Masai Mara National Reserve is a thrilling conservation area in the southern part of Kenya it is a lead destination for travelers to Kenya and a must-see place on your Kenyan safari experience, the national park is comprised of gentle sloping Savannah grasslands that seem to be endless, these straddle along the country’s border with northern Tanzania in Serengeti national park, covering an area space of approximately 1510 square kilometers. The Masai Mara is the centerpiece of attention in Kenya with many travelers coming from various parts of the world to experience an African safari in the park.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is named in honor of the Masai people, these are the original inhabitants of the region, in the Masai language the word “Mara” simply means spotted, some of the land areas are owned privately by the Masai families, and concessionaires who have greatly contributed to the development of the vast accommodation facilities within the protected area, it was gazette as a national park in 1961, the land area lies within the great African rift valley region characterized by a unique terrain from the vast Savannah grasslands, Mara river time forests, rivers, shrubs, small bushes, these act as homes to many wildlife species including the so-called big five of the wilderness( Lions, Leopards, elephants, African buffaloes and Rhinos).
Masai Mara National Reserve is popular for the great wildebeest migration where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and Gazelles run through the wilderness, it is an epic kind of stamping as animals move from northern Tanzania in Serengeti National Park to the Masai Mara in southern Kenya in search of green pastures and water as seasons change, they cross through the crocodile infested river Mara together with their predators, it is survival for the fittest during this run, the migration is the major attraction of the national park named among the 7 wonders of the world.
Wildlife of Masai Mara national park is abundant, there are large numbers of cats recorded in the conservation area compared to other parks, example of species of mammals in the Serengeti include lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, elands, zebras, Masai giraffes, waterbucks, hartebeests, Rothchild’s giraffes, cheetahs, bat-eared fox, side stripped and dotted hyenas, oribi, topi, dik-dik, aardvark, African hare to mention few, there are more than 500 species of birds that have been recorded in the national park some of which are near to endemics, example bird species include, abimes stork, ostrich, lazy cisticola, giant kingfisher, ross’s turaco, secretary bird among others.
Things to do in the Masai Mara National Park include game drives in the conservation area, this is the most popular activity done using 4×4-wheel car drive to be able to pass through the tough terrain, these are characterized by open rooftops to enhance the guest experience, the drives are done in sessions in the morning, afternoon and evening game drives. The morning time is the most recommended time when animal species are active. Masai Mara National Park is one of the places where night game drives are allowed in search of nocturnal species.
Hot balloon air safaris are a thrilling experience, they begin in the early morning with a briefing from park rangers which takes 1-2 hours depending on the weather conditions, guests have the chance to view while the balloon is being filled, it is enjoyable to view animal species from the above. This activity is best done in the early morning upon return an arranged bush breakfast can be served or have one at the lodge.
Bird watching in the Masai Mara National Park, there are over 500 species of birds recorded in the conservation area some of which are endemics to the destination, these live within the open savannah grasslands, river banks, and at great Rift Valley escarpment, the best time to see birds is during the wet season when the park receives migratory species.
Cultural encounters The Masai people, have the most unique culture in Kenya living an interesting lifestyle, they are originally pastoralists with incredible customs, norms, and traditions. They will show you their way of life through their traditional songs and dances.
In conclusion, Masai Mara National Park can be accessed by both air and road transfers, it takes approximately 6 hours to drive from Nairobi city, time taken to the conservation area may differ depending on the gate used to reach the park. flights are handled by domestic ground handlers for example air Kenya to the park.