Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve : is the most popular wildlife reserve in Kenya and bordering with Tanzania. The reserve is basically situated in the Rift Valley with Tanzania’s Serengeti plains running along its southern end and named in honor of the ancestral inhabitants of masai people. They described the area as Mara meaning spotted circles of trees, savanna, scrub and cloud shadows of the area. Futhermore, the Mara showcases big families of elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos, not to mention but a few. Besides, the reserve provides a fine introduction to East Africa’s savanna bird life with more than 500 species recorded in and around. Some of these include; Lilac-breasted roller, superb starling, little bee-eater, ostrich, etc. Most of the Masai Mara is made up of hilly grassland which is fed by plentiful rain, especially during the wet months between November and June.
Things to do/see in Masai Mara Reserve
Wildebeests migration
The migration generally starts between July and October whereby millions of animals crosses to Masai Mara from Serengeti. This is basically done for breeding purposes and looking for green fresh pastures. Afterwards, they migrate back, making the action twice every year. This experience is exciting since you see it with your own eyes and so you are advised to book your trip earlier in order not to miss this great experience out.
Walking safaris
These are the easiest and most rewarding ways of experiencing Masai mara. Here, you get the experience of walking on foot with locals putting on local sandals made out of car tyres. While here, you will also share a lot of excitements as you explore the best of the reserve looking for wildlife.
Nature walks
This activity is headed by the game ranger equipped with a gun using trails that are less used by predators. Here, you enjoy a close view of animals like giraffes, antelopes, elephants, buffalos, etc as they graze around the park. The activity is much enjoyable since it makes you active during the trip as your involved in the activity.
Game drives
These are usually done in three shifts; morning game drive which starts at dawn and is the most rewarding. Here, you are capable of finding all animals very active while looking for food. On the hand, the evening game drive usually starts from 4pm till 6:30pm. During this game drive, you get a final catch up of the game while they are out of their hides getting their dinner and sun bathing. Night game drives are also strictly done under the guide and escorted at an extra fee. In fact, this is mostly done by film makers and those who love to see cats hunting at night.
Horseback safaris
This activity is more popular in Masai Mara since most guests prefer to use horse rides during their games. This experience gives an open way of exploring the best of the landscape as well as enjoying the fresh breeze of nature.
Cultural tours
Masai culture is one of the greatest cultures whereby these people have leaved near and around the reserve for more than hundred years. With unchangeable traditions, norms and customs, these people dominant the reserve as well as leave together with the wildlife.
Birding
The park basically has the greatest record of the highest number of bird species. It generally hosts over 455 bird species out of which 45 species of birds are prey. It also hosts migratory birds annually between October and February and these include; Terns, Palearctic migrats, swallows, etc. While in June and July Mara river swamp hosts weaver birds and bishops since its their breeding season. The most popular bird species in the park include; Ostrich, Cattle egrets, long-tailed cormorant. secretary birds, Egyptian vulture, Hamerkop, grey heron, Rosy-throated long, magpie shrike, etc.
Balloon safaris
The safari starts early in the morning whereby you are driven by your driver to the meeting point. Here, the pilot briefs you and later you enter the balloon basket. The floating takes 1-2hours depending on the weather of the day. While here, you will able to view birds, the beautiful scenery of the great rift valley and observe closely the big cats especially if they are on hunt. Upon reaching the ground, you are awarded with a glass of wine, heavy breakfast and finally certificates issued to all the crew on board.
Best time to visit Masai Mara Reserve
Masai Mara can be accessible throughout the year with most rewarding time during the green season when millions of animals both migratory and permanent residents are present in the reserve.
How to get to Masai Mara National Reserve
The trip takes at least 6 hours from Nairobi by car since the roads are quite poor. If you do plan to drive, avoid the rainy season since many of the roads become totally impassable.
Many tourists choose to fly into the Masai Mara National Reserve because of the poor quality roads. Besides, flying makes your safari quite a bit more expensive (since you have to then add the game drives to your tour). In addition, you also miss out on some of the adventures of traveling in one of Africa’s more remote areas.
Accommodation
Luxury
- Mara Eden Safari Camp, Mara Treetops Luxury Camp
Mid-range
- Olgatuni Camp
Budget
- Kobe House Mara
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