Plan your trip

GETTING THERE

Ethiopian Airlines and SAA fly to Nairobi from Johannesburg; Kenya Airways flies direct from Cape Town too. Flights cost around R4 000 pp. Safarilink flies to various Mara airstrips from around R2 530 pp one way.

WHEN TO GO

In terms of weather, any time is good in Kenya since it’s close to the Equator. Most people want to see the wildebeest migration – from July until late October – as that’s something we don’t experience in SA. However, either side of the actual migration, the plains are still teeming with activity.

STAY HERE

Naboisho Camp is not as luxurious as some five-star camps out there (for instance, there’s no pool), but I liked it for its simple elegance, isolation and understated luxury (high teas, exceptional service, a comfy lounge). Each tent is spacious, with separate en-suite bathroom plus outdoor shower. There are nine tents only, set discreet distances apart. There’s a high density of lion and cheetah, and excellent birdlife here. The SADC rate is R3 350 pp sharing per night at any time of year, but can only be booked four weeks in advance. This rate includes all meals, most drinks and two game drives a day, but excluses park fees of R1 660 pp per day. asiliaafrica.com Mara West Camp has eight chalets (part tent, part brick) perched on the edge of the escarpment, with wonderful views and a deck from which to enjoy them. From R3 730 pp sharing per night. There are also furnished tents – these don’t have prime views but are also really nice. From R2 490 pp sharing. The economy option is basic bandas (small tents under thatch) with little privacy but very reasonably priced. From R1 383 pp. Rates are full board in the low season (February to June) and exclude activities and most drinks; game drives from R1 038 pp, a bush breakfast costs R515 pp, sundowners R276 pp. Park fees are R1 107 pp per day. marawest.com

DO THIS

Walking safari At Naboisho, it lasts up to four hours and is a wonderfully educating walk close to the camp, returning in time for lunch. It costs around R344 pp. Also available at Mara West. Cultural experience

A visit to a traditional Masai village is a way of bringing the benefits of tourism to local communities. Each year the family changes so the income is spread around. It costs R415 pp at both camps. Hot-air ballooning This is available at Naboisho and in the national reserve. It’s a real spoil and pretty pricey, but you’ll never forget it. Budget around R6 000 pp. governors balloonsafaris.com Game viewing

To visit the Masai Mara National Reserve for the day in your own vehicle costs R137 for the car plus park fees of R1 107 pp. maasaimara.com