Located in the South Western part of Kenya, Masai Mara Game Reserve is Kenya’s grandest reserve spreading across an area of 1530km2. This natural wonder is shared by lions, Masai warriors and diverse browsers; it’s the embodiment of multiple cycles of life, death and regeneration. It is famed for its vast plains, abundant diverse wildlife and the Great Migration.
Nearly two million browsers are seen by the Great Migration migrating from Serengeti to Masai Mara from July to October for pastures. Because of the migration’s unpredictability, this natural spectacle has been called the 7th World Wonder.
The Reserve’s terrain of shrubs, rolling open grasslands and acacia trees ensures game viewing is an exquisite experience for the visitors. Its variety and vastness of wildlife and vegetation has made it to be nicknamed the haven where tourists can enjoy the Discovery Channel experience. The consistent climate over the year,not rainy or too hot, makes the reserve an ideal for visiting any time. It rains late afternoon or at night.
For Kenyan safari enthusiasts, the reserve serves as a habitat for about 450 bird species, the entire Africa Big Five wild comprising of leopard, elephant, Lion, buffalo and leopard plus various other small reptiles and mammals. Cheetahs and Lions largely frequent at game viewing points like the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment along the Mara River.
The Mara and Talek rivers are habitats for the crocodiles and hippos that stalk thirsty unsuspecting prey from the river. One can approach tour companies and lodges based there for a more detailed exploring and experiencing of Masai Mara. These include day and night game drives, hiking and foot safaris|foot safaris and hiking, hot air balloon excursions even cultural tours to neighbouring Masai community.
All tourists are mostly recommended a morning hot balloon safari ride. It involves advancing over the Masai Mara plains while enjoying the morning sunrise unfold between mountains on the stunning landscape.
Other safari forays can see tourists witnessing lions feeding on their prey like a wildebeest, confront a pack of hyenas and vultures engaged in a messy scavenging spectacle even different animal species wrangling at watering holes. The Masai Mara reserve safari is a photographer’s heaven because of such unexpected events.
Among such engaging gem is the Masai Mara sunset one of the most breathtaking natural marvel. Keen visitors make sure to watch it unfold from accommodated balconies scrupulously because of its near divine aura.
Also nature and animal researchers, and wildlife filmmakers choose Masai Mara for their work because of its diverse wildlife and ecosystem. The famed BBC’s Television show Big Cat Diary was shot here. This reserve is increasingly becoming world research centre for the spotted hyena.
For those interested on going on a Masai Mara game reserve safari, the reserve has lodges and camps to accommodate tourists offering them the best view of the migration, wildlife and the plains. Some of these are the Mara Simba Lodge, Mara Serena Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, Elephant Pepper and Sekenani Camps, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge and Royal Mara Safari lodge. There are regular or charter flights operated from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Reserve.
