Masai Mara National Reserve is well known as a tourism destination in Kenya, it’s situated in the Great Rift Valley characterized of open grassland. It has a big attraction of wildlife that occupies the western escarpment of the reserve. It covers an area of approximately 1,500square km. Masai Mara is famous for its wildlife and it’s considered as a gemstone for Kenya. The most exciting aspect about this reserve is the wildebeest migration period; it usually takes place in July and by November living the reserve. The animals that cross over to the reserve are close to 1.5 million, its such a adventurous moment.
The reserve has over 95 species of mammals including the reptiles along with amphibians. Bird species range from 400 and above. This area has all kinds of wildlife that can’t be easily spotted in Africa. Once you visit the reserve, you will definitely see the big five such a as rhino, lion, leopard, elephant as well as buffalo. Other animals include nocturnal bat-eared fox, Roan antelope, Coke’s hartebeest, topi, Impala, Cheetah, Hippopotami and the Greant’s gazelle. Although take note that the Masai Mara is the home to the wildebeest.
What makes this reserve so unique is the fact that the wildebeest move in millions in addition to other animals like zebra and Thompson’s Gazelle, they from the Serengeti plains in search of pasture and water in the north and after sometime return to the south in the month of October.
Masai Mara Attractions
Masai Mara has the best attraction of the Great Rift Valley that is surrounded by the Lake Nakuru.The reserve is known as the wonders of the world because of the great wildebeest along with the different kinds of bird species. It has scenic view of the plains along with the big cats hunting in the wild. The Masai culture is also exciting as the people are so hospital. To have the best story of your safari to Masai Mara is by visiting during July and October; the experience is for a life time.
Getting to Masai Mara
Masai Mara is a few miles away from Nairobi, it’s a 6 hours drive by a vehicle. The roads are not in good condition and you can only access it by using a 4WD vehicle. Please endeavor not to travel during the rainy season because the roads are impassable. Majority of tourists prefer flying to Masai Mara National Park, it’s a bit expensive but worth the expereince.You can book a ticket with Kenya Airways, it has daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport and the flight takes about 45 minutes.
Where to Stay
It has the best accommodation ranging from lodges to camps; they are budget friendly and are based on one’s preferences or demands. The campsites are so beautiful and all you have to do is to put up the tent and enjoy the night with the sounds of the wildlife. Luxury tented camps as well as safari lodges offer better services and facilities to its visitors. The experience at this reserve is for a lifetime.