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.
The Maasai Mara is a world-renowned wildlife reserve located in southwestern Kenya. It is named after the Maasai people, the region’s indigenous inhabitants, and the Mara River, which runs through the reserve.
The reserve is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Every year, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate between the Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti, offering one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. Over 450 bird species, including ostriches, vultures, and secretary birds, thrive here.
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. The Maasai people are known for their vibrant clothing, beadwork, and traditional customs. Visitors often experience cultural tours to learn about Maasai heritage.
Activities and Experiences
- Safari Drives: Game drives are popular for spotting wildlife, especially during the migration season (July to October).
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Floating over the plains at sunrise provides breathtaking views of the landscape and animals.
- Photography: The Maasai Mara is a favorite destination for wildlife photographers due to its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
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). 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
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.
