Masai Mara National Reserve
Top Attractions in Masai Mara National reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve
Stretched along the Tanzanian border adjacent to the Serengeti, Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s oldest and most famous Africa safari destination—with an expanse of nearly 600 square miles where the wildebeest migration makes its U-turn every fall. The park has excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year in its grassy plains which are kept alive with regular rainfall that in return support a huge population of herbivores animals which attract a number of predators that keep the wildlife in balance. Masai Mara is home of the African safari and what's an African safari without seeing the big cats? Well, all three big cats (Lion, Leopard, Cheetah) are relatively easy to see in the Mara plains. The yearly wildebeest migration coming through the park is one of the world’s most amazing wildlife scenes you shouldn't miss on your trip.
Top things you simply must see in Masai Mara
The Annual Great Migration
The annual great wildebeest migration: Africa’s greatest wildlife show and in fact the largest mass movement of mammals anywhere on the planet happens here in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Over 2.5 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles follow the rains in search of new grass from around July and August and get into the Mara plains around August, devour all the green and make a u-turn back in October. It’s an extravaganza that tops many a wildlife-lover’s travel list and thousands of people flock to Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti every year to see the herds of ‘beests.
A Panoply of Wildlife Animals
A breathtaking panoply of East Africa’s wildlife exist the Masai Mara and the much sought after sightings of the "Big 5" is much guaranteed on a game drive. Because of the abundance of prey during the migration season, the reserve is one of the best in Africa for seeing big cats, though sightings of smaller predators like bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal and spotted hyena also is richly rewarding. You'll spot various Antelope include impala, reedbuck, Thomson's gazelle, eland and topi, while buffalo, elephant and giraffe are relaxed and easily spotted.
Hot Air Balloon Over Masai Mara
A hot air balloon over the Masai Mara is possibly the most incredible way to see this fantastic ecosystem. Enjoy the tranquility of a balloon ride as you float above the plains watching the panoply of the wildebeest movement bellow on the plains. See the forest and the rivers of the Masai Mara on a truly unique experience as we drift in the breeze. See why the Masai named this the ‘Mara’, which means ‘spotted’ as you see the circles of trees, shadows from clouds, and scrubland that create the beautiful scenery.
Masai People and Culture
This is the land of the Maasai, an ancient pastoralist culture known for their warriors, who were once expected to kill a lion to prove its strength and manhood. Recognizable for their red robes and beaded jewelry, the Maasai follow their cattle herds, moving their settlements as they search for water sources and new pastureland. While some Maasai are moving away from pastoralism as they adapt to modern life, most still uphold their society's traditions, which include elaborate initiation rituals for boys and defined roles for men and women of every age within the community.
