I’m off to Kenya in July to visit my sister, brother-in-law and nieces, who are doing a stint in Nairobi. While I’m there we’ll visit one of the major national parks, and the main choice seems to be between Maasai Mara and the Aberdare National Park.
Any suggestions as to which is more spectacular? Has the better wildlife?
No takers?
My brother is in the Peace Corps and has been in Kenya for the last year. Let me ask him what he thinks and get back to you. I believe he’ll say Maasai as the town he is in is right near the main entrance to the park.
Never been to Aberdare National Park. Do you have time to make it to Ngorongoro Crater? That was way better than either the Serengeti or Masai Mara. I’d rank them as such:
Masai Mara was still pretty great, just less great in comparison.
I dont remember going to Aberdares, but Masai Mara was great.
It’s possible the answer might differ depending on time of year. I have been to the Masai Mara twice. Once, was early September when the wildebeest were there (and other herbivores, and the lions and hyenas that follow them). It was truly amazing, the highlight of the trip. We met up with a friend after, in Uganda, and after telling her all about it we decided to all go back at the end of our visit together. It can’t have been more than 3 weeks later. It was a completely different experience. Still great, but not amazing.
If the animals have migrated to the Mara while you are there (and I think they do sometime in July), then that would be my choice. If not, then I would need to know more about the Aberdares to decide 
Thanks for the suggestions everyone.