Situated in south west Kenya, some 300 km from Nairobi, Masai Mara Game Reserve is one of the best places in East Africa for game viewing.
The 320 square kilometre reserve is home to a wide range of animals including the big cats (leopard, lion and cheetah), wildebeest, African wild dogs, buffalo and elephant among others.
The endangered black rhinos can be spotted in the reserve, although their population is less than 50 individuals. Other animals that can be found in Masai Mara include the rare Topi antelope, rone antelope, Masai and common giraffes, white-bearded gnus, jackals, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles as well as crocodiles and hippos in the Mara River.
The major highlight of the Masai Mara safari is the Great Wildebeest Migration. This annual event sees over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and antelopes crossing the Mara River in a circular migration between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara in search of greener pastures.
Although the migration is not so predictable, if you time your safari from mid August to early November your chances of witnessing the spectacular event are high.
In addition to game viewing, bird-watching, hot air balloon rides and cultural tours are major highlights of Masai Mara tours.
With over 400 bird species, the Masai Mara is a paradise for birding enthusiasts. Some of the birds that can be spotted here include white-tipped crests, marabous, ostriches, long-crested eagles, vultures and ross turacos among others.
If you are adventurous enough, a one hour hot air ballon ride will offer you the best view of the vast game reserve. The ballon safaris are usually taken at dawn – giving you the best opportunity to watch the animals.
The Masai tribe, who have for years coexisted with animals, are an attraction of Masai Mara. It is widely claimed that lions of Masai Mara fear the Masai. However, you will find them to be very friendly and they will even perform their traditional dance at your request.
Masai Mara weather is favourable throughout the year. Between July and October Masai Mara’s vegetation is lush and the daytime temperatures are pleasant – making it the best time go on a game viewing safari in Mara. As such, the reserve experiences the highest number of visitors during this period.
Masai Mara is reached by both road and air. It takes 5-6 hours to reach the park by road and 45 minutes by air. There are scheduled flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
While on a Masai Mara safari, you can find accommodation in the budget camp sites, luxury Masai Mara lodges, high-end tented camps and private camps that are situated around the park.
Popular lodges here include Kichwa Tembo Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Mara River Camp, Keekorok Lodge, Sarova Mara and Mpata Safari Club.
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