Discover the amazing Masai Mara

THE MAASAI MARA

Arguably the best and greatest wildlife reserve in Africa, the Maasai Mara has lived up to its billing with numerous visitors flocking to the park to marvel at mother nature’s wonders especially during the wildebeest migration.

Despite the fact that you can see just about all animals at the park, the crocodiles in the Mara river, the lions and the wildebeest are the most memorable. Dubbed the eighth wonder of the world, the 2 million plus wildebeeste migration is an experience unlike any other.

The crocodiles are at their happiest and most active as the wildebeeste and a 200,000 zebra population cross the Mara river. Carry your cameras to capture the breath taking shots.

In addition, you will easily spot a solitary white rhino, a cheetah just about to pounce on its prey, a leopard resting on a tree top and the rest big five; African Elephant, Water Buffalo, Lion, in other parts of the park.

The Maasai Mara lies to the South-west of Kenya and is also home to the Maasai who co-exist with the animals right in the park. The Par is approximately 200km (370miles) from Nairobi by road.

High seasons are between June and August, December and January. The June – August season is the wildebeeste migration period and normally the animals migrate back to the Serengeti when the grass dries up over October – December.

You can also fly to the Mara to the following Airstrips in the park, Mara Serena Airstrip, Musiara Airstrip and Keekorok Airstrip, Mara Shikar Airstrip, Kichwa Tembo Airstrip and Ngerende Airstrip direct from Diani Beach. Flights to the park are available at Kenya’s Wilson airport.Entry fees at the gate are USD 60 for adults and USD 30 for children. Numerous lodges and camps offer accomodation at the park. Lodge accomodation varies between

USD 50 – 200 per person per night while camping ranges between USD 25-100 per person. Ensure you secure your booking early either online or through your travel agent to avoid inconveniences especially during high seasons.

Activities while at the Maasai Mara revolve around the weather calendar. It rains in April and May and again November and this can cause some areas of the Mara to be inaccessible due to the sticky ‘black cotton’ mud.

July to October is dry and the grass is long and lush after the rains, temperatures vary between 85°F (30°C) during the day and 60°F (15°C) at night. This is a good time to come and see the huge herds of migratory herbivores.

The warmest time of year is December and January, an appropriate time to go bird watching, the Mara boasts of 53 birds of prey species among other species. June and July are the coldest months. Pack appropriate clothing depending on the weather patterns above.

The Mara is a malaria zone and you should ensure you get anti-malaria shots or drugs from your country of origin.

The Mara is segmented into the following zones Ngama Hills to the east with sandy soil and leafy bushes liked by black rhino, Oloololo Escarpment forming the western boundary and rising to a magnificent plateau, Mara Triangle bordering the Mara River with lush grassland and acacia woodlands favourite for migrating wildebeest, Central Plains forming the largest part of the reserve with scattered bushes and grassland.

You can go for balloon rides especially during the warm periods while you view the vast grassland and blue skies normally witnessed at this time of the year. If you are driving your own vehicle ensure you avoid off-road drives and after dark drives which are normally prohibited. It is also necessary to hire guides in case you got lost in the vast park. Welcome to the Maasai Mara.

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