Masai Mara is Kenya’s number one wildlife and cultural tourism spot. Any Kenyan safari that does not feature Masai Mara is simply a set up for another future safari in Kenya.
Masai Mara Overview
The Masai Mara National Reserve offers some of the most unique wildlife and landscape scenery on the African continent. With a land expanse of 583 square miles. Formerly, the reserve was 645 square miles until 1984 when close to 62 square miles were given to the Maasai people for their cattle grazing purposes. This was also done to ensure a co-existence of both the Masai people and the national reserve.
Masai Mara national reserve boasts of a number of wildlife species including; Zebras, gazelles, elands, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, warthogs, topis and most commonly the wildebeests.
With such a diversity of wildlife, Masai Mara national reserve is a must destination for anyone that does not only love wildlife but also Savannah landscapes. Besides the animals, the reserve also boasts of over 450 bird species not forgetting the fact that fifty seven of these are birds of prey.
Masai Mara Location
Masai Mara national reserve is located in southwestern Kenya (1.4080° S, 34.9040° E) near the border of Tanzania and Kenya. In fact the reserve crosses over to Tanzania to form the popular Serengeti national park. From Nairobi, it will take you around 4 hours or less to get to Masai Mara by road while opting for a fly in safari from Nairobi will take you one 45 minutes to get to Masai Mara.
The Great Migration
It is hard to talk about Masai Mara’s great migration without talking about Serengeti national park. The two wildlife havens share wildlife more so the icons of the great migrations; the wildebeests. The great migration happens starting late July and early August until the end of October and sometimes early November.
However even amidst the great migration, not all animals cross the Mara river. Rather it is popularly the wildebeests and a few other wildlife species but still not all of them. For that matter, game viewing in Masai Mara is possible through out the year.
Masai Mara Safari Options
It is obvious; you will have to do some game drives in Masai mara but how you do them defines the type of your safari option. There are mainly two options; the fly in Masai Mara Safari and the Drive in Masai Mara safari. On top of the fly in safari, you can also opt for a Masai Mara ballooning safari for the best aerial views of the reserve.
In case you consider the drive in Masai Mara safari option, you are further presented with two options; A self drive Masai Mara Safari and A Tour Agent operated Masai Mara Safari. The package prices vary according to the type of car and comfort you are looking out for.
The reserve is also one of the few places in Africa that offer night games which offer a great opportunity for spotting nocturnal animals. Besides the wildlife and birding opportunities, Masai Mara also offer special cultural and community tours. A visit to the surrounding Maasai communities offers a special insight in the day to day life of the herdsmen and their families.
Masai Mara Lodges And Campsites
Masai Mara being a top destination, its accommodation rates are high end however-much the services may sometimes not much the rates. They also require prior booking unlike some other unpopular Kenya destinations where you can simply walk in. With in the Masai Mara national reserve; budget accommodation more so campsites range between $60 and $90. Mid range accommodation ranges between $90 and $150. Then the high end options range from $150 and above.
Best Time To Visit Masai Mara
Masai Mara has a total of four seasons in a calendar year. It has two dry seasons and two wet seasons. The first wet season runs from; November to December which is relatively short season compared to the long rainy season that runs from March to May. January and February is a dry season however the scarcity of rain between January and February does not march that between June and the end of October.
In case you are visiting Masai Mara specifically for the great migration then you will have to consider the months of August and September. The months of July and October are simply transition months. Often at times the animals start migrating in the late July and in the late October.
In case you wish to see lots of wildlife babies more so the wildebeests, it is recommended you take your trip in the month of February. However this being a mild dry season, you should expect a few afternoon showers during your trip.
Gorilla Trekking And Masai Mara Safari
Gorilla trekking and a Masai Mara Safari experience is a combination of a the lash Savannah grassland and the thick tropical forests. Unless you are having a month long trip, you will have to plan for a number of flights in order to trek with the gorillas as well as visit the legendary Masai Mara in Kenya.
When it comes to gorilla trekking, you will have to choose among Uganda, Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. Of these three countries, Rwanda is the best option with easier connecting flights however due to the fact that a gorilla trekking permit is Rwanda is more than double the price for that of Uganda, you might have to consider Uganda for that matter.
For those that have had at least 3 weeks at their disposal, they have been able to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, as well as rafting on their way to exiting Uganda into Kenya for their Masai Mara experience.
Visiting Masai Mara During Covid-19 Times
Visiting Masia Mara National reserve is no different from visiting other national parks in East Africa. You will need a face mask, sanitizer (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic) as well as pass the temperature scan at the gate. Once you have all those in place, you will have to meet your park entrance fees and then you will be good to go.
