Wonderful trip - from the Masai Mara to the Gorillas in Rwanda. Often and his crew couldn't have been more helpful and informative - and I travelled with a really nice group of people.
Classic 4WD Safari - Captivating Kenya This holiday met every expectation - brilliant safari, comfortable accommodations and knowledgeable, efficient tour operators. I had a fantastic time.
There were 2 long drives, but to end up in the Masai Mara was well worth the effort of sitting in the back of the safari vehicle for several hours chatting to my fellow travellers and taking in the Kenyan countryside, villages and villagers. We visited 2 lakeside safaris and stayed in a lovely lodge with a beautiful view, but once in the Mara, the real trip began in earnest. We had ample opportunity to see an enormous variety of animals and birds. Peter and Hassan took us to all the best spots to see lions by the side of the road, a leopard with its prey up a tree, hippos, cheetah, giraffes, elephants, baboons and all the wonderful impala, Thompson's giselle, topi and many many more species all grazing in beautiful herds or hiding out in the bushes and water holes waiting to pounce. There were a lot of babies and young animals in Feb. and not too many other vehicles to contend with while viewing them.
The Ilkeliani Camp was magical: spacious comfortable tents with very effecient bathrooms. A Masai warrior escorted you after sunset safely to or from the dining tent or the sitting/bar tent or the tree top lookout. Elijah and Joseph cooked up wonderful dinners with excellent vegetarian selections included. The food was really top notch, especially considering the remoteness of our location. All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and took great care to spoil everyone. Our trip included a visit to the Masai village, with a welcoming dance and a fantastic jumping display. It would have been nice to have brought some gifts to the villagers. Perhaps Exodus could include a link with suggestions. There was also a balloon ride which I didn't do.
The weather was kind and it didn't rain, wasn't too hot and although I took my malaria pills, there didn't seem to be many mosquitos if any. The tents were all perfectly netted and protected as were the rooms at Sunbird Lodge. If you're travelling alone, I do recommend paying the single supplement for a little peace and quiet and privacy at the end of the busy days.
This was one of the exceptional experiences of my life, a truly once in a life time trip.The beauty of Lake Nakuru with it's white Rhino and abundant wild life. The vastness of the Masai Mara with its teeming herds of Wilderbeast, Antelope and Zebra. The groups of Elephant, Giraffes, Hippos, Hyenas, Wart Hogs and Baboons. It is all just magical!
