Masai Mara Game Reserve- Guide to Wildebeest Migration in Kenya.

Masai Mara Game reserve  is a large game reserve in the Republic of Kenya in Narok, contiguous with Serengeti national park of Tanzania. The Masai Mara game reserve was named in honor of the Masai people, the inhabitants of the area who migrated to the area from the Nile Basin.

The word Mara means spotted in the local Maasai language and it is a description of the area when looked at far. With several short bushy trees that dot the landscape, Masai Mara reserve is renowned among the most important and visited destinations in Kenya Check on big five animals in East Africa.

With an area of approximately 1,510 square kilometers, Masai Mara game reserve is bounded by Serengeti national park of Tanzania to the South, the Siria escarpment to the west, and the Masai pastoral ranches to the north, east and west.

Where does Masai Mara fit into your Kenya Safari Adventure?

It protects the highest population of lions, cheetah, African leopard, and African bush elephants. Also, the reserve hosts the Great migration which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and also among the ten Wonders of the world. Its ranked as the best destination in Kenya for wildlife watching along side Amboseli National Park

Safari activities in Masai Mara

An Adventure in Masai Mara Game reserve is offering a lot of things to do in Kenya while on Safari in Kenya on private guided or Self drive Safaris in 4×4 Rental Car Kenya

Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara

This migration involves the flocking of different animals including the wildebeests, zebras and Thompson’s Gazelles that cross the river of Mara from Serengeti national park of Tanzania in search of water and pastures. While on the way, these animals face a number of problems including predators like lions and the Nile crocodiles which eat them while crossing the Mara River.

Between the months of June and November, Masai Mara game reserve hosts the highest population of wildlife which is over 1.5 million in number.

Masai Mara game reserve is known for hosting the annual great migration which involves the flocking of numerous animals including the wildebeests, zebras, topi and Thomson’s gazelle. The park is also a home to all members of the Big five – lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhinos and also the cape buffalos. Other wildlife animals in the park include the hippos, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, crocodiles and many others, Read More

Game Drive in Masai Mara

Horseback riding in Masai Mara

Horseback rides in Masai Mara game reserve are organized in the conservancies but not in the main reserve. They are done by the guidance of the park ranger, the local Masai guides or the owners of the conservancies. During this experience spot several wildlife animals including; the elephants, leopards, wildebeests, hartebeest, giraffes, lions, antelopes and many others.

Besides the above activities, there are other experiences which visitors in the reserve can do and these include Masai cultural encounters, camping and photography, sundowners, hot air balloon safaris and many others.

Explore the game reserve by having a walking safari through the trails of the reserve. Sight the beautiful views and savannah of the park as you breathe the fresh airs and also listening to the beautiful sounds of different bird species. These nature walks are led by experienced guides or armed rangers and are very suitable in the private conservancies bordering the main reserve.

Walking Safaris in Masai Mara

Birding in Masai Mara Game Reserve

With more than 500 species of birds, Masai Mara national game reserve is surely among the best destinations for birding in Kenya. The park consists both the large and small birds including the egrets, geese, ostriches, horn bills, herons, storks, spoonbills, pelicans, martial eagles and the vultures.

Where to stay?See lodges & Camps

Masai Mara Game reserve is well provided with improved accommodation facilities ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury costs. Among them include Neptune Mara Rianta luxury camp, Osero sopia river camp, little governors camp, AA lodge Maasai Mara, Olarro plains, Julia’s river camp, Governors camp, Mara duma bush camp and others.

Best time to visit Masai Mara Game Reserve.

 Masai Mara game reserve can be visited at any time throughout the year but the best time is during the months of July to October and also December to February. In July to October, the great migration reaches the Mara and in December to February, it is the best time to spot the big cats. Self Drive Safaris to Masai Mara are recommended in dry seasons or selecting the Migration months for unique experiences.

How to access Masai Mara game Reserve.

Masai Mara Game reserve is accessed by all travelers and if your a self drive travelers , Make sure you have a good  4×4 WD which can be hired from 4×4 Africa and it takes 5 to 6 hours drive passing through great Maasai villages with a stopover at Narok town.

See the Access Gates to Masai Mara Game Reserve Kenya.

1. Sekenani Gate
2. Talek Gate
3. Musiara Gate
4. Oloololo Gate
5. Ololaimutia Gate
6. Sand River Gate  Closed Now