Land of the Maasai peopleMasai Mara National Reserve
What is the Masai Mara National Reserve?
The Masai Mara National Reserve is located near the Kenya and Tanzania border. The Masai Mara is north of the Serengeti national park and is southwest of the famous city Nairobi, Kenya.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is a popular destination due to its enormous population of wildlife. This Masai Mara is home to 1.5 million wildebeest, thousands of zebras, elands, and Giselle’s. This tourist destination is a great place to go for those who love wildlife.
The reserve is approximately 580 square miles of flatlands that have scenic inclines to them. These scenic flatlands have unique types of trees and shrubbery, along with a beautiful atmosphere that is picture-perfect. This area is one of Africa’s seven wonders. Expert photographers from around the world come here to capture the beautiful scenery and incredible wildlife that is characteristic of this part of Africa.
What Makes Masai Mara National Reserve Unique?
What makes Masai Mara unique is undoubtedly the great migration of wildlife that occurs every year. The unique aspect of visiting the Masai Mara reserve is the ability to witness the great migration of 1.2 million wildebeest. Safaris run just about every day during the migration. Those who have seen the movement noted that the event is one of the most breathtaking sites that they have ever seen. Pictures cannot tell you how amazing the great wildebeest migration is. You cannot capture in photos the sounds, the grand nature of the event, and the experiences with others on a safari.
For more on The Great Wildebeest Migration- Click Here
Another unique aspect of the Masai Mara Reserve is the nature. This reserve is mainly untouched by human beings giving the area a natural beauty uninhibited and interrupted by urban infusion. This famous African vacation destination is a true getaway from the requirements of life. The ecosystem within the reserve includes hundreds of different wildlife, including exotic birds. On a safari, you will see animals that are near extinction due to outside reserve poaching efforts. In this animal oasis, you will see the realities of nature. You are likely to witness animals chasing after each other and children cuddling with their parents late in the day. These realities you cannot experience at home and are only available at an African vacation destination to the Masai Mara.
Why You Should Visit Masai Mara National Reserve for Vacation?
Masai Mara is one of the very few unique vacation destinations in the world. The wildlife is breathtaking. The great wildebeest migration is one of the most-watched animal movements by African tourists.
A vacation at Masai Mara game reserve is likely to be full of events and experiences that will last a lifetime. Safaris run almost every day and have experience guides that will guide you through the Masai Mara. Safari guides will bring you to strategic locations where there is plenty of wildlife. Strategic locations include picnic areas and safe sites to take pictures.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara?
The best time to go to the Masai Mara reservation is during the massive wildebeest migration. Safaris will help you experience the movement up close by driving near and close to the wildebeest migration. The migration occurs during the dry season from June through November of every year. The dry season is the best time to go because the shrubbery tends to be smaller and out of sight. With smaller wilted plants in the distance, you can see animals roam freely without the obstruction of plants.
The off-dry season is from November through May. During this part of the season, there are fewer people in the area. However, you can still feel the excitement of being around nature and wildlife that is in the area. During the rainy season, you will experience scenery that is much greener than the dry season, making the area an excellent place for photography.
Masai Mara Reservation has accommodations for all budgets. There are luxury accommodations along with more modest accommodations. Safaris and tours are one of the best in the world and have experienced guides. The guides have a sophisticated understanding of the area and know what you want to see. Not only is the scenery exciting, but the other travelers you may share experiences with will be interesting as well. The reservation is host to an international audience that appreciates wildlife and game. You are likely to meet people from around the world.
What Animals are Commonly Seen in Masai Mara National Reserve?
The animals that roam here are wild and rare. You will likely never see animals like this in your life. The reservation is host to 95 mammal species and over 570 birds. There are so many wild birds that the scientists could not count them all.
Known for their “large” stance in the African wilderness are the big five animals. The big five includes the lion, rhinoceros, cape buffalo, leopards, and the elephant. These animals are seen frequently on every safari.
Safaris are the best way to get up close and see the wildlife. Safaris also include the ability to see the wildebeest migration progress. Here are some animals that you might encounter on a safari in the Masai Mara Reserve.
- Antelopes
- Bat-Eared Foxes
- Cheetahs
- Crocodiles
- Elands
- Gazelles
- Giraffes
- Hartebeests
- Impalas
- Jackals
- Marabou Storks
- Topis
- Zebras
- & Much More!
Not included in this list is the numerous exotic birds that fly in the area. When you take a safari or tour, remember to keep an eye on your lunch because the birds may fly down and take it from you.
Masai Mara Reservation People
Exotic animals are not the only aspect of wildlife that you will see. You will experience, at times, the local people and culture. The “Mara” is not a National Park but instead a National Reserve belonging to the Maasai people. The people of the land of Masai are an ancient group of people who frequently roam among the animals in the reservation. This ancient culture has traditions with rituals that are practiced in the area. You might see this community near Masai rivers and animals on your safari.
What to Expect from a Masai Mara Safari?
Safaris are directed and led by an African nature expert who understands the Safari area. Best of all, the safari guide knows what you have in mind — a good time. The experienced safari leader knows from experience the best places to roam, including areas where there is majestic scenery. You will encounter wildlife while safe in a safari vehicle that is built to have your safety and experience in mind. Best of all, you can interact with passengers who will share the same experiences with you.
Safaris range from one day to four days. Safaris usually begin in the early morning just before the sun rises so that you can experience the wildlife and scenery awaken. The morning sun will gradually waken the wildlife as you will hear nature’s gift of a new day. Birds will chirp, lions will yawn, elephants will get up, and the river will be populated with animals awakening themselves to an early morning drink. Throughout the day, you will see nature as it has never been told. Your friendly safari guide will help you understand the wildlife of the area. At strategic safe areas, your safari will stop so that you can take pictures, eat food, and enjoy the moment.
There are night game drives available. Experience the evening wilderness with international tourists. Sounds scary but you will have a safari expert with you.
What Activities Can You Do in the Masai Mara?
Safaris are the main attraction at the Masai Mara reservation. However, many activities are available include walking safaris, fishing, Masai tribe cultural visits, and balloon safari.
Get some exercise in while experiencing the grandeur of the reservation. Try a walking safari. Walking safari guides will be with you to help you experience a safe and beautiful experience through the Masai Mara game reserve area. Walking near wildlife will help you see the lovely atmosphere up close.
Fishing at river camps in safe areas is exciting because the experience gives you a good cultural understanding of the area. Like the local tribe, you will fish for food during the day. You are likely to see large animals in the distance as they swarm up to the rivers to take a long drink from nature’s river.
Masai villages allow vacationers to visit and experience their tribe’s rituals, dances, and culture. Experience what life is like for the Masai ancient culture that has survived over a thousand years in the African wilderness.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari through the Masai Mara. A recommendation for any bucket list. Balloon safari take off early morning providing you with the most magical African sunrise. As you ascend in the air, you will see the beautiful landscape of the Masai Mara as well as amazing wildlife. See herds of elephants eating breakfast, pods of hippos grunting and flapping water, lion prides walking for a drink of water, and much more. No two balloon safaris are the same!
For more on hot air balloon safaris- Click Here
In Summary
The vast open country of the Masai Mara is an untouched oasis for endangered animals. One of Africa’s seven wonders of the world is filled with over 1.2 million wildebeests that migrate every year to survive. Be witness to the world’s most massive migration of animals by visiting this natural wonder. See almost extinct animals in their natural habitat nursing their young to revitalize their colony. Swim in an immaculate pool at your resort and look out at the atmosphere or grazing animals in the distance.
Enjoy the experience of being with an international crowd that loves the outdoors. Gain exceptional experiences by being with a safari guide who will show you his understanding of the area by putting you in spots near animals. You can only dream of being near leopards and lions back home. Get the satisfactory sensation of experiencing something wild without risking anything. Don’t wait and book your safari to the Masai Mara today.
Explore the Masai Mara in Kenya and Discover- “Top Things to See and Do in Masai Mara“
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