Things To Do in Maasai Mara National Reserve Kenya
The Things to do in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: ‘Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the world’s famous safari destinations where thousands of tourists flock to the annual migration event, which usually happens between July to Mid-October.
This reserve lies in southwestern Kenya and close to the Tanzania border and covers an area of about 1510 square kilometers. If you combine it with the neighboring Serengeti National Park of Tanzania, the two form arguably the best place to spot wildlife in the world.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to a huge population of wildlife species and a bird haven. Between July and October, the Maasai Mara welcomes over 1.5 million wildebeest, Zebras and Thomson’s gazelles in arguably the largest animal migration on earth. We see plenty of mammals crossing from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and back, covering an area of about 1,800 miles. This migration movement event draws thousands of tourists to the reserves every year.
The greater Masai Mara ecosystem comprises the reserve, the Mara Triangle, and private Maasai conservancies. Fact: the Mara Triangle is divided from the main reserve by the Mara River. And so, it is less visited because it is less crowded but it attracts with all the Big five mammals.
The Maasai Conservancies are large chunks of land surrounding the Masai Mara National Reserve. They are managed by the Masai elders with their own share of wildlife. Ownership of part of the Mara ecosystem has permitted the Masai people to protect their identity and relationship with the overall landscape. You might find a 2- or 3-day tour package in Masai Mara, Kenya, rewarding and memorable.
Things To Do in Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya
The Maasai Mara National Reserve ranks as one of the world’s Natural wonders. It is also one of the perfect places to adventure wildlife in Africa and each year, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit to watch Africa’s famous mammals. The major places to visit while on safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve are the Mara River, the Musiara Swamp, the Maasai Villages, the Narok Museum, the Mara Triangle and neighboring private Maasai conservancies. Below are the main activities to do in the Maasai Mara National Reserve:
Morning and afternoon Game drive /Full Day Exploration
Well, Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the perfect places for game exploration in Africa. Note that the Mara ecosystem offers opportunities not only to watch Africa’s famous wildlife but also to take great photos and videos. Game drives happen throughout the year and are arranged in areas with the highest concentration of wildlife. A typical game drive is carried out in a standard tour vehicle with a retractable roof and starts in the morning or afternoon. Morning game drives start at 6am and during this time it’s when most animals are active and in very large numbers as they head out to eat.
The afternoon game drive begins at 2:00pm and goes on up to 6:30pm. This is the best time to view wildlife as they gather around the watering holes to quench their thirst.
Never mind whether you go for the morning or afternoon session; expect to see all the Big five mammals and other animals like zebras, giraffes, hyenas ,elands and gazelles, cheetahs in number and well adapted to the Mara as well as black rhinos. Moreover, this reserve is the best place to observe cheetahs in Africa. The highlight of any game drive is watching one of the big cats pull down a zebra or wildebeest. After the game drive, arrange for a picnic lunch in the middle of the African wilderness.
Night Game Drives
Besides game drives, you can go for a night game drive in the clear night skies. The night game drive begins at 6:00pm and ends in the dark hours of the night. Night game drives offer a unique opportunity to observe leopards, lions and hyenas track their prey. You can also get to watch nocturnal mammals and birds. In Mara, only private conservancies and knowledgeable guides can lead night game drives.
Birding
The reserve hosts over 500 species of birds, making it a birder’s paradise. You can look out for giant ostriches or check out the birds of prey like vultures. Smaller birds can also be seen nesting on the thickets or edges of escarpments. You will look out for ducks, egrets, geese, herons, ostriches, hornbills, pelicans, spoonbills and storks.
Apart from ostriches, the most amazing for ordinary tourists are the martial eagles and vultures. Birding is done by knowledgeable ornithologists /naturalists. These birding guides know all the different bird species, plants and wildlife to encounter.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
This is the main done activity in the Reserve, which tends to happen between June and November. The Maasai Mara stands as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world and over 1.5 million wildebeest, Thompson’s Gazelles and Zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in search of greener grass. Though they face many challenges along the way. Apart from stalking predators, the migrating animals have to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River where thousands drown or get eaten by crocodiles.
Those that make it to cross the river have to contend with Africa’s big predators. The scale of the migration is so large that it can be explored from space. Tourists visit to witness the great concentration of animals, the calving season, and the battle between predator and prey.
Nature walks Walking safaris
The walking safaris in Maasai Mara offer tourists opportunities to watch birds, wildlife and the savannah on foot. The best way to witness the sheer beauty and spectacular views of the reserve. Nature walks allow tourists to get close to the pristine wilderness in away that is not possible with game drives. Note that nature walks are more suitable in the private conservation bordering the main reserve and are led by very skilled Maasai Guides and armed rangers. The walks are led in areas that are less frequented by predators and the larger mammals.
Horseback safaris
This is a rewarding activity and done within the main reserve itself. Participants can ride deep into the Mara on the back of a horse to view antelopes, leopards, hartebeests, wildebeest, giraffes, and lions. It is the most ecological way to tour the reserve without emitting sounds and fumes. It can be led by park rangers, owners of the conservancies or local Maasai Guides.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Well, game viewing is great when using a 4×4 wheel drive but then, you can get an aerial view of the vast Mara plains as a breath of fresh air by engaging in hot air ballooning, especially during the great migration. The hot air balloon route follows the Mara River, permitting you to get an aerial view of the forests, birds and aquatic mammals before going deep into the savannah for more impressive views of the landscape. The hot air balloon experience lasts for an hour and ends with a bush picnic lunch /breakfast with champagne on the savanna plains. All participants are given certificates.
The balloon safaris are perfect for families and couples on a honeymoon. It also allows participants to take unforgettable photos of the reserve.
Sundowners and Bush Breakfast/dinner
This is best for honeymooners. Your hotel can arrange for mobile dining in the middle of the savanna with meals, drinks and wines. There is nothing better than viewing the beautiful sunset in the wilderness and in the arms of your partner.
Camping and photographic safaris
This is quite a rewarding experience, as you are opting to sleep in the middle of the Unmatched wilderness with wild animals not far away. There are private and public campsites. Private facilities have kitchens and toilets. Some have pools where you can relax with friends and family.
About photography? Well, Maasai Mara National Reserve is known for its interesting landscape, wildlife and flora. We see many wildlife photographers have visited the reserve just to capture its natural beauty and wildlife. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to go for a photographic safari. You just need a good camera.
Maasai Cultural Encounter
The Maasai people give memorable cultural encounters in Tanzania. The fact is that the Maasai tribesmen are one of Africa’s most intriguing ethnic groups. Their colorful dresses and height attract many. A visit to one of the Masai Bomas is highly recommended, especially when on a family trip with children. The children will be amazed by the Masai lifestyle, culture and traditions. While on a visit to Maasai, you can learn how to milk goats, build houses using local material “mud, grass, trees and dung,” and use traditional hunting tools. After the cultural encounter and entertainment. If time allows, you can visit one of the artisan shops for a souvenir.
The Mara River
The Mara River originates from the Kenyan highlands and drains into Lake Victoria. It’s the main water source that provides water to animals in the reserve and the same route where the wildebeest cross as they migrate from the Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This river attracts lots of birds, crocodiles and hippos.
Best Time to Visit Maasai Mara National Reserve
The best time to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve is all year round, but it is best during the dry season, which happens between July and October and December and February. July to October is the best time to enjoy the great migration reaching Mara, while December to February is the best time to watch the big cats in action.
Additional information:
A visit to Maasai Mara National Reserve can be arranged with other neighboring countries in a “combined trip,” like the 8-day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee Trekking and a safari in Masai Mara. Or do 7 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour and Maasai Mara safari package. Just Get Started Planning Now!
