The Location of Maasai Mara spans an area of about 1510 square Kilometers in the south Western region of Kenya. The Masai Mara National reserve is part of the larger Serengeti Mara conservation area. The Serengeti on the other hand covers an area of about 25,000 square Kilometers. On the western side of the park is the Siria escarpment which is massive savanna grasslands that are overlooking the Mara River.
The Masai Mara national reserve is standing at an altitude of between 1500 and 1900 meters above sea level. The temperatures here are always hot during the day and cool during the night.
History and Conservation Role
The Masai Mara National Reserve became a wildlife refuge in the 1960s during the colonial period. Over time, local communities added more land to the reserve through conservancies. This has helped to increase the protected area and support wildlife.
These conservancies play an important role in protecting animals and improving wildlife numbers. The Maasai Mara also acts as a corridor that supports animal movement between the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro conservation areas. This movement is important for animals like wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
Management of Maasai Mara
The Narok country was given the responsibility to run and manage this wildlife reserve. They do this together with the Trans Mara which has the mandate of running the wildlife in western and eastern Kenya.
The reserve is now largely held as one of the leading wildlife conservation areas in the world.
How to Get to Maasai Mara
Travelling by road to the Masai Mara National reserve is such a great adventure as it will allow you to interact with the community. You make stops in areas that interest you. The drive will be about 4 to 6 hours to cover the 230 Kilometers from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. The drive is however abit hectic. Park of the road especially as you approach the Masai Mara national reserve, the road is a bit bumpy and rough.
You can also enjoy a smooth journey and an aerial view of the Masai Mara National Reserve. This is when you fly to the Masai Mara National Reserve. The majority of domestic aircraft will land at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, which is close to Langata. Flights from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are also available. You can land at any of the various airstrips within the Masai Mara National Reserve.
