<p>The Maasai Mara is the reason most people come to Kenya, and the first time is always slightly overwhelming. Here is what we tell every client before they go.</p><h2>When to go</h2><p>July to October for the wildebeest migration, when up to two million animals cross the Mara River between July and November. January to March if you want calving, which is arguably better: far fewer cars, and predators hunting newborn wildebeest in soft light at dawn.</p><h2>Getting there</h2><p>A light aircraft from Wilson Airport takes 45 minutes and lands on a dirt strip in the reserve. A road transfer takes five to six hours and lets you stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint on the way. Most of our guests fly.</p><h2>What packing actually matters</h2><p>A neutral layer, not a black one. Warm layers for the 6am drive. A hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen. Binoculars if you do not want to pay to use the lodge&rsquo;s. A torch. And a power bank, because there is no charging in camp.</p><h2>What a game drive is really like</h2><p>Three hours, twice a day, in a vehicle with a pop-up roof. You will see a great deal in the first twenty minutes and then nothing for an hour, which is the point: the predator hunts by watching. Ask your guide to find the cats. A good guide can read tracks the way you read text.</p><h2>What it costs</h2><p>A three-day package with flights, two nights in a five-star tented camp, all meals and a private vehicle runs from around KSh 58,000 per person sharing. Three-night packages in a conservancy, with walking safaris, start higher. AY PayEasy lets you pay 25% to reserve and settle the balance later.</p>