Explore Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is the perfect safari destination in Kenya. It is home to many unique wild animals, including the Big 5 (Lions, Leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos). This reserve offers visitors an opportunity to watch the unparalleled Mara Great Migration. It is a world-class animal movement with millions of wildebeests sprawling across the Mara Savannah. From the Serengeti National Park, you can see millions of wildebeests walk through the Mara.
Maasai Mara National Reserve Facts
The Masai Mara National Reserve is a preserved area in the South Western Part of Kenya. It features grassy plains and hills with two crossing rivers: Mara and Talek. The area is run under the Mara Conservancy in Narok County and extends along the Tanzanian border. Maasai Mara National Reserve is famous for the Great Wildebeest migration, big cats, and the Masai people. Here is a highlight of the top attractions:
Game Drive and Wildlife Photography
The Masai Mara game reserve is home to wildlife, including the Big 5 animals. You quickly spot animals like lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, leopards, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and hippos. The national reserve occupies 1,510 square kilometers in the Southwestern part of Kenya. It takes one game drive between 2-3 hours. You can see the animals and take photographs throughout the safari.
Bird Watching and Photography
Bird watchers are welcome to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve. Not only does the area have wildlife but a variety of bird species. The reserve is home to almost 500 bird species and 47 bird prey species. These birds range from the biggest and fastest-running bird, the ostrich, to simple sunbirds. Tourists can take bird photography during their rides. The top birds available at the Mara include: Secretary bird, Bateleur, Silver bird, Swahili Sparrow, African finfoot, Lazy Cistocola, African Wood Owl, Denham’s Bustard
Hot Air Balloon Ride
An experience you wouldn‘t want to miss is the Hot Air Balloon Safari. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view the Mara Savannah grasslands. Throughout the ride, you spot different wild animals. The balloon takes off at 6 am and runs through the area for 1 hour, ending with a bush breakfast experience. Get your safari guide to book the ride earlier since the spaces are limited, with each balloon taking a maximum of 16 people. The hot air balloons pick people from different lodges in the Mara, which determines the prices. Usually, the prices range from $455 to $515 per individual.
Safaris & Tours in Masai Mara
Explore Masai Mara Safaris
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The Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara National Reserve
Unlike other destinations in Kenya, you can always visit the Masai Mara National Reserve. There is a vast amount of wild animals in the Savannah grasslands throughout the year. Also, there is always something to experience at all times. However, visiting the area between April and June isn’t recommended due to long rains. Also, most of the Mara Lodges are closed during this period.
The most popular time to visit the reserve is between July to October. It is cool with no rain, and you experience the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Popular Routes of a Destination
There are two main ways to get to the Mara Conservancy. You can drive from Nairobi to Narok for approximately 5-6 hours. Throughout the ride, you can glimpse Kenya and its people. The other method is flying to the Mara, which takes 40-45 minutes. It is an excellent choice for people who only wish to explore Masai Mara.
Masai Mara Accommodations: Where to Stay?
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular safaris in East Africa. Hence, there are many lodges and camping sites where you can stay. Here are some of the top accommodations in the Masai Mara National Reserve:
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