Maasai Mara National Reserve; the Jewel of Kenya

Maasai Mara National Reserve called by the natives as ‘The Mara,’ is a vast game reserve located in the South-Western part of Kenya. The park has taken its name from the cultural inhabitants of the place called Maasai people, and Mara means ‘Spotted.’ As the area is encircled with trees, savannas, clouds, and shrubs; it got its name. The park is very well known for its extraordinary population of Thomson’s gazelle, big cats, wildebeest, and to see the journey of Zebras. It compels the tourists to take cheap flights to Nairobi; to observe the Great Migration with an eagle eye.

About the Park

Located within the Kenya rift valley, it is a piece of protected land. The park is situated about 270km away from Nairobi, only about 45 minutes by flight. In 1948, when the park was first established as a Wildlife Sanctuary; it comprised of a land area of about 520 square kilometres. Now it is spread on the land of approximately about 1,510 square kilometres. From the southern side, the park adjoins with the Serengeti Park, Siria escarpment in the western region, and Maasai pastoral ranches to the West, East, and North. Sometimes referred to as the jewel of Kenya’s views; it is a majestic beauty. As wildlife is most abundant here than in all of Kenya; visitors usually easily spot the Big Five. If you’re a fan of the big cats, then this is the place to see them all in action. There are several safaris available that can take you from a one to a four-day trip; depending on the nature of your visit to the reserve. If you are a photography enthusiast, then a three-day tour is best for you. The wildlife roams free here and in the villages; where they and the humans co-exist. The average temperatures here are from 13C to 28C throughout the year; which makes it easily favourable, the whole year, for gaming. The Maasai National Park is just a little part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem which further consists of Kimintet, Oloirien, Kerinkani, Ol Derkesi, Naikara, Maji Moto, Siana, Olkinyei, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Lemek, and Koiyaki.

The Incredible Big Five

The biggest attraction here is the ‘Big Five’; leopard, lion, black rhinoceros, African buffalos, and African elephant. Besides a wide range of Nile crocodiles, Hippopotami are also found in Talek and Mara rivers. Cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, bat-eared foxes, and jackals can also found here. The plane located between the Esoit Siria and Mara River is the perfect location for observing the game of cheetah and lion. In Serengeti, millions of Wildebeest show up, who migrate here and there in the quest of fresh grass and vegetation. This Great Migration is an exciting and notable event, which is very famous throughout the world. It includes approximately 200,000 zebras, 18,000 elands, 97,000 topi, 500,000 Thomson’s gazelles and 1,300,000 wildebeest. The best time to view the migration is in September and October; as the crossing of the Mara River is a spectacular sighting.

Various other antelopes such as Coke’s hartebeests, duikers, elands, impalas, and gazelles roam about in the Park. The bird-watchers will genuinely be mesmerized to see around 470 distinctive breeds of beautiful and colourful birds. Examples include; lilac-breasted roller, African pygmy-falcons, long-crested eagles, ostriches, crowned cranes, hornbills, secretary birds, marabou storks, and vultures.

Fun for Everyone

Maasai Mara offers its visitors a number to places to stay. The park provides several tented camps and lodges for the visitors, all located inside the limits of the Reserve and Conservation area.  Amongst them, the well-known ones are the Sekenani camp, Smart Simba, Elephant Pepper, Mara Sopa, Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Keekorok, Governor’s Camp, and Mara Serena. There are many engaging activities at the park-like Game Drives. They enable you to have several game visits with the help of a vehicle and a guard. As the number of cars is restricted; you can enjoy more privately when exploring.  Besides, you can also opt for Walking Safaris, an entertaining little adventure with the local guides.

You will love the Cultural Tour; which allows you to have a journey towards the village of Maasai and experience their traditions very carefully. The most gripping and fascinating activity is the Hot Air Ballooning; where you will have a bird’s eye view of the whole park. It is a genuinely unique and fantastic experience. Besides, there is a lot more than the park offers for your thrill and entertainment. So you must plan a trip, get a flight to Kenya, and head towards the magical Maasai Mara National Park, for an unforgettable interaction with nature.