Masai Mara and Melting Pot Safari... So disappointed! (page 5 of 7)

Some feedback can be explained by travel choices that don’t suit us.

For example, I know a multi-day guided group safari would just not be my thing, whereas others who love that way of traveling would adore it.

Plus, the Masai Mara isn’t exactly known for being quiet.

I think it’s a shame to take things this way

Meaning? I didn’t express any opinions. Just tried to find out more.

No need to get worked up.

Should we only share our opinions if they’re positive?

No. But highlighting what’s positive for us and what’s negative for us.

Criticisms with universal appeal are rare. What you don’t like might appeal to others, and vice versa.

To each their own quirks and desires.

The main issue is knowing them so we can sift through reviews and then take trips that reflect who we are—not the neighbor with totally different expectations.

Some feedback can be explained by travel choices that don’t suit us.

For example, I know a multi-day guided group safari would just not be my thing, whereas others who love that way of traveling would adore it.

No. But highlighting what’s positive for us and what’s negative for us.

Criticism with universal intent is rare. What you don’t like might appeal to others, and vice versa.

To each their own quirks and desires.

The main challenge is knowing them so you can sift through reviews and ultimately take trips that reflect who you are—not the neighbor with completely different expectations.

I couldn’t agree more! The whole point was to share what I liked and what I didn’t —everyone has their own way of traveling, as you said, and we generally know our tastes.

And the Masai Mara isn’t known for being low-key.

I still thought—never having been there but having done my research—that the Masai Mara wouldn’t be *that* touristy (meaning, for me, beyond animal welfare and ethics, with 50 vehicles revving around a leopard...). I figured a private safari (just 4 of us in the car—perfect!) would suit me better. I was wrong, that’s all.

In my first post on this thread, I started by saying, on the one hand, that this was just my opinion, and on the other, I also described the things I enjoyed about the trip (the stunning Mara, the comfortable tents, the view of the river from the campsite...).

Sorry for the "I think it’s a shame people are taking it this way"—in this case, I was talking to Dobbio, who’s outraged by my comments because he must have shares in Melting Pot Safari . Joking aside, it’s totally normal for Africa to stir such passion—let’s be honest, it’s just so incredible...!

Hey Michel, This idyllic vision of tourism bringing money to local populations... really? Apart from possibly employing them as staff, what else? It’s because the money goes directly into their pockets that they make an effort—take Bob and Zuma, for example. Have you seen the poverty of the rangers at Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest park? They were so eager to please us for a light bulb or a leaking tap. I just got back from a private camp in Hwange—a small family-run concession, not expensive. When you ask the staff what we can bring them next time, it’s food. Zimbabwe and Botswana are handing everything over to South Africans who want to make a quick buck with luxury lodges. Don’t you think that when private reserves are created, some locals get pushed out? What will they do in Madikwe when there are too many elephants—because it *will* happen—since natural selection isn’t allowed? They’ll let them starve, like what’s happening in Zimbabwe right now due to lack of food. Bad image for tourists. Because in the end, tourists want to see an idealized version of nature, and with a guide, you can avoid the disturbing sights. I have friends in France who have no idea about these issues—they go on cruises and... But I was lucky enough to be born in ’61 and have seen things that no longer exist. And since I’m an Africa lover and have lived here for 16 years, I’m getting a little "emotional." Valerie

Good evening, Is this message for me?

well yeah

Message from October 4th

Totally agree with you. We visited the Masai Mara on our own, with a rented car and our camping gear, after exploring other parks like Samburu, Nakuru, Aberdare, Tsavo West, and Amboseli (we spent 3 weeks in Kenya). We saved the Masai Mara for last, and, along with Aberdare, it was the most disappointing park for all the reasons you mentioned. We also had to deal with rangers over a serious "offense": two of our wheels had left the track to see leopards eating meat... which those same rangers had just thrown to them (gotta attract tourists to that spot, right?). We got out of it by pretending not to understand a word of English and only speaking French to them. Never has such a farce cost us 100 €. In the end, there are so many less prestigious parks that are nice and give you more than the Masai Mara.

Wow! What a heartfelt and frustrating post... I'm just as sorry for you as I am for myself, and I truly hope to one day visit the other parks you mentioned under better circumstances! Thanks for sharing your experience!

Sorry you were disappointed, but we just returned from a 10-day safari in the Masai Mara with MELTINGPOT SAFARIS and we were absolutely thrilled. The welcome, organization, meals, and quality of the guide-drivers were all fantastic. When you do this kind of trip, you have to be very open-minded and tolerate a few minor inconveniences or imperfections... Tony CROCETTA wasn’t on-site, but he still called us twice before departure and a third time recently after our return. And we were truly amazed by the wildlife and birdlife we encountered, thanks to the eagle eyes of Edward, our guide-driver! For the record, we travel regularly around the world. This message doesn’t require a specific response; I just wanted to share our positive experience with MELTINGPOT...

Well, Bernard, back just in time! A little travel journal in the works? 😇

I have a very slow internet connection, so I won’t be posting any photos. Especially since I consider myself a "newbie" when it comes to DSLR cameras. However, you can download a summary of our journey (people, landscapes, animals, birds) here: Download the files: www.grosfichiers.com/X79GxqkJYmb

Some really beautiful observations and a special mention for the African wild cat! 🙂

I didn’t believe this cat at all (I thought it was a "stray domestic" one...), so I put my camera down too soon because I could’ve gotten much better shots!

Hi Bernard (nice name, right, I’m jooooking),

Maybe you could take advantage of the lockdown to share some of your best photos? I’ll admit I don’t like downloading friends’ photos—not so much for security reasons (fake JPG files with malware, which isn’t an issue here) or storage space, but because of the risk of importing random keywords that don’t match ours. There, I said it.

Otherwise, thanks for your justified, positive feedback about Melting Pot. If there was still any doubt, it’ll help set the record straight, call a spade a spade, and dot the i’s, etc.

Have a great day, take care of yourselves, and stay safe!

BL

Yes, some i's need to be dotted...

For photos, I have an ADSL connection with a *very* *very* *very* slow speed, so I don’t dare try! Back in the day... in 2025 (sic!) when my countryside is hooked up to fiber, I’ll get into it. Hi Hi! Another panorama on F....R: https://www.flickr.com/photos/187263250@N02/

With two friends, we spent three weeks in Kenya on a self-drive trip. Aberdare and the Masai Mara were the most disappointing parks. Luckily, since we were independent, we didn’t stay more than a day—same reasons as you mentioned. We were also threatened with a $100 fine because two wheels of our vehicle went off the track... and we were only saved by pretending we didn’t speak a word of English... There are cheaper, friendlier, and far more charming parks. And Kenyans are welcoming, helpful, and even selfless when they realize you’re struggling sometimes...

Hi Bernard, thanks for your feedback. This isn’t about competing perspectives—I just shared my own because I wish I’d had these insights before leaving.

That said, I’ll admit that the Masai Mara is indeed a very busy park, and I was aware of that before I went. It’s a shame for such a beautiful corner of Africa, but personally, I won’t be going back for all the reasons I mentioned. Oh well, the world still has so much to offer! ;)

Jijicques, thanks for your reply too. I’d love to hear about other incredible places if you’re happy to share! 😉

Claire, what might interest you about Kenya, Tanzania, or Zanzibar, where we were in September 2019? We were there on a free drive, without going through an agency.

Oh, thanks for your feedback! I know you can also go there on a self-drive trip. I’d be really interested in Tanzania, since I’ve never been and, like many, I dream of the wildebeest migration. Kenya in general too—if you’ve had any incredible safari moments yourself, especially if you were lucky (and maybe experienced) enough to spot animals without being packed in with 50 vehicles around one poor creature...

Camps, local guides if needed, and vehicle rental agencies—everything interests me! Thanks a million in advance for sharing!

Hi there,

Back in 2018, we did a self-drive trip in Tanzania and had some amazing encounters. If you need any tips, I’d be happy to help. Otherwise, you can check out our travel journal on our site!