Masai Mara National Reserve is located a few kilometers off the busy Town of Nairobi requiring you to transfer for a period of 2 to 3 hours watching the outskirts of the City as well as attractions. The Park is situated in the South West of Kenya close to the border with Tanzania. It is part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem stretching across Kenya and Tanzania with wildlife, big cats, elephants, buffaloes etc.

The Park was named after the traditional Masai people who inhabit the Manyattas around the region as well as places close to the famous Mara River which hosts the great wildebeest migration that traverses here to Serengeti annually July to October.

The park is located in the South Western part of Kenya in the Rift Valley spanning an area of about 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles) with Savannah grasslands, acacia trees, shrubs, riverine forests. The climate around the park is temperate with a rainy season from April to June and a second short rainy season between November and December. The dry season happens from July to October hence very ideal for safaris as you traverse from one point to the next watching wildlife animals wander around their natural vegetation habitat.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Masai Mara National Reserve comprises of many wildlife animals which include; lions, leopards, cheetah, elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Wildebeests, zebras, impalas, gazelles, topis, hyenas, jackals, crocodiles and various species of birds which fly around their natural forest habitat.

Other than the wildlife animals you watch, you can enjoy the great wildebeest migration in which millions of wildebeest, four hoofed wildlife animals, zebras, gazelles traverse the Mara River annually through the Masai Mara and Serengeti Ecosystem looking for greener pastures/ grounds and water.

The wildebeest migration in Masai Mara  National Reserve

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a phenomenon adventure that occurs within the Masai Mara and Serengeti Ecosystem annually. The Migration starts in late May or early June when herds start to move Northwards into Masai Mara. This happens between July and October with crocodiles and predators  that lay low in the vegetation waiting to catch prey.

This happens annually as the Mara becomes a battleground for survival with lions, cheetahs, and leopards frequently hunting the migrating animals an unforgettable adventure so captivating and exceptional for all travelers on holiday.

Things to do in Masai Mara National Reserve

1. Game Drives:

   Game Drives in Masai Mara are the most prominent activity to do as they require you to watch wildlife animals wander around their natural vegetation habitat. Transfer in an open sided 4×4 vehicle with park ranger guides who inform you about the park, flora and wildlife animals.

   On theses drives, watch wildlife animals like Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinoceros, Antelopes, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffes, Thomson’s Gazelle, Grant’s Gazelle, Topi, Impala, Eland, Coke’s Hartebeest, Bushbuck, hyenas, Cheetahs, Jackals, Caracals, Wild Dogs, Reptiles and Amphibians i.e Crocodiles, Snakes, Lizards, bird species like Secretary Bird, vultures, African Fish Eagle, Lilac-Breasted Roller, Crowned Crane, Ostriches, Wattled Lapwing, Baboons, Mongoose, Bush Babies, Pangolins, etc.

2. Hot Air Balloon Safaris

   Hot Air Balloon Safaris are exceptional to have at Masai Mara National Reserve as you get to watch wildlife animals at an aerial view as they wander around their natural vegetation habitat.

   The wildlife animals you see include; Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinoceros, Antelopes, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffes, Thomson’s Gazelle, Grant’s Gazelle, Topi, Impala, Eland, Coke’s Hartebeest, Bushbuck, hyenas, Cheetahs, Jackals, Caracals, Wild Dogs, etc. On this adventure, you enjoy champagne breakfast in the wild.

3. Walking Safaris

   For a more immersive experience, visitors can opt for walking safaris, where a trained Maasai guide takes you on foot through the reserve. This offers a closer connection to the landscape and its smaller wildlife, and the opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna from a local perspective.

4. Cultural Experiences

   Visitors to the Mara can also engage with the local Maasai people, who live in the surrounding areas. Maasai villages, or enkangs, offer opportunities to learn about the Maasai’s traditional way of life, their customs, dances, and even participate in cultural ceremonies.

5. Photographic Safaris

   The Masai Mara is a photographer’s dream, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture wildlife in their natural habitat, especially during the Great Migration or when predators are hunting.

Best Time to Visit Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve can be visited anytime around the year although, the Best Time to visit the reserve is during the months of January to March. During these months, the tracks are navigable, vegetation is shorter and photography is clear.

However, if you want to watch the great wildebeest migration you should visit the park in the months of July to October. During this time, the herds are traversing the Mara River hence a perfect time to watch the millions of four hoofed wildlife animals traverse through the Masai Mara and Serengeti ecosystem.