Maasai Mara National Reserve stretches 1,510 sq km (580 sq miles) and raises 1,500-2,170 meters above sea level. Adding the conservancies, the area is at least twice the size. It hosts over 95 species of mammals and over 570 recorded species of birds.
Maasai Mara (Masai Mara) is situated in south-west Kenya and is one of Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserves. Together with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania it forms Africa’s most diverse, incredible and most spectacular eco-systems and possibly the world’s top safari big game viewing eco-system.
Also, the Reserve is considered to be the ‘Seventh Wonder of the World’ due to the annual migration of over 1.3 million wildebeest from the Serengeti plains to the Mara.
Major Attractions in Masai Mara
Wildebeest migration
Make sure you have your safari book planned out that includes the Maasai Mara. I am sure you have heard that the wildebeest migration is nothing short of amazing. It is one of the things you have to add to your bucket list.
Best Time To Visit
JULY – OCTOBER, is the best time to witness the incredible wildebeest migration.
DECEMBER - FEBRUARY, are great times to visit as it is dryer and good for the Big Cats.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
This trip is magical: you get to spend about one hour silently floating over the savannah in a hot air balloon. This experience will fill you with enough memories to last a lifetime. Take off is usually in the wee hours of the morning, floating in the sky, drifting with the whim of the wind, overlooking the plains, just in time to experience a breathtaking sunrise and catch a bird’s view of the reserve.
After the flight, you will be treated to a luxurious breakfast to complete the experience as you relax and absorb the moment.
Rates -Expect to pay approximately of $550 per person. This includes the transfers to and from the your camp or lodge and a bubbly breakfast.
Hint: Take a hat to protect your head from the heat of the gas burners!
This trip is magical: you get to spend about one hour silently floating over the savannah in a hot air balloon. This experience will fill you with enough memories to last a lifetime. Take off is usually in the wee hours of the morning, floating in the sky, drifting with the whim of the wind, overlooking the plains, just in time to experience a breathtaking sunrise and catch a bird’s view of the reserve.
After the flight, you will be treated to a luxurious breakfast to complete the experience as you relax and absorb the moment.
Rates -Expect to pay approximately of $550 per person. This includes the transfers to and from the your camp or lodge and a bubbly breakfast.
Hint: Take a hat to protect your head from the heat of the gas burners!
Walking Safaris
Walking safaris involves an adventurous trek in the Maasai Mara ecosystem giving you a chance to see the animals in close view. This however, is NOT allowed in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, but is permitted in the conservancies and group ranches that border the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The walks are conducted by specially trained Maasai guides who explain the way of the Maasai culture displaying their skills in animal tracking and sharing their immense knowledge on the wildlife.
Walking safaris involves an adventurous trek in the Maasai Mara ecosystem giving you a chance to see the animals in close view. This however, is NOT allowed in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, but is permitted in the conservancies and group ranches that border the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The walks are conducted by specially trained Maasai guides who explain the way of the Maasai culture displaying their skills in animal tracking and sharing their immense knowledge on the wildlife.
Game drives
Game drives are designed to take you close to the wildlife rich spots in the Maasai Mara. This gives you an opportunity to view wild animals in their natural habitat as they go about their daily activities.
Game drives are done during the day or night time. Night game drives are however not allowed in the reserve.
It is recommended that you use a local driver/guide s/he should be familiar with the area, able to give you lots of information about the animals and their habitat, and know where they can be found and how best to approach them. However, one can opt for a self-drive safari on condition that you are familiar with the rules and regulations of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Game drives are designed to take you close to the wildlife rich spots in the Maasai Mara. This gives you an opportunity to view wild animals in their natural habitat as they go about their daily activities.
Game drives are done during the day or night time. Night game drives are however not allowed in the reserve.
It is recommended that you use a local driver/guide s/he should be familiar with the area, able to give you lots of information about the animals and their habitat, and know where they can be found and how best to approach them. However, one can opt for a self-drive safari on condition that you are familiar with the rules and regulations of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Other Activities in Masai Mara include:-
Due to the amount to be seen in the reserve, a THREE to FOUR day safari is suitable for just the Maasai Mara. If you are interested in photography the longer you stay the more chances you get for that ultimate shot.
- Horse Riding Safaris
- Bird watching
- Photography
- Cultural Visits
- Bush Meals
- Sundowners
- Wedding
Due to the amount to be seen in the reserve, a THREE to FOUR day safari is suitable for just the Maasai Mara. If you are interested in photography the longer you stay the more chances you get for that ultimate shot.