Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara national reserve is situated in the south western part of Kenya (Narok county) and in the northernmost section of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Masai Mara national reserve is an extension of the Serengeti National park covering an area of 1510 km2 and bordering the Loita Hills in the east, I tong Hills in the north and Syria escarpment in the West.

It was established in 1961 and is administered by two bodies; Narok county government that manages the eastern part and the Trans-Mara county council which manages the western part (Mara Triangle) and is a contracting management to the Mara conservancy, a local non-profit organization set up by the local Masai that has several anti-poaching units.

The reserve was named after its first ancestral inhabitants the Masai people and the word Mara (Maa) means spotted in Maasai language referring to the circles of trees, scrub, savanna, and the cloud shadows that mark the area. Much of the reserve is covered by the rolling grassland plains, with the primary water sources being Talek, sand, and Mara River.

The climate at Masai Mara is kinder damper and milder than other regions and this is because it is located 1500-2200m above sea level. The highest temperatures in day time is 30C/85F and warmest in December-January, coldest in June-July and at night the temperature rarely drops.

In April, May and November, it’s a rainy season and some parts of the reserve gets very muddy and inaccessible as the dry season occurs from July to October. This is the best time to visit the national reserve.

It’s famously known for the great wild beast migration that usually takes place in July –October and the big five (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, rhino and leopard). It is also a home to a large concentration of wildlife  like the cheetah, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals, bat-eared foxes, elands, Thomson’s gazelles, topis, duikers and many more.

There are various activities that one could engage in on their visit to the park which include;

Wild Beast Migration in Masai Mara national reserve

This is a great experience one gets as he or she watches this great migration of the wild beasts across the Mara River between Serengeti- Masai Mara and this usually takes place in July to October.

Not only do the wild beasts participate in this spectacular trek but also other animals like the zebra and several antelope species searching for greener pastures. The hungry predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas and crocodiles wait eagerly to have a feast on those lame and sick animals along the way.

BIRD WATCHING

It is a home for over 400 species that birders can have a variety to view. These birds include, ostriches, long crested eagle, pygmy falcons, secretary birds, Jackson’s bustards among others.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

This is a magnificent activity that gives you an opportunity to travel over the massive Masai Mara Park and have a great view of the wildlife as you glide above them. This activity lasts approximately an hour and a half and often take place at dawn.

MAASAI CULTURE ENCOUNTERS

As the Masai were the ancestral inhabitants, they are extraordinary people with different skills and culture that one may not miss a chance to take part as they take you through their different activities.

The Maasai Morans (young Masai warriors) usually perform their traditional dance and one gets a chance to buy some of their products such as souvenirs, arts and collectibles to support the community.

Game Drive in Masai Mara National Reserve

Having a game drive within the park can expose you to view different animals like the big five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo) and other animals like giraffes loping in the tall trees, cheetahs, zebras, antelope species, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles among others.

ACCOMMODATION IN MASAI MARA

Masai Mara offers a wide variety of accommodation depending on one’s budget, although some of the lodges and tented centers throughout the park cater to average to high-end visitor.

The popular lodges in Masai Mara includes; Luxury; Keekorok lodge, Kichwa Tembo Camp, Governors Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Sarova Mara, Mara River Camp ,Little Governors camp ,Mara Safari Club, Siana Springs Camp ,Mpata Safari Club ,Mara Intrepids Club, Base Camp Masai Mara and Ilkeliani luxury Tented Camp.

Mid-range/Moderate budget include; David Livingstone Resort, Mara Simba Lodge and the Acacia Camp.

For the budget travelers there are accommodations that are available for them in the form of camping like; Mara Springs Camp, Riverside Camp, Simba Camp, Olpert  Elongo Camp and Oloolaimutia Campsite.