Located 270 kilometers south of Nairobi - one of Kenya's most dynamic towns, the Masai Mara is unquestionably one of Africa's most popular safari destinations. Choose it for a holiday experience in Kenya and Africa as a whole, whether you're a game lover, honeymooner, photographer or researcher. According to recent study, the Masai Mara national park in Kenya has the largest number of lions and other predators on the continent of Africa. The park is located in a remote Narok area in Kenya's southern region. It is forms a major wildlife transit zone with Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, which is located in the northwestern region of the country.
Kenya is a country in East Africa which is bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Somalia, among others. It is home to the Masai national reserve, a safe and lovely safari destination with diverse range of flora and fauna. It hostsmore than 15 national parks, with Masai Mara being the well-known and most visited park by visitors.
After migrating from Nile Basin, Masai warriors who lived in the area were given the name. Because of the numerous small trees that dominate the area, the word "Mara" means "spotted" in Swahili. With multiple herds of African elephants, cheetahs, lions, and leopards, it is one of Africa's most important conservation zones.
This park started as a wildlife sanctuary spanning over 520 square kilometers of land in 1961, and it has continued to develop under several managements. It's mostly made up of open grassland with seasonal rivers and acacia trees strewn about. The Eastern Rift Escarpment runs through the park from Ethiopia to Mozambique, passing via Tanzania, Kenya and Malawi. The eastern half of the park is where most game drives and tourism activities take place.
The park has spotted and stripped hyenas as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards. It is not enclosed, so the animals are free to roam, though ranger guides who patrol the area keep an eye on them.
Mara national reserve measures 1510 sqkms, with a profusion of wildlife species, birds, savannah grassland, mammals, and a breathtaking landscape. Taking a vast portion of the park is the Mara River; a safari highlight and an important view point during the season of annual wildebeest migration. The river is located at the border with Tanzania. The other two rivers include sand and TelekRiver.
Masai Mara national reserve has about six gates via which all tourists from all directions can enter. These are the sekenani gates, which are located on the eastern side of Sekanani town. Telek is the most developed on the northwestern wing. The Musiara gate is located in the park's northeastern edge. The northeastern wing's Oloololo gate provides access to Aitong Road and Singer-Kaboson. The Oloolaimutia Gate is located on the eastern side of Oloolaimutia, while the Sand River Gate is located on northern sides of the Sand River, but is currently closed:.
Those flying from Kenyatta international airport, or any other airfield can land at Angama Mara airstrip, Ol Kiombo airstrip, Mara Serena airstrip or the Musiara airstrip among others.
Angama Mara airstrip, Ol Kiombo airstrip, Mara Serena airstrip, and Musiara airstrip are among the options for those traveling from Kenyatta international airport or any other airfield.
It may appear that getting to Nairobi is simple and enjoyable, but the best part of a 6-7-hour drive through the magnificent Great Rift Valley to Masai Mara National Park is on a well maintained road. They open for visitors at 6:00 am and are closed by 6 pm. Entry and exit past the stated time are not allowed, except for those with permission from the park warden.
Entrance fees to Masai Mara reserve costs; 70 USD for non- east African adults, taking only 24 hours and 40 USD for children.
Game drives are only the park's most popular safari activity, taking place in the morning, evening, and night hours while hunting for nocturnal animals. A game drive provides the opportunity to see variety of wild animals and snap memorable photographs. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, African elephants, Cape Buffaloes, wildebeests, and various antelope species. The park is as well home to a variety of birds and rich flora.
Having an aerial view of the breathtaking nature, and landscape runs in your memories forever. The hot air balloon experience is one of the kinds, offered in not so many places. This takes approximately one hour, throughout the park, with views of several games from a close range, the scenery and plantations. It starts at daybreak and climaxes with a toast of Champaign and bush breakfast.
Be one of the few people that enjoys watching animals in search of new territory, pasture and water. This is the world's largest wildlife migration and one of Africa's natural wonders. Thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and other animals migrate from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to Kenya's Masai Mara through the Serengeti-Mara northern route. This much-loved annual migration is prompted by a need for fresh water and new pasture.
Due to a profusion of wildlife and vast breathtaking landscape in Masai park, nature photographers delight in traveling to Kenya to document different documentaries, take photos for publication to the world and just for love of it all. It is a special safari offer, lasting for days throughout the different regions of the park.
Dancing to the African drum beats is a remarkable taste of African culture and people. A cultural tour to the communities living around Masai national park offers an opportunity of learning more about the African ancient way of life and have a refreshed mind beyond the animals. The most famous trip often visited are the Masai warriors.
Walking through the designated routes of the park relieves stress and unveils much, in terms of the wildlife, birds and vegetation. Guided walks last for about two hours, and leave visitors with unique sights and sounds to admire.
The park has a handful of permanent accommodation facilities, and several other temporary safari camps. The facilities range from Budget to Luxury lodges, all are eco-friendly and standard service. However, there are also other quality accommodation facilities at the boundary of the park, offering great landscape views and connection with Mother Nature.
The park is open all year round, with the activities done from morning to sunset, throughout the week. June to September and late December to February, have low rainfall showers, thus the most ideal time for a visit.
June to October is the perfect time for following the great wildebeest migration, as they tackle the giant Mara River and other traps. Birdwatching is best done in the wet seasons - March to May and October to November, when there is plenty of feeds and the breeding time.
Masai Mara reserve is a premier safari destination in Africa, with a range of flora, fauna and breathtaking landscape.