GoCathy

Hi,

We are the family of 5 going to Kenya in the second half of July. This is a new thread to talk about camps and lodges in the Mara.

If the migration is going on, what camps/lodges are well located to see it in about the 3rd week of July? We will be flying in so we want a camp that will let us take a vehicle for the day if needed if the migration is taking place.

Our other two trips to the Mara we stayed at Little Governors, but we would like to try something different, and also a bit less money, though we are willing to splurge a little for the Mara.

What we liKed about Little Governor's: being able to see the animals while we were in camp, walking right through!

I would love to hear what lodges and camps people liked, and if they are convenient places to stay in late July. I think everyone goes to the Mara when in Kenya so it would be good to have a thread on places people have stayed and what they liked/didn't like about them.

You are all such a great help! I promise to do a very good trip report when we get back!

Cathy

spassvogel

Cathy

Late July should be fine for the migration but nothing is guaranteed!

Being a group of 5 offers a fairly good chance to have a vehicle for yourself.

A very new camp is ENTIM right at the Mara river. The location is very good also for the migration and the rates are favourable in mara terms.

I have no clue about the food etc. because I am intending to visit in Sep the first time that camp.

Regarding animals travelling thru camp: Any camp which is not fenced offers the chance to encounter animals but again: no guarantee! On the other hand you might well be surprised by one or the other beast

Regarding SUV for visit to the crossing points: IF there are crossings to expect the guides will know that as they get the information if animals are travelling towards the points or concentrating there.
As mostly the herds cross during the heat of the day it's good to get there by 11.30h at the latest. Be prepared to get grilled while waiting for a crossing.
But here also: You should appreciate if you are privileged to observe it.

We once spent 10 days in the mara and seeing it twice - that was in August 2007 and we went there almost every day and checked the crossing points out.

Staying in one of the conservancies is not a good idea because then you have to pay the conservancy fee plus the reserve fee. So if the crossings are your major interest: You better choose a camp within the reserve.

This map shows/explains the areas:
http://www.masai-mara.com/mmmd.htm#camps
http://www.masai-mara.com/mmvm.htm

some camp locations - but it's not complete:
http://safari.go2africa.com/kenya/masai-mara-safari.asp

Enjoy Planning!

SV

sandi

Entim would probably be a good choice late July when the herds start entering the Mara. They often (no guarantee) arrive thru the Sand River Gate which is a bit south of Entim. Entim is also on a bend of the river with amazing views. The hippos come out of the river at night and graze on their front lawn.

However, Entim (5/tents only) doesn't come cheaply. Best to compare their prices with Little Governor's. As a group of 5 it's likely you'll have your own vehicle, as a private vehicle (here or other camps/lodges) can costly in the $300-$500/range daily and has to be pre-booked.

The smaller the camp, usually the more expensive.

masuud

Since you will be in mara late july,I would suggest you stay at keekorok lodge which to is centrally located in the mara and a few kilometres to the kenyan/tanzania border where the sand river passes and where the migration normally starts trickling into the masai mara.That's if the wildebeests stick to their natural cycle and time-table.The sand river may not have alot of water and therefore no spectacular river crossings.However,expect if you'll be lucky to witness large masses of these beasts filtering in like bees as well as golden-maned lions that are known to be agressive as they follow their prey.I once saw them try to bring down a black rhino around this area.They finally gave up but,soon started stalking an open-sided L/cruiser that had its' clients peeping out.Anyway,the guide was clever and alert and he drove away.And that was the end of that morning drama.
At keekorok,you can easily access to all directions in mara e.g.the mara river-25kms,talek river-26kms,eastern mara-20kms etc.
Goodluck.

Patty

I'm not sure what the various camps' game drive policies are in terms of all day drives as we had our own vehicle and guide with us. I do know that Kicheche is fairly liberal but it's not ideally located for the migration. Some camps only book on a game package basis (game drives included) but others can be booked game package or full board only. In the latter case, you may want to look into having your tour operator provide a vehicle and guide. The guide can drive out in advance and meet you at the airstrip. With 5 people, this may even be a less expensive option than booking a game package rate.