Masai Mara National Game Reserve

Masai mara national reserver : Masai Mara is a National game reserve in South West Kenya along the Great Rift Valley in Narok County. Masai mara is contiguous with Serengeti national park in Tanzania around the Mara region with exceptional populations of lions, leopards cheetahs and elephants. The masai mara area is occupied by the masai warriors. The vast masai mara area is a perfect location in East Africa to experience an African safari, with the great wildebeests migration to the game drives, it is top of the safari destinations in Africa.

This beautiful destination has attractions which include;

The Mara triangle

This is located in the southern west part of the game reserve which has the Oloololo escarpment, Mara River and the international boundary which forms a triangular shape. This Mara triangle is known as a home of cheetahs, wildebeest and zebra among others

The Mara north conservancy

This zone is a home for leopards and a centre of big cats among other beautiful wild life and it is located in the north of the Masai Mara game reserve.

The Mara River

This is located in the southern part the game reserve which has the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Olare Orok in the West, and Ol Kinyei in the East known for its large prides of lions.

This place is also good for birding because of the large bird species like the white-headed, buffalo weaver, bush pipit among others. Mara Naboisho can be accessed by road 5hours away from the city of Kenya Nairobi  

Lemek conservancy

This is in the northern part of the game reserve and is best for game viewing. This is a small reserve that is home to a few travelers, so it is never crowded with wonderful views and sightings of animals which are satisfactory.

There are many species of carnivores and herbivorous, as well as birds; the landscapes are also fascinating. Here, in addition to the classic game drive, one can do night game drives, walking and off the track safaris.

The best time to visit Masai Mara

For birders, the best time to visit is the months of November to April and June to October though it’s still possible to visit it any time throughout the year

For Photographers it’s possible to visit throughout the year but the best time is the months of February and March because during this period the pastures are greener and they provide amazing photography

One can visit Masai Mara at any time of the year but the best time to view wildlife is during the months of July to October where it’s always a high season. During the high season, it’s always a great opportunity to watch the great wildebeest.

The great wildebeest migration is when exceptional populations of different kinds of animals move to and from Serengeti national park to look for water and pastures every year.

To access Masai Mara National game reserve, one can opt to use either road or air transport.

The great wildebeest migration

The migration happens around the month of July where the Serengeti national park of Tanzania plains dry out and the herds of animals keep moving in search for water and food. By mid August the herds will have flooded Kenya Masai Mara until early October. This is when game viewing is at its peak.

The herds of animals move across the Mara River and some in the Grumeti region where exceptional populations of animals travel every year in large numbers which makes it the great wildebeest migration.

In the month of November, the Masai Mara is green and the rains have started and the animals have gained strength and they begin moving southwards back to Serengeti where the it’s now also green and pastures are available

It’s essential to plan your trip early and experience the great wildebeest migration.

There are different entry points one can use to get to the reserve.

The Mara gates include the following

Oloololo gate which is located in the North East. Displayed on the gate are the rules that tourists must follow whilst in the reserve. There are a few camping sites around this gate that provide accommodation to the tourists.

Oloolaimutia gate located in the East and is the main entry point to the reserve. Also referred to as the Oloolaimutiek gate, it is about two and a half hours drive from Narok. From this gate, one can get to spot wildlife and the Oloolaimutia hills. There are various accommodation spots around this area. There is a Masai village neighboring this gate that attracts tourists to explore the Masai culture.

Sekenani gate. This is found in the East of the Mara reserve and in the South West of Narok. It is also a main entry point to the reserve and is closer to Nairobi city.

Talek gate. This is found in the North West of Masai Mara. While here, the attractions to view include the Talek River which is a boundary between the Eastern and Western parts of the reserve.

Musiara gate. This is found in the North Eastern part of the reserve and closer to the Oloololo gate. This is a great point for witnessing the great wildebeest migration as well as beautiful views. From here, one can also view the Musiara swamp.

The best time to visit Masai Mara

For Birders the best time to visit is the months of November to April and June to October though it’s still possible to visit it any time throughout the year

For Photographers it’s possible to visit throughout the year but the best time is the months of February and March because during this period the pastures are greener and the provide amazing photography

You can visit Masai Mara at any time of the year but the best time to view wildlife is during the months of the July to October where it’s always a high season during that season and its always a great opportunity to watch the great wildebeest.

During the great wildebeest migrations is when exceptional populations of different kinds of animals move to and from the Serengeti national park to look for water and pastures every year.

To access Masai Mara National game reserve can either be by road or by air transport.

What to do at Masai Mara

Game drives which can be done all day to get a spectacular view of the wildlife and the park. It can also be done for photography and night game drives are also possible  

Hot air balloons these are best for a romantic getaway and the balloon safaris at Masai Mara always take place at dawn.

Horseback safaris these always are very good where you get to feel close to nature

Bush meals and sundowners you get to enjoy a romantic dinner in the wild places of Africa and a sundowner at a scenic spot

Walking safaris and nature hikes the nature walks can be done in the main reserve while the longer walking safaris and treks can be done outside the reserve

Masai village visit here you get to enjoy the glimpse of the Masai tribe and their unique way of life

The Masai tribe

The Masai people are historically nomadic people, with houses that are normally circular or loaf shaped and built by women. The men including the elders determine the matters concerning the community.

When a person dies in their culture they don’t burry the person, they are left in the fields for the scavengers since they believe that burying is harmful to the soil. They also measure a man’s wealth depending on the number of children and cattle

They also believe in a God called Engai or Enkai that he’s manifested in different colors with meanings but today most Masai’s are Christians and few are Muslims

The Masai diet consists on the following basic foods; fat, honey, blood, milk, meat and tree bark supplemented with maize, rice cabbage among other food crops. The skins and hides are used as beddings while the cow dung is used for building.