Maasai Mara National Reserve

One of Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserve, Maasai Mara is known for its abundant wildlife, annual wildebeest migration, scenic landscapes and cultural experiences. The reserve is located in the southwestern parts of Kenya and it derives its name from its inhabitants the Maasai people who have a unique culture with a nomadic way of life despite the fast-changing world trends. The reserve shares its border with Tanzania’s Serengeti national park and is part of the larger ecosystem of the African savannah. In fact, the reserve is loved by tourists partly because of its huge numbers of wildlife living in the endless plains of the reserve. It has got over 95 mammals’ species such as lions, leopards, cheetah, hyenas, antelopes, elephants and approximately 470 different bird species like the secretary bird, ground hornbill, and woolly-necked vulture among others. The reserve’s vegetation is characterized by open grasslands, woodlands, riverine forests, acacia trees, rocky outcrops and bush willows. Tourists in Maasai Mara national reserve engage in a variety of activities such as game drives, hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, night game drives among others for an unforgettable African Safari experience.

Activities in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Game drives

Game drives are the ultimate way to experience the incredible wildlife of Maasai Mara National reserve. With expert guides and customized 4×4 vehicles, explore the reserves’ rolling hills, grasslands and scenic landscapes. The reserve offers different types of game drives i.e; morning game drives, afternoon and evening game drive. The morning game drive carried out at 6:00am-9:00am is ideal for spotting predators and early risers, afternoon game drive 3:00pm-6:00pm perfect for witnessing the sunset and relaxed wildlife and lastly night game drive 7:00pm-10:00pm best for spotting nocturnal animals. During your game drive, expect to see the big 5, including lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes and leopards as well as other mammals. These include; Banded mongoose, Aardwolf, Aardvark, Quagga, Masai giraffe, bat eared fox, common eland, Kirk’s dik, olive baboon, Kori bustard, South African springhare, Water buck, side striped jackal, common dwarf mongoose, red tailed monkey, harnessed bushbuck, common slender mongoose, jackals, etc. It’s advisable to carry essentials like cameras, binoculars water and snacks for unforgettable adventure, witnessing the majesty of Maasai Maras’ wildlife.

Birding safari

Maasai Mara is a renowned birdwatchers’ paradise, boasting over 470 species. The reserves’ unique landscape, featuring grasslands, woodlands and riverine forests support a wide range of birdlife. These include; white browed coucal, Nubian woodpecker, western banded snake eagle, augur buzzard, crowned lapwing. Mouse bird, bustard, Emerald spotted wood dove, cinnamon chested bee-eater, greater honey guide. Grey crowned crane, African jacana, gull billed tern, little stint, white faced whistling duck, African green pigeon. Water thick knee, African hoopoe, Bare faced go-away bird, white bellied bustard, Hamerkop. Southern ground hornbill, red throated wryneck, Schawlow’s turaco, saddle billed stork, turaco, among others. However, early morning and late afternoon are the best times to for birding not forgetting binoculars for spotting birds at a distance.

Cultural experience

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai people, indigenous to the Maasai Mara region. Visitors have a unique opportunity to explore the traditional Manyattas, witness vibrant performances of Maasai music and dance, participate in traditional warrior training, listen to story tales of Maasai legend, and learning beading techniques. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Maasai people and support the local communities.

Hot air balloon experience

Witness the breathtaking beauty of Maasai Mara from above on the hot air balloon safari. During the wildebeest migration, hot air balloons offer a wider view of the migration as it takes place in the reserve. This interesting activity basically starts as early as 6:00am with a glass of coffee then climb into the balloons’ basket and the flight takes about 1-2 hours. While here, tourists spot animals such as; antelopes, elephants, lions, elands, buffalos, zebras among others. Experience the thrills of hot air ballooning over Maasai Maras’ stunning landscapes.

Horseback riding

This activity offers a unique and exhilarating safari experience to tourist who take a visit to Maasai Mara national reserve. During this adventurous moment, participants are taken deep into the Mara to see antelopes, leopards, wildebeest, hartebeest, giraffes, elephants, leopards, lions and other wild animals found in Maasai Mara. It is the most environmentally friendly way to tour the area without releasing any noise or pollutants. Experience the freedom and thrill of horseback riding in Maasai Maras’ stunning wilderness.

When to visit Maasai Mara national reserve

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is best visited between July – October, as well as December – February. The huge migration arrives in the Maasai Mara from the end of July to October, and the ideal time to view the big cats in action is from December to February

How to get to there

To get to the Masai Mara Reserve, fly into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and then drive for 4-5 hours to the reserve. If you’re not interested in driving for long periods of time, you can charter a jet though it’s costly.