The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most sought-after locations for a Kenya Safari because of the variety of activities it offers. The park is connected to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and is situated on Kenya’s northern border with that country. The park is roughly 1510 square kilometers in size. The greatest places in the area to see wildlife are Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
In search of greener pastures, around 1.5 million wildebeest migrate from the arid plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara game reserve during the dry season, which runs from July to September. This system allows the animals to travel over 800 miles, which is what makes for an amazing show.
While visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve, there are a number of activities available. While here, you can go on a safari for up to three days. The Mara River, the Musiara Swamp, the Masai Villages, the Narok Museum, the Mara Triangle, and the surrounding private Masai conservancies are a few of the sites. The following are the primary pursuits in the Masai Mara National Reserve:
Game drives
You must tour the park while going on a game drive because this is one of the best places in the area to see animals. There are nighttime games, midday game drives, and games in the early morning. The best game drives are typically in the morning when you can see the animals in their native environments. The night games drives will help you see the nocturnal animals like the shy leopard. The afternoon game drives usually begin at 2pm and these will help you see some animals after their morning activity while they are at rest. Some of the animals you expect to see are: zebras, giraffe, hyenas, elands, gazelles, Cheetahs and black rhinos.
Birding
The Masai Mara game reserve is home to about 500 bird species. This area is a birder’s paradise. One of the rare birds to look out for is the giant ostrich. Other birds to look out for are: ducks, egrets, geese, herons, ostriches, hornbills, pelicans, spoonbills, storks, martial eagles and vultures.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
The migration of wildebeests from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is estimated to number 1.5 million. This often occurs from July to September, which is the dry season. In search of more lush pastures in the Mara National Reserve, the wildebeest migrate from the arid plains of the Serengeti National Park. This is an amazing event because the animals travel approximately 800 miles on this expedition. One4 of the most crucial times in this journey is when the Animals cross the Mara River that is infested with crocodiles. This makes the journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara even more interesting.
Nature Walks/Walking safaris
For your protection, a guide and an armed ranger will accompany you. You get the opportunity to engage with the community and get up close and personal with the animals. You can enjoy and stretch your legs while also breaking up the monotony of long travels by going on nature walks or community walks.
Horseback safaris
The horse back ridding safaris are usually arranged in the ranches around the Masai Mara and not the main park its self. Most ranges have abundance of antelopes, leopards, wildebeest, hartebeests, giraffes, elephants, leopards and lions. It is the most ecological way to tour the reserve without emitting sounds and fumes.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
This activity is an upgrade on the usual game drive. It will give you an aerial view of the Masai Mara National reserve. On a lucky day you will have most of the action seen from above, there will be animals hunting their prey etc. The balloon safaris starts early in the morning and lasts about 3 hours. It may be followed by a picnic breakfast after.
Sundowners and Bush breakfast/dinner
In the wilderness, you can prepare meals to eat as the sun sets or rises. This experience transports you from the city routine to the heart of the jungle, where you may eat while observing wildlife, birds, and other natural wonders.
Masai Cultural Encounter
The Masai people are the original occupants of the Masai Mara national reserve. They are credited with giving the reserve its name. After being relocated from the park, they are now leading a different lifestyle. They were initially nomads, but they have assimilated into various occupations. This is as a result of environmental conservation initiatives. Not only are you learning and having fun when you visit the local villages, but you are also supporting conservation efforts. The villagers won’t participate in the wildlife trade if they are kept busy and have a source of income.
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