Safari with Suyash to Masai Mara, Kenya

Masai Mara is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations on the planet famed for its open savannah grasslands and density of animals. It is home to over 90 species of mammals including Africa’s Big 5: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant along with a myriad of other species such as the Cheetah, Giraffe, Gazelle, Hippo, Bat Eared Fox, Jackal, Hyena, Crocodile, Ostrich and much more. Masai Mara also boasts of having over 450 species of birds, making it a paradise for any wildlifer.

Mara Itinerary

Our tour will be for 6 nights and 7 days, seven regular game drives, 2 full-day game drives, two walking safaris, daily bush breakfasts, a couple bush dinner, and lots of G&T sundowners, along with hands-on learning of wildlife, tracking, photography, and lots of fun, laughter and adventure. And what better place to do this than in one of the most iconic locations of the world- Masai Mara.

May is one of the best times to witness the Mara in lush green conditions, the big cat activity is at an all time high and as it is not a migration time, the tourism pressure is quite low and the sighting of all other animals such as lions, elephants, antelopes, rhinos and cheetah, very high. If you want to be the only vehicle at a wildlife sighting, or to look out over the vast horizons of the Mara without other vehicles in sight, then you will love the Safari with Suyash experience.

NOTE: Being a photographer or having an interest in photography is not mandatory on this tour. This tour is for YOU and you decide what you want from it. Other focuses of this tour is learning about conservation, tracking, birding, identifying different species, reading the forest, learning animal behavior and most importantly, have a good time

Day 1 and 2 - Arrival and Transfer

Land at Jomo Kenyatta/Nairobi Wilson airport and overnight stay in Nairobi.

The next day, you will depart early morning from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport on the 50 min private charter to the Masai Mara. You will transition into a game drive within moments of landing. We will check in by lunchtime.

You will have your first game drive in the evening.

For people interested in photography: Prior to the trip you will also get access to my Online Masterclass. This will set you up for the upcoming safaris, where you will delve deeper into the core principles, tips, and tricks of photography – all the while receiving hands-on training from me.

Reaching Masai Mara

Jomo Kenyatta Airport and Wilson Airport are two airport options for Kenya. Both airports have flights from New Delhi and Mumbai.
We will depart for Masai Mara the next day on a 50-minute private charter from Wilson Airport, Nairobi.
Transfer in 4x4 vehicles from the airstrip to the camp.

In between safaris you will have time to relax or sit with me to go over the day’s happenings, and review and receive feedback on your photographs My entire focus will be on you all.

This night will be full of fun, great food, story time and, like it or not – silly and corny jokes by Suyash haha.

Day 3-6

From day 3 to 6, it will be full of game drives, lots of wildlife viewing, lunch at scenic locations and spectacular sundowners.

On most days you will have two game drives in the morning and evening respectively. Breakfasts will be served on the morning game drive and lunch and dinner will be served back at the camp. On Full day game drives, you would be served picnic breakfast and lunches on the vehicle itself.

The days might be tiring, but I can assure you it will be all worth it!

Highlights

Game Drives, Walking Safaris and more
Safaris in Land Cruisers with private windows and prop up open top.
Organised in May, when the reserve is lush green due to the rains, and great for viewing big game in action.
And finally, it's a Safari With Suyash Experience, and we can promise it will be an African adventure with a million memories

For a full list of inclusions and exclusions, along with a packing guide, payment terms, cancellation policy etc. Please refer to the FAQ section below.

Departure

Morning safari and checkout after breakfast. Fly back to Nairobi (arriving around 12.30 pm). Onward transfers to home.

Checklist for your last day

Step 1) Say goodbye to the big-cats, ele-friends and your new friends
Step 2) Sad goodbye’s to Suyash 😔 – but they only mean that he would love to see you again.
Step 3) Book another Safari with Suyash as soon as possible!!!

Your Accommodation

Camp Site 1 is located in a unique and stunning setting in the African savannah. This camp has only nine tents, which ensures guests have a genuine “away from it all” experience deep in the African bush.

Camp Site 2 is a step up from the previous one in that it is unfenced and even closer to nature. It makes for an extraordinarily intimate wildlife experience, with only a few other cars sharing your sightings. This is a recognized hotspot for big cats and especially cheetahs, which are seen regularly, often with cubs.

Safari with Suyash - Mara Camps

Amenities

Both of our campsites will be in the middle of Africa. The guests can benefit from their incredible location, outstanding service and commitment to conservation. The camps ensure that the communities living alongside national parks and reserves derive tangible benefits from conserving the indigenous habitat for wildlife.

Don’t be surprised if you hear lions roaring near you, all night long😉

Airy tents with attached bathrooms
Private viewing deck and verandah
Fresh meals prepared fresh by the chef, everyday
All tents are solar powered with ensuite hot shower facilities

Epic moments from #SafariWithSuyash

Intimate encounter with a giraffe during a walking safari

Pointing out a lion sleeping under the African sky

Guests admire a Dung Beetle - one of the most important species in our ecosystem

An evening spent with a mating pair of lions

Guests enjoy a Giraffe sighting

Sundowner experience in the African bush

Helping a guests with his camera settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of questions that may help you in planning your trip. If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me on SafariWithSuyash@gmail.com

Can I extend my stay? Or add private safaris with Suyash

YES, you can contact me directly on SafariWithSuyash@gmail.com and we can plan it out.

Sample Extensions:

Masai Mara: USD 650 per person per night
Amboseli 3N4D: USD 3,200
Kenyan Black Leopard Expedition 3N4D: USD 4,800
Serengeti Lion King Extension: Available on request
South Africa Extension: Available on request

Extensions are subject to availability.

Single Occupancy vs Twin Sharing Rooms

There are two categories of rooms:

1. Single Occupancy: Where you get the entire room to yourself

2. Twin-Sharing: Where you are paired up with another member of the group and share the room with them

The cost of the tour is per-person.

What are my payment options?

You can book directly through this website. For other payment options kindly mail us at SafariWithSuyash@gmail.com

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policy

Payment Terms and Cancellation Policy:

- 50% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 90 days prior to the tour start dates.
- No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 90 days of the event.
- Your spot on the tour is only guaranteed once the full payment has been made.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.
- Amendment in dates within 90 days from arrival is treated as a cancellation.
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.

What is included and what is excluded?

Inclusions:

Accommodation (including one night in Nairobi on the day of arrival)

Safari and Conservancy Fees

Tracker and guide fees

Professional fees

Safaris as indicated on the itinerary

3 meals per day and tea/coffee

Domestic Beer & Wine

All transfers as indicated on the itinerary (domestic flights and car)

Exclusions:

GST as applicable

International Flight Tickets

Tourist Visa for Kenya

Health and Travel Insurance

Premium Spirits, Liquor and packaged soft drinks

Tips, Laundry, personal snacks etc.

Camera fees – if any (guests will be advised in advance)

All other expenses and activities not mentioned in the “inclusions” above will have to be borne as additional expenses by the participants

Important Disclaimer

Any future hikes in Government Taxes and Safari Fees levied by the Masai Mara authorities are not accounted for in the package but will be informed to you as and when communicated to us by the authorities.

Is this Migration Season?

This is not the migration time in Masai Mara as the herds of zebra and wildebeests are in Serengeti, Tanzania but all other animals and big cats are native to the area and do not migrate. This is also the time with lowest tourist footfall, and green season which allows for an exclusive and beautiful safari experience.

Is this tour for photographers only?

NO, this tour is for everyone who is interested in exploring the beauty of our natural world, take back experiences and memories of a lifetime, make new friends who share a similar interest and most importantly connect with nature.

You can arrive without a camera, and just take back memories and experiences.

THIS TOUR IS FOR YOU!

How do I reach Nairobi?

Nairobi has two international airports- Jomo Kenyatta and Wilson. Both airports have direct/one-stop flights from New Delhi and Mumbai
We would suggest you arrive in Nairobi anytime post noon on the 21st of April.

Ideal Flight Timings

We would suggest you arrive in Nairobi anytime post noon on the 18th of May
We will fly out to Masai Mara the next morning on a private charter from Wilson Airport.
On 24th of May, we will land back in Nairobi by around 12:30 p.m. You may book your return flights to India accordingly.

Weather/Temperature:

Masai Mara will be very pleasant in May. The max and min temperatures will be around 27 and 15 degrees celsius respectively.

We will also witness a bit of rainfall which gives us a great opportunity for dramatic sunsets, sunrises and animals washing off the rain droplets from their body.

What to pack?

Practical colors to wear on a safari are khaki, beige and white in all seasons. Please avoid bright and flashy clothing and strong perfumes/deodorant. It is advisable not to wear sandals or shorts during nature walks

Here are some of our packing suggestions:

Light cotton trousers & cotton shorts
Light cotton shirts (long & short sleeved)
Jackets
Cotton socks & comfortable walking shoes
Sandals
Showerproof rain jacket/ windbreaker
Hats, sunglasses & scarves
Sunscreen
Camera
Binoculars
Insect Repellents

Equipment Recommendation

If you are simply coming to enjoy the beauty of Masai Mara and learn more about wildlife from Suyash, then you don’t need to bring any equipment with you.

If you are coming on this trip to learn and do some serious photography then you are strongly recommended to bring your own camera. We suggest brining a combination lenses, such as a zoom lens as well as a wide-angle lens. Super telephoto lenses are also excellent. If you would like to rent any equipment, please contact Suyash in well in advance.

Smartphones are also very handy these days and Suyash can train you on the best way to use them.

You can also rent equipment from Suyash, please email him on SafariWithSuyash@gmail.com to reserve your equipment

Food Allergies:

If you are allergic to any food items, kindly inform at the time of check-in. A delectable spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is served at the camps. Breakfast is the combination of variety and choices from the varied cuisine and is usually served during the safari itself.

Photo Identity:

Please ensure that you are carrying a valid passport and visa as required for travel to Kenya.

Medical Facilities

Masai Mara is located in a remote location. While the camp is equipped to handle minor injuries, the nearest good hospital is an hour’s flight away in Nairobi.

Important Note:

Please carry your personal medications.

Expecting mothers, patients with heart conditions and any other health ailment that require constant medical attentions are advised not to travel.