Maasai Mara National Reserve Kenya : Maasai Mara National Reserve is characterized by rolling grasslands, savannas, and acacia trees. The Mara River flows through the reserve and is a vital source of water for the wildlife. The Oloololo Escarpment forms the western boundary of the reserve and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to the Big Five animals: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. The reserve is famous for the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, which takes place from July to October. Maasai Mara National Reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 470 species of birds recorded.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in southwestern Kenya, approximately 270 kilometers from Nairobi. The reserve covers an area of approximately 1,510 square kilometers. Maasai Mara National Reserve was established in 1961. The reserve is named after the Maasai people, who are the traditional inhabitants of the area, and the Mara River, which flows through the reserve.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is a protected area, managed by the Narok County Government and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The reserve is involved in several conservation programs, including the protection of lions and the reintroduction of black rhinoceros. The reserve works with local communities to promote conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Visitors to the reserve can enjoy several activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and hot air balloon rides. There are several accommodation options available within and near the reserve, ranging from budget-friendly campsites to luxury lodges.
Visitors to the reserve are required to pay an entrance fee, which helps support conservation efforts.The reserve is home to the Maasai people, who are known for their traditional culture and customs. Visitors to the reserve can learn about Maasai culture by visiting local villages and attending cultural performances.
The reserve is threatened by habitat fragmentation, which is driven by agricultural expansion and urbanization. The reserve is also threatened by poaching, which is driven by the demand for bushmeat and wildlife products.
The reserve plans to continue its conservation efforts, including the protection of lions and the reintroduction of black rhinoceros. The reserve plans to develop its tourism infrastructure, including the construction of new lodges and campsites.
Touring Maasai Mara Game Reserve
- Early morning game drive: Take a guided game drive at dawn to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo).
- Afternoon game drive: Take a guided game drive in the afternoon to spot the wildlife, including cheetahs, hyenas, and giraffes.
- Night game drive: Take a guided night game drive to spot nocturnal animals, including lions, leopards, and bushbabies.
- Guided walking safari: Take a guided walking safari to explore the reserve’s wilderness and spot the wildlife on foot.
- Hiking: Take a hike to the top of the Oloololo Escarpment for stunning views of the reserve.
- Birdwatching: Take a guided birdwatching tour to spot some of the reserve’s 470 bird species.
- Photography: Take a photography safari to capture stunning images of the wildlife and landscapes.
- Hot air balloon ride: Take a hot air balloon ride over the reserve for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife and landscapes.
- Horseback riding: Take a guided horseback ride through the reserve to explore the wilderness and spot the wildlife.
- Fishing: Go fishing in the Mara River or Lake Victoria to catch some of the reserve’s famous fish species.
- Star gazing: Spend an evening star gazing in the reserve’s wilderness, away from the city lights.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Maasai Mara is during the dry season (June to October) when the wildlife is more concentrated around water sources.The Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles takes place from July to October. The rainy season (March to May and November to December) is best avoided as the roads can be impassable.
Maasai Mara is approximately 270 kilometers from Nairobi. The drive takes around 5-6 hours depending on the road conditions. The nearest airport is Keekorok Airport, which is located within the reserve. You can fly into Nairobi and then take a connecting flight to Keekorok.
