Experience Incredible Wildlife Views At This East African Destination

There's something humbling about being out in nature. This is especially true when you're on a safari. You witness everything, from light and color filling the sky for spectacular sunrises and sunsets to packs of animals moving as one across the savannah. You'll see birds of all sorts flying overhead and beautiful plants that range from prairie grasses and flowers to towering trees swaying in the wind. Kenya, specifically the Masai Mara National Reserve, is ideal for such an experience.

You'll see a plethora of wildlife on these active adventures in Kenya. "Nowhere else sums up the East African dream like the Masai Mara," one expert traveler noted on SafariBookings. "Always the best place in Kenya to see huge herds of grazers and a seemingly endless procession of carnivores big and small the Masai Mara is the one place in East Africa I could return to again and again and never get jaded or bored."

If you're lucky, you'll see members of the "big five," which are the leopard, lion, rhinoceros, African elephant, and Cape buffalo. They're called this because of the threat and challenge they once posed to hunters. They roam freely in the Masai Mara National Reserve. If all of this piques your interest, then it could be time for you to plan a trip to the 580 square miles of the Masai Mara National Reserve for the vacation of a lifetime.

When looking for safaris that are right for you, you'll need to consider your budget, what kind of safari you wish to embark on, and how long you want the safari to last. At Masai Mara, you can find safaris that range from a couple of nights for a couple of hundred dollars, like the highly-rated Explorer's Wild Adventure — which lasts for three days and starts at $280 per person — to luxury safaris that last for over a week and cost thousands of dollars like Timbuktu's 10-night trip.

Each of these and those that fall somewhere in between will dive deep into the Masai Mara National Reserve and show you beautiful wildlife. You'll trek across the land in hopes of seeing the big five roaming about and a wide variety of birds — there are almost 500 bird species alone in the area! You'll also likely encounter animals like zebras, cheetahs, hippos, antelope, and more.

If you're interested in a Masai Mara safari but want to try something a bit more unique than the traditional jeep and walking trips, consider a horse riding or hot air balloon safari over the region. African Horse Safaris offers tours ranging from three to 10 nights. You'll bond with your horse while exploring the savannahs and their animals. For hot air balloon rides that'll give you sweeping sunrise views of the landscapes and a delicious breakfast, check out Africa Eco Adventures. You'll have a whole new perspective on the wildlife as you watch the animals from above.

Seeing animals doesn't have to be solely reserved for safaris. You can plan strategically and stay at a lodge that'll immerse you in the environment and expose you to animals that live in it. Bushtops Safari Camps — which has five stars on TripAdvisor — does just this. You'll stay in a luxury canvas tent and potentially see animals that range from giraffes to elephants right outside your window.

Porini Lion Camp is another excellent place to stay that gives you an opportunity to see big cats. "In the three days we were there we saw 49 different lions, including tiny cubs," one reviewer noted on TripAdvisor. For an eco-friendly spot that places you right in a forest alongside a riverbed that gives you ample opportunities for wildlife sightings, stay at the Emboo River Camp.

So, for animal lovers and adventure seekers, the Masai Mara National Reserve is an ideal place for you to visit. Next time you're looking for something that'll quench your thirst for nature and a thrilling escapade, book a trip here for a brilliant African safari.