The Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara National reserve is Kenya’s most visited protected area. It is world famous for its high density of herbivores and predators, and the spectacular annual migration of wildebeests.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve covers some 1,510 km2 (583 sq mi) in south-western Kenya. It is the northernmost section of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which covers some 25,000 km2 (9,700 sq mi) in Tanzania and Kenya.
It’s about 270 km from the capital Nairobi City and takes about 4-5 hours by road or 40-45 minutes by flight.
Masai Mara wildlife
The highlight of the park is the annual migration where close to two million animals congregate into the Masai Mara plains. Wildebeest, topi, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle migrate into and occupy the Mara reserve, from the Serengeti plains from July to October or later. The migration is nature’s drama and very exciting to see. It is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving some.
Park visit
There is a permanent resident population of wildebeests, zebras and topi in the reserve making wildlife viewing all year round affair not restricted to July-September period of the migration.
The big cats which by nature are territorial are also permanently there defending their corners. All members of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, African elephant, African buffalo, and black rhinoceros) are found in the Masai Mara.
The population of black rhinos was fairly numerous until 1960, but it was severely depleted by poaching in the 1970s and early 1980s, dropping to a low of 15 individuals. Numbers have been slowly increasing, but the population was still only up to an estimated 23 in 1999.Hippos and Nile crocodiles are found in large groups in the Mara and Talek rivers. More than 470 species of birds have been identified in the park, many of which are migrants, with almost 60 species being raptors.
Best Time To Visit
With the wildebeest migration in JULY – OCTOBER, this is the best time to see this incredible movement of animals. December to February is a great time also as it is dryer and good for the Big Cats.
NOTE: The Maasai Mara is an all year round destination with the big cats, and all the big game still in the Maasai Mara Ecosystem.
There is a wide selection of places to stay in and around the Maasai Mara and the conservancies that surround it. These range from tented camps to 5 star hotels.
Mara Intrepids
Overlooking the Talek River, at the very confluence of the Mara’s four game-viewing areas, Mara Intrepids Camp enjoys one of the most spectacular locations in the world’s best-known wilderness.
Mara Explorer
Mara Serena
Located at the very centre of the famous ‘Mara Triangle’ in the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge is the ultimate safari destination. Set high on a bush-cloaked hill with long views over the savannah and down to the winding coils of the hippo-filled Mara River, it stands centre-stage to one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife arenas, providing our guests with a ringside seat to the ‘greatest wildlife show on earth’, the legendary migration of the wildebeest.
Keekorok Lodge
Keekorok Lodge is a luxury safari 5 star lodge whose charm lies in the liberal use of local building materials. Sand stone, cedar wood and other indigenous materials are used in all rooms and public areas. In front of the safari lodge there is a 300m elevated walkway that meanders through a small riverine forest to a small bar at one end, this overlooks a dam where resident hippo and other game are regularly seen. There are no fences around Keekorok Hotel and it is not uncommon to see elephant and buffalo on the perimeter of the grounds or even strolling in.