Fig Tree Camp is a boutique luxury safari camp nestled in the forest along the bend of Talek river in Masai Mara, Kenya, The Talek river and the forest under which the Fig Tree Camp sits on is teeming with birdlife ,hippos on the Talek River and plains game on the other side of the Fig Tree Camp, At Fig Tree Camp our game drives are conducted in open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles, designed to provide unobstructed views and enhance your wildlife viewing experience. At Fig Tree Camp our driving goal is to help you discover thrilling Masai Mara safari experiences, Mara Fig Tree Camp game drives are tailored to suit your preference, with a choice between shorter, twice-daily game drives, or one full-day game drive, with a stop for a picnic lunch, at Fig Tree Camp our game drives are carefully planned to anticipate the progress of the Great wildebeest Migration, so you should not have to travel too far to see the vast herds, However, if the migration has moved off, or the dramatic river crossings are in progress, you may choose to spend more time on the vehicle in order to maximise your chances of seeing this incredible phenomenon. The big cats, to conserve energy, are mostly active at night and if you’re up early enough for morning game drive there is more chance of catching them still searching for prey or enjoying the spoils of a successful night on the prowl. Just because it is dark does not mean you shouldn’t have your camera ready. Adjust your camera settings for shots in the dark before you go to bed the night before so you are ready to pick up and shoot when you see a worthy site. When you are travelling on a Masai Mara game drive, make sure you have binoculars and cameras ready. Some sightings can appear in a flash. A bird ready to take flight or a leopard walking into the long grass might only be in sight for a brief moment. Have your gear comfortably ready to optimize the incredible game viewing opportunities. Sunsets are mystical experiences packed full of nostalgia and a moment to pause and reflect on what will undoubtedly have been an eventful day in in Masai Mara National Park. If you are on a game drive in Masai Mara, make sure you have spoken to your driver guide to time the drive back to the Fig Tree Camp so that you get to a good vantage point for sunset on the way, and if you are back at Fig Tree Camp already, speak to the manager to arrange the best sunset opportunity. A driver guide will give adequate pointers to his guests, but the more you ask, the more they’ll offer. The Fig Tree Camp driver guides have a lot of experience and love to share it with you. At dinner after the drive, you can encourage the driver guide to join you and recap the days experience while getting another chance to ask questions that escaped you in the excitement of the day. Masai Mara game drives are often the highlight of any safari in Masai Mara experience, and for many, they are the main reason to visit Fig Tree Camp. If you’re a first-time Masai Mara safaris-goer, you likely have plenty of questions. All our game drive package guests have private Masai Mara safaris vehicle for luxury of planning your day without having to bother other guests, however we offer up to three game drives daily, designed around giving our guests the best game viewing experience possible. Our 4x4 customised safari vehicles depart early in the morning, and late in the afternoon, we are hugely proud of our specially converted Toyota 4×4 safari vehicles, which we designed ourselves, drawing on more than 50 years of Kenyan 4x4 off-road driving experience. Each combine’s comfort with rugged reliability, whilst offering superb viewing lines. As a result, we bring you as close to nature’s great dramas as possible, whilst remaining totally safe, In this Guide to Game Drives, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your adventure.
Do you go off-road on your game drives?
Off-road driving is not permitted within the Masai Mara Reserve for key wildlife sightings, particularly when it comes to big cats and African wild dogs. Our safari guides adhere to strong ethical values, ensuring that while we get up close to these extraordinary animals, we do so without unnecessarily damaging the soil or vegetation as well as keeping the animals’ comfort in mind. If an animal is shy or fearful, we keep our distance
Do your game drive vehicles have a roof?
The short answer is yes! After several trials over the years, we’ve found that guests truly enjoy the open-air game drive safari experience with a 360-degree view of the bush, you'll be able to spot birds in the sky, leopards and baboons in the trees, or even the towering heads of giraffes feeding next to the vehicle. While we encourage sun protection, we do provide cozy ponchos should the weather change unexpectedly
What time are your game drives?
Game drive in Masai Mara times vary depending on the season and the timing of sunrise and sunset. In winter (June–August), we typically start the morning game drive around 6 a.m. and the afternoon drive at 3 p.m. In summer, with longer daylight hours, our morning game drive begins at 5:50 a.m., followed by an afternoon game drive at 3:30 p.m., allowing for plenty of rest time in between.
Why do your game drives start so early?
For many, spotting predators like big cats is a top priority, and lions and leopards are most active around dawn and dusk. Starting just before sunrise gives us the best chance to see these magnificent animals in action, rather than merely resting. Additionally, temperatures can rise quickly, making early mornings more comfortable for both guests and wildlife
How many people are in a game drive vehicle?
Unless booked as a private exclusive group or family, we do our utmost to limit each vehicle to just six participants. This ensures everyone has a window seat and ample space for cameras and zoom lenses plus personal belongings.
What should I wear on a game drive?
While neutral-coloured clothing is encouraged, it's not mandatory. We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes and a hat year-round. In winter, bring some warm clothing for the chilly early mornings, while in summer, many guests opt for shorts and T-shirts. If you’re concerned about mosquitoes, especially in warmer months, consider light clothing that covers your arms and legs. We are in a low-risk malaria are
Will we stop for breaks during a game drive?
Yes, typically, your morning game drive includes a coffee stop with some freshly baked goodies to fuel your early start. In the afternoon, enjoy a sundowner – a drink of your choice (wine, beer, gin, or soft drinks) – at a scenic spot in the bush. Occasionally, our guides might skip these stops to focus on a special wildlife sighting, ensuring you get the best possible experience.
Can I use the bathroom on a game drive?
Absolutely! One of our favourite sayings is, “Every tree is a lavatory.” Of course, if there are dangerous animals nearby, your safari guide will advise waiting for a more suitable location. There are no traditional toilets in the bush, so if you prefer a more conventional bathroom stop, we recommend doing so before the game drive begins
How many vehicles are allowed at a sighting?
We strictly limit sightings to 4 vehicles. This policy ensures that the animals aren’t disturbed by multiple vehicles and can move freely if they wish. It also maintains a serene experience for our guests – we believe in slow safaris, immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature without the distraction of a “traffic jam” in the bush.
How long do you stay at each wildlife sighting?
The duration of each sighting depends entirely on the situation! We pride ourselves on not imposing time limits, so if the animal remains visible, we may spend up to 30 minutes or more enjoying the moment. On rare occasions, we may limit the time if we want to ensure other guests also have the opportunity to see the sighting. Thanks to our low vehicle density, this is usually not necessary, and often, we share sightings with other vehicles, ensuring that everyone has a chance to experience more wildlife. To book a driver guide for the game drive in Masai Mara part of the Fig Tree Experience, get in touch with our booking team.