If you haven’t yet read my whole article on my last trip to the Masai Mara in Kenya, do read it here.
Once you’re done, you can follow this itinerary below to replicate that experience. And learn from my mistakes.
The flight experience was surprisingly smooth. Business class upgrade. Mount Kilimanjaro views. Air India actually delivered… on the way in.
Avoid the taxis outside. I used Welcome Pickups to get an SUV to DoubleTree by Hilton Hurlingham. Twenty-five dollars, reliable, safe, and toll-inclusive.
Nairobi Hotel Drama
My Booking.com reservation failed because my card declined. They shifted the check-in date and gave my room away. I was stranded.
Chef Pratap Singh Negi, an Indian expat working in the kitchen, came to the rescue. He arranged a nearby stay, fed me like family, and gave me a warm welcome to Kenya.
I later checked in properly and stayed two nights. Good hotel, but not ideal for Indians. Better to stay near Parklands if you want Indian food or familiarity.
Day Tour: Nairobi National Park and More (September 7)
I kicked off with a guided trip to Nairobi National Park. We saw:
- Sleeping lions (just the paws)
- Giraffes, zebras, rhinos
- Birdlife galore
- Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
- A bead workshop and cultural dance
Highly recommend a Land Cruiser with a guide, not self-drive. Entry and guide cost me $120.
Masai Mara: The Main Event (September 8–10)
Safari Operator: Simba Paka Safaris
Package: Private three-day, two-night safari with solo vehicle and full-board luxury lodge
Day 1 (September 8): Arrival and First Sightings
- Long, bumpy six-to-seven-hour ride from Nairobi
- On the way: Lions, giraffes, rainbow
- Lodge by the river: hippos, crocs, birds
- First lion shoot: waited over 40 minutes to get the perfect frame
Day 2 (September 9): Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Pickup at 5 AM, balloon by 6 AM
- Indian-origin pilot Riz Jiwa, excellent host
- Mesmerizing views, champagne breakfast after landing
- Close-up lion encounters mid-day
- Sunset game drive
Day 3 (September 10): Masai Tribe Visit
- Fire-making demo, mud hut tour
- Bought souvenirs around $100, donated 5000 KES
- Learned about their school system and daily life
Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate (September 11)
- Stopover at Hell’s Gate, saw a massive baboon
- Checked into a private lodge on Lake Naivasha
- Next morning: Boat safari and eagle feeding demo
- Giraffe herd sighting on the road
Amboseli National Park (September 12)
Final destination before return
- Saw elephants fighting
- Watched tuskers grazing
- Sunset, herds returning to Kilimanjaro foothills
- Stayed at a luxe lodge with a huge buffet
Return Flight Disaster (September 12)
Air India (AI-962) cancelled my return without notice. No SMS, no email. I found out at the airport.
There was a major strike at JKIA over Adani Group’s proposed control deal. Over 50 flights were cancelled. I scrambled to book a last-minute Kenya Airways ticket. Only their planes were allowed to fly.
Cost me an extra $470. But I made it home.
What to Pack
- 100–400mm telephoto lens
- Power bank, travel adapter
- Hat, scarf for dust
- Safari jacket or light waterproofs
- Axis Atlas VISA card (AMEX and Diners Club don’t work well)
Lessons and Notes
- Don’t trust Air India on the return leg
- Masai Mara is bumpy. Not suitable for elders
- Stay near Indian expats if food is a concern
- Carry cash. ATMs and cards can fail in the bush
- Balloon safari is absolutely worth it
Got questions or planning your own solo wildlife trip? Drop them in the comments below or message me on IG. I’ve got more tips, gear recommendations, and notes to share.
Posted from Delhi, still craving Kenyan chai
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