Origin of Masai Mara
Masai Mara, sometimes spelled Maasai Mara and locally known as The Mara, is a large national game reserve in Narok, Kenya. It is named in honor of the Maasai people, the ancestral inhabitants of the area. “Mara” means “spotted” in the local Maasai language, due to the many short bushy trees which dot the landscape.
Originally established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary covering only 520 km2 (200 sq. mi) of the current area, including the Mara Triangle. The area was extended to the east in 1961 to cover 1,821 km2 (703 sq. mi) and converted to a Game Reserve.
What is Masai Mara famous for?
Mara is one of the most famous and important wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa, world-renowned for its exceptional populations of lion, African leopard, cheetah and African bush elephant. It also hosts the Great Migration, making it one the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and as one of the ten Wonders of the World.
Conservancies in Masai Mara
The Greater Mara ecosystem encompasses areas known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Triangle, and several Maasai Conservancies, including Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Mara North, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet.
Cost to visit Masai Mara
Masai Mara safari cost can range from as little as $100pp/day to tens of thousands of dollars depending on type of safari, accommodation and number of days. Masai Mara camps can be basic catering camp sites to the best lodges on earth.
The best time to visit Masai Mara
The best time to visit Mara is from July to November. Although, due to varying rainfall patterns, the exact timing varies from year to year. Some years, the rains might be early and the herds will arrive and depart sooner. Other times, the late rains mean they’ll arrive later and you’ll still find ‘stragglers’ (the last of the migrating wildebeest) hanging out with the Mara’s ‘residents’ (those wildebeest who stay put year-round and don’t migrate at all).
Which is better Masai Mara or Serengeti?
The Masai Mara and the Serengeti are East Africa’s quintessential definition of a top African safari destinations. They both boast high concentrations of wildlife and host one of the greatest wildlife highlights on the planet, the Great Migration. One is in Kenya and the other is in Tanzania. Ideally, you should plan to visit both, but if you’re only able to go for one, which would it be?
How many gates are in Mara?
There are six gates that can be used to access The Mara; Talek Gate, Sekenani gate, Oloololo gate, oloolaimutia gate, sand river gate, Musiara gate.
Is Masai Mara Wonder of the world?
Yes. Masai Mara Game Reserve is widely regarded to be the cradle of mankind as well as the Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserve and was voted in 2007 as the eighth wonder of the world. It has also been voted among the best safari destination.
How do you get to Masai Mara from Nairobi?
Flight – Flying is the quickest way to get to Mara. There are daily flights to the Mara from Wilson Airport provided by companies such as SafariLink and Air Kenya. A flight to Mara takes around 45 minutes
Road – The Masai Mara is about 280 km. west of Nairobi City. A drive to Masai Mara takes about 5-6 hours. While driving you will enjoy breath-taking views including that of the Great Rift Valley and also Mount Suswa and Mount Longonot in a van or a Landcruiser vehicle.
Is two days enough for Masai Mara?
Yes, but ideally, a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights is perfectly okay. This will give you enough time to explore and view the entire variety of wildlife and sceneries in the park.
Is Masai Mara malaria free?
Due to the high altitudes of the Masai Mara, Malaria is very rare since mosquitoes do not live at those elevations. However, although Malaria is sparse in this region, it does exist. It is strongly advised that you speak with your physician about taking Malaria prophylaxis before traveling to Masai Mara
How long is flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara?
A flight to Mara takes around 45 minutes from Wilson Airport
How is the road from Nairobi to Masai Mara?
Over half of the road to Masai Mara is tarmacked and allowing smooth ride to Mara with spectacular views along the way
How much is flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara?
Cheapest return ticket price-US$486
Nairobi (WIL) ⇒ Masai Mara
Cheapest direct flight price-US$278
Nairobi (WIL) ⇒ Masai Mara
Peak season for travel-October US$203
Off-season for travel-June US$130
Can you drive from Masai Mara to Serengeti?
Yes, it takes approximately 2h 50m to drive from Masai Mara Crossing to Serengeti National Park.
Is January – February – March a good time to visit Masai Mara?
Choosing when to go on a Masai Mara safari is something that should be carefully considered in order for the experience to meet your expectations. For general game viewing, there’s no real ‘best time’ to go. Thanks to its abundant resident wildlife and temperate climate, the Masai Mara is widely regarded as a fantastic year-round safari destination. Its wide and open plains mean there is virtually always something to see – no matter what time of year you visit.
Is April – May – June a good time to visit Masai Mara?
Choosing when to go on a Masai Mara safari is something that should be carefully considered in order for the experience to meet your expectations. For general game viewing, there’s no real ‘best time’ to go. Thanks to its abundant resident wildlife and temperate climate, the Masai Mara is widely regarded as a fantastic year-round safari destination. Its wide and open plains mean there is virtually always something to see – no matter what time of year you visit.
Is August – September – October a good time to visit Masai Mara?
The best time to visit the Masai Mara is from late June to early October – you’ll catch the wildebeest migration in full flow. Midsummer can get busy though, so come at the beginning or end of that period for full on wildlife without crazy crowds.
November – December a good time to visit Masai Mara?
Longer grass from the rain makes wildlife viewing a little more challenging this months, although December is a fantastic month for birdwatching in the Masai Mara as the migratory species can be spotted.
