My Incredible First Safari Experience in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

sonya barlow
3 min readMay 7, 2023

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As a travel enthusiast, going on a safari in Masai Mara national reserve, Kenya was one of my dreams. Recently, I had the opportunity to make it a reality and it exceeded my expectations! In this blog post, I’ll share my first-hand experience of flying from Nairobi Wilson to Olkiombo Masai Mara, the beautiful views, the amazing animals I saw, and some helpful tips for anyone planning a safari trip to Masai Mara.

The Flight to Masai Mara

Flying from Nairobi Wilson to Olkiombo Masai Mara was a breath-taking experience. The small aircraft provided stunning views of the countryside and wildlife below. The flight took about an hour, and I was able to see elephants, giraffes, and other animals from above. One thing to note is that small air crafts have limited seats, so it’s essential to book in advance.

Things to Note about the Flight:

  • Luggage should not exceed 15KG, and small carry-ons or backpacks are preferred
  • The mode of transport feels like you’re in an airbus, and it makes multiple stops during the journey

The Safari Experience

Once we arrived in Masai Mara, we were greeted by our tour guide who took us to our campsite. The campsites are safe and clean, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. We then embarked on our first game drive, and it was incredible! I saw lions, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, and more! It was an amazing feeling to see these animals in their natural habitat, and the experience is one that I will never forget.

Things to Note about the Safari:

  • Wear neutral colors
  • Pack light and comfortable clothes as you will be sitting for hours
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater as it can get chilly
  • Trust your tour guide
  • Take the option to have breakfast with nature, it’s a beautiful experience

Is it worth the visit?

Overall, my safari experience in Masai Mara was incredible. The beauty of the reserve and the wildlife was awe-inspiring, and I felt truly connected to nature. If you’re planning a trip to Masai Mara, I highly recommend it! Just remember to book your flight and safari tour in advance, pack light, wear comfortable clothes, and trust your tour guide. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

3 minute video on the masai mara by Sonya Barlow

Sonya Barlow is an Award-Winning Entrepreneur of @LMFNetwork, Author of Unprepared to Entrepreneur, BBC Presenter of The Everyday Hustle, Content Creator, Careers Coach & TEDxSpeaker. Her careers & inclusion consultancy Like Minded Females (LMF Network,) focuses on building confidence and inclusive workplaces through mentorship, training, research and strategic action plans. She has worked with top brands such as HP, Logitech, The Oberoi, BBC, Mitie, British Red Cross, Rolls Royce, Cisco, Capital One, Lloyds Banking Group and LinkedIn. www.sonyabarlow.co.uk.

Sonyabarlow.co.uk & @LMFnetwork / Sonya Barlow is recognised as Top 50 Women in Tech, Linkedin Changemaker & Asian Women of Achievement.

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sonya barlow

Award Winning Entrepreneur, Author & Traveller, BBC Radio Presenter. sonyabarlowuk