Lying in the Great Rift Valley, Maasai Mara National Reserve is a must see in Kenya. It consists of a wide and towering escarpments that are home to multiple Wild animals, plant life and other Wildlife species.

Its huge areas give more space for wild animals to roam around in search for good pastures. Not only wildlife but also part of the Park’s area is occupied by several Maasai villages.

Locals who occupy these village have a synergetic relationship with the Wildlife and are well informed about how important Wildlife is to the tourism industry.

Maasai Mara is composed of four main terrain types including the Ngama hills to the east, Oloololo escarpment that form the western boundary, Mara Triangle that borders the Mara River with its lush grasslands and acacia woodlands together with the Central plains, an area that forms the largest part of the reserve. It is scattered with bushes and boulders on rolling grasslands.

The Great Wildebeest Migration.

Usually from July, millions of arriving Wildebeest from Serengeti scatter the great plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve. When you combine the Park’s Wilderness and these animals, it makes for a spectacular sight that is hard to find anywhere else.

Not until they return in December, the park’s scenic views are awesome. This migration is annual and don’t hesitate to time it any year if you really need it. The event starts from Serengeti in the north to Kenya’s notable Maasai Mara in the north.

Nothing is more breathtaking than seeing millions of Wild animals strolling around. The migratory routes for this migration depends on the rain patterns as these animals move from Serengeti to Maasai Mara mainly in need of water and fresh grass. It starts with calving in February and after three weeks the migration starts.

The arrival of Wildebeests is an advantage for the predator of Masai Mara. Big cats usually have a lot to eat during the migration season since they feed on these animals.

Availability of these migrating animals means that Lions, cheetah and leopards will have plenty to feed, therefore it’s no wonder that they grow strong and are health during this period of time.

What to do in Maasai Mara

Game Drives

If you are still not sure of the best way to take in Maasai Mara’s panaroma, Game driving around the Park suburbs is the best option. This excursion takes you out and into the Maasai Mara in search for notable wild animals.

With a trained guide, enjoy remarkable game viewing at some of the Park’s best safari camps like Private Governors Camp, Little Governors camp and more.

Game drives in Maasai Mara are offered in 4x4 vehicles with pop up roof. These Safari jeeps are suited to the environment and operated by highly trained drivers who offer detailed information about the park with its Wildlife.

You can do a day game drive or night game drive for nocturnal species. Some of the animals to see on game drive are the African big fives, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, Zebras, Wildebeests, antelopes and more.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Other than game drives, Hot Air Ballooning is an incredible way to take in Maasai Mara’s natural wonders. This option rewards travelers a chance to admire the park’s beauty from the sky.

It departs from the Little Governors camp and balloon rises as the first sunlight hits the Mara. From the basket of the balloon you will appreciate the awe inspiring views of forests, rivers, rolling hills and many wild animals.

It lasts for about an hour in sky while tourists enjoy the fantastic sights, take many photographs and videos for your gallery. Once the balloon lands back, tourists are welcomed with a champagne breakfast cooked and thereafter continue with a drive back to your hotel of residence.

See Wildebeest Migration

Without doubt, this is the main reason for most trips to Maasai Mara National Reserve. This annual event is exceptional and invites thousands of travelers who flock in to see millions of gazelles, wildebeest and zebras that migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara. It takes places between the months of July and October.

Associate with the Maasai People

Maasai People have lived around the Park’s suburbs for hundreds of years. If you are after a blend of wildlife and culture, Maasai Mara is the best for you. Therefore don’t miss to visit a Maasai community like Mara Rianda.

This community consist of 48 traditional houses and it’s great for those who fancy an insight into Maasai culture. Travelers are usually dazzled by the colorful lifestyle of the Maasai people.

A visit to this community supports this project through the money paid when buying an entrance ticket. This money as well helps to purchase some food and support 98 varied families of 300 people.

Big Game Walking Safaris

Don’t miss to explore the Park on foot. With an experienced guide to lead you around, you will have a lot to relish. Walking Safaris usually offer adventurers sweeping views of wild animals, sunset/rise, birds and rolling hills.

At Little Governors Camp, walking safaris are offered as an extra activity together with a champagne bush breakfast.