Masai Mara (Maasai Mara)Masai Mara National Reserve is in the south-western corner of Kenya, close to the Tanzanian border. Mara National Reserve is the most popular game park in Kenya. It is also Africa's greatest wildlife reserve. It is home to an incredibly rich and varied wildlife. The awesome annual migration of millions of wildebeest takes place here. Nearby there is Narok town, which has souvenir shops, a post office, and some banks. There is also a Maasai village nearby. You can walk there, take photographs, talk to locals and buy authentic beadwork. Masai Mara is a natural extension of the Serengeti, Tanzania. The Mara River passes through north to south heading into Lake Victoria, through the Serengeti.
The river is crossed every year by the large migratory herds of wildebeests and zebras, which march across the two parks. More than two million wildebeests and 200,000 zebras move in search for better pastures, finding along the way the crocodile-infested river. The animals move across the border into the Mara, making a stunning entrance in a surging column of life that stretches from horizon to horizon. Many animals drown while crossing the river. The crossing is gruesome and fascinating. Their bones accumulate by the Mara banks. Masai Mara peak season is from July to October. The wildebeest are tracked by predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas while vultures follow at a distance as the journey unfolds. The Mara’s breathtaking array of life includes more than 450 bird species among them 57 species of birds of prey. Animals of Masai Mara include leopards, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, topi and monkeys. Elephants and buffalo can be found in the Musiara Swamp. The Mara and Talek rivers have Hippos and Crocodiles.
The Mara has been called the kingdom of lions. The lions dominate these grasslands. Cheetahs are a common sight in the Mara, as are Hyenas as well as smaller predators such as Jackals. In the Mara, the Masai warriors share the plains with hunting lions and the mighty herds of wildebeest. The Mara is one of the best serviced Kenyan Reserves. It has a wide range of accommodation for any budget. Some lodges and camps offer balloon safaris. Outside the boundaries of the reserve, there are other small camps and lodges. These offer walking, horse riding and other safari options. The Loita Hills and the Nguruman Escarpment, offer high forest trekking opportunities for the exploratory traveller. Travelling to Masai Mara: The Mara can be accessed through Narok. It is a 5-hour drive from Nairobi. There are regular buses to Narok from Nairobi. You can also fly to the Mara. It is serviced by two airstrips. Private Charters use these airstrips. There are also daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Mombassa. In the Mara reserve, you need private transport. It is normal to get a safari package from Nairobi or hire a car. The park has good internal roads and tracks. Masai Mara >> Masai Mara Safari >> Masai Mara National Reserve |
