Maasai Mara : In Brief

You all must have seen the Discovery Channel and the National Geographic Channel and in it the Lions & the other Big Cats, the African Elephants, the Wild Beast and the various flora and fauna of the forest with many different species of animals. Well! They are mostly from Africa and most importantly from the Maasai Mara, in Kenya. Maasai Mara is situated in Kenya and is one of Africa’s greatest Wildlife Reserves. It is considered as the world’s top and most favorite Safari Destination and this is due to its spectacular Eco-System.

If you are an Adventure Freak, Wildlife Enthusiast, an animal or a nature lover you must visit the Maasai Mara. If you are a Wildlife or Nature Photographer then visiting this place is not an option but a compulsion.

Before I take you further let’s check the fact sheet of Maasai Mara.

Where Do We Go	Maasai Mara National Reserve, Narok County, Kenya
The meaning of Maasai Mara	The Maasai Mara got its name from the local people who called the land “Mara” which means “spotted” in Maa. Maa is the name given to the Masai language. Maasai is the Language while Mara is the name of the place.
Exceptional Animals	Masai lions, African leopards, Tanzanian cheetahs, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, and wildebeest
Area	1,510 sq km OR 583 sq miles
Uniqueness	The Big Five which are Lion, Leopard, African elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Black Rhinoceros
Exceptional Birds	Vultures, Marabou Storks, Secretary Birds, Hornbills, Crowned Cranes, Ostriches, Long-Crested Eagles, African Pygmy-Falcons and the Lilac-Breasted roller,
Unique Phenomenon	The Great Migration which takes place from July to October every year

Photos of the Big Five :

 

Masaai Mara should be on everyone’s bucket list because the ecosystem is phenomenal and unlike any other place. Between July and October every year, a global phenomenon takes place which is the Great Migration. See the documentary on the Great Migration below.

How to Reach Masai Mara National Reserve? : It’s about 270 km from the capital Nairobi City and takes about 4-5 hours by road or 40-45 minutes by flight. The road is great for the most part. there is a section from Narok town to Sekenani Gate that is dirt road but fairly good. The other road through Lemek and Aitong town is not good at all and very bumpy.

Best Time to Visit : July to October is the Best time when the Great Migration takes place. December to February is also a good time to visit if you want to see the Big Cats as the weather is drier and good for the cats.

Recommended Number of Days for Safari: While 4 days are enough for safari, you may take 7 days or even more aswell if you are going primarily for wildlife photography.

Photo credit: Foter.com

Photo credit: TheWanderingAmerican via Foter.com / CC BY-ND

Photo credit: Foter.com

Photo credit: berniedup via Foter.com / CC BY-SA

Photo credit: jinkemoole via Foter.com / CC BY

Photo credit: Rod Waddington via Foter.com / CC BY-SA

Photo credit: Bradsview via Foter.com / CC BY-ND