About Masai Mara National Reserve | Book Kenya Safari

About Masai Mara National Reserve | Book Kenya Safari

Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is the star highlight of safari in this country because of the famous mysterious but mesmerizing Great wildebeest migration. The Great wildebeest migration is an annual exodus of millions of animals from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and back.

The frequently questions about the great wildebeest migration is what triggers these animals to start this journey as both herbivores and carnivores follow the same journey annually. During the great wildebeest migration, some of the participants include elands, herds of elephants, giraffes, Impalas, kudus, cheetahs, hyenas, cape buffaloes, wildebeest, leopards and others.

The Mara Rive crossing is the highlight of the entire great beast migration when migrant wild animals push there way to cross the Mara river as the tired ones lose the battle and are savaged on by residents crocodiles.

Fanatic great migration followers always look forward to witnessing the Mara crossing and many say, the best location to watch this moment is from Masai Mara National Reserve side. The Great Wildebeest Migration is recognized as one of the 8 natural wonders in the world.

Beyond the great wildebeest migration, Masai Mara National Park is a great game viewing destination but an early morning start is recommended to get the best results. Masai Mara National reserve to the big five too that is Rhinos, elephants, leopards, lions and buffaloes including other plains game.

Brief Details about Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve covers an area of about 1501 square kilometers. From Nairobi, the distance to Masai Mara National Reserve is about 275 kilometers. The altitude of Masai Mara National Reserve is 5000 feet. This park was opened as a conservation destination in November 1974.

According to the Kenya Wild society Masai Mara National Reserve is the most visited reserve in Kenya.

Activities To Do In Masai Mara National Reserve on Kenya safari

Great Wildebeest Migration

Between the months of July and August, the great wildebeest migration is in high gear and chances of witnessing the Mara River crossing are likely to occur. During the season of the great wildebeest migration, millions of wild animals can be spotted on the floor of Masai Mara National Reserve even from the balcony of your lodge. Some wild animals may even get as close as your room window for facilities within the reserve.

To watch the Mara river crossing, you need to strategically position yourself at a point and have some level of patience in order to get a glimpse into this powerful Kenya safari moment. You may also visit Masai Mara National Reserve in the after month of the peak great wildebeest migration season to see the effects of the visit of millions of wild animals to the reserve.

Game Drives In Masai Mara National Reserve On Kenya Safari

A regular game drive in Masai Mara National Reserve on the tracks of the reserve gives you chance to spot a range of residents wild animals even though the numbers are not so many as those during the season of the great wildebeest migration. Some of the resident wild animals of Masai Mara National Reserve include lions, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, elands, bush bucks, giraffes, kudus, giraffes, zebras and others.

For best rewards during a game drive in Masai Mara National Reserve, start the experience early morning to cover a wider area.

Local community visit in Masai Mara National Reserve on Kenya Safari

The Masai community from whom Masai Mara National Reserve gets its name are worth paying a visit. They live in Manyattas which are homesteads and from these the Masai are able to protect their cattle from possible rustlers. The Masai depend on the products from cattle for life and are stuck into there culture even with the influence of modernization.

During the community visit, in the Masai area, tourists may get the chance to taste some cattle products that are locally prepared, participate in the local dance moves, bead work, local fire making and much more.

Donot forget to carry some hard cash to support the souvenirs shops of the Masai as they sell beautiful crafts that are mainly hand made.

Hot Air Balloon Safari In Masai Mara National Reserve On Kenya Safari

The hot air balloon safari while on a visit to Masai Mara National Reserve is extra ordinary. From an elevated point, you get to watch wild game from an aerial view. The number of people allowed per air balloon basket is limited due to its capacity.

During the air balloon safari in Masai Mara National reserve, you may spot lions, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, elands, wildebeests, rhinos, leopards and others. Enjoy the stunning view of the vegetation that makes part of the park beauties on the plain grasslands. Choosing to do the hot air balloons is an opportunity to enjoy the unseen features of the reserve while off track.   From an elevated point, you get to watch wild game from an aerial view. The number of people allowed per air balloon basket is limited due to its capacity.

Guided Walking Safari in Masai Mara National Reserve on Kenya Safari

Be in control of your fears by embarking on a guided Nature walk on the outskirts of Masao Mara National Reserve. From here, you may get the opportunity to spot a number of animals that explore the park while in company of a ranger guide. Follow the trails used by regular walking safari participants

Keep up with the rest of the people on the guided walking safari in Masai Mara National Reserve so that you are not forgotten in the wilderness or put yourself in the danger of getting grabbed.

Cost of A Masai Mara National Reserve Safari in Kenya

The cost of Masai Mara National Reserve safari in Kenya is categorized into Upscale, mid-range and budget. The cost of Masai Mara safari is proceeded by park entrance fees that vary with season and compulsory to every tourist. Park fees are paid before gaining access to the park premises.

In addition, other tour costs to incur during this Kenya safari in Masai Mara National Reserve may include

Transport costs inclusive of vehicle hire, drive guide fees, gas or fuel and others

Accommodations costs inclusive of bed, meals, laundry and much more according to your budget. Accommodations contribute a lot to the type of Kenya safari you choose.

Extra hard cash to carry during the Kenya safari and use for on ground purchases. Tipping may not be compulsory but we encourage our tourists to generously tip. It is a token of appreciation that you may extend to those who offer a great service to encourage them to even better there work.

Best time for A safari in Masai Mara National Reserve

The dry season is the best time for a game safari in Masai Mara National Reserve especially when the great wildebeest migration is in high gear (July to August). The weather favors faster movement on the tracks of Masai Mara National Reserve and animals are quicker to spot. The grass on the plains of Masai Mara is lower permitting better visibility of the wild animals. Even though the environment may get dustier from the so many vehicles driving in the park, it is fun.

What to do in Entebbe

The wet season for a game safari in Masai mara National reserve should not scare you. The reserve is endowed with so many features of all seasons. While on game drive in Masai Mara National Reserve, you may get the chance to find infants as this is breeding season. The grass is higher and this provides a better hiding spot for the vulnerable infants and sufficient food supply.

Note that the tracks of Masai Mara National Reserve may get slippery in the wet season so you need to use a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition. Having a professional and experienced driver guide is an added advantage during this Kenya safari.

Is The Cost Of Safari In Masai Mara National Park Worth The Money And Time

The cost of safari to Masai Mara National reserve is worth every penny with experience beyond expectation. When you visit Masai Mara for a safari during the great wildebeest migration, you get to be part of those who witness this natural phenomena on the bucket list of many adventure seekers.

While on game drive in Masai Mara National Reserve, you may get to identify several animals that the park is endowed with.

By paying park entrance fees to Masai Mara National Reserve, you contribute to the fund that supports the conservation of wildlife in Kenya. In the past, the wild animal in Kenya where poached and there safety was at the rim so with the conservation campaign, positive results have been gained.

Immerse yourself in the aromas of nature by being part of the Kenya safari to Masai Mara National Reserve.

How to get to Masai Mara National Reserve on Kenya Safari

Road transport is the main means to get to Masai Mara National Reserve. The distance from Nairobi to Masai mara national reserve is about 275 kilometers. The way is scenic with chances of meeting locals passersby and so much more.  Using a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition is recommended because the roads get quite rough especially in countryside.

Air transport can also be booked for the Masai Mara National Reserve safari in Kenya. You need to make all necessary arrangements in advance. Ensure to carry the right baggage weight advised by the aviation company and find the appropriate means to get the extra bags to the destination. Donot forget to hire a transfer vehicle from the airstrip to your lodge.

Masai Mara National Reserve Accommodation On Kenya Safari   

Accommodations to use in Masai Mara National Reserve are categorized into Upscale, mid-range and basic. The choice of accommodation to use on safari in Masai Mara National Park contributes to the Kenya safari package you choose. Ensure to know the full details included in the cost of accommodation.

Mara Forest lodge, Mara Serena Safari lodge, Mara Frontier Hotel, Mara Sweet Acacia, Royal Mara Safari lodge, Oldarpoi Mara camp Mara Olapa Camp, Entumoto Safari Camp, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, Spirit Of The Masai Mara, Mara Kimana Camp

It is best to reserve accommodation for the Kenya safari in Masai Mara National Reserve in advance especially during the peak season because the best options sell out in advance.

 Packing list For a Safari in Masai Mara National Reserve

Camera with a good lens to use while taking photos of the amazing moments while on safari in Kenya

Safari boots to wear especially if you have to step out of your vehicle but this must be in company of a ranger guide

Warmers because it gets too cold early mornings and late afternoon during safari in Masai Mara National Reserve.

Safari hat with a large brim to cover head from possible buzzing insects that may fly into your hair or dusty environment.

A torch as most facilities in Masai Mara use solar energy as there main power supply. Sometimes the panels and battery donot store enough energy so lights may go out.

Extra hard cash to use for on ground purchases. Credit cards are not a common means of transaction used in Africa.

Birding guide for those on kenya birding safari in Masai Mara National Reserve

Sleeveless when it gets too hot and convertible trousers. Extra clothes to change into when you return from the field.

Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the strong sunrays and buzzing insects that cross your way.

Backpack where to carry from some essential you may need during time away from the lodge.

Foldable water bottle from which you can carry drinking water because Masai Mara National Reserve is very hot especially during the dry season. You may carry some body wipes too because of the dusty environment created by car tires that move through the park.

Extra power source in case you run out of power supply, Extra fully charged batteries may save the day.

Sun screen to apply when out in the field because of the strong sunrays in the tropics.

Insect repellant that you are comfortable with