( CNN ) -- Exploring Kenya 's Masai Mara can satisfy that quest for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure within all of us , catering to our childhood dreams of seeing African wildlife up close and experiencing the magic of an unknown culture . `` If you are an adventurer at heart , love good food , want to experience a culture that will change your life , and love animals , you must visit the Masai Mara , '' iReporter Neal Piper said . Kenya 's most famous national park is rich with safari opportunities and provides a genuine , escapist vacation filled with breathtaking views and unique experiences . But visiting the Masai Mara is an intense adventure , one that requires extensive planning . Tourists should coordinate with a reliable safari company and pack accordingly . Safari experts share their tips . `` This is not a spur-of-the-moment , 'let 's go over and rent a car ' trip , '' iReporter Linda Lowenthal said . `` There are a lot of security and health concerns , and careful advance planning is critical , especially for first-timers . '' The planning is well worth the memorable time you 're sure to have in Kenya . `` It 's been one of the only trips where work and home life have completely been absent from my mind , '' Brandon Harris said . What to bring . Traveling to an entirely foreign destination like Masai Mara requires a different kind of packing . Because you never know where a day on the savannah will take you , bring snack bars , bottled water , hand sanitizer and safari-appropriate clothing . To preserve your memories of all the African wildlife , do n't forget to bring a camera , either . `` Have a good camera with lots of memory so that you can take as many pictures as possible , '' iReporter Kevin Jackson said . `` The one thing people kept asking me was to take pictures for them because they ran out of room on their camera . '' Also , it 's a good idea to have cash handy . Venturing into the wild means giving up on the luxury of using a credit card . `` The park fees must be paid in cash and the fee is per person , per day , '' iReporter Brandon Harris said . `` Four our group this ran upwards of $ 700 USD . '' iReporter Jessica Lacher also recommends expecting a rough ride into Masai Mara because the roads are probably not what you 're used to . Eatocracy : In Masai Mara , do n't be afraid to try the intestines . How to explore . The sheer , vast expanse of what the Masai Mara has to offer is impossible to see in one day , or even repeated safaris across the landscape . Plan to spend some time exploring your different options . iReporter Gary Fricke decided to take his chances in a hot air balloon . `` This proved to be a great way to view wildlife in areas that could not be driven by autos . The balloon rides leave at dawn and are well worth the early wake-up . Most provide a champagne breakfast when you land . Wildlife viewing is what the Masai Mara is all about ! '' Odds are , you 'll want to see Masai Mara from the ground as well to get up close with Africa 's intriguing wildlife . Go for a full-day drive complete with a picnic lunch . `` It is best to have one 's trip organized by a certified safari operator because they already know which are the best places to stay given one 's budget , '' iReporter Marlene Francia said . `` The safari drivers are also in constant contact with the other drivers once already inside the Mara and often , drivers stop mid-road to ask each other where the latest animal sightings are . '' To maximize your sightings , plan your trip based around the migration patterns of the animals . Between June and September is optimal . Wildebeest migrate from Tanzania to the Masai Mara from July to September . iReporter Louisa Wong recommends going in July to see the wildebeest to avoid crowds of other tourists . Where to stay . To get the most out of your experience in the Masai Mara , staying in the park is a favorite option for many first-timers and repeat visitors alike . The Mara Sopa and Serena lodges are reasonably priced and located directly in the park , iReporter Soumava Bandyopadhyay said . But do n't be surprised by power outages and a lack of electricity and water at times . It 's worth hearing the sounds of wildlife right outside your room , adding to the sense of adventure the Masai Mara provides . iReporter Marlene Francia stayed in the Siana Springs Tented Camp , which combines genuine tents with a bit of luxury . `` Each 'luxury ' tent is in its own spacious quiet plot with private views , complete with two large beds , sitting area , dressing room , toilet and hot bush shower stalls . Guests are provided with romantic candles to use after the generators are shut off , hot water bottles for extra comfort to ward off the evening chill . '' There are also eco-friendly camps for those wanting a genuine experience . iReporter Louisa Wong stayed with her family at the Porini Safari Camps , which are run by the local Masai tribe . Getting local . `` The only tip I really have is be kind to the Masai ... and they will give you an experience of a lifetime , '' iReporter Jodi Lupien said . Visitors often go to see the wildlife , but forget about the rich culture that flourishes in the Masai Mara . Meeting and socializing with locals is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture . `` Keep an open mind , prepare to have fun , be respectful of the people and the wildlife and enjoy what this wonderful country has to offer , '' Francia said . `` East Africa is one of the last places on earth where animals in huge numbers make their annual migration from the Serengeti to the Mara and back and of course , the Masai people , who live in the Mara . ''
Kenya 's most famous national park , the Kenya Hills , is rich with safari ##s . View the park from a hot air balloon or take a day - hike through the park . Pick up the culture by getting to know the local Masai people .