To celebrate the return of the Great Wildebeest Migration to the Maasai Mara plains, Jonathan Scott, prolific wildlife photographer, safari guide, conservationist and TV presenter shares his top Mara experiences while the Kenya Tourism Board highlights this seasons special offers for visitors to experience the spectacle for themselves.

The great migration of wildebeest, zebras and the big cats that prey on them, known to be the greatest wildlife spectacular on earth, can be witnessed in Kenya's magnificent Maasai Mara National Reserve each year during the months of July to October. Often the herds arrive in June and tarry until November, but one thing you can always be sure of seeing whenever you visit the Mara are its fabled big cats.

Jonathan Scott is the co-presenter of the BBC's Big Cat Diary, Big Cat Week and Big Cat Live serieswhich were watched by tens of millions of people around the world. Repeats of the programmes can still be seen on television to this day with hundreds of clips on YouTube. Scott first lived in the Maasai Mara in 1977 and here he has selected his top three experiences in the place that he and his wife Angela, who is also an award-winning wildlife photographer, call their second home:

Inspirational introduction to the Mara: 'Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, where lions stand golden in the dawn, their breath raw and frosty. Mara, the Maasai's 'spotted land', kingdom of all the predators. It was here during my first visit to Kenya in the early 1970s on a four month overland adventure through Africa that I had watched a pair of black-maned lions striding slowly across the windswept plains, their sharply-focused eyes turned skyward. Overhead, vultures wheeled effortlessly on outflung wings, pinpointing the position where other lions crouched flank to flank around a freshly killed zebra. The sight of those lions was to change my life.' Jonathan Scott (Kingdom of Lions: Kyle Cathie. 1992)

Meeting the big cats: 'We know the Marsh Lions better than we do many of our human friends. The pride is dominated by four magnificent pride males known as the four Musketeers. At night we lie in bed and listen to their thunderous roars echoing across the plains from Musiara Marsh - or from the Bila Shaka lugga (an intermittent water course) at the heart of their territory. Though Angie and I love the essence of these big cats it would be unwise to ever presume that they are our 'friends'. Their lives are ruled by the threat of violence; they are wild creatures that play by their own rules and speak a language very different to ours. Their story has no ending. That is what keeps us wanting to set out early each morning to discover what new is happening in their feline world. Here in the Mara you can enjoy your very own 'Big Cat Diary'.'

An unforgettable birds-eye view: 'Only the far-ranging vultures can claim to know the secrets of the great migration. Only they know how far the herds travel, and where to find the vast armies from one day to the next. To solve the riddle of the migration's whereabouts, you must fly. And if you are lucky enough to take a balloon ride over the Mara's timeless grasslands during the dry season you may see for yourself the great herds on their annual pilgrimage through the living Eden called Mara. I married Angela my sweetheart in 1992 in a beautiful ceremony on the Siria Escarpment overlooking the Maasai Mara's animal speckled plains and took a balloon ride to celebrate. There is no better way to round off an aerial adventure than to relax with a sumptuous breakfast and a glass of 'bubbly' – maybe even two as long as you aren't driving!'

Those wishing to witness one of Africa's most dramatic and memorable safari experiences can head to the Maasai Mara with these packages:

Under £2,000

Dial A Flight has put together a four-night safari package staying at the five- star Governors Main Camp, the home of the popular 'Big Cats' BBC television programme. Prices start from £1,823 per person with a saving of £200 per person and include return international flights, transfers, full-board accommodation and safari activities. Offer valid for departures between 1st - 25th June 2014. For more information or to book call 0844 811 4444   or visit www.dialaflight.com.

Six Star Holidays is offering a luxury 11-night Kenyan trip, beginning with a four-night safari experience in the Maasai Mara, followed by a seven night beach stay at Mara Engai Indian Ocean Retreat in Kilifi. Prices start from £1,899 per person with a saving of £300 per person and include international flights, domestic transfers, all inclusive deluxe camping in the Masai Mara and half board accommodation in Kilifi. This includes one free night in the Maasai with a bush dinner and two free nights at the beach. Offer valid from 31st October until 10th December 2014. For more information or to book call 0800 912 7125 or visit www.sixstarholidays.co.uk.

Hayes & Jarvis has put together a six-night 'Kenya Classic' safari package including a night in Nairobi, two nights in the Maasai Mara, one night in Lake Nakuru, the breeding ground of the flamingo and home to the endangered Rothschild giraffe and two nights in Amboseli National Park. Price starts from £1,799 per person with a saving of £200 per person and are valid for trips departing 21st September 2014 (subject to availability). This includes international flights, four star accommodation. For more information or to book call 01293738918 or visit www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk.

Under £2,500

Exodus Travels is offering a long weekend Maasai Mara safari packages staying three nights in a luxurious tented camp. The trip includes game drives to spot the 'Big Five' and a tour guide throughout the weekend. Prices start from £2,299 per person including international flights from London and domestic flights from Nairobi to the Mara, accommodation, game drives and all meals. Departures take place from London Heathrow to Nairobi every Wednesday evening and return Monday morning. For more information or to book call 08458639616 or visit www.exodus.co.uk.

Kuoni Travel is offering a seven-day holiday package to the Maasai Mara staying in three-star hotel and lodge accommodation. Offer is only valid on trips departing from London Heathrow on the 14th September 2014, with prices starting at £2,159 for adults and £1,655 for children under the age of 12. Flights, accommodation, a mixed meal plan and safari fees are included. This offer must be booked before 15th June. To book call 0844 488 0562 or visit www.kuoni.co.uk.

Real Africa is offering a four-night safari experience staying in a four star luxury tent at the Karen Blixen Camp. The camp is well positioned with view of Mara River, situated in the Northern Conservancy meaning there are fewer vehicles but excellent animal sightings. Prices start from £2,350 per person with a saving of £200 per person and include return international flights, all transfers, four night's accommodation on an all-inclusive basis and two game drives per day. Offer valid until 10th July 2014. For more information or to book call 01603 283517 or visit www.realafrica.co.uk.

Under £3,000

Africa Travel has put together a seven-night safari holiday staying two nights at Loldia House in the Great Rift Valley and three nights at the Governors Camp in the Maasai Mara. The Governor's camp is excellently situated on the Mara River to view the migration.  Highlights of the trip include game viewing on foot and horseback or motorboat safari at Loldia House. Price starts from £2,950 per person and includes flights, transfers, full board accommodation and game drives in the Maasai Mara. Offer valid for travel from 1st July – 31st October (subject to availability). For more information or to book call 020 7843 3500 or visit www.africatravel.com

International flights not included

Freedom Africa is offering a luxurious three-day Mara Discovery package staying at the four-star Keerkorok Lodge, which is one of the oldest properties in the Maasai Mara and is surrounded by natural springs where hippo and other creatures congregate to drink. However, the highlight of the stay is a fly in safari giving a bird's eye view of the stunning Great Rift Valley.  Prices start from £1,872 per person including domestic transfers from Nairobi, accommodation, meals and park fees. This offer is valid for trips taken during the month of September. Return international flights from London Heathrow start from £726.55 with Kenya Airways. For more information or to book call 0844 567 4010 or visit www.freedomafrica.co.uk.

World Expeditions has put together a 12-day Kenya Family Adventure safari trip beginning with two nights in Nairobi before moving on to camping and lodge accommodation in the  Masaai Mara. Price starts from £2,290 per person and from £1,090 per child. In addition to accommodation and all meals, the holiday includes private transportation in safari vehicle, national park entrance fees (valued at US$600 per person), an English speaking driver-guide and activities with Maasai at Maji Moto camp. Offer valid for tips beginning in Narioni on 29th June, 3rd August and 21st  September (subject to availability). Return international flights from London Heathrow start from £726.55 with Kenya Airways. For more information or to book call 08000744135 or visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk.

For more information on Kenya visit: www.magicalkenya.com

-Ends-

Notes to editors: 

Jonathan Scott is available for interviews and profiling opportunities on the topics of Kenyan wildlife, conservation and tourism. Please contact the KTB UK team with your interest. High-resolution pictures available, all imagery to be credited to Angela Scott.