African Safari Diaries: Binny’s Masai Mara Safari

Welcome to this special edition of African Safari Diaries, where we’re delighted to share our colleague Binny’s unforgettable adventure in Kenya’s breathtaking Masai Mara. Returning to her homeland after three years, she embarked on a truly spectacular safari with us!

Was this your first time visiting Kenya? What inspired your trip?

I was born and raised in Kenya, and safaris were a cherished part of my upbringing. However, due to the pandemic, it had been three years since I last visited home and nearly eight years since my last safari. I knew it was time to change that!

As I was visiting Kenya to spend time with my parents, I decided to create new memories by taking them on an incredible safari to the Masai Mara.

Where did you stay during your trip?

From the outset, I knew I wanted to explore the Masai Mara. After researching various lodges, Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp caught my attention. With only 20 exclusive tents and a prime location beside the Mara River, it offered the perfect blend of seclusion and luxury.

We planned a short but immersive two-night stay and were absolutely thrilled with our experience. The food was exquisite, the service exceptional, and the tents impressively spacious with beautifully designed interiors.

Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp is nestled in the heart of the Mara North Conservancy, just north of the Masai Mara National Reserve, making it an ideal base for a safari adventure.

What were the highlights and unforgettable moments from your trip?

One of the most incredible experiences was watching hippos basking in the sun just outside my tent! Dining al fresco by the Mara River was another highlight, where we enjoyed mouth-watering dishes prepared by Chef Lilian while spotting impalas, giraffes, and more hippos.

Seeing three lionesses up close was a thrilling moment, but the most adrenaline-pumping experience was when our safari vehicle got stuck in the mud—right next to a family of lions! It was a mix of excitement and suspense, making for an unforgettable adventure.

Our knowledgeable driver-guide, Jonah, elevated our experience with fascinating insights about the Mara and the diverse wildlife we encountered on our game drives.

A particularly heartwarming part of our journey was visiting the projects supported by The Mara Rianda Charitable Trust, an initiative backed by Somak Luxury Travel, which donates £20 per passenger for every Kenya holiday package booked.

We visited Mara Rianda Primary School, the local medical centre, and the Manyatta pre-school. The Maasai women welcomed us warmly and gifted us handcrafted necklaces as a token of appreciation. Meeting the children, teachers, and healthcare staff was truly humbling, and witnessing the direct impact of the trust’s support was deeply inspiring. In fact, while we were there, a baby had just been born!

Back at Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp, we met Kelvin, a waiter who had received an education thanks to the Mara Rianda Charitable Trust. Seeing the real-life impact of these contributions was an incredibly moving experience.

 

 

 

 

Do you have any advice for anyone considering a trip to Kenya?

Don’t hesitate—book that dream safari now! Kenya offers an extraordinary blend of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, pristine beaches, and the vibrant capital city, Nairobi.

If possible, plan your trip around the Great Migration for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, Kenya is a breathtaking destination all year round, promising adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories at every turn.