This trip exceeded all expectations in terms of the iconic wildlife we saw and the spectacular scenery, with a wonderful guide and crew. Also we had a good group of only 7, and being outside peak season camp sites were quiet, and there was less competition between safari vehicles for prime viewing spots.
Well organised budget tour to Masai Mara Positives:1. Well organised trip 2. Picked up from my hotel on request 3. Good driver & guide Mr. Solomon who took efforts to spot animals.4. Good stay arrangement in self contained tent at a Masai Mara camp. Negatives: 1. It's solely a budget trip with all budget services. Don't expect more. 2. Food throughout the trip was just average. Advice: Stay for at least 3 days to explore Masai Mara and if you can spend more there are better options who will take you in better vehicles like Land Rover since the road to Masai Mara is horrible for the last 75 kms.
Trip overall was terrific. Changes that could be made to future safaris. Game drives should only go out early morning, return to camp by 11am. 2nd game drive should start about 3pm until sunset. Rest at camp from 11am to 3pm. Boxed lunches should be deleted as they were well below standard & not terrible. Rift Valley Photographic Lodge was below standard & one night is plenty. The road in & out of the Lodge was absolutely terrible. My room had a terrible smell from shower drain & I was moved. The next room had no hot water until I chased it up. Swimming pools were all empty. Cut out long village walk as too hot & drive onto next lodge. You need at least 2 full days in the fantastic Ambroseli park. Masai Mara should be 2 full days experience & 2 full days in Ngorongoro Crater. Completely drop day 8 cultural experience etc from itinerary. We were all charged USD20 to visit Masia village but found out later Masai visit was free in initerary. The jeep in Kenya was old & very uncomfortable. The jeep in Tanzania was modern, a good ride & very uncomfortable. That part of the tour needs to be looked due to jeep travelling time.