1. Experience the Masai Mara on twice-daily game drives

A veritable wildlife haven blessed with a year-round, rather mind-boggling concentration of animals, the Mara certainly doesn’t disappoint. Embark on twice-daily interpretive game drives with expert rangers who will uncover the wonders of the Mara. And while we’re on the topic of reconnecting the magnificent Maasai with their ancient, most unforgettable land, it seems like the perfect time to share our Top 10 bucket list things to do in the Masai Mara.

2. Explore the open Savanna on foot

Reconnect with your spirit of adventure and follow in the footsteps of ancient explorers and local herdsmen on a once-in-a-lifetime guided walking safari. Heighten your senses without the hum of the safari vehicle … listen to the crickets, breathe the fresh air, view the limitless horizon and appreciate the African soil on the soles of your shoes.

3. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon

Awake before dawn and embark on a life-changing hot air balloon safari high above the mighty Mara plains. Soar peacefully and enjoy the magnificent bird’s eye view of all the animals below (and the Great Migration if you’re lucky). This extraordinary experience concludes with an unforgettable, hearty champagne breakfast in the middle of the Mara.

4. Mingle with the Maasai on a community visit

No journey to the Masai Mara would be complete without an authentic cultural experience that gets you up close and personal with the fascinating Maasai people. They will invite you into their humble mud and stick manyattas (homesteads) and reveal their pastoral world and ancient, time-honoured traditions.

5. Take to the saddle on a horseback safari

Like the explorers of old, this is a truly unique way to experience the Mara. Once again without the hum of the safari vehicle, it is an invigorating way to explore the vast landscape. Imagine galloping past dazzles of zebra, journeys of giraffe and, if the time is right, the mighty herds of the Great Migration. Image© Offbeat Safaris.

6. Witness the thundering hooves of the great migration

Undoubtedly one of the most dramatic spectacles of the natural world, the Great Migration is the annual trek of two million herbivores across the Serengeti/Mara ecosystem. Although the enormous herds of grunting gnus can be seen year-round, the world-famous, nail-biting Mara River crossings (July to October) are an absolute must for every wildlife enthusiast’s bucket list.

7. Recreate your favourite scene from Out of Africa

Out of Africa, the epic film that made the entire world fall in love with Kenya recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Avid film fanatics and romantics at heart can retrace the steps of Meryl Streep and Robert Redford and visit the exact locations of some of the movie’s most famous scenes.

8. Celebrate the sunset with Maasai warriors

Drive up onto the Oloololo (which aptly means “zig-zag”) escarpment for the most unforgettable sundowners overlooking the vast Mara plains, as well as the Serengeti in the distance. As the sun gently dips over the horizon, stand around a blazing fire, complete with delicious snack and a full bar and bartender, and watch in awe as Maasai warriors perform their traditional song and dance.

9. Photograph lions in ‘Big Cat Diary’ territory

The Masai Mara boasts one of the highest lion densities in the world, so it should come as no surprise that the world-famous nature documentary, Big Cat Diary, is filmed in the Mara. Set out in search of the legendary Marsh pride and the beloved, oh-so photogenic, Scarface himself. Image © Timur Türker.