Kenya.”Amongst the wild and fierce”
Yes! Vacations are temporary but they leave a permanent impact of beautiful memories, breathtaking views, fun times and lots more in our minds forever. Since I love travelling, I decided to spend time with my family at Kenya and South Africa, amidst the jungles, animals and scenic beauty for which this place is well known. So if you plan to visit Kenya Masai Mara Reserve any time soon, kindly refer to my 4 day guide that will equip you enough on how to go about:
DAY 1 ARRIVAL
We arrived at the Nairobi Airport as Masai Mara is approximately a 7 hour long drive from the airport. The roads are not well done so you can suffer a rocky bumpy ride just like we did!!!
Stay: Keekorok Game Lodge
Over 700 square miles of lush, sun-drenched plains encircle Keekorok Lodge, the first property in the Masai Mara Game Reserve in southwest Kenya. It stands to its popularity as it’s luxurious accommodation is on a full board basis that includes morning breakfast, luncheon, afternoon tea and dinner. It also boasts of having its own pool and breathtaking view from the sundecks.
Guests can experience unparalleled safari adventures! Morning and evening game drives are a must for anyone visiting the reserve. We stayed at the lodge for 3 nights and our package was inclusive of all meals, safari and stay.
We got to do 2 safaris in a day with our own personal vehicle.
Stay – http://www.keekorok-lodge.com/
Price per Person – $ 863 (Rs. 60,500/- approx per person) {for 3 nights} – Includes all meals
Quick Tip – Best Season to Visit – July to October as one gets to witness the migration of thousands of Wildebeests.
DAY 2: GAME DRIVE DAY
Woke up to a beautiful chilled morning and got ready to leave for Game drive at 6:30 am. It does not really matter where one stays at Masai Mara as most of your time will be out on game drives. We spent the early morning sunrises and sunsets in the African savanna searching for all the wild animals.
We hopped into our safari van for our game drive. One needs to be very attentive or you can miss an amazing opportunity of spotting an animal. Masai Mara is all about the Big 5 animals: the lion, elephant, wild buffalo, rhinoceros and the leopard. Our driver was very informative and always alerted us at the sight of any wild creature
After this amazing safari, we headed back to our hotel to enjoy the scrumptious lavish breakfast which offers African and continental delicacies after which we walked around the beautiful property. There were 2-3 places which astounded me: one of them was the hippo bar where one can see the hippos lazing around in water, where you can sip some local beer (Tusker) and also enjoy the elephant deck. We also got a glimpse of huge wildebeests migrating.
It was time for another Safari, so we left at 4pm. The weather was chilly but pleasant by the evening. We were back to our rooms by 6:30pm after sighting 2 ferocious lions, a leopard sitting royally on the branch of a tree ,a group of hefty elephants and then at the end, hundreds of striped zebras. The safari ended on a very pleasing and happy note as we got to see the best of animals in one shot.
Quick Tip –
- Balloon Safari available too for those who wish to spend Rs 31000/- ($450) per person but we opted for an open personal safari van.
- Prior information needs to be given for the booking of the Balloon Safari.
DAY 3: A FULL DAY SAFARI
A total ‘Jungle Day Out’. Any number of safaris fall less as there is so much to explore especially for my fellow travel freaks there.
We left for our full day safari at 9:30am right after a king style breakfast. Normally, the guests have to inform to the hotel one night prior, that they are going for an all day safari. They prepare some packed meal boxes, as one may return to their respective hotels by evening.
Our first stop for the safari was a lake where luckily we got to experience the wildebeests migrating across after a patient wait of 2 hours. So if you go during this season you will get to see this beautiful sight which happens very rarely and is impeccable as they are always found in groups running at a lightning speed of 80kmph.
Though it was a long and hectic day it was absolutely worth the time and patience as we encountered so many new animals and got to know that there exists this parallel world across that goes beyond our laptop screens and mobile phones!
DAY 4: THE FINAL GOODBYE
Goodbyes are always bad and depressing.
We get so attached to a new place and make so many memories that it becomes difficult to bid adieu.
But just as they say, life must go on! The same way the trip must go on as we have many more places to discover and who knows what surprises are in store for us.
The property looked after our needs and was very hospitable. This hotel is highly recommended for those with vegetarian/jain food requirements. No complaint at all as the staff was very cooperative.
After packing we left for our last safari at the Masai Mara National Reserve at 7am. After the safari, our driver directly drove us to Nairobi which is a 7 hour long drive. We were super tired but the photos of these 3 days were already making us miss the stay at Masai Mara.
Stay At Nairobi – Four Points by Sheraton
We stayed at Four Points by Sheraton for a night which was 10 minutes away from the airport, as we had an early flight next morning. After we reached the hotel, we headed to the lovely infinity pool and relaxed by the pool after the sunset. We hit the bed early to get ready for our next destination.
Stay – https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/nbofp-four-points-nairobi-hurlingham/
Price per night – $180 (Rs.12,600 approx per night) – Includes breakfast
Masai Mara Quick Tips:
- It is advised to carry proper rainwear as the climate is very unpredictable depending on the season you choose to go.
- I would recommend to carry good amounts of eatables as the drives can go on for long hours.
- You must have a pair of binoculars with you always.
- One can travel by flight from Masai Mara to Nairobi – cost per person Rs 22,000/-($318)
Flights – Kenya Airways 23kg x 2Bags
Check – In & 7kg hand luggage
Food – Jain food is easily available and the hotel chefs can be trusted with it.
Cost of stay in Kenya – $ 1,043 (Rs. 73,000 per person)
South Africa
DAY 5: WELCOME TO THE LAND OF HAPPINESS
After spending a night at Nairobi, we left for our second destination “SOUTH AFRICA” renowned for its varied topography, great natural beauty and cultural diversity. We had our flight from Nairobi to Cape Town with a layover at Zambia making the entire journey 6 hour long. As we passed through the Victoria Falls, we witnessed a spectacular sight of the awe inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River.
Stay: Protea By Mariott – Cape Castle
We had rented a car from Europe Car Company as we had planned to self-drive for the next 6 days.
Our stay was at Protea by Mariott – Cape Castle that was a pocket friendly apartment hotel nestled 15 minutes from the V&A Waterfront.
After freshening up, we left for the Victoria Waterfront Mall. We satisfied our hunger by grabbing some burgers from the very popular McDonalds for dinner which had vegetarian options.
Price per night – $128 (Rs. 9,000 Approx per night) – Includes breakfast
Quick Tip –
- Europe car cost for 6 days $430 (Rs. 30,000/- approx)
- One must take a sim card from Vodacom $18 (Rs. 1260/- approx)
DAY 6: TIME TO CHARGE UP AND TAKE NO NAP BUT EXPLORE THE MAP!
After having a hearty breakfast, it was time to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town which is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park.
Our first stop was the Cape of Good Hope which is a promontory off the southern tip of South Africa. It is a beautiful spot with unpredictable weather. Later we went to Boulders Beach but could not see much due to heavy rains. We made a quick visit to the Muzeinterg Beach that had plenty of surf shops, restaurants and coffee shops located just along the main beach.
To satisfy our hunger pangs, we had some Indian food at a restaurant called “Jewel of India”, which was located near our hotel.
We went back to The Victoria Waterfront Mall which boasts of high street brands like Zara, Ted Baker and Woolworth, which is a very common local brand there.
Quick Tip –
- Do visit the Victoria Waterfront Mall if you have time as it provides a wide variety of brands to shop
- Due to unpredictable weather, one must have winter and rain wear handy
- Jewel of India serves amazing Indian food and also has Jain options
DAY 7: MOUNTAINS AND THE BEACH TAN
New day new adventures!! We were ready to see the mesmerizing views from the flat topped Table Mountains that is a very prominent and most photographed attraction in Cape Town. It is a part of the Table Mountain National Park with a large array of fauna and flora.
There is an option of taking the cable car which is a 5 minute ascent to the top of the mountain offering a 360 degree view of the town, the ocean also of the neighboring peaks. The climate was cold and chilly and due to rains.
After the top view, it was time to be near the sand and sea. We were finally at the Boulders Beach near Simon Tower. The soft white sands are not the only reasons why 60,000 visitors a year make their way along the coast. The local inhabitants- African penguins in their thousands are known to pull the crowds. Luckily the weather got better and we got to see the penguins which reside here at the Penguin Island at False Bay.
On our way back we visited Bo – Kaap which is situated on the slopes of Singal Hill above the city centre and is a historical centre of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town.
By evening, were turned to the hotel and enjoyed the hotel property for some time.
Quick Tip –
- Summer is prime time to visit Boulders Beach, and it is when you will see the most penguins. However, you can see the penguins throughout the year.
DAY 8: GAMELODGE HERE WE COME!
Stay: Garden Route Game Lodge
Road trips are always so much fun and so was this one from Cape Town to Game Lodge. It was 345 kms away from Cape Town and this 4 hour long drive had some beautiful scenes to admire.
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Lange berg Mountain Range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards the entrance to South Africa’s world famous Garden Route Coast. The hotel we chose to stay is a private game reserve, home to an abundance of animals and birds including the Big 5.
We reached by afternoon and left for a Game drive at 4pm. After a wonderful 2 hour safari we were just chilling around the beautiful property. It was very cold at night with temperatures dropping down to 4 – 5 degree Celsius.
Garden Route Game Lodge offers a private deck, sparkling pool and their very own Serengeti Restaurant.
Stay – https://grgamelodge.co.za/
Price per night – $257 (Rs. 18,000 Approx per night) – Includes of all meals
DAY 9: GARDEN ROUTE TO KNYSNA
Stay: Hotel Conrad Pezula
Saying goodbyes is always so tough! We left from Garden Route and after a 1 hour and 20 minutes’ drive we reached Oudtshoorn which is a town in the Klein Karoo area of South Africa’s Western Cape. It is known for its ostrich farms and rests along the Route 62 wine route.
On our way to the Cango wildlife Ranch, there is the Cheetahland which was established in 1988 as a wild cat conservation camp. It is the oldest and biggest Cheetah contact center in the world. This sanctuary to Africa’s endangered cats is preserved in the Karoo’s picturesque town of Oudtshoorn. One also gets to take pictures with the big cats.
After the animal encounters, we left for our last destination – Kynsna which was 131 kilometers away from Oudtshoorn and the route to this place was full of beautiful scenic roads. Kynsna is a natural paradise of lush, indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches. We reached our Hotel Conrad Pezula which is a high end resort with golf and a pool by late evening .The room was an epitome of luxury. It had a fantastic view, walk in closet, huge bathing tub and also a bonfire place.
Stay – https://pezulahotel.com/
Price per night – $ 177 (12,400 Rs. Approx per night) – Includes breakfast
DAY 10: KYNSNA VISIT
Seems like the rains were following us at each place we stayed in South Africa! We gobbled loads of breakfast at a grand buffet in the hotel and chilled in the hotel room for a while.
In the afternoon, we left for a city tour, explored some local malls and the waterfront by walking down the beautiful streets. We had our food at a restaurant called Cafe Mario which offers an amazing variety of pizzas and great aglio olio. One should go to the Kynsna Lagoon as here are plenty of boat trips offered.
This was our last night here and it was time to pack up our bags and take back home some beautiful memories of this trip in which we witnessed the beauty of mother earth. I was sad but satisfied, eagerly waiting to come back after some years to get more of this country.
We reached our hotels and were off to sleep waiting for the sunrise and our flight back to India.
Total Trip Cost –
Flights – Kenya Airways 23kg x 2Bags
Check – In – 7kg hand luggage
Food – Vegetarians Food is available at a lot of places
Full Trip Cost Inclusive of Flights – $2,645 (Rs. 1,85,000 per person)
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