Masai Mara National Park

The Masai Mara is a large game reserve in south-western Kenya, which is effectively the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It was named after the Maasai people who are the traditional inhabitants of the area. It is famous for its exceptional population of Big Cats, game, and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle and wildebeest from the Serengeti every year from July to October.

The Masai Mara National Reserve covers some 1510 sq. km in south-western Kenya. It is bounded by the Serengeti National Park to the south, the Siria escarpment to the west and Masai pastoral ranches to the north, east and west.

It is in the Masai Mara that the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti National park (Northern Tanzania) in search of water and pasture takes place. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna-lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, jackals, hyenas and vultures. This wildebeest migration usually takes place between July and October.

All members of the "Big Five" are found in the Masai Mara, although the population of black rhinoceros is severely threatened. Hippos are found in large groups in the Masai Mara and Talek rivers. Cheetah are also found, although their numbers are also threatened, chiefly due to tourist disruption of their daytime hunting. The plains between the Mara River and the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment are probably the best area for game viewing, in particular regarding lion and cheetah.

As in the Serengeti, the wildebeest are the dominant inhabitants of the Masai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions. Around July of each year these ungainly animals migrate in a vast ensemble north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving an immensity of herbivores some 1,300,000 wildebeests, 360,000 Thomson's gazelles, and 191,000 zebras. These numerous migrants are followed along their annual, circular route by a block of hungry predators, most notably lions and hyena.

Bird life in Masai mara is prolific with over 450 species recorded. They include vultures, marabou storks, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches, long-crested Eagles, and African pygmy-falcons.

On addition to the great wildebeest migration, the other tour activities include game viewing to spot for the Big 5, excellent bird watching, Hot air ballooning, camping, photographing, and cultural excursions among others.

Accommodation is available in Royal Mara safari Lodge, Mara serena safari lodge, Elephant paper camp, Kichwa Tembo Safari camp, Offbeat Mara camp and Sarova Mara Tented lodge among others.

Cell phone +256 784445444

Office: 256 392 834 606