Maasai Mara

Overview

Maasai Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya. The park covers a landmass of 1,510 km2 (580 sq mi). In May 2001, the not-for-profit Mara Conservancy took over management of the Mara Triangle which covers the western part of the reserve. Maasai Mara, also sometimes spelled Masai Mara , is locally known simply as The Mara. It is named in honour of the Maasai people, the ancestral inhabitants of the area, who migrated from the Nile Basin. Their description of the area when looked at from afar: "Mara" means "spotted" in the local Maasai language, due to the many short bushy trees which dot the landscape.

Features

Maasai Mara is one of the most famous and important wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, world-renowned for its exceptional populations of lion, African leopard, cheetah, and African bush elephant. It also hosts the Great Migration, which secured it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and as one of the Ten Wonders of the World. Almost all animals of the African continent are represented since the park shelters about 80 kinds of mammals and more than 450 varieties of birds

The Greater Mara ecosystem encompasses areas known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Triangle, and several Maasai Conservancies. Given the factors drought, fire, and crash land by large herbivores, the National Reserve Masai Mara is dominated by species of resistant grasses.

Activities

The best way to experience the Masai Mara is on day or night game drives. Embark on twice-daily interpretive game drives with expert Maasai guides who will help you uncover the wonders of the Mara. The night game drives only take place in the conservancies such as Mara Naboisho. You have the chance of seeing lions, elephants, cape buffalo, and rhinoceros, as well as giraffes, hippos, hyenas, Nile crocodiles, wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, antelopes, and more.

• Guided walks: You can also join guided walking safaris in the Masai Mara with local Maasai guides, keepers of this pristine wilderness area. Along the way, learn about game tracking and look out for those unusual bugs and wildlife rarely spotted from a car. Walking safaris are not permitted in the reserve but can be arranged in Naboisho Conservancy.

• Another option is to go on a Cultural Tour with the Maasai, which will allow you to participate in different cultural activities and learn about the Maasai’s beliefs and the challenges affecting the survival of their way of life.

• Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration is a must. Camera at the ready, heart pounding in your chest, you watch as the first wildebeest steps in, followed by herds of other wildebeests and zebras, and the action begins The Great Wildebeest Migration is a truly delightful experience.
• Experience the thrill of Mobile Camping: for those who consider camping as one of their favourite activities, setting up a camp at the Naboisho Conservancy can be a thrilling experience. You can spend one or more nights at different campsites and feel the thrill of sleeping in the middle of a bush surrounded by the sounds of wild animals. You will have Maasai guides and guards to make your stay as safe as possible.

• Other exciting activities in the Maasai Mara include mobile camping or a balloon Safari over the Masai Mara plains from a hot air balloon.