Like Tanzania, Kenya is a fantastic destination for first time safari goers in search of the Big Five. The endless plains of East Africa are the setting for the annual wildebeest migration. It is usually by around April time that the short grass plains of the Southern Serengeti are unable to sustain the herds and so the wildebeest begin sweeping North and West, where there is an abundance of food in the long grass and woodland. By the end of May, during my visit to Tanzania, this had been decimated by the herds and so they had scuttled off into the Western Serengeti in search of more. My visit to Kenya was well timed, as the wildebeest had crossed over the border into the Masai Mara.

To be able to witness this great wildlife spectacle, of around 1.5 million wildebeest, followed by herds of zebra, is such a phenomenal experience, be it in the vast plains of the Serengeti or the colourful hills of the Masai Mara.

What I did love about Kenya was that I had more of an opportunity to take in the culture of the country. Our journey from Nairobi to Samburu, to the picturesque Lake Nakuru, and onto the great Masai Mara, took us through local village life. The roads are dotted with young children, on their way to school, or helping their families with daily chores. They are all so friendly and welcoming, waving at every given opportunity and smiling to the tourists as they drive past in their 4 by 4s. I was disappointed not to have taken a supply of pens or sweets with me, so that I could have given in to their requests.

The highlight of my trip was a fascinating visit to a Masai village. As we entered through the protective thorn bush fence, the women were busy - some weaving branches which they were going to mix with cow dung and build a new hut; others making beaded jewellery to flog to tourists. We were shown inside the huts and tested out the beds, made of woven twigs and cushioned with dry grass and animal skins, whilst learning about their diet of cows’ milk and blood, which is attained by shooting an arrow in the neck.

When choosing a safari destination, it would be worth noting, however, that Kenya’s road network has become increasingly dilapidated in recent years in comparison to Tanzania’s and at certain times of the year, drives can be quite arduous in some parts. The road system will, allegedly, improve in a few years time… we shall have to see what changes the new government has in store. I must say though, that these drives are well worthwhile. Once you are sitting back listening to the rumbling movements of mighty elephants and watching them splashing about in a waterhole just metres in front of you, lone acacia trees standing still in the distance backed by a glorious sunset, the drives are soon forgotten!

The 60,000 square kilometres of the Serengeti, home to the Ngorogoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, versus the smaller 1510 square kilometres of the Masai Mara, nestled within the enormous Great Rift Valley. To pick between these two beautiful landscapes is a tough choice. It is fair to say that the game viewing opportunities and stunning scenery would overwhelm any individual in either part of East Africa, so i’m going to sit on the fence and leave it to you to decide…