Masai Mara National Park is angelically placed in the southern part of Kenya, it is drained by the river Mara a historic landmark of the Great wildebeest migration after which the national park is known, the Masai Mara conservation area receives the largest population of travellers in the world, it is an eye-catching destination and rewarding to those that visit it, its attractions are vast from the rolling savannah grasses, bushes, wildlife species, to the hospitable people of the Masai land is phenomenal, imagine meeting the perfect picture square of the African wilderness as it is described!.
Tourist activities in Masai Mara National Park are abundant, game drives are the primary activity of the park, these give you the best offer to see the so-called big five of the wilderness (African elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards and Hyenas) not only home to the big five but also other species for example zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, bushbucks, side stripped hyenas, elands, warthogs, cheetahs, oribi, klipspringers, to mention a few. Most of these animal species are seen on game drives which are conducted using 4×4 wheel car drives with an open rooftop to enhance the guest experience with animal views. Game drives are done in sessions in the early morning at 6:00 am in search of a morning riser, this is the best time to see the game as animals are super active, in the afternoon and evening times. By the end of the day, it is more than possible for travellers to have seen all the big five of the wilderness. During the season for the great wildebeest migration, extensive drives are conducted.
Wildebeest migration is the top highlight activity of safaris to the Masai Mara National Park, millions of wildebeests, zebras together with their predators cross the river Mara annually stamping their hooves around southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, the cycle is continuous all year round, this is a hot spot for so many travellers from the world, it is a magical experience in Kenya, safaris to the ecosystem are completed only with the sight of this migration, it isa busy time more like survival for the fittest imagine the species have to cross through a crocodile-infested river Mara and then right on the side are lions, hyenas, leopards and cheetahs ready to do the hunt.
Birding in Masai Mara National park, the park is one of the best destinations of the country to go birding, it is as beautiful with more than 500 species of birds, the best time to go birding in the conservation area is during the wet season when the park receives migratory species from other destinations, although it can be done anytime of the year, example bird types include herons, flamingoes, pelicans, horn bills to mention a few.
Cultural encounters with the Masai people, on your visit to the national park, you will have a chance to see the locals, these live in small villages called the manyattas, they present a unique culture amongst which they will show case from the signature hand made beads to clothing and their way of living.
Hot air balloon safaris make up for luxury times and most memorable in the national park, imagine a fly over several animal species, guests are transferred to the beginning point of the experience, they have a chance to see when the hot air balloons are being loaded, depending on weather conditions it takes 2-3 hours enjoying the views of the park.
In conclusion, tourist activities in the Masai Mara National Park can be done any time of the year but best during the dry season between the months of December- Februarys and June-September when the trails of the park are much drier and easier to access.