Given all the advice I shared in these two blog posts, How to Plan a Safari and Questions to Ask Tour Company, it’s only right I tell y’all the details of my safari experience.
If you prefer video content, check out my Instagram story highlights for a video recap.
In September, I stayed at the Jambo Mara Safari Lodge on the most southern part of the Maasai Mara (bordering Tanzania and the best spot to see the Great Migration) for 4 days and 3 nights. I went during peak season and hoped to see the Great Migration, but unfortunately wasn’t lucky enough to see the wildebeest as many had already migrated to Kenya from Tanzania.
Tour Company
I booked the tour through Spot On Vacations with the help of a local friend. PRO TIP: if you have a local Kenyan friend that can help book the safari it will help tremendously, if not, you can communicate with the tour operators through WhatsApp. I also considered Wildlife Safari Tours which can be contacted through WhatsApp.
Mid-Range Safari
Since I was country hopping through Europe and Africa, I opted to do a mid-range safari. Sleeping in a tent, if not luxury, wasn’t an option for your girl! I was very comfortable with the cabin. The beds were super comfortable and the floor to ceiling windows were a delight. The Jambo Mara Safari staff was incredible! Truly the sweetest and most attentive people, also the chef threw down every day! PRO TIP: make sure you request the kind of lunch you want packed for the game drives, otherwise you’ll be stuck eating sandwiches and fruits. I never made use of the pool on the lodge as I opted to spend all my time going on game drives.
Flying into the Maasai Mara
I also opted to fly into the Maasai Mara. Again, I chose comfort and not a bumpy 5–6-hour car drive. I’m so glad I flew; the plane ride was a once in a lifetime experience. However, be prepared to possibly throw up (like me) if you are motion sickness sensitive.
Private Game Drives
Finally, I did a private tour and requested unlimited game drives. This was the best option for me as I am fascinated with wildlife and wanted to be on my own schedule. In total and given the mid-range and luxury options I chose, my safari cost around $1,000 per person for those 4 days. It was worth every penny! I look forward to my next safari which I’ll definitely be doing luxury style!
