Masai Mara National Park (Kenya)

Guess who won a 5 day trip to the Masai Mara National Park? This was something I was truly looking forward to. I've never been much of a beach to hotel and back again type tourist, so this would be real adventure in a place I'd never been to, and I was horribly excited. First and foremost, though, was the safety aspect. I went off to the doctor who consulted the map and told me to have the Yellow Fever jab, and to take anti-malaria tablets. The side effects of both of them could be pretty nasty, but I had to remember that they wouldn't be half as bad as the full blown illnesses. Plus, the ... more

I travelled to the Mara as a part of a seven day safari. I stayed at the Serena lodge for one night and spent two fantastic days here. The beauty of the Maasai Mara is the abundance of wildlife, we went on four game drives and were not disappointed once. Here in the space of two days we marvelled at lions, lion cubs and lionesses (one would have been enough for me - I was thrilled!) we watched them view "their" territory early in the morning and sleep side by side at night. We also saw many other wonderful animals such as a cheetah and her cubs,a leopard, meercats,hyenas, zebras, wilderbeast ... more

Key points Medical Issues:- It is strongly recommended to see you GP at least 4 weeks before travel. ( 2 weeks at a push). You will have to be immunised against Yellow Fever ( around £45), along with all the standard immunisations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, etc) Anti malarial should be taken at all time. The best ones on the market at the moment are called Malarone. They happen to be the most expensive (around £70 for a 2 week holiday) but there the most effective (95%- 100%). Weather:- Most travellers travel at peak time in our summer time. In kenya however it is their winter and the coldest time ... more

I am not your typical Ciao reviewer, as the really long winded reviews bore me a little. So I find it easier just to tell you how it is with a few helpful pointers. I had planned a safari into my travels in 1998, but hadn't booked anything until we actually got into Nairobi. A bit of a scary place if you arrive with a backpack on and have no idea where you are going. Anyway we booked into a hotel and went for a wonder around the city. You must be on your guard at all times though. We kept on getting mobbed by touts trying to sell you their safaris, obviously on a commission. All you have to do ... more

My family and I travelled to Kenya for a 10 day safari with British Airways Holidays. I honestly can't praise the experience enough, and if you can raise the cash it is a definite holiday to remember. The highlight of our trip was a the Masai Mara national park. We rose early every morning (you are must likely to see animals at dusk and sunrise)and set out in our safari van. Our guide was friendly, cheerful and extremely informative. He knew where to go to find the best wildlife and also knew how close we could get - one time he had to make a quick get-a-way from a herd of angry male elephant ... more