Masai Mara National Reserve is undeniably the most spectacular and popular safari destination in Kenya and one of the best on the African Continent. It was named in recognition of the Masai, original inhabitants of the area where the Protected Area is found and they are said to have migrated from the Nile basin. “Mara” in the local Masai dialect means “spotted” because of the numerous short bushy trees dotted all over its landscape.
Location.
Masai Mara National Reserve is a scenic and extensive area of gently rolling African savannah Plains situated in Narok, in the south-western corner of Kenya and is continuous with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The Reserve is managed by the Narok County Government.
Size.
This Reserve is one of the largest Protected Areas in the country covering over 1510 square kilometers (580 square miles or 151,000 hectares) of sweeping savannah plains, jaw-dropping vistas and plethora of wildlife as well as bird species. The landscape of the Reserve is mainly open savannah grassland with seasonal rivulets, with thickets of distinctive Acacia trees in south-eastern region.
This Reserve is also part of the Great Mara Ecosystem that comprises of Mara Triangle and various Masai Conservancies like Mara North, Lemek, Naikara, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Koiyaki, Kerinkani, Oloirien, Siana, Olkinyei, Kimintet, Ol Derkesi and Maji Moto
History
The Masai Mara area was first established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1961, it had an area of only 520 square kilometers (about 200 square miles) and also included the adjacent Mara Triangle. It was then expanded to the East to cover over 1821 square kilometers (703 square miles) and this was in 1961. When Narok County Council took over management of the area in 1974, part of it was made a National Reserve while the remaining 159 square kilometers was given back to the surrounding local communities for cattle rearing. The Reserve was then reduced by 162 square kilometers and finally retained its present size of 1510 square kilometers.
The Trans Mara County Council was established in 1994, within the western side of Masai Mara National Reserve and management was shared between the new Council as well as the current Narok County Council. Mara Conservancy, a non-profit Organization took over management of the Mara Triangle.
Climate of Masai Mara National Reserve
This stunning Kenyan National Reserve has a semi-arid climate with two clear rainy seasons or biannual rains. Long rains last about 6-8 weeks in the months of April and May as well as short rains which happen in October and November (four weeks).
The dry spells also appear twice a year-June to September and December to February. Average rainfall is 83 millimeters per month, Temperatures range from 12 to 30˚C. Altitude of the Reserve ranges from 1500 to 2180 meters above sea level.
ATTRACTIONS WITHIN MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE.
When you mention Masai Mara National Reserve, expect only spectacular attractions that will make you fall in Love with not just Kenya but Africa in general. From the wildlife, birds to the landscapes, this Reserve is just magical.
Wildlife.
Animals such as Thomson gazelles, wildebeests, zebras, impalas and Topis call this Reserve home but large herds also migrate from the Serengeti Plains to the Loita Plains of the Reserve, from July to October. This makes Masai Mara National Park a fantastic home to the “World Cup of Wildlife”. Also, the big five animals-Cape buffaloes, elephants, leopards, black and white Rhinos as well as lions call this Reserve home.
The Mara and Talek Rivers of Masai Mara National Reserve shelter high populations of Hippos and crocodiles. Antelopes here include the Coke’s hartebeests, impalas, bushbucks, Defassa waterbucks, Roan antelopes, Grant’s gazelles, duikers and common elands among others. Besides lions and leopards, other nocturnal wildlife species in this Reserve include the bat-eared fox, cheetahs, striped and spotted hyenas, African wild dogs, serval cats, jackals, Caracal and many others. Small and large populations of Masai giraffes and giant forest hogs can also be sighted in Masai Mara National Reserve.
Birdlife in Masai Mara NR.
Over 500 species of birds call Masai Mara National Reserve home and they include about 60 species of raptors. Others include the Lilac-breasted rollers, Kori Bustard, hornbills, African pygmy falcons, Marabou storks, Senegal lapwing, Hadada ibis, yellow-billed storks, Helmeted Guineafowls, Common kestrel, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, secretary birds, crowned cranes, Sacred ibis, Cattle egrets, Bateleur, Somali Ostrich, Egyptian Goose, African fish eagles, Red-necked spurfowl, Bat hawks, Greater painted snipe, Augur Buzzard, African jacana, Tawny eagles, Grey-crowned cranes, the long-crested eagles, vultures and many others.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Witness the Wildebeest migration
Dubbed the “World Cup of Wildlife”, the wildebeest migration is one of the 7 natural wonders of the World and can be experienced within the Masai Mara National Reserve. This migration follows the annual weather calendar as animals (wildebeests, zebras, Topis, gazelles and impalas) look for fresh/greener pastures and water.
The migration in Masai Mara National Reserve takes place from July to October and the best views are enjoyed when crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River.
Hot Air balloon safari
Arise quietly at dawn and float over the Masai Mara landscape to experience its beauty. Have your camera as you gaze across the picturesque plains and discover the attractions as they unfold before you, with richness of beautiful undulating hills, stunning rivers and lush grasslands.
In between the terrain you will spot heads of towering giraffes, huge elephants lazing in the grasslands and gentle gazelle jumping through the large backs of Nile crocodiles waiting to savage and Hippos splashing water. Travelers also get chances of watching wildebeest migration during the hot air balloon safari where you will as well spot zebras and gazelles struggling to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River.
Game drives
Kenya’s quintessential Masai Mara National Reserve offers classic game viewing experiences, as it is haven to a jaw-dropping year-round concentration of wildlife species including the wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, common elands, leopards and many others that can be best explored through game drives.
The activity lasts 2-3 hours per drive during morning and afternoon hours while the night game drive last about two hours (7-9pm).
Walking safaris
With the plethora of wildlife species including lions, cheetahs, the endangered black Rhinos, Cape buffaloes, elephants, leopards and the migratory wildebeests, Masai Mara National Reserve is an excellent destination for walking safaris.
Black Rhinos and leopards that hide in the dense thickets as well as other habitats of wildlife, not forgetting bird species can be unraveled through walking safaris. This activity follows the footsteps of wildlife and their habitats.
Masai community/village visits
Have an insight or glimpse into the exceptional and authentic Masai culture and ways of life by visiting Masai Mara National Reserve. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking Masai guide to explore their semi-nomadic lifestyle, vibrant cultural dance performances, colorful clothing (Shuka) and artistically crafted handcrafts.
Bird watching
Birding tours in Masai Mara National Reserve are conducted through game drives and walking safaris with views of saddle-billed storks, secretary birds, yellow-billed storks, long-tailed cormorant, African darter, Cattle egrets, Rufous-bellied herons, Goliath herons, white storks and Hammerkop among others.
Bush meals and sundowner
Bush meals and sundowner experiences can be organized during African safaris and Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the few places that offer memorable experiences. After a whole day game drive or walking safari, visitors can retire to their Lodges for outdoor Break, Lunch or even dinner but bush dinners come with bonfire.
Photography
Masai Mara National Reserve is every photographer’s paradise and a place to be with rich sights of Masai giraffes, cheetahs, lions, African elephants, Cape buffaloes as well as the breathtaking landscape.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE.
Accommodation facilities in Masai Mara National Reserve are not just about comfortable place to stay, delicious meals and relaxation but unforgettable experiences all together.
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is a stupendous safari Camp nestled within the brim of the riverine forest overlooking the extensive plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve. It is strategically set within the path of the annual Great Migration. It has 12 traditional luxury Tents in the lush forested part of the property while 28 modern superior tents sit in the middle of the forest thickets.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Established in 1973, Mara Serena Safari Lodge is nestled on a saddle of Ol Donyo Oseiya hill within the Mara Triangle of the Masai Mara National Reserve. It offers sundowner meals, outdoor swimming, spa and gym, comfortable rooms and many others. There are 74 rooms with private bathrooms, Satellite TV and spacious seating area
Other magnificent places to stay in this Reserve are Elewana Sand River Entim Mara Camp, Sanctuary Olonana, Ashnil Mara Camp, Saruni Mara, Mara Plains Camp, Bateleur Camp, Sentinel Mara Camp, Matira Bush Camp, Kicheche Bush Camp, Sala’s Camp, Basecamp Masai Mara, Naibor Camp, Rekero Camp and many others.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE.
Masai Mara can be explored throughout the year but the best time to visit is between late June and October because it is when the Great Migration is in the reserve.
Visitors interested in exploring this wilderness Area without crowds can as well as visit during the wet months – March to May and November.
How to get there?
The beautiful Masai Mara National Reserve is only 225 kilometers (140 miles) south of Nairobi City but the eastern part is about 220 kilometers/five and a half hours away thus the reason it is most visited by tourists.
The reserve is generally about 6 hours’ drive away leading to any of the reserve’s 6 entrance gates. Oloolaimutia, Sekenani and Talek gates can be accessed from the Reserve’s Narok side while Oloololo and Musiara gates are found on the western part of Masai Mara National Reserve.
Scheduled or chartered flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi City to the different Airstrips in Masai Mara National Reserve take about one hour.
