Neighboring Tanzania’s Serengeti National park is a mighty 1510 square kilometer Masai Mara national reserve, famous for its diverse wildlife species giving visitors a number of reasons to visit this animal paradise. The park comprises of but not limited to animals like elephants, cheetahs, lions, rhinos and African buffaloes.
The name “Masai” traces its origin from the nomadic inhabitants of the area – the “Masaai” tribe who use the word “masai” to mean “spotted” while referring to the ubiquitous flat topped acacia trees, shrubs and bushes that dot the landscape across most areas of the reserve.
Wildlife.
Masai Mara can only be compared to itself when it comes to wildlife due to the number of both big game and unique wildebeests that shift from Tanzania’s Serengeti plains. Lions, cape buffalos, elephants, leopards, black and white rhinoceros, zebras, hippos, Thomson’s gazelles, topis, bat eared foxes, jackals, Masai giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles are some of the animals evident in Masai Mara.
The antelope families include roan antelopes, impalas, grant’s gazelles, hartebeests, duikers and others.
Birds.
Over 500 avifaunal species find their being in the reserve. These include; the Southern ground hornbill, Jackson’s bustards, African pygmy falcons, long crested eagles, lilac breasted rollers, secretary birds, marabou stork, ostriches, little bee-eaters, Denham’s bustards, super starlings, Ross’s turacos, grey kestrel, guinea fowls, to mention but a few.
ACTIVITIES IN THE MASAI MARA RESERVE.
Game drives.
Game drives in Masai Mara happen in three ways i.e. full-day, half-day and night-drive, which gives visitors an opportunity to choose their best time to engage in one. All the drives expose participants to a number of wildlife and bird species, an experience that can never be forgotten at any point.
Wildebeest migration.
Over 1.5 million wildebeests plus other grazers cross from Serengeti plains to Masai Mara especially from the month of July to August. This is one of the reasons why Masai is a favorite destination for holiday makers.
Hot air balloon tours.
One of Masai Mara’s thrilling activities is the Hot Air Balloon safari, happening at the break of dawn and ending with a leisurely “Champagne Bush Breakfast”.
The activity provides the perfect backdrop for the amazing balloon excursion. A flight lasts for about one hour of gliding gracefully above Africa’s savannah as you watch spectacular wildlife below.
Birding.
Masai Mara is a home to over 500 avifaunal species, some of which include but not limited to; ostriches, African pygmy falcons, bustards, red winged Jackson’s bustards, little bee-eaters, Kori bustards, grey kestrel, Ross’s turacos, Southern ground hornbills, Denham’s bustards.
Cultural or community walks.
An opportunity to visit any of the neighboring cultures in the park is offered to visitors. Here, you interact with the Masai residents as you learn of their traditions, food, lifestyles, music performances and hospitality.
Camping.
A chance to interact, relax, meditate and get refreshed is offered to you in a night camping experience. There are spectacular and numerous campsites that will always meet all your camping needs something that makes Masai Mara the best destination for holiday makers.
Nature walks (guided).
This is yet another activity that can be engaged in before or after a game drive or solely as an independent one while at the Masai Mara national Reserve. Here you experience the splendid protected area under the guidance of professional tour guides.
Where to reside while at Masai Mara?
The Maasai Serena Safari Lodge, Olonana Tented Camp, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Mara Ngenche Luxury Tented Camp, Governors Private Camp, Mara Bush Camp, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Acacia House, and Mara Plains Camp provide accommodation services that range from budget, mid-range and luxury. Choice lies in the hands of the visitor!
Best time to visit Masai Mara.
The area can be visited any time of the year, however, for the interest of engaging in a game drive or witnessing wildebeest migration, dry months of June to October and late November to February are the ideal time of visiting Masai Mara.
