Masai Mara National Reserve is located in the southwestern of Kenya and is one of the famous wildlife reserves in Africa. Masai Mara gets its name from the Masai tribe and forms the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The reserve belongs to the Masai people (who have been living here since the 17th century) and is administered by the local county councils. The national reserve was set up in 1974. Nyeri is the nearest city while Nairobi, the national capital is 224 km from the eastern boundary of the park.
Geography:
Masai Mara National Reserve covers an area of 1530 square kilometres (25,000 square kilometres when inclusive of Mara-Serengeti ecosystem). Masai Mara is flanked by Serengeti Park to the south, Siria escarpment to the west and Maasai pastoral ranches in the north, east and west. The region is drained by Sand, Talek and Mara rivers.
Flora:
The terrain of Masai Mara National Reserve mainly features open grassland. The south-east region consists of the distinctive acacia tree.
Fauna:
The rich wildlife of Masai Mara is mainly concentrated in Esoit Oloololo Escarpment of the Kenyan Rift Valley, which forms the western boundary. The swampy ground here ensures a proper water supply. Besides lions, it is the huge scale animal migration of Masai Mara-Serengeti-Ngorongoro Conservation Area from July to October that forms the top draw for tourists and wildlife lovers. Thousands of zebras, Thomson’s gazelle and wildebeests involve in what is termed as the ‘Greatest Animal Show on Earth’. Hippopotamus, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, elephants, rhinoceros, crocodile, hyena, impala, topis, giraffe, antelope and bat-eared fox are also found.
Avifauna:
The national reserve is home to more than 450 species of birds, including: secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, vultures, marabou storks, ostriches, long-crested Eagles, African pygmy-falcons and many others.
Climate:
December and January are the hottest while June and July are the coldest months in Masai Mara. April, may and November are the rainy months. July to October is the dry time and it is during this time when Masai Mara is at its best.
Reaching Masai Mara:
By air:
Masai Mara is accessible by flight from Nairobi Samburu, Lewa Downs, Nanyuki and Mombasa. There are small airstrips at Mara for landing of the aircrafts and cars are available from there to reach the game reserve.
By road:
The reserve can be reached by car from Nairobi (from five hours during dry season to seven hours during the rainy season). The reserve can be entered by car through the following gates;Sand River, Musiara, Oloololo, Talek or Sekenani. Various travel agencies organize safari tours to Masai Mara.
Getting around:
By safari vehicles and hot air balloons.
Fees/Permits:
$60 per person per night.
Activities:
- Game viewing (morning, afternoon and night drives to get glimpse of maximum wild life)
- Hot air balloon safari
- Photography
- Camping (public and private campsites are available)
- Massage service and wellness treatment
- Getting glimpse of the Maasai way of life and culture in a Maasai village near Oloolaimutiek gate of the national reserve.
- Visiting Ndarakwa Hills
Accommodation:
- Keekorok lodge
- Mara Leisure Camp
- Serena Hotel
- Mara Serena lodge
- Karen Blixen Camp
- Royal Mara Safari Lodge
- Kensington Tented Camp
- Kilima Camp
