Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara National Reserve/Masai Mara/The Mara National Reserve Kenya is a must-visit destination on Kenya safaris. The Masai Mara National Reserve isn’t only one of Kenya’s greatest wildlife reserves, but it is also a distinct destination one of the very few that are managed by local communities.
Lying on the South-western boundary with Tanzania, the Maasai Mara National Reserve forms part of the extensive Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. It is found on the Northern part of this ecosystem while to the South, there is Serengeti National Park and in the adjacent, there are pastoral ranches of the Maasai people.
The Mara Reserve joins the Serengeti Wildlife Area forming one of the most dramatic wilderness areas in the African continent. Wildlife can be spotted freely roaming between the Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Park. The Masai Mara began as a wildlife sanctuary in 1948, occupying the land area of about 520sq.kms and in 1961, its area coverage increased to currently 1510sq.kms.
Masai Mara National Reserve derives its name from the Maasai people who occupied the area for long. The Mara word in Maasai is translated as spotted. It is known for its sweeping plains, with umbrella acacia trees, bushes and wildlife clearly spotted.
The reserve also has a number of incredible features including River Talek, the Mara River. It is naturally rich nature reserve, consisting of diverse wildlife, floral species, over 570 bird species. The Maasai Mara National Reserve lies at altitude 1500 to 2170m.
Unique Tourist Attractions – Maasai Mara Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve features as the top visited Kenya safari destination for a good reason. A huge profusion of wildlife freely roams in the Mara Reserve making it the most sought-for wildlife safari destination in Kenya.
Wildlife
The Maasai Mara National Reserve hosts a range of valuable wildlife and flora. They include 90 mammal species, reptiles, amphibians, 1000 plant species, more than 570 species of birds etc. All the African big 5 game are found in the Maasai Mara National Reserve that is elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffaloes. These roam in the same habitat with other wildlife including the wildebeest, impalas, cheetahs, gazelles, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and more.
Birds
A total of 570 bird species exist in the Maasai Mara alone. The bird check-list in the Mara Reserve: long crested eagles, usambiro barbet, lilac breasted rollers, black kite, yellow billed storks, secretary birds, great white egret, kori bustards, Madagascar squacco, martial eagle.
Other birds to identify here include Hildebrandt’s starling, African wood owl, African finfoot, grey penduline tit, lazy cisticola, cinnamon breasted bunting, tabora cisticola, red throated tit, purple grenadier, yellow mantled window bird, ostriches, rosy throated longclaw, ross’s turacos, rufous bellied long claw.
Birding in the Maasai Mara National Reserve can be done at any time of the year, although the best time is from November to April. These are the months when migratory birds flock into the Maasai Mara.
Wildebeest migration
Kenya safaris are only considered complete when there is wildebeest migration experience. This is a lifechanging experience, a great opportunity to watch millions of wildebeest accompanied by thousands of zebras, elands, gazelles while they cross from the Serengeti in search for pasture or drinking water. This is best experienced from July to September. Be part of our captivating 3 days Masai Mara safari to experience the best of the Great Migration in Kenya.
Other conservancies within Maasai Mara National Reserve – Kenya
Within the Masai Mara, there are several beautiful conservancies worth exploring on Kenya safaris. they include the Mara Triangle; this is controlled by the Mara Conservancy on behalf of the Narok county council. Ol Kinyei conservancy, Olare ork conservancy, Mara Naboisho conservancy, Lemek and more.
The Maasai People and their cultures
The Maasai people are among the amazing people to expect to interact with on Kenya safari in the Mara reserve. They live in Kenya’s Maasai Mara and also in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, two great destinations to witness the wildebeest migration. The Maasai are unique from their cultures, traditions, lifestyle, dress code to practices and it is worth visiting them on Kenya safari.
Tourist activities/things to do at Masai Mara Reserve
Game drives
Masai Mara National Reserve is the leading Kenya safari destination to enjoy a guided game drive. The reserve is rewarding when it comes to game viewing. From the big 5 animals (leopards, lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos) to giraffes, antelopes, birds and more, the Mara is one place to consider on your African safari holiday.
There are 3 shifts of game drives in Masai Mara; the morning, afternoon and night game drives. The best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve for game viewing is during the dry season; June to September or December to February. These are the best months of the year when thousands of wildlife confine at the Talek River and Mara River for water or pasture.
Nature walks
Nature walks take you through the Masai Mara’s endowed habitats to see lots of birds, wildlife and also a chance to meet the people. This is one unique way to closely interact with nature.
Birding
Over 570 bird species live in the Mara Reserve including the native, migratory bird species. Birding tours at Mara give incredible sight of birds such as the yellow billed stork, the Maasai ostriches, secretary birds, tawny eagles, long tailed cormorants, bishops, etc.
Hot air balloon safaris
Balloon safaris in Masai Mara offer breathtaking aerial view of the big five game, antelopes and other grazers. This is perfect for honeymooners and it comes with bush breakfast, champagne, certificate and more.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is a unique experience awaiting you on Kenya safari in the Maasai Mara. Visitors are accompanied by experienced guides while they enjoy view of wildlife on the back of the horses rather than using a 4×4 vehicle.
Best time to visit
Masai Mara National Reserve enjoys favorable weather conditions, making it an all-year-round destination. However, the reserve is best to visit from June to September or December to February for big five game safaris. For wildebeest migration, consider visiting Masai Mara from July to September or if you are interested in birthing experience, then December to February are the best months to visit the reserve.
Best places to stay
Accommodation in the Northern circuit of Masai Mara National Reserve: Kicheche Bush Camp, Mara River Lodge, Ol Seki Mara Camp, Speke’s Camp, Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Ngerende Island Lodge, Porini Mara Camp, Mara Plains Camp. The accommodation in the Eastern circuit: Mara Bush Top, Mara Leisure Camp. To the western side, the lodges/camps to stay in include Sanctuary Olonanan Camo, Bateleur Camp, Angama Mara, kilima Camp.
In the heart of Masai Mara, book accommodation facilities like Mara Ngenche, Governor’s Moran Camp, Sentinel Mara Camp. Best accommodation in the Masai Mara to stay during the Great Migration experience: Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Little Governor’s Camp, Kichwa Tembo Camp, Kicheche Mara Camp and more.
Location and access to the Masai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is found in Narok county, Southwestern Kenya on the Great Rift Valley region. From Nairobi capital to Mara Reserve, it is about 5 to 6 hours’ drive. 6 entry gates offer access to Maasai Mara National Reserve: Musiara, Sekenani, Oloololo gate, Sand River gate, Oloolaimutia gate and Talek gate.
By air: flights to Masai Mara take off from Nairobi to airstrips like Mara Serena airstrip, Musiara, Keekorok, Sian springs airstrip, Ngerende airstrip and Kiombo airstrip.