Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya, near to the Tanzanian border.
The reserve covers an area of approximately 1510 square kilometers. When paired with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the two offer probably the world’s best area to observe animals.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to more than 95 animal and bird species. Between June and November, the Maasai Mara welcomes nearly 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and Thompson’s gazelles in what is likely the world’s largest animal migration.
The animals follow the rains from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and back, traveling around 1,800 km.
The Masai Mara ecosystem includes the Reserve, Mara Triangle, and private Maasai Conservancies. .
It is less visited and so less crowded, but it contains all of the main five animals. The Masai Conservancies are significant areas of land surrounding the Masai Mara National Reserve.
They are owned and administered by Masai elders, who have their own portion of wildlife. Ownership of a portion of the Mara Ecosystem has allowed the Maasai people to maintain their identity and affinity with the surrounding nature.
It’s one of the best places to spot wildlife in Africa, and each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit to see some of Africa’s famous mammals.
What to do in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The principal attractions on a safari are the Mara River, the Musiara Swamp, the Maasai Villages, the Narok Museum, the Mara Triangle, and surrounding private Maasai conservancies. The primary activities in the Maasai Mara National Reserve are:
The game drives.
Masai Mara is one of Africa’s best spots for wildlife viewing. The Mara Ecosystem provides possibilities to not only see Africa’s famous species but also to shoot stunning images and movies. Game drives take place throughout the year in regions with the highest concentration of wildlife.
A normal game drive is conducted in standard tour cars with retractable roofs and might begin in the morning or afternoon.
The game drives begin early in the morning, when the majority of animals are active and in great numbers on their way to eat.
Whether you attend the morning or afternoon session, you can expect to see the big five mammals: zebras, giraffes, hyenas, elands, and gazelles. Cheetahs are abundant and well-adapted to the Mara, but you can also spot black rhinos.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is the best spot to see cheetahs in Africa. The thrill of each wildlife drive is seeing one of the big cats take down a zebra or wildebeest.
Birding.
You can look for huge ostriches and birds of prey such as vultures. Smaller birds can be spotted breeding in thickets or along escarpment edges.
During a birding excursion, you will look for ducks, egrets, geese, herons, ostriches, hornbills, pelicans, spoonbills, and storks. Apart from ostriches, common tourists are primarily interested in martial eagles and vultures.
Birding trips are led by highly skilled and informed ornithologists/naturalists. These birding guides are well-versed in the various bird, plant, and wildlife species that you will encounter.
The great wildebeest migration.
From June to November, the Masai Mara hosts one of the world’s finest animal spectacles.
More than 1.5 million wildebeest, Thompson’s gazelles, and zebras cross the Mara river from the Serengeti in search of greener grass. They encounter many challenges along the way.
Apart from chasing predators, migrating animals must cross the crocodile-infested Mara River, where numbers perish or are eaten by crocodiles.
Those that cross the river must contend with Africa’s largest predators. The magnitude of the migration is so great that it can be seen from space.
Tourists come to watch the large concentration of animals, the calving season, and the conflict between predator and prey at maasai mara national reserve.
Nature Walks/Walking Safaris.
Aside from the regular wildlife drives in tour vehicles, guests can sign up for guided nature walks or a walking safari.
These walking safaris let guests observe birds, wildlife, and the savanna on foot.
It is the finest method to fully experience the reserve’s natural beauty and panoramic views.
Nature walks also allow guests to get up close and intimate with their surroundings and the unspoiled wilderness in ways that game drives do not.
When you get closer to nature, you get a greater appreciation for it. Nature treks are better suited to private conservancies bordering the main reserve and are escorted by highly experienced Maasai guides or armed Rangers.
The hikes are held in places less frequented by predators and larger creatures. The guides will show you how to monitor mammals and what to do if you encounter any dangerous ones.
Horseback safaris.
This activity takes place in the conservancies rather than the main reserve. Participants are led far into the Mara on horseback to see antelopes, leopards, wildebeests, hartebeests, giraffes, elephants, leopards, and lions.
It is the most environmentally friendly way to explore the area without creating noise or pollutants. This adventure is led by park rangers, conservancy owners, or native Maasai guides.
Hot Air Balloon Safari.
Aerial views of the immense Mara plains are breathtaking, especially during the huge migration.
The hot air balloon path follows the Mara River, providing an aerial view of the trees, birds, and aquatic creatures before continuing deep into the savannah for additional breathtaking views of the region.
The activity lasts one hour and culminates with a picnic lunch/breakfast with champagne on the Savanna Plains, after which all participants receive certificates.
Hot air balloon excursions are ideal for families and couples on their honeymoon. It also allows people to capture stunning images of the reserve.
Camping and photo safaris.
The experience will be unique because you will be sleeping in the heart of Africa’s wilderness, with wild creatures nearby. There are numerous campsites within the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The majority are public, but some are private and provide amenities such as kitchens and restrooms. Some offer pools where you can unwind with friends and family.
Maasai Cultural Encounter at maasai mara national reserve.
The Maasai people are one of Africa’s most fascinating ethnic groups, notable for their brightly colored clothing and height. The Maasai inhabit Kenya and Tanzania and are thought to have originated in Sudan. Interestingly, the Maasai only moved to Kenya 200 years ago.
The Masai believe that their ancestors once owned all of the world’s livestock. Before governments intervened, the Maasai would assault neighboring groups to collect lost animals, a practice known as cattle rustling.
The Masai have a specific dress code and maintain domestic animals as a tradition. The majority have embraced tourism and the opportunities that come with it. Actually, many of the guides in the reserve are from the Maasai group.
The Mara river.
The Mara River flows from the Kenyan highlands into Lake Victoria, giving water to animals in the reserve and serving as a crossing point for wildebeest migrating from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara.
During the wet season, the Mara River expands and is home to some of Africa’s greatest Nile crocodile populations. Most game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve end in the river, which draws a large number of birds, crocodiles, and hippos.
Book and plan your safari to Masai Mara National Reserve.
Gecko Safaris Africa is ready to help you plan your safari and make it an exciting adventure, with detailed packages and favourable ranges that suit your preferences.
