Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is the most popular tourist attraction in Kenya’s southern region, attracting the largest number of visitors throughout the year. In the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania, millions of wildebeest, thousands of Zebras, Elands, and many other species join the annual wildebeest migration. Founded in 1961, Masai Mara is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, as well as a wide variety of smaller creatures, including wildebeests, elands, and many others.
There are 1,510 square kilometers in the Reserve, or 580 square miles. Due to its location in Kenya’s south, the Reserve may easily be coupled with Serengeti National Park. As one of the greatest wildlife viewing destinations in the world, the Reserve is a must-see. Mara, Talek and Sand thou rivers cross the reserve. Many people are familiar with Masai National Reserve because of the yearly wildebeest migration that crosses across from Serengeti National Park to Masai National Reserve and then back again.
Although some of these animals are seized by hungry Crocodiles as they pass through the croc-infested river, we call it survival of the fittest at this point and those who manage to escape the crocodiles continue on their trek into the Masai Mara National Reserve.
It’s an exciting place to visit during your Kenya safari since, except from the rivers, it’s mostly open, grassland with acacia trees. The reserve is home to a large number of animals, including the Big 5: Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes, and Leopards, to name just a few of them.
Hippos, topis, gazelles, wildebeests, oribis, zebras, waterbucks, and many others may be found in the Reserve, as well as over 450 species of birds. The ideal months to view the wildebeest migration are July, August, September, October, and November. The Wildebeest migration varies based on the rain patterns, but if you have an opportunity to see it, it will be an experience you will never forget.
Activities Offered in Masai Mara National Reserve.
Game Drive Safaris
A safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve would not be complete without a guided game drive. For the most enjoyable game drives, use 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs that allow passengers to stand and take in the beautiful views of the diverse wildlife that can be seen in the Masai Mara Reserve. The majority of Masai Mara hotels and camps only provide daytime safaris, as nighttime safaris are not permitted in this reserve, but may be experienced in adjacent conservancies.
During the game drives, tourists have the opportunity to enjoy birding, photography, and the big wildebeest migration, among other activities.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
It is one of the greatest places to go on a hot air balloon safari in Kenya. As you soar over the Masai Mara grasslands, you’ll be able to see the animals as they graze and hunt. In addition to the trip, travelers will receive a bottle of Champagne upon landing and a bush breakfast, making this an unforgettable experience.
Birding
Over 500 kinds of birds may be found in the Masai Mara national game reserve, which is surrounded by lush flora, as previously noted. When birding in the Masai Mara national game reserve, birders are constantly encouraged to wander around with their binoculars in order to get the most out of their bird-watching experience. Crowned cranes, Hornbills, Ostriches, Falcons, and many others can be seen on a birding safari in Masai Mara national game reserve.
Community Cultural Tours
Almost all Kenya itineraries include a visit to a Masai cultural center to learn more about the local Masai culture. The Masai are known for their cattle rearing and have a rich cultural heritage that is well worth a visit.
Additionally, there are nature hikes and walking safaris in the Masai Mara national game reserve, as well as luxury stays in Governor’s private camp and exploration of Mara River.
Where to Stay in Masai Mara National Reserve?
Where to stay in the Reserve, Kenya? This means that you have a choice of options for lodging and camping depending on which area of the Reserve you plan on exploring. There are numerous places to stay, including Mara Simba, Elephant Plains, AA Mara Lodge, Sentrim Lodge, Mitimingi Camp, Rhino Camp, Lechanda Camp, Sarova and Kiroko Camp, and Beyond Bateleur Camp, to name a few.
Best Time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve?
There are two wet seasons and one dry season in Kenya’s Reserve. While the rainy season lasts from December to January, there is also a dry season from June to August, September to October, and November with an average temperature of 68 degrees throughout the year. Due to all the lodges being fully operational throughout the dry season, visiting the Reserve during this time is ideal. While the yearly wildebeest migration may be observed at any time, now is the greatest time to do it.
Entry Fees to Masai Mara National Reserve.
There is an admission charge of $80 for adults and $45 for children to enter the Reserve. Those under the age of 12 are considered children; everyone beyond that age is deemed an adult and must pay $80. In addition to game drives, this admission charge is valid for 24 hours and does not cover automobile entrance costs.
How to get to Masai Mara National Reserve.
By plane or by car, the Reserve is easily accessible to visitors.
Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is located around 5-6 hours away from Nairobi, thus tourists who desire to reach the area by road need rent 4×4 safari vehicles capable of navigating the reserve’s road system. Rainy season may make driving difficult, but not impossible.
Flights from Wilson airport to the airstrip in the reserve take around 45 minutes.
