I was unsure about what to expect from my first safari in the Masai Mara. As a traveler with a preference for on-the-fly planning, I had read that the cheapest way to embark on a Big 5 safari was to join an existing tour at the last minute. And so I began to wander the streets of Nairobi looking for a recommended agency. I was quickly overwhelmed by how many small companies offered safaris – and their persistence at recruiting you to their trip. I eventually settled on a company that seemed dependable and organized. Hesitant about the legitimacy of the tour, I paid and nervously awaited my pickup.

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