to be quiet throughout your drive If there is a need to communicate, do so in a whisper.
• You are not allowed to smoke in the safari vehicle and around the animals.
• Do not dangle your legs or hands off the safari vehicle for safety purposes
• Never interfere with the animals that you encounter because this causes a change in their behaviors.
• Never litter the National Reserve
• Always listen to your guide because they are experienced and know what to expect.
• Look out for hanging branches close to the safari vehicle.
• Be prepared for the ever-changing weather in Masai Mara and be open to all situations and not being able to spot some of the wildlife.

Safety during a guided nature walking safari in Masai Mara

Just like game drives, there are rules and regulations that have to be followed and these include the following:

• Always keep quiet and calm during the walks to avoid disturbing the animals.
• Never go for nature walks alone in Masai Mara Nature Reserve. There are knowledgeable and trained guides who will take you around the reserve (conservancies).
• During the nature walks, ensure that you walk in a single line at arm’s length from each other.
• Never leave the group as you might be attacked by wildlife. Although there are animals that look lazy, never underestimate the speed of wild animals when they spot their prey.
• Never run away from the animals because they will assume that you are prey and chase after you.
• Do not pick any plants or flowers from the reserve.
• Smoking, drinking and eating are prohibited.

The safest way of getting to Masai Mara National Reserve

The safest way to get to Masai Mara is by flying, and there are different flights per day amounting to five to the various airstrips found in the reserve. The flights from Nairobi to Masai Mara take about 45 minutes as compared to the 6 hour drive which can be a bit unsafe. The only problem with flying is that it is quite expensive for a one-way ticket to the Reserve. Safari guides with a lot of experience are cautious when driving to Masai Mara; however, it is not advisable to self-drive. The 4x4 safari vehicles used are in good conditions which make it safe to travel to Masai Mara.

Safety on a camping safari in Masai Mara

Safari camps in Masai Mara National Reserve are a magical place to stay during your safari, experiencing the night bonfires, food, starry skies and the unique sounds of the wildlife that fill the night. Camps are extremely safe; however, these are the most likely places for one to get unexpected visitors, especially during the night. To be able to avoid calamities and keep safe, below are some of the things you need to do to keep safe in safari camps in Masai Mara.

• Ensure that you never walk alone during the night hours when leaving your room and make no exceptions. The rooms have radio calls that you can use to communicate with experienced guides to escort you without shouting.
• If there is a bonfire, make sure that the fire is extinguished to avoid harming the wildlife that roams around the camps.
• In cases where you encounter the animals, do not run but walk backwards slowly to the nearest room but never turn your back on a wild animal.
• Take all your property with you when you are inside the room and shake them well before to avoid bringing in any unwanted visitors.
• Keep the doors to your room closed at all times.

These are just some of the few things that you can do to keep safe but it is better to note that safety on a Masai Mara starts with you and no one else. For more information about safety in Masai Mara and Kenya, get in touch with us or check out our website.