Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara is the natural continuation of the Serengeti wastelands. With its 1.510 km2 large reserve, Masai Mara is the most wildlife rich place in the world. It is also known for the biggest animal show in the world that takes place every year from July until the end of October. It is better known as the great migration where 1.4 million wildebeests, 500.000 gazelles, and 200.000 zebras move in a quest for the best pastures, finding along the way the crocodile-crowded river.

Masai Mara's location and altitude, above 1,500 meters, yield a climate which is milder and damper than in other regions. Masai Mara is protected as a reserve and not as a national park, therefore not managed by Kenya Wildlife Service but by the local authorities, namely District Councils. The income from the parks goes to the development of the local Masai community.

In Mara you experience a varied landscape. Floods, waving grasslands, disperse woods- and bush areas, and to the west, a soil button that show signs of prehistoric volcanic activity. A visit to Masai Mara is a guarantee for a first class safari experience.

The Masai people whom the park is named after, are to be found all around the reserve. Their characteristic round village, where the children take care of the large herds of cattle, sheep, and goats adds an exiting look to the scenery. A visit to one of the villages is a popular element on a safari.

Wildlife:

The population of predators is tremendous. Hyena, lion herds, leopards, and cheetahs are rich represented all over the park. It is not without reason, where there is easy prey there is also food for many predators. Even the rare black rhino is regularly seen in areas with scrub, elephants are to be seen in large or less herds all over the Mare reserve, where they spend most of their time eating, a grown elephant needs daily approx 250 kg of vegetable food.

At the Mara river popular Hippo pools you can experience large population of hippos, crocodiles, and an exiting rich bird life.

Travel:

Masai Mara lies around 260 km from Nairobi, and is accesible within five hours drive from Nairobi or Lake Nakuru.

Lodges and camps:

Masai Mara can offer all kinds of accommodations, from 5 star luxurious lodges and tent camps to more primitive and humble camping facilities. You don’t have to stay within the parks premises, the animals don’t know where the border lines are anyway, and the lodges outside the parks premises can offer night safaris, which are not allowed within the park.

Depending on the season, two to six days can easily be spent in the area. A stay fours nights or more it is recommended to stay in two different locations when visiting Masai Mara. This gives two reference points to start the safari and therefore a better chance at seeing a bigger variety of animals.