By Mary Mwendwa.
December holidays are around the corner as many families plan for their holiday destinations, Maasai Mara has great offers for those who cannot afford the very expensive lodges that are costly for many.
Here is a plan, you do not need to worry about the expensive lodges , you can still have a wild experience and enjoy holiday on that minimal budget.
For those of you , who have been to the mara, there are two options of accessing the reserve, road and air.Road gives a spectacular experience through the Narok road and as one gets close ,you get to see wild animals like lions, zebra, elephants and many more as you slow drive and enjoy the beauty of the wild.
Mara loita Hotel, located at the heart of Talek town offers cheap accomodation at ksh 3500 per person for locals and ksh 6000 per person for international guests.The rooms are exclusive, air conditioned and serve food as per guests needs.
At Maasai Mara National Reserve guests get to enjoy different species of birds and animals apart from the famous wild beast migration. Here for those who have not come at close range with lions have an opportunity to do so. Similary, for those who have never seen cheetah will get to see a famous friendly cheetah with her cubs ; named Malaika.(Angel in Swahili).Malaika is used to people , at times when driving in the park she can jump in a vehicle and just enjoy her peace as she looks around.This is one of the most great experiences for those who have interacted with her can recall.
Bead work and Shukas are a no miss to visitors.Maasai women have great bead work which they sell to visitors like necklaces, bracelets and many more.
According to Phyloz Leshan siayalel , Director, Mara Loita Hotel;”We have great offers here at Mara Loita, we offer affordable accommodation and offer game drives to our guests at ksh 14,000 for a full day game drive without park entry fee in a land cruiser of nine people.A qualified tour guide is usually on board and this helps the guests to understand more about the Mara as they enjoy a wonderful drive inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve.We also offer ample parking at our hotel and give guests an opportunity to visit Maasai Manyattas and get to interact with their unique culture. We also have booking for balloon safaris which a guest decided whether they are interested or not.
Alternatively , there is a wild camp –River side Camp with guest houses that are designed inside the park where guests get to interact with wild in a closer way.Ten guest houses with 22 beds are available , here locals pay 3,500 and international guests pay 6,000 ksh .
According to Kipeen Ole Siyalel proprietor of the two facilities;
”I came up with these cheap accommodation options in the Mara to facilitate locals who are interested in making holidays at cheaper rates . As you know lodges here charge a lot of money and therefore many people are locked out.Our two facilities , Mara loita and River side Camp are the best options for local holiday makers who will experience the wild just same as others but at a cheaper affordable rate.”
Mara Loita and River Side Camp use green energy from solar power which are helping to mitigate against the harsh effects of climate change.
As you think about this year’s holiday, here is a great deal!
