Masai Mara National Park

Masai Mara National Reserve is a vast expanse of gently rolling African savannah plains located in southwest Kenya. Covering an area of 1510 square kilometers, it borders the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south. Masai Mara is a unique wildlife conservation haven that is famous for its spectacular natural diversity of wildlife and is considered the premier Kenya Safari location in East Africa. The park is home to large numbers of Lions, Cheetah, Elephant, Rhino, African Buffalo, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Zebra, and many more animals that roam freely in their natural habitat across miles of wilderness.

Tourists from all over the world travel here to experience a Masai Mara Safari tour, as the reserve has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The name Masai Mara originated from the Maasai tribe, who are nomadic inhabitants of the area. ‘Masai’ comes from the tribe’s name, while ‘Mara’ is their word for ‘spotted’, referring to the ubiquitous flat-topped acacia trees, shrubs, and bushes that dot the landscape.

Masai Mara now comprises several conservancies and group ranches bordering the main reserve. It is home to some of the most diverse species of African wildlife and is the site of the annual Wildebeest migration, also known as the ‘Great Migration’. The migration takes place between July to mid-September when large herds of a million plus wildebeest, zebra, and other wild animals, including the Big Cats, migrate north into the Mara from Serengeti National Park. The Mara is among the best wildlife reserves in Kenya and Africa.

There are several exciting activities that tourists can enjoy in Masai Mara. The most thrilling of these is the Hot Air Balloon safari, which starts at dawn and ends with a leisurely ‘Champagne Bush Breakfast’. This is a unique adventure activity, and the Mara provides the perfect backdrop for the amazing balloon excursion. Another popular experience is visiting a traditional tribal Maasai village, which allows visitors a fascinating insight into the unique way of life of the famous Maasai, a nomadic warrior tribe found in Kenya and parts of East Africa. Other popular things to do in Masai Mara include nature walks, bush meals, and sundowners.

The reserve has a magnificent collection of wildlife, and it is quite possible to spot not just the ‘Big Five,’ but also the ‘Big Nine,’ including the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Cheetah, and Hippo. Due to the richness of flora and fauna in the national park, it is quite possible to see all of these animals within an hour of your drive in the reserve. The Masai Mara National Reserve is the best place to see an amazing ecosystem of African wildlife in the wilderness.

For more information on the many species of mammals and birds that naturally inhabit Maasai Mara Game Reserve, you can click on the link above. The official website of Masai Mara National Reserve can be accessed by the Ministry of Tourism, the Kenyan Government, or the Narok County Government. If you require any information, guidance, or suggestions regarding a visit or planning a Kenya Safari to Masai Mara, you can get in touch with us via email, chat, or Skype.