A Maasai Mara safari from Iran is a chance to bond with family while experiencing one of the modern world’s natural wonders.

Maasai Mara tours present you with first-hand enjoyment of Kenya’s abundant wildlife in their natural habitat. 

During your safari in Kenya, one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles you get to witness is the Maasai Mara annual wildebeest migration when over 2million animals cross the Mara River in one large exodus.

Figure 1Wildebeest crossing the Mara River

The migration involves the overland relocation of over 1.5 million wildebeests, 200,000+ grevy’s zebra, impalas, gazelles, and a plethora of other smaller herbivores, all crossing the Mara River.

Though it is an overwhelming number of these incredible beasts, they all move in amazing synchronicity, making the spectacle a marvel to watch. 

The migration is not the only attraction for which the Mara is renowned. It additionally boasts of significant predators as well as the Big Five.

Also, like Iran, Kenya is a melting pot of many ethnicities. Aside from the wildlife, one of the remarkable things you will love about the country is her people’s sense of hospitality.

It is also worth noting that Kenya has embraced halal tourism and is in the process of transforming the tourism sector to better cater to its esteemed Muslim clientele.

Here are the five things you should know when planning a Maasai Mara safari. 

5 Great Ideas on How to Plan a Maasai Mara Safari from Iran

1. Travel Companies

Just like picking the right meat for a chelow kabab is critical to the overall wholesomeness of the meal, so is choosing the right tour company to the success of your safari.

A passable Maasai Mara tour can transform into a spectacular safari due to the wealth of information that the right travel agent will bring.

Kenya’s reliable and professional tour agencies are masters of their trade and know the nooks and crannies of each of the destinations you intend to visit. 

Figure 2A pair of Grevy’s zebra

They will give you hot tips on what to avoid and point you to the best accommodations suited to your preferences.

Although some travelers opt to go it alone on their Kenyan safari, it is not always advisable. That is especially the case if you are a new traveler.

Aside from accommodation matters, the advisory offered by a professional agent includes which places are best to visit during which season and why. 

They also help you plan your itinerary; some will book your flights on your behalf, advise you on family-oriented restaurants, and tell you which wildlife attractions are available in given areas.

1. Attractions

A vacation is only as good as the attractions you hope to visit. Kenya is endowed with such a rich tapestry of wildlife and marine destinations that you will be spoilt for choice.

On a Kenya safari to Maasai Mara, however, most of the activities on offer revolve around wildlife and the Maasai people.

You can go on a hot-air balloon safari at dawn and enjoy an aerial view of the expansive savannah and its vast array of animals on the wildlife adventure.

Figure 3A tower of Reticulated giraffe

Soon after breakfast, an early morning game drive is always a welcome choice. It is an opportunity to meet the wildlife up close.

And since you can hardly ever experience all the animals at one go, you could consider incorporating an evening game drive as well!

The game drives are punctuated by lunch breaks, where guests can enjoy a picnic lunch as they recap on the exciting morning adventures.

More fun is also available in the evenings, as night game drives present you with an entirely different cast of characters. That is when elusive nocturnal animals such as the leopard come out for the hunt.

For an even more intimate encounter with the minor game during the day, walking safaris are best. These expose you to small animals you may otherwise miss while onboard a safari jeep.

Last but not least is a visit to a Maasai village, where you get to interact with one of the indigenous tribes of Africa and sample their intricate souvenirs and art.

1. Tour Packages

Having decided on what you want to do while in the Mara, it is time to structure your itinerary.

The best way to go about this is by candid communication with your tour agent, who will inform you how much it will cost based on your desired activities and amenities. 

It is now possible to have custom-made Masai Mara packages tailored to your specific needs and preferences, unlike years gone by.

Additionally, the agent will also communicate what extras are included in your package, what is excluded and the specifics of the destinations you will visit, and when.

For families with special dietary requests or who need special arrangements to be made, this is the point at which all these will be discussed.

For example, some couples or families might prefer not to share their safari vehicle with any other tourists, and these adjustments can be made when planning the itinerary.

1. Booking the Safari

When it is finally time to make your reservations, remember to go for a safari at the ideal time for the animals you wish to see.

While it is not always guaranteed that you will get to see all the animals on your wishlist, it is always best to schedule your travel to Kenya to coincide with their season.

Enthusiasts of the wildebeest migration are advised to schedule their visit during July – October when the animals move from the Serengeti for Mara’s greener pastures.

Equally important is for you to know what documents are required prior to travel. Your tour agent is in a position to clarify this.

1. What to Pack

On the days leading up to the trip, you need to pack the right wardrobe. 

Being a bush safari, your Maasai Mara vacation demands practical shoes for the occasion (preferably hiking boots). In the absence of hiking boots, comfortable sneakers will do just fine.

As for clothes, loose-fitting cargo pants and T-shirts are ideal. Note to include a light jacket as well, to ward off cold on those chilly evenings. 

The color choices also matter as it is generally recommended that you go for tans and khakis as these blend well with the bush environment and are unlikely to startle the animals.

Also, note to carry with you some pain medications, mosquito repellent creams, and sunscreen. While not always needed, it never hurts to keep prepared. In the mean time, click here to see a 4 days Masai Mara migration safari from Iran or any other part of the world: 

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