mlbrinkworth

We plan to go to the Masai Mara in early August. What do you think would be the best camp option and why?
- Governors Camp
- Porini Lion
- Kichwa Tembo
- Eagle View
Also do you think Amboseli NP or Lake Nakuru would be a better 2 night trip before flying into the Masai Mara (and why ?

amyb

I LOVE Porini Lion Camp. It is wonderfully situated on a private conservancy (only those staying in the conservancy can do drives there) and is also easy to get to the Reserve itself from there. I have a trip report on here from my stay at the Porini Camps in 2014. Others can speak to the other camps, which I *believe* are all in the Reserve itself, but I may be wrong there.

How many nights do you have? What are you hoping to see?
The Mara generally is known for its cats and Porini Lion in particular seems to usually have quite a few nearby. Amboseli is known for its elephants. I was just there in February and was blown away by the elephants, herds of hundreds passing right by the vehicle (several families meet up at the watering holes so it can be easily 100 or more at once there!) But Amboseli is a tough place to see predators like the cats. Not a lot of giraffes since Amboseli is so flat and treeless for the most part.

If you have under a week at your disposal, I'd go to the Mara. If you have longer, then you could consider Amboseli or even up by Mt. Kenya (Porini Rhino Camp) for the rhino experience.

mlbrinkworth

We have 6 nights. We will be in South Africa for a week before this, where we will stay at Zulu Nyala, which does not have lions or Leopard, that that's what we are trying to focus on in Kenya. Thank you so much for your input! It's very very helpful!!!

amyb

If you want big cats, go to the Mara.

CaliNurse

Like AmyB, I love Porini Lion. Was there in June 2014. Usually, for every 3 day stay, you'll have one day in the Masai Mara reserve also, where the river crossings are, among other wonderful sites. I was in MM in August 2012-- there is an excellent chance your time will coincide with one of the river crossings, as mine did (both trips!0
You say "we." If you don't mind,saying,who does that include? I'm asking because my 14 yr old grandson also loved Porini Lion Camp. There are about ten tents there, and we felt very welcome, and the sightings of lion and leopard, among other animals, were spectacular!!!!! We walked for a mile or so to the Masai Village home of the "spotter" and driver/guide. Note that you will have both in the safari vehicle--many camps have only the driver serving as the guide. Nothing wrong with that--I've had fantastic driver-guides, and their dual skill is particularly impressive--but it's nice to have that extra pair of spotter eyes!!

MyriamC

We were in Kenya in September 1996 (go figure). We did four parks (Tsavo West, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara). They were all very different. We saw most big cats in Amboseli NP. Masai Mara was, of course, interesting because of the great migration. Lake Nakuru had its millions of pink flamingo's but they seem to have moved to Lake Elmenteita.

Flem04

I agree--highly recommend Porini Lion. Great cat sightings and it is extremely beneficial to be located in a private conservancy. You don't have the crowds.