Maasai Mara National Game Reserve – Attractions & Activities
The Mara, also known as Maasai Mara and sometimes spelled Masai Mara, is a big area in Kenya and Tanzania. It’s a place where wild animals live, and it’s special because it’s good at taking care of them. The Mara is named after the Maasai people, who were the first people to live there. The Maasai people have a language and a culture that’s different from other groups in Africa.
The Mara is famous because it’s home to lots of different kinds of animals, like cheetahs, lions, elephants, and leopards. It’s part of a big area called the Serengeti, which is a place where lots of animals live. The land in the Mara is kind of “spotty,” with short trees all over it. The Maasai people talk about the land being “spotted,” which might mean the trees or the animals that are all around.
The Mara is a big area, about 1,800 square kilometers. That’s like having a giant field that stretches for miles! In this big field, there are so many animals. Imagine more than a million wildebeests running around, along with hundreds of thousands of gazelles and zebras. It’s like a big party for animals! And where there are lots of plant-eating animals, there are lots of predators too, like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
It’s not just about the animals on the ground; the Mara is also home to many kinds of birds. There are over 470 different types of birds, including some that eat other animals. So, if you’re a bird watcher, the Mara is like a paradise!
The Great Migration
Every year, something amazing happens in the Mara. It’s called the Great Migration. This is when millions of wildebeests and other animals move from one place to another in search of food and water. It’s like a giant parade of animals marching across the land. People from all over the world come to see this incredible sight.
The Maasai People & Culture
The Maasai people are the original inhabitants of the Mara. They are special because they measure their wealth by how many animals they own. The Maasai are allowed to let their animals graze on the edges of the Mara. Even though they sometimes lose animals to wild animals, they live peacefully alongside them.
If you visit the Mara, you might get a chance to see how the Maasai people live. They live in villages called manyattas, which are made of mud and cow dung. These huts are simple but sturdy homes for the Maasai. Some lodges in the Mara offer visits to Maasai villages, where you can see how the Maasai live and learn about their culture.
The Maasai people have a unique culture that you won’t find anywhere else. They wear bright red robes and have braided hair that they dye with a special kind of clay. One of the most exciting things to see is the Maasai dance called the Ipid. In this dance, Maasai warriors jump high into the air, showing off their strength and skill. It’s a breathtaking sight that you won’t forget!
Getting to the Masai Mara
Flying to the Mara
Most people who want to visit the Masai Mara fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. The flight takes about 45 minutes. The Mara has several airstrips where the planes land. These include Keekorok, Siana, Musiara, Ol Kiombo, and Serena airstrip. Flying from Nairobi to the Mara usually costs around $185 for each trip. Some lodges include this flight in their rates.
Driving to the Mara
If you prefer, you can also drive to the Masai Mara. It’s about 270 kilometers (or 168 miles) away from Nairobi. If you choose this option, a local tour operator can arrange a 4×4 car for you with a driver. The journey usually takes around six hours by road.
Masai Mara Park Fees
When you enter the Masai Mara National Reserve, you need to pay a fee. This fee is $80 per person for every 24 hours you spend in the park. However, many package tours include this fee in their prices, so you don’t have to worry about it separately.
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Good Time
Anytime is a good time to visit the Masai Mara for seeing wildlife. The animals are active throughout the year, so you can spot them whenever you go.
July to October: Great Time
However, many people believe that the best time to visit is during the dry season, which is from July to October. During this time, something special happens called the Great Migration. This is when huge herds of animals move from one place to another in search of food and water. It’s an amazing sight to see!
Spotting Predators
In the dry season, it’s easier to see predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. They hunt more often because there are more animals around. You can also see big crocodiles during this time, especially near rivers.
Rainy Season Caution
Some people avoid visiting during the rainy season, which is from April to May and November. During this time, the tracks in the park can become muddy and hard to drive on. This might make it difficult to see all the animals you want to see.