Simply referred to as “The Mara”, Maasai Mara is a large game reserve located in Narok county in Kenya. It adjoins the famous Serengeti national park in the northwestern side of Tanzania. Maasai Mara was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1961 covering an area of 520 sq.km and later on extended to the east to the current 1,821 sq.km. The national reserve was named after the Masai people who are the original inhabitants of the area. This group is a famous tribe that spans the northern, central and southern regions of Kenya and north of Tanzania.
Maasai Mara is one of the top safari destinations for wildlife safaris in Africa. it is a big home for wildlife including wildebeest, zebra, leopard, African elephant, white rhinos, buffalo, lion, Thompson’s gazelle, topi, impala, eland, duiker, coke’s hartebeest and a variety of small carnivores. Birds in the park include secretary birds, crowned cranes, African pygmy, vultures and hornbills among others.
Things to do in Maasai Mara
Game drive: wildlife viewing is a highlight for safaris to Maasai Mara and one of the ways you can fully see them is by going for game drives. Game drives are conducted in the morning and evening. Night game drives are done to look out for nocturnal animals. Common animals seen during game drives include wildebeests, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, Thompson’s gazelles and hippos among others.
Bird watching: Maasai Mara is a bird watcher’s paradise with 470 bird species that includes over 40 birds of prey. Some of the common birds of the game reserve include the Hammerkop, Black-crowned night heron, cattle egret, purple heron, long-tailed cormorant, giant kingfisher, red-throated tit and rufous-bellied heron among others.
Camping: camping in the wilderness of Mara is one of the most enjoyable adventures you can take on. Yoi will set up your tent in the bush and have an overnight there. This allows tourists to get a deeper experience of staying in the wilderness. With your travel mates, camping is more fun in the evenings while sharing stories around a camp fire.
Nature walks: exploring the park on foot takes you closer to the wildlife here. It gives a more thrilling experience as you watch the wildlife while on the same floor of the environment.
Hot air balloon safari: the hot air balloon is an amazing adventure that involves flying up in the air in an air balloon filled with warm air. The activity gives tourists an opportunity to watch wildlife from above and enjoy vast aerial views of the park.
Maasai cultural experience: don’t miss meeting the Maasai group of people in Kenya for an interesting cultural experience. It is one of the groups of Africans on the continent that still boasts an authentic culture and lifestyle. Spend some time with them and learn about their culture as well as enjoy a cultural performance.
Maasai Mara is a true African wilderness that every travel enthusiast needs to explore. For the best of your safari experience, hire a car with an experienced professional guide and navigate the game reserve to your fullest by booking with us today. You can rent a car with driver-guide or self drive by contacting us via info@rentadriverkenya.com or call us now on +256-700135510 to speak with the reservations team.
