Why consider visiting the Masai while on your Kenya safari

The Masai community is one of a kind in Kenya and the most admired to visit for tourist because of their raw life style. Even with the influx of modernity, the Masai are conservative with their way of life since time immemorial.

Masai live in Manyattas where they communally protect their herds of cattle. When on a community visit to the Masai land in Kenya, you may get to engage in milking, food preparations, participate in a dance performance, taste local Masai food and more. It is an opportunity to see how people in another world live.

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Masai are fiercely proud of their traditions and not afraid to share it with who ever cares to understand their unique life. There is quite a beat of cultural shock but try not be judgmental because you may need to create a relationship with the Masais to get the best of them. Language barrier is expected because majority speak Kiswahiri or their local language so you may need to move with a local interpreter.

While with the Masai people, you may extend your visit to Masai Mara National Reserve the home of the great wildebeest migration. The Masai Mara National Park is at the tail end of the yearly great wildebeest migration circuit. During the months of July to August, millions of wild animals cross the Mara River into Masai Mara National Park a phenomena on the bucket list of most adventure seekers.

You may organize a home stay adventure in the Masai land where you can take a day in the life of the Masai. You may start the day with them time dusk to have a glimpse into the daily work. Cattle keeping is the main economic activity carried out in Masai land. Crafts making especially beading, weaving, milk products making and much more are some of the activities you can be part of when with the Masai. Get in touch with us for more information.

 What Kenya safaris Activities to Do

Game Drives in Kenya

Kenya is a big game safari destination in Africa with the mysterious great wildebeest migration on the forefront of these safari adventures. The great wildebeest migration is a seasonal massive movement of wild animals both herbivores and carnivores from Serengeti National Park into Masai Mara National Park. River Mara crossing stands out when the weak wild animals are slaughtered by huge Nile crocodiles that are residents of the river.

Other than Masai Mara National Park, other Kenyan Game Parks include Meru National Park, Tsavo East and West National Park, Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National Park and more.

While on a game drive in either of these Kenya National Park, you may spot giraffes, wildebeests, warthogs, gazelles, zebras, rhinos, waterbucks, buffaloes, bushbucks, elephants, leopards, lions, hyenas, elands, cheetahs and more. Even though not all these animals are residents of one park, if you have interest in spotting a particular animals while on Planning Kenya safari, state this in advance so that you can be advised where you can have better chances of seeing it.

 Birding in Kenya

Kenya is home to more than 1000 bird species a position that is hard to compete with in Africa. The presence of the Lesser flamingos along the Lake Nakuru banks that shade its shores pink is exceptional. More birds are residents on Masai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo East and West National park, Mboseli National Park, Kakamega Rain Forest and more.

Some of the birds to see on Kenya birding safari include saddle billed stork, Aberdare Cisticola, Sharpe’s Longclaw, Taita white-eye and more. Tailoring a customized Kenya birding itinerary get you to some of the best birding destinations in the country.

Mountain Climbing in Kenya

Hike some significant highlands in Kenya including Mountain Kenya to its peaks Nelion and Batian. This glacier topped mountain has varied vegetation types as you walk along with stunning views that are hard to enjoy while close to the ground. Hike using the trails constructed by regular hikers to avoid creating more that can end in vegetation degradation.

The best view of the famous ever ice topped Mountain Kilimanjaro is when in Amboseli National Park.

Water activities on Kenya safari

Kenya shares a coast with the Indian Ocean where you can engage in several water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sun bathing, kayaking, whale watching, sports fishing, cruise shipping and more.

The presence of coral reefs at the Kisite Marine National Park at the coast of Kenya is incredible. At Kisite Marine National Park there are colorful coral gardens with about 45 varieties immersed in shallow waters. While here you may spot dolphins, schools of bonito, frigates mackerel and more.

Nairobi city tour

While on Kenya safari, you can plan the Nairobi city tour where you enjoy the business centers of Kenya, visit Museums where Kenya’s historical items and information is preserved, The Nairobi National Museum was founded in 1901 by East Africa And Uganda National History Society. It is here that collections and specimens of naturalists and colonial settlers and opened in 1930s. Ethnography gallery, cultural artifacts some include musical instruments, agricultural tools and more.

Hot air balloon safari

Experience the Kenya safari from a different version by taking on the hot air balloon experience. From the balloon, you can spot a number of wild animals that may be hard to spot while close to the ground, amazing series, take aerial photographs and more.

During the great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara National Park, the hot air balloon safari experience is an opportunity to view a wide range of wild animals in large populations.

Walking safaris in Kenya

Get up close with wildlife and immerse into the natural aromas of nature by taking the guided walking safari in Kenya. Use the trails constructed by regular visitors in various parks to avoid trampling on vegetation.

Do carry some energy snacks and a water bottle to quench thirst as you move along. Do not forget a backpack with a camera to capture some amazing moments, binoculars and more.

Note

Not all these Kenya safari activities are in one destination or close to each other so you need a well planned itinerary inclusive of your desired activities. It is better to plan in advance for better planning.

Take note of the season when you plan to do a Kenya safari that is high season June to September or December to January or low season March to May and November. The number of tourists visiting Kenya in the peak season is high so advance planning is necessary.

How Much Is The Cost Of A Community Visit To The Masai

A community walk to the Masai costs vary with your intention to visit. Do carry some hard cash with you to support the community projects of Masai people and purchase some souvenirs as memories for your safari in Kenya.

The cost of a community visit to the Masai depending on the activities you wish to engage in while on ground. The cost of a local guide also varies and we encourage our clients to generously tip those who extend a generous service to them while on ground as a token of appreciation.

Why Do A Community Visit To Masai During Kenya Safari

By visiting the Masai, you get a better glimpse into the misconception life of the Masai people that is looked at as being conservative. You get to appreciate how these people survive even amidst these odds.

When you visit the Masai, you create a financial boost for them especially when you purchase some of their products that are locally made. They moneys collected is used to support their livelihood and medical bills.

By visiting the Masai, you encourage the locals to continue supporting wildlife especially animals that stray into the community of the Masai. The locals get to appreciate the importance of having wild animals close to them.

From the money collected as entrance fees into Masai Mara National Reserve, a portion of it is given back to the community to support their daily life.

When is the best time to do a Masai community visit and Kenya safari

Any time is Masai community visit because they leave in an area that is not affected by extreme weather conditions that can bar visitors from accessing them. The most preferred season is the dry season when the vehicle can easily get to the Masai land because it gets messier in the wet season.

The Kenya safari is best enjoyed in the dry season when the tracks in the parks are quicker to navigate and grass lower to allow better visibility of wildlife. Chances of encountering the massive great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara National Reserve are better in the dry season.

The dry season is the peak tourism season too so competition for amenities that support tourism is higher necessitating advance planning.

To avoid crowds while on Kenya safari, the wet season may be the ideal time when fewer tourists are expected to visit the country. The Kenya safari destinations present better opportunities to see animals with less disturbance from other tourists in the wet season.

Those with limited funds may plan to do the Kenya safari in the low season when discounts are expected to be extended to tourists by service providers to breakeven.

How Safe Is A Visit To Masai Community And Kenya Safari

The Masai community may be referred to as that of warriors, but they are great people to be around. Do adhere to the advise given to you from the local guides on how to behave when in the company of the Masai. Some things the Masai do for a living may be shocking but try to understand their lifestyle.

When taking photos or filming do seek permission from the locals before.

Do not get out of your vehicle when on game safari because you may not know what may be watching. Try not to stick your head out of the window but use the porch instead to directly view the wild animals or stay at your window seat.

Try not to go off track but follow the routes in the park to avoid landing in dangerous spots that may put you in danger.

Do not hoot or play loud music when in the game park in Kenya because you may cause the animals to charge.

Do carry the right safari gears to support your time while on Kenya safari. You can use assistance from the list of items to pack for Kenya safari.

Take some health precautions in preparation for any Kenya safari especially antimalarials because Kenya is a tropical country. Day or night, sleep in a mosquito net even when medicated because you can still be bitten by the mosquitos.

Over time, the Masai have got accustomed to visitors in their area so can no longer stage a fight against them as it was in the past for fear of intruders who would turn into cattle rustlers.

By hiring a vehicle to do a Kenya safari, use a 4x4 wheel drive vehicle especially in the countryside where the roads get messy especially in the wet season. Having an experienced driver guide gets you the chance to learn more about Kenya, the destination you have visited and beyond.

What to Pack for a Kenya safari

It is best to pack just what is necessary for your Kenya safari to avoid having so many bags that may turn out to be uncomfortable especially if you are in company of other tourists.

A camera

Extra clothing to change into as the busy day on safari  closes.

Binoculars,

Safari foot wear

Warmers because it gets too cold in the mornings and afternoons.

Energy bites

Safari hat

Hard cash

Extra Fully charged batteries

Insect repellants

Sun screen

Why choose Encounter African safaris For You Kenya Safari Bookings

Encounter African safaris is an African safari company that has stood a test of time with over 10 years experience. We organize a wide range of African safari activities including primates safaris such as gorilla or chimpanzee trekking, birding tours, honeymoon holidays, family getaways and more We have pre-packages safaris and can tailor itineraries to soot our clients’ needs

Our team of Safari consultants is ready to work with you to plan that ideal African Safari and walk this memorable holiday journey with you.