Originally Posted by
kevincure
KI-NRT: thoughts on the best spot early June in Kenya? Specifically, Mara (Naboisho?) or Samburu? Too early for migration, of course, but should be past the rains. This is in the context of having done a decent number of safaris (Zambia, S Africa, Botswana, a small park in Malawi). Definite preference for large game over birding and food.
I'd skip Samburu if I were you. It can get really crowded in June, thanks to the very poor management of the traffic there. Sasaab and Saruni are in their own small private concessions, but the wildlife density is quite sparse. If you want to try something different (and intend to combine it with a place that has more predators such as Naboisho or OMC), I've heard great things about Sarara Camp in a very remote area near Mathews Range.
In terms of a more traditional safari, all three of the main conservancies (Mara North, OMC and Naboisho) should be great. A few considerations:
- There still might be rain, as well as grey skies in Greater Mara, at least through mid-June
- Last year the migration herds arrived in the Masai Mara in June. That's very unusual, but if they are in the area again, then OMC (especially Mara Plains) is closer to the Mara and Talek Rivers than Naboisho. Mara North might be okay, but it depends on the location of the lodge you choose
If you're unable/unwilling to shell out the $$ necessary to stay at Mara Plains, then Mara Expedition Camp is a simpler camp that's in a very good location. It's actually situated in the main reserve, but has access rights to the excellent Mara North Conservancy.
Your other option would be to combine Grumeti with Northern Serengeti (the Lamai / Kogatende area), which would give two separate, very good chances to see the migration. In Northern Serengeti, the top luxury options are Lamai (by Nomad) and Sayari Camp. Grumeti would obviously be the Singita camps, although there are lower cost options.
If you love cheetahs, the absolute best place to see them is at Namiri Plains Camp in Central Serengeti. Until a few years ago, it was strictly off-limits to camps and guests due to extensive research of the big cats in the area. Namiri is the first (and certainly won't be the last) camp to set up shop there; while it's not a concession, it's at least 30 minutes away from all other camps in Central Serengeti so you'll likely have the area to yourselves. The big drawback, however, is that no off-roading is allowed, because it's in the main reserve.