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

[@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.

[@nidhikamath4975]

Q❤❤❤❤

[@khanaadil6446]

@@Norwegianization I think all wildlife enthusiast s know the risks that come with tropical climate. What's there to announce in a video she made dedicated to wildlife in the region?

[@St.Kierre]

Crazy question. Where do you leave your luggage if you do a pickup from Naoribi? Do you pay for a hotel although you’re not staying there during the safari?

[@harrison8293]

​@Norwegianization no where is fairyland, i travelled to a western country and my kids got RSV within a week and had to spend the rest of the trip at the hospital. Diseases are everywhere and we need a little bit of planning to prevent them. If we stop feeling like we are better than other we might actually learn a little bit more about the world

[@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! 🙌

[@Eduardoscases]

​@@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 😀😀😀

[@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.

[@sherarut]

This is the best video of Masai Mara and Kenyan safaris I've seen! Impressive quality. And omg SO MANY CUBS and cheetah cubs!!! I've been to Masai Mara for two days last year, and I did not see as much. But we did see a lot of babies. It was December. Incredible work, thanks for sharing!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Wow, thank you so much for your lovely comment! Seeing the cubs was definitely a highlight for me ❤️ Aww I'm happy you saw a lot of babies too. Nature can be unpredictable and you never know what you'll come across!

[@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!

[@birkelandmedia]

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

[@JacksonMutinda-jw5qw]

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

[@teresiamaina9573]

tuko hapa na hatujaienda maasai mara

[@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 ❤️

[@ngwenoh.e9725]

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

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@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 😁

[@bigpuppy9923]

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.

[@lifehacks1019]

Spectacular safari, superb sightings and eloquent narration! 👍

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! 😁

[@joshua8398]

This has brought so many memories back for me thank you so much! i went here with my family when i was 12!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@jillmackenzie5978]

I have tears in my eyes seeing these lions.....I have a trip in October to Kenya ...hope I'm as lucky with my viewing

[@ytc257]

Do you know Jesus is a messenger of God

[@freddguy]

Please carry me with you to the mara. I really wanna experience this.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I know, it's pretty special to see them in the wild. The Masai Mara never fails to deliver good sightings so I'm sure you'll see some fantastic wildlife on your trip 😁

[@Irenelyndee]

Hope you came and enjoyed yourself

[@TinaHemphill]

I was privileged to have been born in Kenya and visited the Mara and other game parks numerous times. I can definitely attest, it’s worth the effort to visit all the game parks, even Nairobi park.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Wow, it must be so incredible to be able to visit so frequently! 😍

[@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 😊

[@domino1552]

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

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@ExplorewithDannyke]

I love the quality of your videos. Karibu Kenya

[@EllaMcKendrick]

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 😁

[@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

[@ritujenet8549]

Is May a good month for Safari?

[@vincentguga4798]

I am impressed by this KZbin video. It's not only educative but a marketing tool for the many who would love to visit our country. At the start of this video, I thought it belongs to NAT GEO, only to realize that it's your own content creation. Please come back again and tag me along on your next visit to Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and to Mt. Kenya. We love you.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! I'm really happy you like it. I will definitely be back to Kenya as there are so many wonderful parks and reserves that I didn't get to see on my last visit.

[@vincentguga4798]

@@EllaMcKendrick Make it your first priority Ella. The good thing is, I am also learning so many new things from you. Feel welcome dear. I am a super lover of nature. Your video presentation is top notch.

[@vincentguga4798]

@@EllaMcKendrick I have subscribed to your KZbin channel. Load more for viewing.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

@@vincentguga4798 Thank you so much! Can't wait to share more videos with you!

[@georgenganga5107]

Masai Mara is captivating, like a little paradise

[@EllaMcKendrick]

It really is! 🫶

[@savrah]

Fantastic video, it cemented my decision to visit this country.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Amazing! I can't recommend Kenya highly enough 😁

[@fAindiGoAS]

One of my favourite place in this globe 🌎🌍❤💯

[@tooru_oikawa_]

This video was so enjoyable. It deserves more recognition.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!! So glad you liked it 🤩

[@Waqas-handsome]

Awesome video ❤ glad to see the varieties of animals ... Great direction and editing 👏🏻 and last but not the least you're stunningly beautiful ❤ you just got a new subscriber.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for subscribing for more!

[@0511wells]

Will be following in your footsteps in 2026. I can hardly wait. I know fully of the Maasai's efforts to conserve/protect the wildlife, reeling how NOT killing lions benefits them for the tourists who come to view them. Thank you so much for sharing this experience.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I'm very excited for you! I'm sure you'll have an incredible time

[@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

[@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!

[@ruythwagatwe1821]

Thanks Ella. Hope to meet you again. This a great video ❤

[@EllaMcKendrick]

So glad you liked it! Thank you for watching 😁

[@ShubhamSingh-sq6ey]

How beautifully you have captured Masai Mara. Wonderful. Can't wait my kid to grow a bit bigger so that I can take him there along with me. Just wondering what gears(Camera,lens,tripod) you have used for the beautiful video Ella. You got one more subscriber for lifetime. Beautiful work you do :)

[@EllaMcKendrick]

So glad you enjoyed the video! You can find details of my camera gear here: ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/

[@Tito_mutai]

thank you for sharing your experience in the Mara,you've inspired me as a Kenyan to visit it ,having not been there.There are other great safari parks like the Tsavo,Amboseli and Mt Kenya you can check out. Karibu tena.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I am so happy I could inspire you! It's such a beautiful place and I'm sure you'll love it! I've been to Amboseli (video coming very soon!) but sadly when I visited the road to Tsavo was flooded and so I had to cancel that part of the trip. Next time though!

[@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!

[@boxplots5024]

one of my favorite Vlogger/traveller/documentry channels specialy love your fashion sense it's sooo nice much love from sri lanka

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very, very much for this wonderful comment 😊 I’m so happy you enjoy the videos!

[@johnngari4626]

❤❤the quality of the video and editing is awesome.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! 🙏

[@sourabhsuri1104]

Thank you for bringing this to us.. Ella. Being a Nature lover myself, i am yearning for a trip over there.. i am travelling to Kenya soon though.. enjoy and keep bringing the Nature closer to humans 🌹🌹 and vice versa.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

i'm so glad you enjoyed watching! That's so exciting that you're visiting soon - I'm sure you'll have an amazing time!

[@dariuskathenge5389]

karibu tena Ela, nice video nice commentary

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Asante sana!

[@robstowers1]

Nice video Ella. Drone footage was in nice light. I’ve been going for over 30 Years and am lucky to have done 100s of game drives. The Rhino with the Ostrich was a particularly unique sighting. If you can ever do it visit Naboisho camp - one of the three Asilia camps in The Mara.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! The rhino did feel pretty special. Thanks for the recommendation - I know I'll definitely be back in the Mara as it's just so magical

[@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!

[@memssdavy367]

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

[@EllaMcKendrick]

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

[@memssdavy367]

@@EllaMcKendrick 🙏🏾🥰

[@edwardmiller6353]

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

[@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 😁

[@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!

[@khanaadil6446]

I wish to see this once in my lifetime. Thank you for such an amazing perspective. I felt like i was there and my dream is to have an experience like yours. Much love.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I hope you get to experience it too! Thanks so much for watching

[@khanaadil6446]

​@@EllaMcKendrickif possible could you go through your camera lenses and equipments used maybe in a short video or something? That would be amazing. Even though I can't afford 600/800 lenses at the moment I can atleast start saving up so I have the right equipments by the time I plan my trip a few years down the line! Thanks again!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

@@khanaadil6446 Sure, I have a full list of equipment / gear that I use here: ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/ Hope this helps :)

[@khanaadil6446]

@@EllaMcKendrick much appreciated! Thank you!

[@deannapinilla1993]

Such a lovely video! I was wondering about your camera setup? I hope to capture good pictures when I go 😁

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I'm so happy you enjoyed watching! All details of my camera set-up are here: ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/

[@irenewairimu4200]

This was heaven last time I was there. I must go back again.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

It really is a magical place!

[@amanyaarnoldkaraireho1829]

This is really nice content, Looking forward to coming for a Kenyan safari soon

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for watching! I hope you have a great trip to Kenya :)

[@JackyUn-f2v]

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

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@TinaHemphill]

Take note, UK; that is glamping. A beautifully decorated room with a clean, elegant en suite bathroom and a lovely balcony. No yurts with a double bed and a long hike to the loo and shower blocks!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Haha, UK camping is a very very different experience indeed!

[@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!

[@bakoo6050]

Great stories from my home country, we say Asante(Thank you)

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Karibu sana!

[@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?

[@Manmeetsingh-ub4fe]

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

[@DotGreen]

Amazing video ❤

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@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.

[@knowmore306]

i am a kenyan i love maasai mara 'ive been there 3 times and i didnt know you filmed those cheetah cubs.our driver informed us that 2 died leaving two males to survive

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Nashipae's 4 cubs are still doing well - they're pretty much fully grown now. It may have been another family you saw and it's sad that some of the cubs didn't make it. It's tough out there for cheetahs 💔

[@thenyamaina6817]

Big up to meektrails. Great edition by Ella

[@EllaMcKendrick]

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

[@dervik3]

I was there in June 2024. Also enjoyed it very much. Like your documentary, cause it brought the memories back. .

[@EllaMcKendrick]

So happy my video could bring back your wonderful memories!

[@vlastimilvajnorak6024]

Hello, may I know what type of rail clamp you used to mount the fluid head in the car? It can be seen in the footage around 9:14 min. Thank you.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

There are a couple of parts to it. I've listed them here: ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/

[@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🇬🇧👍

[@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 😉

[@K-mk6pc]

Great coverage !!!!!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you!

[@JOJOUNCLEBLOGS]

Awesome video. Thanks so much 🙏

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for watching!

[@JOJOUNCLEBLOGS]

@@EllaMcKendrick Welcome 🙏

[@sudhirkalapala]

Beautiful shots. I think the key was part timing and part season for the immaculate videography. Would you mind sharing what kind of lenses and camera you have used? Thank you.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Sure, you can view all my equipment here: ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/

[@Theother1089]

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

[@prashanthnapoleon1249]

Waaaaaaww❤❤❤….blissful video

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you!

[@saswatabiswas7704]

Dear creator. You are the Pro. So natural colours are just like reality.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@dawnlee866]

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

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you! I hope you have a fantastic trip 🙌

[@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!

[@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! 😁

[@Davidkimanga]

This nice, welcome to Kenya always

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you!!

[@LeonardKoskei-xj4ft]

Wauuh amazing videos, Kenya the world wonder of the World

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@KevinBaker-425]

Awesome experience thanks for sharing

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you for watching!

[@NickMehta-i8i]

my heart is happy and melting right now

[@nikoreich1577]

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

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much! 🙌

[@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!

[@erickoome7049]

​@@EllaMcKendrickI have worked in massai mara park restaurants for one year. Many tourists recognized me.🤩🤩🤩

[@sandynoby]

Have to say you made video editing look so simple but it came out quite professional , only thing that was irking me in video was the flies on lions -- gosh I know they have learnt to live with them but spoils the grace and beauty while taking photos. Rest all good.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

That's good that it looked effortless. The reality is it took over 20 hours but I'm happy with the result and I'm glad you like it too! Yes, I felt very bad for the lions. I think with it being the wet season there were more flies than usual.

[@emperorporus1]

Dear Ella , beautiful video , next time try placing your camera at a lower angle on the window sill . It makes the animals more dynamic at their eye level , just a humble opinion

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for your tips and for watching the video!

[@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.

[@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?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Hey, thanks for watching! It's very expensive to purchase a permit to fly in the reserve. In fact bringing a drone into Kenya is a very expensive process as they are strict about 'importing' them. There are places where you can hire a drone in Kenya instead. These shots were actually filmed in a different part of Kenya and not within the reserve.

[@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?

[@EllaMcKendrick]

How exciting! You can view a list of all my gear including the mounts (there are a few parts to them) here: ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/ The mounts fit on most safari trucks, yes. I've put them on around 6 different vehicles at this point.

[@S.Trades]

Amazing. Love it!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thanks for watching!

[@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

[@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!

[@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 😊

[@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/

[@ActionLabInFocus]

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

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Haha 🤣 thank you very much for your support!

[@bulathgewarunamangalaabeys5863]

Hi, I really like your Video, which has done in very professional way. We too planing to do Masai Mara and Serengeti , Can I know the make of your Camera Mount, which was mounted to the 4X4, where I can buy that? Thanks

[@EllaMcKendrick]

I'm so happy you enjoyed watching! All details of my camera set-up are here: ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/

[@rendaninemavhidi1554]

Beautiful video. Like the focus on the impact of tourism on the great Masaai people. Just wondering how the Masaai are deriving any benefits looking at their terrible dwelling structures. Otherwise as a South African im crazy about the Serengeti and its host countries of Tanzania and Kenya. Thought Kruger National was the very best but wow the Serengeti is off the charts.

[@EllaMcKendrick]

You raise an interesting point and I'm unsure of the answer to that. I'm glad you enjoyed watching. Kruger is also incredible in my opinion, just very different to Serengeti. There's nowhere on earth like the Serengeti / Masai Mara with its endless rolling plains and great migration so its definitely special.

[@FrancisBrownBaraza]

Amazing vlog ❤❤❤

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you very much!

[@adwaitm8990]

Great video, nice work! One question- are drones allowed in the reserve? Noting you had quite a few drone shots in the video?

[@esipil]

Just subscribed. You are the best ❤

[@SANIHOLIDAYS-z2c]

Youre most welcome to Kenya again

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Asante sana!

[@jg6022]

24:28 - Fun fact, The Lilac-Breasted Roller is Kenya's national bird.❤

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Thank you for sharing! It's a very beautiful bird!

[@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

[@THETRAVELLINGDONKEYS]

we witnessed Nora picking up her brand new cub in 2022. Seconds old. Sadly she lost it approx a month later. We had no idea at the time what she was licking. we thought it was a bird kill. it was quite the moment!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

Wow, what a wonderful sighting that must have been! It's always sad when a cheetah loses their cubs. They are so vulnerable. I am however so happy that Nashipae's 4 cubs are still going strong and are now 1 year old. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@tanishaw8628]

Can you please tell me the name and where you got the camera tripod thing that is attached the rail of the suv? Is that something you brought with you or did the safari company provide it? I will be doing to Kenya next year and taking pictures on safari is my #1 bucket list item. I've seen folks with bean bags but haven't seen one of those before. Thanks!

[@EllaMcKendrick]

The tripod is made up of a couple of different parts. I have every part listed here: ellamckendrick.com/my-gear/ - I bought it myself and I absolutely love the set-up. It's so convenient for videos as you can pan around with no shake.

[@tanishaw8628]

@@EllaMcKendrick Thank you!