Originally Posted by
Jennatraveller
As I mentioned on my post, my experience is more relevant to people who are more into wildlife photography (specifically big cats and rhino). I understand that people have different expectations regarding what they want from their vacation. I'm not saying that I don't love my time there. Just wanted to tell other wildlife photography enthusiasts to have a tempered expectations.
The dust don't bother me at all. it's more the wind (no windshield). Again, it's personal preference. I prefer the regular safari land cruiser (without modified high seating) - not the van. The regular land cruiser only have 4 seats as well (some even only have 2 seats). Just not modified to be high (so being on same level as the driver - and therefore is windshield covered). The regular land cruiser also has sun roof - so you can stand if you need to take picture from higher angle. So you have options of taking pic at high angle (standing) or low angle (sitting).
I'm glad you enjoyed your time. I had a good time too and Maasai Mara is an amazing place.
It's kind of sad to see you disappointed with the higher vantage point, which is better for game-viewing - just not through a lens. It just comes down to whether you prefer seeing animals with your eyes or through your camera, I suppose. Aren't the lodge vehicles visible on the website, under activities:
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotel...-lodge/photos/
I'm not trying to be (overly) snarky here, but I think you might've gone into it with the wrong expectations. A higher vantage point is better for the vast majority of guests who are there for game viewing. If you wanted to go there with everything geared towards your specific photography preference, I would specifically pick a lodge that has the game-viewing vehicles I desired.
Originally Posted by
kp21
Did you do drives every day? We are staying for four nights in July. The park fees bump up to $200 per day per person starting July 1. Did you find that doing a drive everyday is essential?
If you don't want to go on a game-drive every-day, I would much, MUCH rather stay less nights and go every day on those nights. The game-viewing is 95% of the reason to go there, NOT going on a game-drive... I'd hate myself! And they're worth every single minute you spend on them, especially if you're only going for 4 nights. Don't miss them! You can catch up on sleep another time.
