The Masai Mara is for many people one of Kenya's finest experiences. Recently been made the "7th Wonder of the World". The first sight of this natural wonderland is breathtaking. Huge herds of elephants gather here, as well as the famous wildebeest with on occasional glimpse of a solitary rhinoceros. Thomson and Grant gazelles, topi, eland and many other plains animals give a variety of choice for the dominant predators. Lion, leopard as cheetah hunt in this unique wilderness. In the Mara River hippopotamuses will rise at the sound of a car for a short time and sputter from displeasure before continuing the bathing and basking in the sun. At first glance sleepy crocodiles lie sunbathing on the banks, with an open mouth, waiting for a careless delicacy to stop by before striking with lightning speed. These beauties of nature can be found year round in the 1510 square kilometre large Masai Mara reserve.
The big migration of the wildebeest in East Africa, also known as "The Great Migration", takes place between the Kenyan Masai Mara and Tanzanian Serengeti National Park. It is where over 2 million wildebeest and zebra migrate annually, constantly driven by their quest for fresh grass while they follow the rains. The carnivores closely follow the herds, which are a necessary and very tasty meal for predators such as lions and hyenas. The exact timing of the annual migration is quite unpredictable since it is weather depending and it remains a spontaneous natural event. At the end of May the animals leave the Western Corridor of the Serengeti (Tanzania) and head for the northern plains and forests. The fresh and juicy meadows on the other side of the human frontier, in the Masai Mara, are irresistible for the animals and en masse they will enter the reserve in Kenya.
The timing of the migration changes annually and can arrive in the Masai Mara as early as mid June, but more commonly in August and September. The Mara River is the greatest obstacle they have to face, the currents can be strong and the banks steep, but it is the gigantic Nile crocodiles that is to be their biggest obstacle! Millions of wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra take part on this endless journey in search of fresh grasslands. Typically the herds continue their journey south in November but have been known to stay into January.
The wondrous event usually starts around July. The herds withdraw from the south and meet here another migration: the fixed wildebeest herds and residents of the Mara region. These animals stay in the Loita Hills and Plains, north-east of the Mara, until the dry season arrives and it is time to search for the ever-green Mara basin.
Throughout the month of July, stampeding herds of Wildebeest cross the Sand River, a predominantly dry tributary of the Mara River, which roughly marks the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Whereupon the herds go to the biggest challenge of their quest for food: the crossing of the Mara River and its tributary often, the Talek. By that time it rains on the Mau Escarpment, and the river water rises. The currents can be very strong and the river has steep slopes, but the biggest obstacles are the enormous Nile crocodiles!
The Masai Mara is a game reserve and not a national park, it is therefore not managed by Kenya Wildlife Service, but by the local authorities, namely the respective council. The problem seems to start with the administrative division, defined by the Mara River. The eastern sector belongs to the Narok district, and the western side is the Transmara District. This detail is just something to keep in mind. The fees paid at the entrance (which are always included in our itineraries) are valid for the specific district, and not for other districts. The areas are so large that it normally does not apply, but if you would like to visit another district in the Masai Mara then another park entrance fee has to be paid.
The pastoral nomadic tribe, previously feared because of their attitude warriors, have lived in the Masai Mara and its surrounding area for a very long time. When chef Lenana signed an agreement in 1911 with the colonial government, he accepted the sale of the Maasai area and many Maasai moved further south, because of the urban development of Nairobi. In the 19th century an ancient prophecy of the Maasai came true and many were killed by an epidemic brought to them by the white colonials. Their numbers were drastically reduced and the area of the Mara was abandoned. When the reserve was inaugurated in 1961, this was done for the protection of animals in this deserted and wild country. The game was almost extinct by hunting and killing by the white conquerors. The protection of this area was one of the factors that contributed to the return of the Maasai, back to their territory. The Maasai now live together with wild animals, tourists and their livestock in an area that the whole world is watching. All in all, the situation in the Masai Mara remains fragile and the future will tell whether the Mara in its current splendour will remain. Outside the districts, there are also several private parks that eventually form part of the Mara.
The following accommodations are recommended by Africa Miracles:
nside the Masai Mara Game Reserve:
Sarova Mara Camp, Mara Serena Lodge, Governors' camp, Little Governors' Camp, Il Moran, Keekorok Lodge, Ilkeliani Camp, Mara Intrepids Camp, Mara Fig Tree Camp and Rekero Camp.
Outside the Masai Mara Game Reserve:
Mara Sopa Lodge, Mara Simba Lodge, Olonana Camp, Kichwa Tembo Camp, Siana Springs Tented Camp, Tipilikwani Camp, Karen Blixen Camp and Film Safaris Camp.
Private reserve as part of the Masai Mara ecosystem:
Cottars 1920’s Camp, Elephant Pepper Camp, Richards Camp, Porini Lion Camp, Mara Porini Camp
Distances and location:
The journey from Nairobi to Masai Mara can take 5-6 hours, because a large part of the road is not in optimum condition, however it is currently being worked on. From Lake Naivasha it takes slightly less time to the Masai Mara. For your own convenience, you can also opt for a direct flight from Mombasa or Nairobi to the Mara.
Excursion options:
A. Short or long walks, hiking along the borders of the park with a Maasai warrior as your guide.
B. Balloon trip over the Masai Mara looking down on the animals, followed by a delicious bush breakfast.
C. Visiting a Maasai village (Manyatta).
D. Night game drives outside the boundaries of the reserve in one of the private parks.
E. Sundowner, enjoy a drink at sunset at a particular location.
