If you are planning an action packed safari adventure, then the mighty Masai Mara in Kenya is certainly the right place to do it. With the largest population of lions in the world and huge animal and plant diversity, there is a lot to enjoy on a Masai Mara safari adventure. You will definitely be held spellbound by a huge variety of wildlife species in the Mara including the holy grail; the Big 5, which includes the lion, leopard, African elephant, African buffalo and the Black Rhinoceros. There are also cheetah, zebra, wildebeest and Thomson gazelle in the Maasai, the beautiful landscape of the wildlife reserve and the unique and rich customs of the traditional Masai people of Kenya. The rich wildlife, fascinating culture and ancient history makes this is a great destination.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is situated in southwest of Kenya. This region is inhabited by the ancient Masai people of Kenya. The Masai Mara National Reserve is bordered to the south by the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, another excellent game reserve, to the east and north by the Masai pastoral ranch and to the west by the Siria escarpment. The size of this reserve is enormous, about 580 sq. miles (1,510 sq. km) and 1,500-2170 meters above sea level. The beautiful landscape of this reserve is mainly grassland and forest composed essentially of acacia trees.
There are always plenty of things to do in the Masai Mara National Reserve with no dull moments whatsoever. Most visitors are interested in having an up close and personal view of the native wildlife.
Watch our video above for ideas and inspiration and read our full Kenya travel guide.
Some of the popular activities available to travellers include:
Walking Safaris: Strap you most comfortable walking shoes on and enjoy a Masai Mara safari on foot. Walkers move in group and are escorted by an experienced Masai safari guide. The job of the Masai guide is to provide a thorough and detailed explanation of the animal tracks found along the way, animal sounds, and Masai culture and heritage. Visitors who partake in this safari have the chance to catch some wonderful moments in the wild. Walking tours are offered by just about all of the camps and lodges in the Masai.
Horse Riding Safaris: If you already have experience of riding a horse then why not try a horse rising safari? This type of safari can cover great distances and provide wonderful views of the Masai Mara National Reserve whilst atop a horse.
Balloon Safaris: This is, perhaps, the peak of the pack among the different safaris available in this game reserve, especially for adventurous visitors. Take off at dawn on a hot air safari which lasts for about an hour, but it is worth every penny, time, and effort spent on it. After spotting wildlife below hunting in the early light, you will land and can enjoy a champagne breakfast.
Game Drives: The staple of all safari parks if the ubiquitous game drive. Be transported in an open sided four-wheel drive vehicle, where everybody gets a bird’s eye view. It’s the perfect choice for all ages and provides the perfect opportunity to capture the wildlife on film.
Birding Safari: The 570 bird species living in the Masai Mara National Reserve offer keen birdwatchers the perfect opportunity to indulge in their pastime. They will definitely have their fills of various species of birds in this game reserve.
Cultural Visits: Visitors have the chance to learn more about the unique culture and heritage of the famous Masai tribes of Kenya.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is about 270 km from Nairobi, the Kenya capital city. Travellers can board a bus or hire a taxi from Nairobi to the Masai Mara and takes about 5-6 hours by road. A better option is to fly from Nairobi direct into the Masai Mara which takes about 40-45 minutes.
