Popular attractions in Maasai Mara National Park

Also known as The Mara named by the ancestral inhabitants of the area which are the Maasai people. Maasai Mara encompasses the word ‘Mara’ which means spotted in the Maasai language referring to the spotted trees and bushes vegetation observed in the reserve. The Mara is a large game reserve located in Narok County, which is in the southern part of Kenya. The reserve is adjacent to the Serengeti National Park (located in Tanzania) to the south. On the west, the park is bounded by the Siria/Oloololo escarpment whilst bounded by the Maasai pastoral ranches to the east, west and north. Sand River, Talek River and the Mara River are the major rivers in the reserve. The terrain in the reserve is said to be primarily open grassland with seasonal rivers. The southern-eastern side of the Mara is quite distinctive with acacia trees growing in the region. The mara is said to have a semi-arid climate with biannual rains with two very distinctive rainy seasons. Long rains are experienced in the region for up to eight weeks between April and May while short rains are experienced in November and December and approximately take four weeks. The reserve is at an elevation of 1500-2180 metres above sea level. The temperature in the region ranges between 12 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Originally, The Mara was established in 1961 as a sanctuary covering an area of about 520km2 but later in the year, the park was extended eastwards to occupy an area of about 1821km2. It was then that the sanctuary was converted to a game reserve and handed over to the County Council of Narok for management. Before the establishment of the reserve, Maasai people were moved out of the area for the protection and conservation of wildlife. In the year 1974, part of the reserve was given national reserve status with a parcel of land around 159km2 being returned to the local communities for settlement. An additional 162km2 area was removed from the park in 1976

The Park is well known to host the Great Migration which secured it as one of the seven natural wonders of the world and as one of the ten wonders of the world.

Maasai Mara reserve together with Mara Triangle and other small conservancies namely: Olkinyei, Lemek, Mara North, Kerinkani, Oloiren, Kimintet, Siana, Naikara, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Koiyaki, Maji Moto and Ol Derkesi are said to be part of an ecosystem commonly known as the Greater Mara ecosystem.

Wildlife in the park

The Maasai Mara is well appreciated for its large populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, topis, gazelles, dense herds of Burchell’s zebras, and the famous annual migration of about 1.8 million wildebeest. These herds regularly cross the Mara River as they move into the area between July and October, making this a coveted safari event that pits hoofed game animals against gigantic Nile crocodiles.

Yet the migration is a mere fraction of the wildlife interest here. Beyond the famous big cats (lions, cheetahs and leopards), local Maasai giraffes can be observed in the park, they are believed to be the tallest land mammals in the world. Elephants, buffaloes, and a small black rhino population are also present. Hippos and crocodiles are found in the Mara and Talek rivers, and more than 470 bird species have been identified to name a few of the animals observed in the park.

Accommodations both within the reserve and the private conservancies include traditional mobile tented camps; comfortable, often luxurious semi-permanent safari camps; and more modern lodges. The park is easily accessed via road and air. Nairobi to Maasai Mara by road via the Mai Mahiu route takes approximately five hours whilst via flight it takes approximately 50 minutes to land at the various airstrips in the area.

Whilst in the area it is highly recommended to visit the Maasai village to learn more about the culture of the Maa people and experience their way of life. A very enlightening experience. It is also recommended to do a hot balloon safari while touring the area. It is a very breathtaking memorable experience.

Top Activities to Do in the Park

Venture into the wild by going for a game drive/safari.
Visit the baboon cliff/ Out of Africa viewpoints for an amazing view and take a snap.
Visit Makalia waterfalls (one can have a picnic in the area)
Stop at the causeway area to have a glance at the birds and the lake.
Camping/catch some Zzzzs in one of the lodges in the park.