A safari is on nearly every traveler’s bucket list, and if you’re willing to jump through the necessary hoops to get to Africa, it can be an epic experience. But I’ve also seen firsthand that planning a trip to Africa for a safari is not for the faint of heart.

Last year, I traveled to the Masai Mara region of Kenya for a safari as part of my honeymoon. The Masai Mara is, in my opinion, the easiest place to plan a safari – and one of the best to see the most wildlife, too. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking to take a safari trip.

Even so, the planning process felt a bit overwhelming. In the end our trip went off (mostly) without a hitch. Now I’m here to help you do the same.

If you’re considering traveling to Africa, advance preparation is key. Here are my safari planning tips to help you put together a stress-free trip to the Masai Mara this year or next.
 

Why the Masai Mara?

I’m tempted to just let a few of my photos answer the question: Why should I plan my safari trip to the Masai Mara in Kenya?
 

A lot went into the decision to plan my honeymoon in the Masai Mara instead of one of the other popular safari sites…