Masai Mara national reserve is Kenya’s natural wonder which is located in the southwestern part of Kenya and it is famous for its endless rolling plains which stretch up to 1,510 square kilometers bordering Tanzania’s mighty Serengeti national park in the northern Tanzania. Masai Mara national reserve was established in 1,961 as a wildlife sanctuary and it was covering an area of about 520 square kilometers, the park was later expanded in the same year to obtain a total land area of about 1,821 square kilometers and it is at this point when it was converted into a game reserve under the management of Narok county council. In 1,976, more park land was encroached being reduced to 1,602 square kilometers and in 1,984, the land was again reduced to attain the present 1,510 square kilometers. Masai Mara national reserve is crossed by the 2 rivers, Mara River and Talek River and these are the major drainers of the park.
The park is a haven of wildlife which include; Africa’s Big5 which are leopards, lions, buffaloes, rhinos and elephants. It is also known for hosting wildebeest migration where a huge number of wildebeests, antelopes are seen crossing from Tanzania in the dry season looking for greener pastures. Wildebeest migration is the largest wildlife movement in the world and it attracts travelers from all walks of life to come and indulge in this experience, wildebeest migration attracts Africa’s canine team which is led by lions, leopards, hyenas, foxes not forgetting the vultures as well.
Attractions in Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara national reserve is composed of both nature and wildlife and they exist mutually in the park. Attractions in Masai Mara national reserve are divided and managed by Masai locals.
Great Migration in Masai Mara
This is the largest wildlife movement in the world which attracts people from different walks of life to come and engage in seeing how this migration takes place. This wildebeest migration attracts savannah carnivorous and it is so fascinating to see lions making a hunt and trying to bring down wildebeests. Wildebeest migration occurs in the dry season in the months of June to September, this is when the wildebeests are seen crossing Mara River from Tanzania’s Serengeti national park.
Wildlife in Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara is a home to Africa’s big 5 animals which are; lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and rhinos. The park accommodates other wildlife for example impalas, kobs, giraffes, bush bucks, waterbucks, gazelles, cheetahs, birds, among others. The park is endowed with aquatic life for example crocodiles, water birds to mention but a few.
The Masai Culture
This remains one of the virgin cultures in Africa and visiting a Masai community cannot leave you the same. The way Masai people will welcome you, dance and sing for you. They will jazz you about their ancient life, they will tell you more and deep about their culture and beliefs.
Birdwatching in Masai Mara
This reserve is a birding paradise with over 500 bird species including the raptors and migratory birds. Birdwatching is best in November to April, this is when the birds from North Africa and from Europe arrive in Mara decorating it for birding expedition. Some of the birds you will encounter in Masai Mara are; ostriches, saddle-billed storks, Abdim’s stork, ground hornbills, kingfishers, turacos to mention but a few.
Mara River
This is another great attraction and it acts as a collecting point where wildlife come from different corners of the park gather to quench their thirsty. This pulls large number of tourists since its eye catching and you expect to encounter a lot of wildlife and birds as well. Seeing the endless herds of wildebeests cross River Mara is an amazing thing.
Hot Air Balloon in Masai Mara
This is another unique experience where you indulge in wildlife viewing with an eagle eye. This always lasts for 1 hour while you are in the skies overlooking the plains of Mara.
Guided nature walks
This is done with the help of a ranger guide who will take you to different kopjes and animal viewpoints. You expect to come close to nature.
Where to stay in Masai Mara
There are a number of accommodations in Masai Mara starting from budget lodges in Masai Mara, Midrange accommodation in Masai Mara and Luxury accommodation in Masai Mara.
Some of the accommodations in Masai Mara national reserve include;
Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge, Fig Tree Camp among others.
You can combine Kenya wildlife safari with gorilla trekking experience in Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park
