The geography of Maasai Mara National Reserve covers an area of about 1,510 square kilometers in the south western part of Kenya. The reserve is part of the larger Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which connects wildlife areas across Kenya and Tanzania.
Masai Mara borders Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania. The Serengeti is much larger and covers about 25,000 square kilometers. Together, these two areas support large numbers of animals that move between them during the year.
Landscape and Land Features
On the western side of Masai Mara National Reserve is the Siria Escarpment. This is a raised area that overlooks the Mara River and the plains below. The reserve is mainly made up of open grassland with few trees, which makes it easy to see animals.
The Mara River is one of the main rivers in the reserve. It supports wildlife and is also a key crossing point during the migration season.
Altitude and Climate
Masai Mara National Reserve stands at an altitude of between 1,500 and 1,900 meters above sea level. Because of this elevation, the weather is warm during the day and cooler at night.
The park has a steady climate throughout the year, which supports wildlife and plant growth.
Rainfall and Seasons
Masai Mara National Reserve receives about 55 inches of rain each year. The wet seasons usually occur from March to mid June and from October to November.
The dry seasons are from December to February and from mid June to September. These seasons affect how animals move and where they can be found in the park.
Key Geographical Facts
- Altitude ranges between 1,480 and 2,280 meters above sea level
- Average rainfall is about 3.4 inches per month
- Temperature ranges between 12 and 31 degrees Celsius
Importance of Maasai Mara Geography
The geography of Maasai Mara National Reserve plays a key role in wildlife movement and survival. The open plains, river systems, and climate all support animals throughout the year.
This geography is also one of the reasons why Masai Mara is well known for wildlife viewing and the annual migration.
