(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.
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Kenya's most famous national park, the Masai Mara, is rich with safari opportunities
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View the park from a hot air balloon or take a day-trek through the park
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Soak up the culture by getting to know the local Masai tribes
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