Maasai Mara - A Sunrise Safari Tour

  • Emily Fraser
  • 06 Feb 20

Waking up at 4:30am to leave the hotel by 5 might not be everyone’s idea of fun while on holiday. But if there’s one thing worth getting up for, it’s to witness a spectacular sunrise over the endless rolling plains of the Maasai Mara.

Sunrise over the Maasai Mara, Kenya by Emily Fraser

Sunrise over the Maasai Mara, Kenya by Emily Fraser

Situated in the south-west of Kenya, Maasai Mara (also known as the Masai Mara National Park) is a scenic wonderland, home to the famous big five game animals as well as rugged landscapes and vibrant local communities. If you’re curious about visiting Maasai Mara, read on to get inspired by Emily’s once-in-a-lifetime adventure to this incredible safari destination.

 

Overview:

 

Emily’s journey in Maasai Mara

Enjoying the Maasai Mara sunrise on a hot air balloon safari

Hot air balloon inflating at sunrise in Maasai Mara

Luckily, there was coffee before we left the hotel, more coffee before we boarded the balloon basket and even more coffee once we landed. So, plenty of caffeine to get you through even the earliest of mornings.

As someone who had never been in a hot air balloon before, and an avid animal and nature lover, I was beyond excited when we arrived and glimpsed the first signs of a purple-orange sunrise, and our balloon inflating. My head was toasty warm as we began to take off and our experienced pilot manoeuvred the basket into the air. The gas flame was loud, and I wasn’t sure if we were going to have to yell across the basket to each other, yet once we reached a cruising altitude, there was complete silence as we floated through the air. Not only was the hot air balloon safari a unique and exciting experience, but the sunset from that vantage point was well worth the early rise.

 

Spotting herds of spectacular wildlife

View of Maasai Mara wildlife from the hot air balloon

Looking out from the basket was like you were flying yourself. As we got closer to the various animals, including herds of zebra, black rhino, lions, leopards and wildebeest, they began scattering away, making for some stunning footage – almost as if being filmed from a drone. Whilst our wildlife spotting was not as exciting as our game drives here, floating above the plains gave us a true sense of the vastness of the Maasai Mara National Park and this was an experience worth every penny.

 

A decadent champagne breakfast in the reserve

Table and chairs for Maasai Mara morning breakfast

After landing, a decadent champagne breakfast awaited us in the middle of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This was another amazing experience in itself - it’s  certainly not everyday you get to literally dine amongst the wildlife! It really was the perfect end to the most special morning.

 

Visit Maasai Mara with Bunnik Tours

If you’re feeling inspired by Emily’s sunrise safari adventure in Maasai Mara, you can experience all of this and more on an Africa small group tour with Bunnik. Choose from our tours, including Zanzibar, Kenya & Tanzania, and Egypt, Kenya & Zanzibar. For more information about our Maasai Mara safari tours, contact one of our friendly Travel Specialists today.

 

Maasai Mara FAQs

Is Maasai Mara worth visiting?

Yes! If you are an avid nature and animal lover, who enjoys photographing magnificent scenery, nature walks, and game drives, then a tour that visits Maasai Mara is the perfect choice for you! You can enjoy all this and so much more on a Kenya small group tour with Bunnik.

 

What is the best month to visit Maasai Mara?

The best time to visit Maasai Mara is generally during the cool and dry season, through July to October. During these months, the weather is more enjoyable for safari experiences and other outdoor activities. Plus, it’s also a great time to go wildlife spotting!

 

Is Maasai Mara safe to visit?

Yes. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is protected by certified park rangers and is located in a safe area. However, always be sure to listen to your safari guide on tour.

 

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