Located in the vales of The Great Rift Valley and bordering Tanzania, the Masai Mara National Reserve is a world-renowned jewel of wildlife viewing in Kenya. In the valley towered with the escarpment, open Savannah and acacia woodlands, animals are at liberty to thrive.
Perhaps the cause of her serenity and charms, Masai Mara is composed of four unique terrains with extreme bio-diversity- The Ngama Hills to the east carpeted with sandy soil and leafy bushes favored by rhino; Oloololo Plateau Escarpment to the west; the Central Plains with scattered bushes and open grasslands dotted by herbivore game, and the Mara Triangle bordering the Mara River. With lush grassland, acacia woodlands and slimy slopes, the Triangle host the action and excitement of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The Mara Reserve is reputed worldwide for the annual wildebeest’s migrations. From July every year, the animals arrive in their thousands. But crossing the mighty Mara River makes the Fiesta even more thrilling. The slimy leap into crocodile-infested water is their only ticket to greener pastures. Faced with death, turning back is never an option. Their very survival is fated to the north.
During these months, the Savannah is dotted black, brown and striped as over 1.5 million wildebeest, antelopes and zebra arrive from the Serengeti in search of fresh pastures and water. The Masai Mara National Reserve is transformed into a natural spectacle life.
In December, the animals wander back to the Serengeti Park in preparation for the calving season which comes in February. This multi-species migration is one of the world’s natural wonders.
Bewilderingly, Mara lives are a true reflection of the circle of life. The Wildebeest escapades shape the lives of most other species in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Their arrival marks a time of feasting and prosperity for the reserve predators. During this period, you are most like to experience the coordinated onslaughts of the Big Cats hunts. The dramatic contrast between life and death, sacrifice and survival witnessed during the migration make this the best time to visit the park.
Favourably, the open Savannah and sandy terrains make the park excellent for game drives. In just one trip, you have a high chance of sighting the big five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) in their own free-range habitats. Nowhere will you find wildlife more abundant.
Besides wildebeest, zebras and the Big 5, you will also sight various species of reptiles and amphibians including the killer African Crocodiles. In addition, bird lovers will be rewarded with over 400 bird species recorded on the reserve.
When it comes to wildlife destinations, the Masai Mara is a spectacular haven. The action experienced here ensures every sense of your being is truly electrified.
Fact File
Climate: The Masai Mara has a generally warm climate with a temperature between 200C and up to 300C.
Wildlife: The Masai Mara National Reserve is known as one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in the world. The iconic wildebeest migration has a way of bringing man and beasts together. In the open Savannah, you have excellent chances of sighting Africa’s Big 5, baboons, bat-eared foxes, hippo, crocodile, topi, oribi, side-striped and black-backed jackals, impala, and ostrich, among others.
Activities: Game drives, camping, bird watching, ballooning, bush dinner, visits to nearby Maasai cultural villages and photography. With unbelievably affordable safari packages, escorted by expert tour guides, Shanjoy Tours will ensure your safari is forever memorable.
Accommodation: If you choose to stay in the Mara, Mara Serena and Little Governors’ Camp will offer excellent accommodation where you can experience the wild action at the comfort of your balcony. You can also find lodging from Sarova Mara, Keekorok, Mara Sopa, Sentrim Mara, Basecamp, Mara Simba and many more others.
Best time to visit: The most exciting season is during the wildebeest migration between July and October. Yet the Mara never disappoints, all year round you will be rewarded with excellent game viewing experiences.
Access: You can choose either by road which offers great scenery view or fly to Mara. Shanjoy tours will coordinate all your transfers to make sure you have a seamless experience and enjoy every bit of your trip.