Maasai Mara National Park is situated in south-west Kenya, stretched along the Tanzanian border adjacent to the Serengeti, and is one of Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserves, and Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s oldest and most beloved safari destination.
Maasai Mara, also known as Masai Mara, and locally simply as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok and Trans Mara Counties, Kenya, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary, the Mara covered only 520 km2 (200 sq mi) of the current area, including the Mara Triangle. It is named in honor of the Maasai people, the ancestral inhabitants of the area, who migrated to the area from the Nile Basin. Their description of the area when looked at from afar: “Mara” means “spotted” in the local Maasai language, due to the many short bushy trees which dot the landscape.
Masai Mara is one of the most famous and important wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, world-renowned for its exceptional populations of lion, African leopard, cheetah, and African bush elephant.
It also hosts the Great Migration, which secured it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and as one of the Ten Wonders of the World.
The Greater Mara ecosystem encompasses areas known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Triangle, and several Maasai Conservancies, including Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Mara North, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet.
The area was extended to the east in 1961 to cover 1,821 km2 (703 sq mi) and converted to a game reserve. The Narok County Council (NCC) took over the management of the reserve at this time. Part of the reserve was given National Reserve status in 1974 and the remaining area of 159 km2 (61 sq mi) was returned to local communities. An additional 162 km2 (63 sq mi) were removed from the reserve in 1976, and the park was reduced to 1,510 km2 (580 sq mi) in 1984.
The People and Culture.
The Maasai people make up a community that spans across northern, central, and southern Kenya and northern parts of Tanzania. As pastoralists, the community holds the belief that they own all of the cattle in the world. The Maasai rely on their lands to sustain their cattle, as well as themselves and their families. Prior to the establishment of the reserve as a protected area for the conservation of wildlife and wilderness, the Maasai were forced to move out of their native lands.
Tradition continues to play a major role in the lives of modern-day Maasai people, who are known for their tall stature, patterned shukas, and beadwork. It is estimated that there are approximately half a million individuals that speak the Maa language and this number includes not only the Maasai but also Samburu and Camus people in Kenya. While some Maasai are moving away from pastoralism as they adapt to modern life, most still uphold their society’s traditions, which include elaborate initiation rituals for boys and defined roles for men and women of every age within the community
Today, the Masai people play a great role in tourism, as the unique culture has become a center of attraction and entertainment for the client, no single the safari ends minus visiting the Masia community to explore the uniqueness of the culture. The majority to the guides are the local guides from the Maasai community, who truly understand the area, to the roots, and gives you an endless safari adventure on your visit. The walking safaris are guided by the Masai locals, dressed in their local costumes, that leaves the majority of the visitors, with wonders, as your totally immersed and indulged into Masai culture, as you explore this wonderful region. A Safari with a Maasai Guides is a life-changing experience that will provide you with a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the intricate details of the Masai Mara Ecosystem.
Because of our longstanding commitment to the Maasai community, they are able to provide authentic safari experiences that leave the guests filled with lifelong memories, a sense of purpose, and a longing to participate.
The Great Migration
The Mara is perhaps best known for the Great Migration, which takes place every year from July to September. During these months the yellow savannah is dotted black by more than 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and antelopes that migrate from the Serengeti to the Mara in search of food and water.
Mara and Serengeti parks are interdependent wildlife havens. This is where the world’s largest multi-species migration takes place. The movement is, centered around the wildebeest migrating from Serengeti into Masai Mara during the dry period in Tanzania, crossing the mighty Mara River on their way. The Great Wildebeest Migration rightfully deserves its standing as one of the natural world’s most astonishing spectacles. Compromising of more than 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, the Great Migration constitutes the last surviving multi-species migration on the planet.
Wildlife at Mara. What to see and expect
Despite comprising only 0.01% of Africa’s total landmass, more than 40% of Africa’s larger mammals can be found here. Across the vast plains of the Mara, visitors are able to witness lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and an infinite variety of other species in their natural habitats.
Of the other Big Five, elephant, and buffalo are plentiful, but black rhino is trickier and can only be found in certain areas. Wildebeest, topi, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle migrate into and occupy the Mara reserve, from the Serengeti Plains to the south and Loita Plains in the pastoral ranches to the north-east, from July to October or later. Herds of all three species are also resident in the reserve. Hippopotami and crocodiles are found in large groups in the Mara and Talek rivers. Hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, servals, and bat-eared foxes can also be found in the reserve. Antelopes can be found, including Grant’s gazelles, impalas, duikers, and Coke’s hartebeests. The plains are also home to the distinctive Masai giraffe. The large roan antelope and the nocturnal bat-eared fox, rarely present elsewhere in Kenya, can be seen within the reserve borders.
More than 470 species of birds have been identified in the park, many of which are migrants, with almost 60 species being raptors. Birds that call this area home for at least part of the year include: vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches, long-crested eagles, African pygmy-falcons and the lilac-breasted roller, which is the national bird of Kenya.
Landscape
The Masai Mara’s scenery is dominated by grassland savannah, but pockets of acacia woodland, riparian forest, and rocky hills intersperse the plains. The Masai word ‘Mara’, meaning spotted, refers to these dots in the landscape.
Weather & Climate
Masai Mara has a generally mild climate that doesn’t deviate too much from a comfortable 25°C/77°F in the region’s Dry season (June to October). Variations in temperature are mainly due to changes in altitude in the park, with conditions getting cooler the higher you climb. The Wet season (November to May) comprises a shorter and a longer rainy period that sandwich a brief dry spell.
What to do in Masai Mara
Game Safari
The reserve is a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise, with abundant elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion, and cheetah alongside the migratory wildebeest and zebra. Leopards are frequently encountered, endangered black rhino hide in the dense thickets and large rafts of hippo and enormous crocodiles are found in the Mara River. Live kills are occasionally encountered, with the migration being the highlight of the visit. The park is also home to over 450 bird species. Safaris are conducted in the lovely Mara Triangle, open from sunrise to sunset, and are incompletely open game viewing vehicles to which the animals are well accustomed – the vehicles are specially equipped and converted, offering comfy seats, ample legroom, charging stations and canvas roofs for respite from the sun. Night drives are not allowed in the Masai Mara itself but are permitted in the neighboring conservancies.
Bird watching safari.
If you’re a wine lover, here is the place to be, whereby you kill 2 birds using one stone, thus enjoy a live game safari, as you do your bird watching adventure. More than 470 species of birds have been identified in the park, many of which are migrants, with almost 60 species being raptors. Birds that call this area home for at least part of the year include: vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds, and hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches, long-crested eagles, African pygmy-falcons and the lilac-breasted roller, which is the the national bird of Kenya.
Photography Safari.
Get your lenses and head of to take the best shots you dream of, get as close as you can, and simply forces you to grab your camera and catch that fleeting moment of beauty. Let the safari planner know your mission, and they will arrange everything from lodges, guides to the vehicles that will match with what you wish to achieve during your safari. The guides, know what you’re looking for, and will drive you there to meet the dream nature. You can as well participate in the Mara photography competition, and you show cast your ability. Already acclaimed by many as being the best game reserve in Africa, this competition will highlight the people, wildlife and landscapes that make this area so special. The prize for the winner of the Competition, including the title of The Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year is US$10,000 in cash, and an all-expenses-paid 5-night safari for two people at Angama Mara, with a return domestic flight to Nairobi.
Hot air Balloon Safari
Enjoy one of the iconic experiences of Africa, floating gently over the Maasai Mara in a hot air balloon. Wake before the dawn, with freshly brewed tea or coffee delivered right to your tent, and enjoy the fresh, early morning drive to one of the two launch sites within easy reach from the lodge. If you’re still waking up, enjoy another cup of coffee and watch as the balloon is slowly inflated. A quick and straight-forward pre-flight briefing, and before you know it, the balloon is airborne and you’re floating effortlessly above the Mara. The soft, early morning breeze takes the balloon southwards towards the Tanzanian border, with the typical flight path along the Mara River and its adjoining forest, and over the open plains beyond. This is an unmatched safari – even the lions look up in surprise as one sail on by – and all the animals of the Mara are visible from the air. A flight normally lasts around one hour and ends with a sometimes-bumpy landing amidst the termite mounds, all part of the adventure. Once you’ve settled back to earth, toast the morning’s activities with celebratory champagne breakfast – specially prepared under a tree in the middle of nowhere.
Meet the Maasai People.
There are many moments during a guest’s stay when they can interact with the Maasai people, both at lodges and in a neighboring village. In and around most lodges, guests will spend time with Maasai staff, as the majority of the people who work at the lodges come from local communities; and guides, naturalists, the bakers, and camp managers’ majority Maasai. Some lodges, however invite the Maasai’s to come and perform in the evening to color off your stay, as you enjoy the Maasai vibe, as you sweep a glass of wine by your seat, listening to the sweet melodies from the lovely people, as you receive a perfect African smile, that will stick at the back of your mind, to remind you, of a safari in Africa, be like.
Celebrate While on a Safari.
Sometimes, you need something special, and unique, as life is too short to be taken always serious.
Weddings, vow renewals, anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, engagements, honeymoons, and milestone birthdays – there is much to celebrate in life and why not whilst on safari? A safari comes with a celebration whatever the occasion. And they do it in Maasai style: with beautiful beadwork, dancing warriors, extraordinary backdrops and of course the warmest Kenyan service and hospitality. Just let your safari planner get to know, about this, and it’s organized for you.
Walking Safari.
Explore some other part of the park on foot safari, as you enjoy the nature at its closest. Many guests choose to discover the Great Rift Valley on foot. Leaving their lodges and heading South along on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, Maasai Naturalists offer guided walks through lovely forests and open areas in-between. The birding up here, high above the Maasai Mara, is especially rewarding. Just get exploring and experience a unique experience as your foot, have a taste of African soil, with the coaching sun, strike over your head, blowing wind, freshen and cool your body, before you return to your lodge, and take a rest.
Where to stay.
There is a wide selection of places to stay in and around the Maasai Mara and the conservancies surrounding it, most are luxurious, and range from permanent lodges to tented and mobile camps. The conservancies surrounding the Maasai Mara have a restricted number of vehicles allowing a more private game viewing of wildlife. Before choosing which property to stay at, decide which area of the reserve you want to be based in. The central and eastern regions of the main reserve tend to see the most visitors because of their proximity to Nairobi.
Best Time to Visit
The interlude between the short and long rains (January and February) and the Dry season proper (June to October) are the times to visit Masai Mara. The roads haven’t yet deteriorated because of rain, and thirsty animal’s crowd around the local waterways. The last two months of the Dry season are often when the spectacular annual wildebeest migration passes through.
How to get to Maasai Mara.
By Road
It’s about 270 km from the capital Nairobi City and takes about 4-5 hours by road or 40-45 minutes by flight. The road is great for the most part. There is a section from Narok town to Sekenani Gate that is a dirt road but fairly good. The other road through Lemek and Aitong town is not good at all and very bumpy. During the rainy season, roads may become impassable unless you have a 4×4 vehicle and experience with driving in poor conditions.
By Air
There are several airfields which serve the camps and lodges in the Maasai Mara, including Mara Serena Airstrip, Musiara Airstrip and Keekorok, Kichwa Tembo, Ngerende Airport, Ol Kiombo and Angama Mara Airstrips, and several airlines such as SafariLink and AirKenya fly scheduled services from Nairobi and elsewhere multiple times a day. Helicopter flights over the reserve are limited to a minimum height of 1,500 ft. Flights from Nairobi take approximately 45 minutes and depart from Wilson Airport.