Nestled in the Great Rift Valley, Masai Mara National Reserve is a must-see in Kenya. It consists of a wide and towering escarpment that is home to multiple wild animal species and plant life.
Its huge areas give more space for wild animals to roam around in search of good pastures. The park is not only occupied by wildlife, but also several Maasai villages in some parts. Locals who occupy these villages have a synergetic relationship with the wildlife and are well informed about how important wildlife is to the tourism industry.
Maasai Mara is composed of four main terrain types including the Ngama hills to the east, Oloololo escarpment that forms the western boundary, Mara Triangle that borders the Mara River with its lush grasslands and acacia woodlands together with the Central plains, an area that forms the largest part of the reserve. It is scattered with bushes and boulders on rolling grasslands.
Usually from July, millions of arriving Wildebeest from Serengeti scatter the great plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve. When you combine the park’s Wilderness and these animals, it makes for a spectacular sight that is hard to find anywhere else. The park’s scenic views are awesome. This migration is annual and therefore don’t hesitate to go for it at any time of the year (basing on the movement patterns). The event starts from Serengeti in the north to Kenya’s notable Maasai Mara in the north. Nothing is more breathtaking than seeing millions of Wild animals strolling around. The migratory routes for this migration depend on the rain patterns as these animals move from Serengeti National Park to Maasai Mara mainly in search of water and fresh grass. It starts with calving in February and after three weeks the migration starts.
The death roll during the migrationThe arrival of Wildebeests is an advantage for the predators of Masai Mara. Big cats usually have a lot to eat during the migration season since they feed on these animals. Availability of these migrating animals means that lions, cheetah and leopards will have plenty to feed, therefore it’s no wonder that they grow strong and are healthy during this period of time.
Experience the Wildebeest Migration Without a doubt, this is the main reason for most trips to Maasai Mara National Reserve. This annual event is exceptional and invites thousands of travelers who flock in to see millions of gazelles, wildebeest, and zebras that migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara. It takes place between the months of July and October.
If you are still not sure of the best way to take in Maasai Mara’s panorama, game driving around the park suburbs is the best option. This excursion takes you out and into the Maasai Mara in search of notable wild animals.
With a trained guide, enjoy remarkable game viewing at some of the Park’s best safari camps like Private Governors Camp, Little Governors camp, and more. Game drives in Maasai Mara take place in 4×4 vehicles with a pop-up roof. These Safari jeeps are suited to the environment and operated by highly trained drivers who offer detailed information about the park with its Wildlife. You can do a day game drive or night game drive for nocturnal species. Some of the animals that you see on game drives are the African big fives, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, Zebras, Wildebeests, antelopes and more.
Other than game drives, Hot Air Ballooning is an incredible way to take in Maasai Mara’s natural wonders. This option rewards travelers a chance to admire the park’s beauty from the sky. It departs from the Little Governors camp and balloon rises as the first sunlight hits the Mara. From the basket of the balloon, you will appreciate the awe-inspiring views of forests, rivers, rolling hills, and many wild animals. It lasts for about an hour in the sky while tourists enjoy the fantastic sights. They also take many photographs and videos for their gallery. Once the balloon lands back, tourists receive a champagne breakfast. Thereafter, they continue with a drive back to their hotel of residence.
Walking SafarisDon’t miss to explore the Park on foot. With an experienced guide to lead you around, you will have a lot to relish. Walking Safaris usually offer adventurers sweeping views of wild animals, sunset/rise, birds, and rolling hills. In addition, you can have a walking safari at Little Governors Camp as an extra activity. You may then have a champagne bush breakfast.