The main attraction of the Masai Mara is viewing wildlife on game drives. We recommend three nights at Bushtops should be your minimum stay, to ensure that you have the best opportunity to experience the animals, at a more relaxed pace. Every care has been taken to ensure that guests at Bushtops receive the best service and this also extends to the game drives. Our vehicles have been specially designed together with Toyota Kenya for the greatest comfort and safest ride. Check out Our vehicles for more details. 

Part of the appeal of the Mara is that it is constantly changing and every day in the wild is unpredictable. This is anatural system and the animals are free to roam unhindered by fences or barriers. Unfortunately, there can be no guarantees that you will see the Big Five. Some guests have been extremely lucky and have managed to see all five on the first day, but leopard and rhino can be more difficult to observe. However lion, buffalo and elephant are relatively common.

During your stay we urge you to experience at least one early morning game drive, one full day game drive and an evening game drive, ending with a sundowner.

Early mornings

are chilly at 1800 metres above sea level and you should wrap up warm.The design of the vehicles is open, to bring you as close as possible into the bush. The game is most active as the sun rises at around 6 am. Few predators hunt during the heat of the day, so the early morning is the best time to catch the action. The subtle light on the landscape, with the sounds of awakening birds, create an unforgettable moment. En-route coffee and tea are provided to fill the gap until you return for a hearty breakfast at the camp after 8.30 am.

The full day game drive

departs at 8.30 am, with your 4x4 fully equipped to cross the Mara plains in search of game. The early mornings are relatively cool, but by midday it can become very hot indeed and sun-block lotion and hats are advised. Lunch is served under the shade of an Acacia tree or overlooking the snorting hippos, which wallow in the Mara River.We are very proud of our team of Field Guides and Spotters, whose experience and attention to safety, ensure that you get the most out of the day’s possibilities.

During the great migration, we track the activities of the wildebeest and zebra daily, to try and predict when and where they might attempt the famous river crossing. You will be privileged to witness this extraordinary event, and don’t forgetyour camera! As the afternoon draws to a close and the temperature cools, evening sightings of rhino are not uncommon on the way back to camp. On this last stretch, don’t hesitate to ask your driver to radio ahead and order a hot tub. This is a perfect way to end a day in the African Bush and even better to catchthat magical moment with a bottle of bubbly.

Evening game drives

are also an experience not to miss. Departure is normally at 4.30 pm for a gentle game drive around Bushtop’s conservancy. The cooler temperatures again bring out the predators looking for prey. In the conservancy, lion-kills are often fought over by packs of hyenas, jackals and other scavengers. At just the right moment, as the sun sets, painting a mixture of orange and reds into the African sky, your Guide will find a suitable vantage point to stop. You may be surprised at the extensive choice of beverages on offer, enabling you to celebrate the passing of yet another wonderful day in paradise.