Prepare your Trip

The Maasai Mara, located in south-western Kenya, enjoys a pleasant year-round climate thanks to its altitude of 1,500 to 1,900 meters. Average temperatures are 20°C, with days around 28°C and cool nights of 12°C.

The best times to visit are January-February and June-early October. The park has two rainy seasons, from March to May and from October to December.

The Tanzanian Serengeti and Maasai Mara are famous for the annual wildebeest and zebra migration from July to September, a unique spectacle where these herbivores cross the Mara River and attract numerous predators. Apart from the migration, the park remains a must-see place to admire Africa’s rich wildlife.

This tour does not require a high level of specific physical fitness, but as we will have many opportunities to hike, a good level of physical fitness is necessary. If you have any health problems, please let us know when you book.

You’ll need the following to set off on your trip:

• Passport
• Yellow fever vaccine (only necessary if you have to cross the border by road)

Here are a few ideas of things to take or not to forget for your trip:

• Small backpack for the day,
• Sunglasses,
• Sun cream,
• Hat or cap,
• Flashlight or headlamp with the necessary batteries,
• One or two 1-liter water bottles,
• Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products),
• Washcloth,
• Bottle of hydro-alcoholic gel,
• Handkerchiefs,
• Quick-drying towel (such as microfiber),
  Earplugs or equivalent (especially for the bird field very early in the morning),
• Camera or still camera and associated equipment:
  long-life battery,
  a USB adapter,
  a cigar-holder adapter,
  several memory cards,
• portable solar charger,
• universal adapter,
• portable external battery,
• sleeping bag sheet. We provide washed sleeping bags (between 10°c and 20°c), but you may prefer to bring your own. It is your responsibility to bring your own sleeping bag sheet,
• Walking shoes at your convenience,
• Tongues for showering. These are necessary for showering and are not always provided by the establishments.
• Bathing suit,
• Waterproof protection for your electronic devices in case of rain,
• Fleece or warm jacket for the night,
• Rainwear,
• Neck or other face protection (to protect against dust on the road),
• Inflatable cushion (for greater comfort in the car on bumpy roads),
• Natural or other treatment for malaria (herbal tea, capsules or artemisia alcohol),
• Activated charcoal (to prevent and help with intestinal problems),
• Grapefruit seed extract (boosts the immune system),
• Magnesium chloride or its natural form Nigari (in organic stores), which you can leave with a family at the end of your stay,
• Small first-aid kit (we have everything you need for first-aid, but it’s best to bring your own, adapted to your personal health conditions).

It is possible to make purchases at very reasonable prices on site if you wish to make donations to the community: clothing, school equipment or other items. No need to splash out!

However, if you have items such as glasses or clothing for adults and children that you’d still like to bring along, don’t hesitate.

This will also help the local economy. We’ll distribute them to those most in need, especially widows with children. For any other material, please ask us before you leave for Kenya and/or Tanzania.

The role of women 

Maasai women are responsible for domestic tasks such as preparing meals, building huts and collecting water and wood. They also play a crucial role in passing on cultural traditions to their children. Marriage is often arranged, and dowries, often in the form of livestock, are common practice. Women generally have no decision-making role at community level, although their importance within the family is central.

The place of the men

Men are the head of the family and the protector. They are responsible for security and livestock management, and make important decisions for the community. Men go through rites of passage that mark their transition to masculinity, notably through warrior initiation. Elders, or older men, also play a role in providing wisdom and advice to the group.

The place of the child

From an early age, children are given responsibilities appropriate to their age and gender. Boys learn to look after livestock with their fathers and develop survival skills, while girls help their mothers with domestic chores. In this way, they contribute to village life and learn the skills they will need as adults.