Thinking about taking that one of a kind safari trip to Africa and nothing more beautiful keeps recurring in my mind more than the picturesque scenes of African sunsets beaming over its dramatic savannah-filled landscape. A herd of wild animals roaming casually with sparsely distributed acacia trees making a perfect backdrop. Or perhaps a wild cat- cheetah, strategically perched on a tree top and ready to pounce on an oblivious gazelle grazing nearby. What if told you could experience all this in one particular destination, the Maasai Mara national reserve? In fact, it’s often joked that “If Safari in Kenya was to be offered in a menu, Maasai Mara national reserve would occupy the main dish section,” here’s why…
Nestled on the southern border of Kenya and Tanzania is Kenya’s most famous and internationally acclaimed, Maasai Mara national reserve. The reserve is a one of a kind safari destination with great diversity in its flora and fauna. In its vast grasslands lies an incredible wildlife population and a high density of preys & predators with unique characteristics such as the famous tano bora cheetahs I mean, where else have you ever heard of a coalition of a group of wild animal predators united in purpose; Hunting? The reserve’s great weather, dramatic landscape and vast open grasslands makes for a perfect theatre to witness live safari action. Here’s why you should feel free to carry your popcorn…
The Great Wildebeest Migration
Considered as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, the Great Wildebeest Migration is arguably one of the greatest wildlife spectacle that’s bound to leave safari enthusiasts in awe. What starts as a regular mass movement of large herds of wildest across the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem in search for greener pastures often evolves into a full blown dramatic journey where a number of predators line up their routes to take them down. From the lions to cheetahs and crocs in the crocodile infested Mara rivers, major predators always lay siege to their prey. The high drama and action ensures only the strongest survive and make it through with their journey in what is largely considered as the greatest animal spectacle. You definitely don’t want to miss it.
Abundance of wildlife
As one of the largest game reserves in Kenya with a flourishing wildlife population, Maasai Mara is definitely you go to park where you’re guaranteed to not only spot the Big 5 animals (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and black rhino) but also other incredible animal species such as giraffes, topi, gazelles, wildebeests and zebras. If you are lucky you may spot the famous Tira, a rare polka dotted zebra foal spotted in 2019.
Moreover, Maasai Mara is home to the big cat family and it is here where you are likely to spot a group of leopards and cheetahs on tree tops or camouflaging in the vast savannah. If you are lucky, you may spot the famous tano bora, a coalition of five cheetahs hunting as a group. Usually an early game drive is all you need to see much of the jungle come to live as it is usually their best hunting time.
Spectacular Game drives
You’ve probably heard this before… that Game drives in Maasai Mara are exceptional! Yes. Whether you are taking an early morning game drive or a late evening one, the African sun’s golden rays beaming over the savannah-filled dramatic landscape dotted with different wild animals will leave you awestruck! The land is enchanting and its natural beauty is just magical. Usually, early morning game drives are the best time to spot big cat predators as it is when they’re coming out from the hunt. At this time, it’s quite common to spot a lion in full beast mode taking down a gazelle for a sumptuous breakfast. My last time in Mara I had the opportunity to spot a whole family pack of lions with an overnight kill. It was a surreal experience to just get close up to them before one of the male lion’s earth-shaking roar sent me back to the seat from the van’s rooftop.
The Maasai People
What’s Maasai Mara without the Maasai people? perhaps even the name ‘Maasai Mara’ wouldn’t exist… I guess. Maasai Mara national reserve is no doubt a timelessly unspoiled wilderness largely inhabited by the ethnic Maasai people and pockets of ndorobo who together co-exist with the wild animals in a shared ecosystem. The warmth of the Maasai people is bound to melt your heart. A trip with us to the Maasai maar accords you a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in their well revered traditional lifestyle. From visiting their villages popularly known as manyattas to participating in the famous high-jump and throwing of rungus, there’s never a better way to connect with these groups of people whose exclusion from full civilisation and total embrace of their beautiful culture earns them a lot of admiration.
Accessibility & accommodation
One of the most underrated aspects of the Maasai Mara is how the reserve can easily be accessed via road or air and the many accommodation options it offers. Located about 276km south west of the capital Nairobi and bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti national park to the north, the reserve can easily be accessed via flight taking about 1 hour from Wilson airport to the variety of airstrips found in the reserve. Here, you can take advantage of our Luxury Safari (Flying Package). Also the reserve can be accessed via the Narok road route (B3 & C13) talking about only 5hrs from the capital to the nearest entry points mainly Sekenani, Talek or Oloolaimutia gates. The reserve also has plenty of accommodation options. Whether you’re looking for a bush glamping, luxury hotel or a tented camp experience, Mara has plenty of options that will have you spoilt for choice.
From the land of enchanting views with abundant wildlife, dramatic landscapes and beautiful Maasai people, a Visit to Masai Mara will leave you yearning for more. So are you ready for a safari of a lifetime?
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