Masai Mara Kenya National Park
Along with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Masai Mara in Kenya’s is a must-visit safari destination in South Africa. Know more!
One of Africa’s most famous national parks and greatest wildlife reserves, Masai Mara Kenya is situated in south-west Kenya. Along with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Masai Mara is one of Kenya’s most beloved safari destinations. They both form Africa’s most diverse and magnificent eco-systems.
Visitors not only have access to Masai Mara, but also to 100,000 acres of protected area. Know more about one of most magnificent things to do in Kenya...
5 Interesting Facts about Masai Mara
- Maasai Mara's ecosystem spans around 3000 square km.
- Over 95 of mammals and 570 of bird species reside in the reserve.
- The park has an exceptional amount of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and elephants.
- The annual wildebeest great migration is one of the world’s most significant wildlife viewing spectacles.
- Numbers of elephants climbed in 2012, reaching 26,000 and still increasing.
Where is Masai Mara Located?
Masai Mara is located in the Great Rift Valley, almost 3500 miles stretching from the Red Sea of Ethiopia through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and into Mozambique. Many of the reserve’s villages are located in the dispersal areas, developing a synergetic relationship with the wildlife over the centuries.
There can be animals roaming outside the park just as inside of it, as the valley is wide. The animals have some freedom to move outside the park into huge areas (dispersal areas).
How to get to Masai Mara Kenya?
By Road: If you are curious about Kenya's countryside, go by road. The drive from Nairobi to Narok will take 2 to 2.5 hours. From Narok to Masai Mara is 3 hours. So, driving from Nairobi to Masai Mara will take approximately 6 hours.
By Air: Flying from Nairobi takes 30 minutes. It is easier and more comfortable than driving. You can take a domestic flight from Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi.
Masai Mara National Reserve on the Map
Masai Mara Weather & When is the Best Time to Visit?
Generally speaking, Masai Mara has a mild climate. It varies due to changes in the altitude in the park, as it colder the higher you climb. Usually, the temperature is 25°C/77°F in the dry season that lasts from June to October. It is very enjoyable to be in the park at this time; it is rarely hot. The Wet Season, from November to May, there are many cloudy days. Daytime temperatures do not vary much. The early mornings have temperatures around 13°C/55°F.
The best time to visit the Masai is during the dry season between June to October and the short and long rains in January and February. It is when the roads are not deteriorated by the rain; when the thirsty animals gather around the local waterways. In the last two months of the dry season, the annual wildebeest migration passes through.
Where to stay in Masai Mara?
There are various accommodation options in Masai Mara Kenya National Park. Visitors can stay at:
- Mara Serena; the lodge includes 150 beds that have luxury bedding and cozy pillows.
- Little Governors’ Camp includes 36 beds (luxury bedding and cozy pillows), both situated in the Triangle.
- Kichwa Tembo, Mpata Club, Olonana, Mara Siria and Kilima Camp which are situated on the periphery.
Why to Visit Masai Mara?
There are plenty of activities to do in the Masai Mara. Visitors can enjoy game viewing, camping and night game drives, ballooning, bush dinner, lunch and breakfast. They can also visit Masai cultural villages.
The area also serves as a wedding destination. It offers a good spot for a photographer to engage different scenes with clients.
What is the Wildlife of Masai Mara Kenya?
In the Mara and Talek rivers, hippopotami and crocodiles are found in large groups. Hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, lions, leopards, and big cats can also be found in Masai Mara National Reserve. More than 470 species of birds have been spotted in the park, many of which are migrants, with almost 60 species being raptors.
Birds that are located in this area at least one time in the year and they are usually seen in the national park may include marabou storks, vultures, secretary birds, ostriches, long-crested eagles, hornbills, crowned cranes, African pygmy-falcons and the lilac-breasted roller, which is the national bird of Kenya.
What to Do in Masai Mara National Park?
1- Safari Drive
This is the main part of your tour in the Masai Mara; game drives take you to search and spot the iconic animals. You have a high chance to spot the big five, besides lions, elephants, rhinoceros, giraffes, cape buffalo, gazelles, antelopes, Nile crocodiles, wildebeest zebra and more.
2- Witness the Wildebeest Migration
The wildebeest migration is an annual event that takes place between the months of July and October. Million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migrate from Tanzania to Kenya’s Masai Mara in a continuous cycle chasing the rains and fresh grass. Furthermore, this is when the wildebeest give birth, besides lions and hyenas arrive at the mara. The Governors Camp and the IL Moran Camp are perfect places to witness the migration.
3- Walking Safaris
A walking safari tour is such a great way to explore the Masai Mara differently. Enjoy a peaceful and quiet, yet thrilling experience. Since, you are no longer in a designed safari vehicle, enjoy the exploration of the fantastic wildlife.
The camps have decks and large vernadas to enjoy the wildlife. Little Governors Camp has been awarded a Silver Eco-Rating from Eco Tourism Kenya, due to its focus on sustainability.
4- Hot Air Balloon over the Masai Mara
This is a great chance to explore the Masai Mara ecosystem and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the sky. It is where you enjoy the tranquility while watching the wildlife below. Usually, the ride takes an hour to spot the charming sights and take unforgettable photographs and videos.
5- The Open Savanna on Foot
Reconnect with yourself and live an adventure on a walking safari through the Savanna. Breathe the fresh air, view the horizon, listen to the crickets and live the African soil on the soles of your feet.
What are the best safaris in Africa?
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