Attractions in Masai Mara National Reserve : Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the Africa’s most famous and iconic wildlife reserves, Maasai Mara is a must -visit destination for any nature lover or adventure seeker. The reserve is located in Narok County, approximately 280 kilometers southwest of Nairobi, the reserve shares a border with Tanzania’s Serengeti national park and is part of the larger ecosystem of the African savannah. Maasai Mara National Reserve was officially established in 1961, and it covers a total surface area of about 1,510 square kilometers. Masai Mara national reserve is one of the famous protected areas in Kenya boasting a numerous numbers of tourist all-over the world due to its incredible population of wildlife species such as; lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs and many other. Maasai Mara is also birdwatchers’ paradise, with over 450 species of birds recorded within its boundaries. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is also known for its annuals wildebeest’s migration, which takes place from July to October. This spectacular event draws from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Maasai mara in search for greenery pastures.  Visitors on a Kenya safari in Maasi Mara National Reserve have the chance to engage in a variety of activities such as game drives, hot air ballon safaris, walking safaris, night game drives among others.

Attraction in Maasai Mara National Park

Wildlife.

Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to an array of species, making it one of the most spectacular wildlife areas in Kenya. The most thrilling Big Five such as lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino and elephant draws countless visitors each year. These animals represent a small fraction of the diverse wildlife, as the reserves is also inhabited by cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles and numerous antelopes such as gazelles, impalas and Topis.  One of the most captivating species of the Maasai Mara is its role in the great migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras and other ungulates journey from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the mara in search for greener pastures. This migration not only creates an electrifying spectacular bit also serves as a crucial food source for predators.  The reserves are also home to other mammal species such as, Banded mongoose, Aardwolf, Aardvark, Quagga, Masai giraffe, bat eared fox, common eland, Kirk’s dik dik, olive baboon, Kori bustard, South African springhare, Water buck, side striped jackal, common dwarf mongoose, red tailed monkey, harnessed bushbuck, common slender mongoose, jackals, and many others.

Birds.

Maasai Mara National Reserve is also a paradise for birdwatchers, over are 500 bird species recorded in the area. The diverse habitats including woodlands, grasslands and riverine forest creates an ideal environment for a variety of avian life such as  white browed coucal, Nubian woodpecker, western banded snake eagle, augur buzzard, crowned lapwing, mouse bird, bustard, Emerald spotted wood dove, cinnamon chested bee-eater, greater honeyguide , grey crowned crane, African jacana, gull billed tern, little stint, white faced whistling duck, African green pigeon, water thick knee, African hoopoe, Bare faced go-away bird, white bellied bustard, Hamerkop, Southern ground hornbill, red throated wryneck, Schawlow’s turaco, saddle billed stork, turaco, refous bellied heron, white backed vulture, tawny eagle, black bellied bustard, spur winged lapwing, red capped lark, Malachite king fisher, woodland king fisher, red necked spur fowl, African grey woodpecker, speckled pigeon, a Harlequin quail, temminck’s courser, saddle billed stork, giant king fisher, turaco, grey headed king fisher, kori bustard, black headed heron, wolly necked stork, black chested snake eagle, spotted thick knee  and  stripped king fisher many others.

Vegetation

The vegetation of Maasai Mara National Reserve serves as a captivating attraction, playing a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem’s biodiversity. Predominantly characterized by expansive savannas, acacia woodlands and lush riverine forest, the serves showcase a rich tapestry of plants life. The savannahs are adorned with nutrient-rich grasses that flourish particularly during the rainy season, drawing vast herds of herbivores such as wildebeest and zebras and creating a dynamic interplay with predators like lions, and cheetahs. Acacia treed dot the landscape, offering vital shade and food source for various wildlife species while also stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion. The dense riverine forest along the Mara River is teeming with life, offering habitat for numerous birds, monkeys and other creatures. Visitors are often mesmerized by the vivid greens of the vegetation in the wet season, transitioning the golden hues during the dry season.

Mara River

The Mara River is a mesmerizing feature of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its critical role in one of the nature’s most remarkable spectacles, the Great Migration. Stretching approximately 395 km, this river serves as a vital water source for countless species.

Attractions in Masai Mara National Reserve
Mara River

Each year, over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras brave its currents in search for greener pastures, facing the perilous threat of lurking crocodiles during their crossing. These dramatic moments create a breathtaking display of survival that draws visitors from a round the world. The riverbanks are lush with vegetation, attracting a variety of wildlife including hippos, and crocodiles and diverse bird species, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography.

The Maasi people

The Maasai people ae an integral attraction of the Maasi Mara National Reserve, offering a vibrant glimpse into a rich cultural heritage that has coexisted with the wildlife for generations. This ethnic group of people are renowned for their distinctive attire, characterised by shuka9 traditional cloth), intricate beadwork and elaborate adornments, the Maasai embody a profound connection to the land that surrounds them. Visitors have the unique opportunity to engage with the Maasai communities, participating in guided village tours that showcases their traditional lifestyle, customs and value. This interaction often includes witnessing traditional dance, storytelling and rituals that illuminates the importance of cattle in their culture.

Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about the attraction found in Maasai Mara National Reserve and then Book with tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.