Is a Masai Mara Safari Worth the Hype? (Honest Opinion)

Today we're journeying from Nairobi to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, the country's flagship wildlife destination and one of the best places in the world to go on safari... or so we're told.
I want to find out if the Masai Mara is worth the hype.
Join me as I spend 2 days exploring the Masai Mara, searching for the famous Big Five.
If you'd like a similar safari experience, you can request a free quote from the same companies we booked with here: safarisbyella.com/quote/ref/2... 👈
Follow me on Instagram: / ellajanemckendrick
Business Email 📧 [e-mail]
🎶 Music 🎶
Artlist
Epidemic Sound
Stock footage from Artlist and Canva

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Planning your own trip to Kenya? 🦁 Click here to get no-obligation free quotes from the very tour companies that I used to organise my trip and who I highly recommend: safarisbyella.com/quote/ref/2/?campaign=yt_kenya_masaimara1 👈

[@Norwegianization]

so you were just going to ignore to tell the viewers about the outbreak of malaria in kenya in this part of the year? Africa is not a fairyland.

[@jobgabriel]

Thank you for sharing my beautiful country it's been a while since I enjoyed a vlog like this deserves more than a like and sub. Karibu Kenya🇰🇪♥️

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Asante sana! I'm so glad you liked it! 🫶

[@ayaan_alt]

tanzania >>>>>>>>>>

[@birkelandmedia]

At the end of this video I was left with an intense desire to go an experience more of Africa myself. Your storytelling is incredible and the stunning visuals to top it off! Great job, can't wait to see more!!!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! I'm really happy that you liked it - thanks for watching! 🙌

[@EduardoalexandrePinheiro]

​@@EllaMcKendrick Do you know youtuber Disturbed Reality

[@felixmakinda7689]

I’m a sugarcane farmer in Trans Mara, I was born like 2 hours away from the Masai Mara but I’m yet to go to a Safari 😢😅Am I even a Kenyan! Why do we take for granted the rich beauty we have! Thank you for sharing your experiences. It’s unique when we see it through “external” eyes. I’m sure all Kenyans are proud of this heritage.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I hope you will go on safari soon! It is very true that it's easy to take for granted the beauty of the places where we live. I live in the UK and have hardly seen any of it - I always think there's nothing to do and it's boring! So I can definitely relate. Thank you for taking the time to watch this video. You have a very beautiful country!

[@felixmakinda7689]

@@EllaMcKendrick you're welcome. Perhaps the grass is always greener on the other side.. 😂 Shocking I'm more invested in attending a Chelsea match in London, than going to a Safari next door..

[@EllaMcKendrick]

@@felixmakinda7689 Yep, the grass is always greener! And we all have different interests too. To me, wildlife is extremely exciting (and we have none in England) whereas football may be of great interest to you

[@derrickwakhungu9707]

Am a Kenyan too I see those animals on the road for free, why pay fo a Safari. 😂😂😂

[@felixmakinda7689]

@@derrickwakhungu9707 😀😀😀

[@JacksonMutinda-jw5qw]

Wa kenya mko wapi tusherehekee uzuri wa nchi ytu? Kunaye anayetazama ii? Give me a like pls

[@birkelandmedia]

I was so hyped when I saw you posted a video again!! Looking forward to watching the whole thing🙌

[@KyleG0211]

Welcome back! Thank you, I love your videos, always a pleasure to watch. What an amazing adventure! :)

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! I'm so excited to be back creating videos and I cannot wait to share the rest of my adventures with you. The wait won't be as long, I promise! 😁

[@ramcmaps890]

Wow! Amazing video! Great editing to keep the main thing the main thing - the safari experience, and cutting out the minor details. So lucky for you to see the black rhino! The cheetah mother with the four cubs was definitely a cute sighting! Your video just transported us to the Mara and have a nearly first hand experience of the safari! Keep up your great work! Thanks for showing us the Mara at its best!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really happy you liked the video. I know what you mean - too many videos on KZbin seem to focus on the lodges and give minimal screen time to the wildlife.

[@talesofodyssey]

Ella your cinematography is so beautiful! Your set up definitely paid off! I still think this was a very very succesful trip with regards to sightings, and I love how you brought the community element into this and touched on human wildlife conflict! Another beautiful video!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks so much Rachelle! I was actually inspired by your videos to make sure I speak to the community about their experience with wildlife. It's something I would love to do more often as conservation is so important and a topic close to my heart. But it does take a lot more planning and my planning skills are awful!

[@oloishoruatravel]

Was nice to see you shooting this video. I was right there when you were shooting and in the next tent to your right :)😊

[@EllaMcKendrick]

So glad you enjoyed the video, especially the behind the scenes sections 😁 It's wonderful that you felt a part of the journey! Thank you for being part of the adventure 😁

[@Manmeetsingh-ub4fe]

See u after long time Ella ❤I love your videos always Best of luck & explore more

[@ngwenoh.e9725]

Good storytelling Sister, and thank you for visiting the pride of Africa!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@FastGuy1]

Thank you for showing us this beautiful safari! Great video :)

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you for watching! I'm so glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@edwardmiller6353]

Wow, what an amazing video! Super well done! Thank you!!

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Awesome! I so want to do that one day. The Rino is my favorite animal for sure. Thanks so much for sharing your adventure!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much for watching! It felt very special to see a black rhino in the Masai Mara 😊

[@tooru_oikawa_]

This video was so enjoyable. It deserves more recognition.

[@lifehacks1019]

Spectacular safari, superb sightings and eloquent narration! 👍

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! 😁

[@senthil8372]

Wow interesting stuff!. It will be more interesting if you release videos at frequent intervals, Ella 👍🤩. But the content is amazing & worthwhile too!. Keep rocking, Ella👍.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I have a new video going live this coming Sunday! 😁 My goal is to be more regular this year. Every 2 weeks is the goal but sometimes it may be more like a video every 3 weeks. It's still a lot better than every few months like it has been!

[@senthil8372]

@@EllaMcKendrick No, I can't wait two weeks for ur videos. Ha ha 😂. Please do release once in a week atleast. 🤩

[@EllaMcKendrick]

@@senthil8372 Haha, I wish I could edit fast enough for one per week. Alas, even working 7 days per week, 1 video ever 2 weeks is a stretch 😅 I love how much you enjoy my videos 🫶 And I can't wait to share my new one with you this Sunday!

[@esipil]

Just subscribed. You are the best ❤

[@SMedia123]

Loved this video, definitely worth the wait! What's the best time of year to see the baby animals you spotted?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! I visited in November - it's a good time to visit as the short rains encourage new life and the herbivores start to give birth. Predators however can have their young at any time of year

[@cryptolikeaboss]

Awesome video.. ❤❤❤❤ lovely story telling...

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! So glad you like it 😁

[@domino1552]

Yes it's worth it...I love how you narrate..I think you make a great writer

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@nicolesulee]

Hi Ella, we just came back rom Maasai Mara and I want to thank you for this video, the park is so beautiful and magical and I'm so glad I can revisit again through your video. We also saw the same mama cheetah hunting with her 4 cubs - they are adolescent now! We did not see a kill despite her efforts, I couldn't stop thinking about how hard it is for this mama with 4 cubs depended on her! And shortly after we left them, we saw two cheetah brothers belly full napping under the tree :)

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Hi Nicole! It's so lovely to hear about your experience in the Masai Mara and I love that you also saw Nashipae and her 4 adorable cubbies! I can't believe how big they are now. Yes, she must have to hunt very frequently to feed so many bellies. I wonder if the 2 males you saw were the Mbili Bora boys - the last survivors of the famous Tano Bora coalition of 5 cheetahs who once dominated the Mara. I sadly didn't get so see them this time but it's awesome that you did!

[@dariuskathenge5389]

karibu tena Ela, nice video nice commentary

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Asante sana!

[@memssdavy367]

Welcome back ,to our land Maasai Mara🙏🏾the best documentary

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Asante sana! I'm so glad you enjoyed watching 😁

[@memssdavy367]

@@EllaMcKendrick 🙏🏾🥰

[@thenyamaina6817]

Big up to meektrails. Great edition by Ella

[@EllaMcKendrick]

They're a fantastic company - would definitely recommend! 😁

[@OloikaafricaAdventures]

What an incredible story that is about wildlife. I Am maasai safari guide and so happy for the kind of work you have done showcasing our beautiful Mara wildlife to world. Thank you again for chosing to come to maasai mara and Maasailand . Ashe! Ashe! Oleng

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. Wow, being a safari guide must be a very exciting job as you'll see so much wildlife

[@OloikaafricaAdventures]

@@EllaMcKendrick Yeah my best passion

[@alisonandguywildlifephotograph]

Great video and footage… what video head and clamp did you use…and did you find it much better than handheld… it sure looks it 👏👏👏

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! Details of my clamp set-up and links to the exact products I have can be found here (there's 4 parts to it): ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/ Yes, it's definitely much smoother than hand-held or beanbags! This was my first time using this set-up but I was so happy with the results that I will definitely continue to use it moving forward.

[@alisonandguywildlifephotograph]

@@EllaMcKendrickthank you for your reply…we’ve been to Africa about 5 times … but not since 2007 We went to Costa Rica in feb 2023 and got back into photography and in November we went again to vic falls .. Botswana.. and sabi sands … and tried to get into video… we didn’t do enough video… but took 15000 photos… the little video we took .. most of it handheld was too shaky.. but we got some decent footage which we made our firstUtube video… we’re going to Tanzania in September!!😀…so thank you for the link to your gear … we want stable video on the jeep’s… keep up your good work you’ve inspired us thank you🇬🇧👍

[@omar_f7031]

I could listen to your voice, 'British accent' whole day. I love your cinematic vid.😊 Karibu kenya

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Haha, thank you! I'm so glad you liked it. Asante sana!

[@stevelumumba1824]

Kenya is indeed margical and for me your decumentary of it was explicitly amzing you did justice to this film dear i wonder why it has not hit a million views this is my best documentary of all time

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! I'm so happy you like it 😁

[@K-mk6pc]

Great coverage !!!!!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you!

[@hoopsmccann9228]

Thanks for the great video. I feel for the Lions though, the flies are insane!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I feel for them too! I would have gone insane with all those flies round my eyes!

[@iam_danny]

I love the quality of your videos. Karibu Kenya

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Asante sana! 😁

[@S.Trades]

Amazing. Love it!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for watching!

[@Theother1089]

I've learned to fly from Nairobi to your safari park, much less stressful.

[@jimcottee9187]

I was there 4 months ago & also have great pics of the cheetah & her 4 cubs. A rare sight theses days, keeping that many cubs alive. Asante to the local Rangers who respectfully guard her family.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That's fantastic that you also met Nashipae and her cubs! I follow some accounts on Instagram that post about all sightings of her and have been so happy to see that all the cubs are still alive and well. You're so right that we have the rangers to thank for keeping them safe. I heard the family was broken-up by some hyenas the other day but vehicles were able to scare the hyenas away so that they could reunite.

[@vibarmane1988]

Hey Ella, I hope you're doing well. I was watching the video and noticed some really cool aerial shots. I couldn't help but wonder, are drones allowed in the reserve?

[@nikoreich1577]

Buiteful Video from the Garden Eden !! Regards from Germany Niko

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! 🙌

[@FrancisBrownBaraza]

Amazing vlog ❤❤❤

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@Terrygycery]

Magical Kenya 🇰🇪 What an amazing video showcasing the wild life in our beautiful country 🇰🇪! You've compiled it so well, giving us a glimpse of wildlife from our national park through your lens. The entertainment from the cultural countrymen was superb. Welcome back again!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! I'm so glad you enjoyed watching. Kenya is absolutely amazing ❤️

[@TarekTravels]

That was amazing!! I wanted to ask you, were you allows to bring and fly your drone over the Masai Mara?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Kenya has quite strict drone regulations. You'd have to pay a hefty fee for a license to fly here. These drone shots were not actually filmed in the Masai Mara

[@joliettraveler]

We saw the wildebeast migration, and it was worth it. The Serengeti and the Ngorogoro crater was fantastic.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That's amazing that you saw the migration in the Masai Mara! It's a truly once in a lifetime experience. Which was your favourite out of the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro?

[@timmusumba5846]

Your presentation of Masai Mara National Reserve reminds me of "Big Cat Diary" by "Jonathan Scott" and "Simon King" with "Saba-Douglas Hamilton joining the duo years later! You were fortunate enough to come across or witness the "Black Rock Boys Coalition" in the reserve.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Your comment has made my day! I grew up watching Big Cat Diary - it was my absolute favourite TV show and it inspired a love of Africa in me and made me long to go and shoot my own films in Kenya one day. Thank you very much! Yes, it felt very special to see the Black Rock Boys. I could only see Oloimina and Lorkulop but I'm sure the others were nearby somewhere. It's very sad that the coalition has been reduced to 3 members now.

[@timmusumba5846]

@@EllaMcKendrick Your very much welcome. And it is good to know that you were also a fan of "Big Cat Diary" just like me. It is very unfortunate that "Olobor" died some months ago and that he was likely killed by humans. He was the very aggressive male together with Oloshipa! Now it is Oloshipa left with Lorkolup and Olomina!

[@georgenganga5107]

Masai Mara is captivating, like a little paradise

[@EllaMcKendrick]

It really is! 🫶

[@madhavilata919]

Just amazing ❤

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! 😁

[@JFANDAPMFung-wp4jp]

Great video! Can i ask what mount did you use to attach your fluidhead onto the jeep rail?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! Yes - you can see all parts of my set-up here: ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/

[@JFANDAPMFung-wp4jp]

@@EllaMcKendrick thank you 😊

[@user-on3bk8lj3w]

Youre most welcome to Kenya again

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Asante sana!

[@danieluzowuru3998]

After watching this vlog, I'm officially your biggest fan! Like you, I've watched a lot of documentaries about the animals especially the lions. You're living my dream of seeing lions in person😅, especially the ones i read about like the Notch family. Any idea how much the big male with the buffalo kill weighs? Lovely video, another favourite part of mine was when you responded 'Asante sana' to their greeting, reminded me of rafiki from the lion king😅.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! I'm so happy you enjoyed watching. Yep, lions are fascinating! I am keen to head to Sabi Sands / Kruger in South Africa mainly because of the famous Mapogo lions. Oooh I'm not sure of his exact weight but it was certainly a lot more after this meal 😅 I hope that you can live your dream as well! Haha, when I first heard people saying 'hakuna matata' in Tanzania (first country in East Africa that I visited), I was so confused until I realised that the Lion King contains a lot of Swahili and they weren't just referencing the film! I was also surprised to learn that 'Simba' means lion. I thought everyone in Tanzania just really loved the Lion King at first 🤣

[@danieluzowuru3998]

@@EllaMcKendrick You're welcome🤗. I look forward to your vlog from the Sabi sands / Kruger, I know the main mapogo lions are all gone but I would love to see the new rulers of the Mapogo. It would definitely be a lot more, I hear the lions there are impressive!😅 Thank you so much, I really hope I get to live out my dream😇. It makes a lot of sense now😅, most of the names and phrases from the lion king are Swahili, I was so excited when you said 'asante sana', I almost forgot the phrase isn't fictional 😅. I look forward to more vlogs from you😁.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

@@danieluzowuru3998 Yes, just knowing that the lions there may in some way be related to the Mapogos or the Majingilanes is very exciting. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy all the videos that are to come! 😁

[@mansnotndutch9249]

Amazing 😍

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you!

[@Animalsandwildlife.7527]

Great and amazing content.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@ottaman23]

Your voice is excellent 😮

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! 😁

[@vickiehorowitz1934]

We were at Masi mara last year abd saw the sane cheetah. We visits 5 parks and masai mara was def the most amazing. The only down side is that there are esoooo many oither jeeps. I hope you did the balloon ride. A highlight.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I love that you saw the same wonderful cheetah! The Masai Mara is certainly one of the busier parks to visit. I did have a balloon ride booked but it was cancelled due to bad weather sadly.

[@nabarunguha]

Lovely video❤.Going to Kenya in May.Just out of interest….what camera a lens were you using?Thanks

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much for watching! You can view a list of all my gear here: ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/

[@dawnlee866]

Great information & video. Can’t wait to visit in 2026 or 2027😍❤️🙏🏾

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! I hope you have a fantastic trip 🙌

[@cleophasorwa-onyango7680]

Karibu sana Kenya 🇰🇪 again and again...as always; hakuna matata. We love you💝💝

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Asante sana! 🙌

[@LeonardKoskei-xj4ft]

Wauuh amazing videos, Kenya the world wonder of the World

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@lorimoore7416]

Hi Ella My husband and I are travelling to nthe Serengeti in Tanzania, and then onto the Masa Mara in August for the migration. What type of mount were you using for your camera? I could see the body mounted to a bar on the truck in several of the video shots. Will that fit on most Safari trucks?

[@hzhang454]

Thank you for sharing. I am going in August of this year. I am wondering if we should bring a drone.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I wouldn't recommend bringing a drone into Kenya due to the strict restrictions. There are a couple of places where you can rent one over there which is a better option. AA lodge in Amboseli for example allows you to rent a drone and comes with the necessary permits to film in Amboseli national park

[@2023Red]

Wonderful!

[@avtarvirdi7988]

I have been to Mara many times and enjoyed your watching your videos. What camera are you using🦓🦓

[@EllaMcKendrick]

So glad you enjoyed the video! My camera is the Panasonic GH6

[@kevinng5334]

Stumbled upon this video and watched it without pausing! Curious to know what white balance do you shoot your videos in?

[@evadebra9279]

hope you enjoyed maasai mara national reserve,thnxs,for visiting our country Kenya,next place you should visit In Kenya,is Nairobi national park,I bet you ,you will fall in love with our country

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! Yes, Nairobi National Park is definitely on my list of places to visit. There's just so much to see in Kenya!

[@reevavideoart-studio65]

Nice one 😊😊😊

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! 😁

[@user-jx4ip1oh5l]

Wow this is the first time masai mara documentary definetly wholesome...

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@ActionLabInFocus]

😂😂ati you found your sleeping spirit animal. Nice KE subscriber here

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Haha 🤣 thank you very much for your support!

[@senthil8372]

It has been a long time to your video. How are you Ella?. Hope you're doing well. Let me share my comments after watching your vlog. It seems interesting!👍

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Too long! I am good thanks and I cannot wait to share all of the things I've been up to. The next video should be ready in a couple of weeks so you won't have to wait as long. I hope you are doing good too! As always, it's great to hear from you 🫶

[@magicsaint]

Mara, Serengeti, and my favourite of all Ngorongoro. All these placed are heavens on earth.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yes, all three are really magical 🫶 Ngorongoro Crater is very unique indeed!

[@iqueque]

The density of ‘safari’ vehicles is amazing. I prefer less crowded, better managed areas such as South Lunagwa in Zambia, Mana Pools and Gonarezhou in Zimbabwe, Okavango in Botswana and Etshoha in Namibia

[@EllaMcKendrick]

It's true that there can be quite a bit of traffic in the Masai Mara! The entry fees have gone up quite substantially in price this year so I'll be curious to see what impact this will have on tourist numbers in the reserve

[@danogeto78]

Tsavo East is amazing too

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I would love to visit! Kenya has so many incredible places to see

[@cliffordshole7299]

Great masai Mara welcome

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Asante sana!

[@peshframjee269]

Thanks Ella - what a lovely video. I have been on many many African safaris and keep returning to Kenya. I am often asked about carbon and long haul flights - This is something that I have thought about long and hard. Protecting wild places and wildlife is really important for me and I have seen that responsible tourism is a real conservation tool. I know too well that there are many protected areas that would be lost if it was not for the tourist revenues that they generate and when considering the trade offs and I have made my choices. It is of course important to think about ways to reduce carbon emissions, but I think that not enough focus is given to carbon sequestration. Forests and grasslands and savannahs retain significant amounts of carbon in vegetation and soil. They are also vitally important for preserving biodiversity and to the carbon, water and energy cycles. They are being lost at an alarming rate and the destruction of these habitats leads to often irreversible biodiversity loss and the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. On the other hand the preservation of these habitats absorbs greenhouse gases and provides many other gains. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is great but I love the Mara Conservancies that you mentioned in passing even more. The reasons why are well explained in a great blog - web search for 'Conservancies: A win-win-win for wildlife, communities, and you, the safari-goer' Looking forward to you next video!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I have had people attempt to lecture me about flying long haul before. If tourists didn't visit these places then they would end up being developed into farmland or settlements. It's tourism that keeps the national parks and reserves going. If everyone stopped visiting, then unfortunately there'd be no incentive to keep them wild as they'd no longer be bringing in an income for the country. Therefore I believe travelling in a conscious way that focuses on being as sustainable as possible can be beneficial for our planet. I am very keen to visit the conservancies to see how they compare. The lower density of vehicles is something that makes them seem very appealing! Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@paulinenaqvi7665]

Yes well worth it, I went from Tanzania.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yes, it's such an incredible place!

[@jakecook716]

The Mara is worth the hype, but it's often a less intimate experience with nature purely because of the abundance of vehicles. I think not enough first time safari goers research and consider what they specifically want to see, and just go for the most famous. But Africa has so many amazing destinations for safari, I would suggest considering places like Botswana. You will get just as much variety if not more, with less vehicle battles for viewing. The Mara I would suggest for those wanting specific things like the migration season, and the open landscape for photography

[@EllaMcKendrick]

It's true that there can be a fair bit of traffic in the Mara. I also went in November which is outside of peak season, so I can imagine it's even busier between June and September. However park fees have increased quite substantially for this year so I expect this will limit the number of people in the Mara at one time quite a bit. Botswana is next on my list of places to visit 😉

[@tukozabehtv3980]

Mara remains a must visit destination for anyone

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Definitely agree that it's one of the best places to see wildlife!

[@shimronnetia]

thank you for showcasing our country Kenya as a tour destruction. your production is as professional as National Geographic

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Wow, thank you very much for your kind words! Kenya is such a wonderful country

[@shimronnetia]

@@EllaMcKendrick Welcome

[@bellaolum9768]

Destruction?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

@@bellaolum9768 I guessed they meant ‘destination’ but predictive text made a mistake

[@onelife7850]

Been to the Mara so many times. My only concern for the animals, especially the cats, is that the flooding of safari vehicles sometimes interferes with the hunting process by these animals. Humans simply scare the animals away. Maasai Mara is more like a zoo these days. But your video is super mesmerizing!

[@successsocial3986]

Do the conservancies surrounding the reserve there is more order

[@onelife7850]

@@successsocial3986 I have been going to the Mara for over 20 years now. With regards to order, things have gotten worse with time. While there are orders protecting the wellbeing of the animals, sometimes corruption gets in the way. The wild life police will let drivers drive in places they shouldn’t and thus interfering with the normal routines of the animals.

[@omahabred9466]

Visiting the Mara was breathtaking as a foreigner but I would advise the great Tsavo, along with its surrounding it forms an area larger than Switzerland. The question with crowding is stressfull but a lot better than animals being slaughtered immediately they leave the park. I remember visiting Yellowstone and immediately coming across a bear carcass and dozens of moose antlers, humans are nasty everywhere.

[@felixmakinda7689]

@@omahabred9466Tsavo is underrated I believe.

[@Structon]

I saw Mufasa

[@mouricewekesamunoko2839]

You've learned Kiswahili, enjoy the magical Kenya 🇰🇪

[@EllaMcKendrick]

haha, kidogo 😁 Asante sana!

[@avinandanbhadra1274]

14:10 SO BEAUTIFUL 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🤗🤗🤗🤗❤❤❤❤❤🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@arghunsmn1242]

May I ask which clamp you were using in the vehicle to film with your camera?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yes! There are a couple of parts to the clap. I have listed all parts of it here as well as links to where to buy them: ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/

[@freedomm]

The eternal question, which is better? The Masai Mara or the Serengeti? The Serengeti is bigger and has better name recognition but the high density of big cats and other wildlife in the Mara is hard to beat.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

They may be part of the same ecosystem but in many ways they are so different! They each have their own pros. I love the landscape of the Serengeti more but I've had some of my best ever wildlife sightings in the Masai Mara. Both are fantastic and are well worth visiting!

[@avinandanbhadra1274]

9:30-10:25 SO MAJESTIC 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@meeowgforever]

Beautiful Mara

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yes, it’s an amazing place!

[@Rizman127]

Original name of the Country is Zion, it has named after its mountain name Zion And then the colonisers changed the country name to Kenya and the mountain to Mount Kenya

[@bellaolum9768]

Kenya is a Masai word though

[@avinandanbhadra1274]

13:44 KING MAKING AN APPEARANCE 👍👍👍👍👍🙂🙂🙂🙂🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🙂👍🙂🙂🐯🐯🐯🙂👍🙂🙂🐯🐯🐯🐯🙂🙂🙂

[@reevavideoart-studio65]

How did you use a drone over there … what kind of permission you need for that ???????? That’s pretty nice 👍🏾

[@cryptolikeaboss]

Yaaaa that's my question too...

[@Mainneli]

5:31 maybe just maybe those landcruisers spooked those gazelles

[@gavran.nana.komedy]

❤so beautiful

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! 😁

[@hzhang454]

Are you allowed to use drone in the field?

[@googleuser7276]

Hello, I see lot of drone shots. Is it allowed to bring small size drones ? I have mini3 249 grams.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Kenya is very strict on drones and you cannot import them into the country which is annoying. You can therefore either rent one in Kenya or jump through massive hoops getting permits to 'import' your drone

[@dahabizizy]

How luck u living in my dream. All my depression will go if i smell that heavenly air in africa savanah and stare to the wild animals I cant wait to visit kenya and tanzania

[@EllaMcKendrick]

You'll love it! They are both fantastic countries and some of the best in the world to spot wildlife

[@samuelmathenge4596]

Thanks

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertjames-life4768]

Great adventures! Those flies look pretty nasty.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I don't know how the lions don't get more agitated by them! I think the recent rains meant that there were a lot more flies than usual. Thanks for watching!

[@robertjames-life4768]

@@EllaMcKendrick how were the flies on you and your fellow travelers?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

The flies weren't too bad with us - especially here in the Mara. Some places were definitely worse than others though. After the Mara ,we crossed into the Serengeti and I got followed by tsetse flies every time I walked to my tent. In Amboseli there was always one annoying regular fly that followed me to and from my tent which was a bit annoying. Everywhere else it was fine :)

[@avinandanbhadra1274]

10:52-12:05 HERE COMES QWEEN AND KING MAKING AN APPEARANCE. THE REAL SHOW STOPPER🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯

[@MansaKimani]

Do you have a podcast? if not, you should start one, or do voice overs.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I don't have one right now. Thank you for the suggestion! 😁

[@mariosbenetatos6905]

Hallo.Your words and steps are better than my amateur poetry.Well go on until the end of time*and ofcourse one hour before the sunset at least,you are having a shower and then a meal.Bye.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@ywc024]

Spoiler alert Maasai Mara is definetely worth it. 100% . Its an adventure of a lifetime. Visit if you can. The moments will live forever

[@avinandanbhadra1274]

PLEASE BE CAREFUL PLEASE BE SAFE ELLA JI❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MaryBirungi-pg2lq]

❤❤

[@EllaMcKendrick]

🫶

[@goodmartino]

It´s sad, that you forgot to tell the extrem high entrance fee for the Masai Mara. and they will increase this summer even more.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Yes, I may need to make another video talking more about the logistics of visiting the Masai Mara. Thanks for the recommendation! You're right that the new fees are crazy. I visited in November, before they changed. Now it's going up to $200 + tax this summer!

[@bellaolum9768]

Yes, tourism is our biggest revenue earner. Parks have to be maintained and conservation efforts are always ongoing