When you hear the word safari, pictures of vast savannahs, wild animals in their natural habitats, and interesting encounters come to mind. At Ilora Retreats, we bring this magic to existence, giving our guests a truly memorable safari experience.
A safari is more than just a game for watching animals. Rather, it also tries to connect you much more deeply with nature, wildlife, and even with yourself. From the moment you begin with your safari trip with our professionals as guides, you will feel the thrill of the wild all around you. Whether an elephant or the view of a cheetah running across the plains, every time that counts in a safari is a front-row seat to nature’s greatest show.
The safari experiences at Ilora Retreats
We understand that every individual is unique and different, and so is our experience of the safari. Ilora Retreats boasts a whole range of safari experiences, going from Jeep safaris to walking safaris. We also have flexible options according to your whim, therefore, so you can spend your Mara time as adventurously as you want.
Here’s what you can expect from our signature safari experiences:
Jeep Safaris
Jeep safaris are one of those lifetime experiences. We have our tour guides who are going to take you to Savannah and uncover the hidden gems and know which are the best areas for viewing wildlife. The guides are local experts who have deep knowledge about the land and what lives within it. They do not take you around different places, but they will tell you the stories of the wild. Each safari turns out to be an interesting experience where you will get an understanding of this delicate ecosystem.
Walking Safaris
If you need the ultimate experience with nature, a walking safari is what you need. You get a chance to explore the Mara on foot. Feel the earth under your feet, listen to the sounds of the wild, and observe the smaller wonders of an ecosystem, from colourful birds to fascinating insects. It makes every crunching of leaves underfoot, every unseen creature’s calls, and every rustle of the breeze carrying in the scents of the savannah amplified.
It is a quieter way of being thrillingly alive to the Mara, giving one deeper respect for the intricacies of this ever-varied landscape.
Photography Safaris
The Masai Mara may be a photographers’ paradise for reasons ranging from rich colorings to even dramatic landscapes and, of course, wildlife. We know the best time of the day and correct angles could make all the difference, not to mention the fact that our guides know animal behaviour. You will be well-placed at the right time, whether it is that golden dawn when the sun just peeks over the savannah or fixing up a herd of elephants against a sensational sunset.
Balloon Safaris
Experience the magic of Masai Mara with a balloon safari. When dawn breaks, you float silently above the rolling landscape—and then witness the herds of wildebeest, silhouetted against the golden hues of dawn, the giraffes in all their sleekness, the roaming elephants. And so, finally, end your safari adventure by coming down and enjoying a bush breakfast, where you toast unforgettable sights and sounds of nature. This magic is surely a must if one is seeking to elevate their safari experience at Ilora Retreats!
Birdwatching Safaris
Did you know that over 450 species of birds inhabit the Masai Mara? For the birding enthusiast, our birdwatching safaris open one’s world. From the lilac-breasted roller in their bright plumage, through the eerie yodelling calls of the augur buzzard to martial eagle majestic flutter, you’ll get a front-row seat to one of nature’s brightest spectacles.
With expert guides that can spot the bird but also tell you about its behavior, migration patterns, and role in the ecosystem, you could be either a dedicated birdwatcher or merely interested in the avian world, and you will leave with a new appreciation for these winged wonders.
Customised safari experiences
What truly sets Ilora Retreats apart is the flexibility we offer during safaris. If you are an early riser, eager to catch the first light of dawn, or prefer a more leisurely start, we accommodate you according to your schedule. For longer game drives, we pack picnic breakfasts or lunches so you can spend more time in the savannah, surrounded by the untouched splendor of nature.
Doing safaris with us is not just about checking off the Big Five, it is about creating an experience truly tailored to you, as unique as the landscapes we explore.
Conservation at the heart of it all
At Ilora, we are totally committed to conservation, and it is our sincere hope that future generations will also be able to experience Mara’s wonders, as you do. In our Ranger Assist programme, you will have the chance to make your contribution to wildlife conservation while learning about the conservation efforts that are happening on this precious land.
A safari for every traveller
Our safaris are designed in a way, where you will experience the wild solitude of the Masai Mara with comfort and elegance. Be it the thrill of a tracking adventure or serenity at sunset over the grasslands, every safari with Ilora Retreats is a story waiting to be told.
So are you ready to enter the wild? Come join us at Ilora Retreats, and the safari experience will be etched within your soul forever. Nature unfolds itself before your eyes, and the wild feels like home.
