Exotic Holiday in the Masai Mara

Yasmin Macis

Travel Insider

City Dweller & seasoned travel expert, Yasmin Macis, is whisking us away from the cold this winter and taking us on an exotic winter holiday to the Masai Mara!

In November I jumped at the chance to tick another experience off my bucket-list, when I flew to Kenya to visit the magnificent Masai Mara game reserve and later unwind on the beautiful Indian Ocean beaches. I travelled with Somak Holidays, safari specialists with over 40 years’ experience. Their attention to detail and local knowledge ensured that everyone in our party felt safe and had an unforgettable time.

You’ve watched enough David Attenborough shows to be familiar with the ‘Big 5’ animals that all travellers hope to see: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. All these and many more call the Masai Mara home and there’s little I can add, except that to witness these creatures living undisturbed in their own back yard was an indescribably moving experience for me, verging on the spiritual. Something about Africa touched me and I don’t believe I’ll ever feel quite the same again!

Among the hotels and lodges we visited, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort was the most memorable. It sprawls across 150 lush acres and feels more like a laid-back village than a hotel. All manner of fascinating creatures wander through the property and you can even watch hippos grazing by the lakeside at night. I recommend a boat trip, which offered great photo opportunities, thanks to spectacular birds like huge fish eagles, kingfishers and pelicans. Accommodation is in comfortable stone cottages with all mod cons and there’s a wide range of tasty snacks and a la carte meals available in the relaxing bars and restaurant.

Kinondo Kwetu Beach

Remember, it gets surprisingly cool when the sun goes down, so be prepared and pack adaptable clothing that you can layer, plus a lightweight jacket. Also wear sturdy trainers or lightweight boots when trekking through the bush, rather than flimsy sandals. This isn’t a place for fancy luggage either! Following a safari, I recommend you head for the spectacular Kenyan beaches. I stayed at the Kinondo Kwetu, a small, all-inclusive resort owned by a Swedish family. It would be perfect for honeymooners seeking tranquillity in beautiful surroundings. It’s just 90 minutes from Mombasa, but be prepared for crazy traffic when transferring through this manic but fascinating city!

Kinondo Kwetu, perfect for honeymooners