Maasai Mara

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Sunset | Masai Mara | Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve is regarded as Kenya’s finest and is named after the Masaai people that traditionally inhabit the region. The reserve comprise an area of roughly 1500 sq km but the animals are by no means confined to this area – the reserve is unfenced and surrounded by private concessions and tribal lands of the Masaai people. These areas act as buffer zones for the reserve and the Masaai people have learnt to live in harmony with the animals that roam their land.

The Masai Mara National Reserve forms a unique ecosystem along with the Serengeti of Tanzania. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is also home to one of nature’s greatest wildlife shows: the annual wildebeest migration that sees thousands of wildebeest and zebra on the move in search of water and grazing. This migration is closely tied to the rainfall of the area – the long rains occur in April and May – so the animals are generally in the Masai Mara from June to September every year, making for thrilling game viewing and exciting photographic opportunities.

The rolling savannah plains are home to Africa’s Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – as well as impala, hyena, jackal, giraffe, zebra and warthog, amongst others. These animals usually travel in excess of 900km during the month of July and many of them meet their end at the Mara or Talek Rivers, where huge Nile crocodiles lie in wait. The Mara is also known for its cat sightings – food is plentiful so you are very likely to come across lion, leopard and cheetah, even during a short stay. A visit to the Masai Mara is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will inspire you with awe and reaffirm your connection with nature.

See our ‘Tours’ section on the right for tours to visit the Masai Mara.