Maasai Mara National Reserve
Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserve, possibly its premier location for a safari – though facing fierce competition from Amboseli and Tsavo East – is The Masai Mara National Reserve. Formed in 1968; this prestigious expanse spans approximately 1,550 sq km: an amalgamation of expansive open grasslands punctuated by rocky hills and accented with acacia woodland. It sits strategically–sandwiched between multiple large conservancies to the north; adjacent to conservation areas east-west respectively—and borders directly onto Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park along its southern edge. The reserve constitutes an integral part of a vastly expansive East African ecosystem: it serves as a critical checkpoint for the Great Wildebeest Migration from July to October annually.
The annual Masai Mara migration also finds its home in the reserve, where it harbors the big five. An approximate count of 300 lions inhabits this land – a density among Africa’s highest – and sightings of these majestic, thick-maned creatures are virtually guaranteed; especially when you tread upon the open plains. The Masai Mara is common ground for cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and other carnivores like bat-eared foxes as well as black-backed jackals. It also accommodates elephants in abundance with a small yet robust population of endangered black rhinos. Over 570 bird species–from raptors to ostriches–have found their record in the reserve; indeed, this is alongside its spectacular game viewing.
The Masai Mara National Park is divided into three parts:
- The Eastern Sector
Around half of the reserve constitutes the eastern sector, extending from the Mara & Talek rivers to the Ngama Hills. This section stands as not only closest to Nairobi but also garners maximum visitation. The dominant Ngama hills ascend above Sekenani Entrance Gate – a landscape feature that remains discernible from all park regions and serves as an advantageous landmark for self-drive Masai Mara safaris. Although not teeming with wildlife like the plains below them, dense thickets on their slopes attract elusive black rhinos; therefore, touring these hills is worthwhile.
Short grassed savannahs, punctuated with intermittent acacia trees, define the classic East African safari landscape of the plains that encircle these hills. To maximize wildlife viewing in this region of the park: deviate from main roads and navigate through smaller tracks interweaving amongst primary routes. Inhabitants include big cats, and cheetahs – their prey predominantly consists not only of antelope but also gazelles; eland and ostriches are a common sight as well—alongside an abundance of elephants. The classic East African safari landscape features short grassed savannahs surrounding the hills; occasional acacia trees dot these plains. For optimal wildlife viewing in this section of the park–detour from main roads and utilize smaller tracks interlacing between major routes is recommended: common sightings here encompass big cats, and cheetahs along with their prevalent prey such as antelope, gazelle, eland – even ostriches can be observed frequently–plus a plethora of elephants adds to an impressive fauna display.
The South Mara Bridge, serving as the sole crossing between the park’s eastern and western sectors, presents an exceptional locale for a bush picnic. One can enjoy this scenic spot while overlooking a sprawling hippo pool.
- The Central Sector
Between the Mara and Talek rivers in the heart of the Masai Mara, lie the central plains. The reliability of game viewing here is exceptional—especially for big cats; many are habituated to vehicles. This allows you to approach very closely without fear that your presence will disrupt their activities or drive them away: an ideal situation for top-quality viewing and photography opportunities.
The Mara River and its tributary, the Talek, cup the central plains as the only permanent water sources that flow through the Masai Mara National Reserve. Dozens of deep hippo holes cover this area, and much aquatic life including hippos, crocodiles, and otters thrives in the Mara River; plentiful birdlife also finds a home there. A robust leopard population resides in addition to vervet monkeys and bushbucks within lush forests bordering these rivers.
The central section of the park serves as home to one of nature’s most spectacular shows: The Great Wildebeest Migration. This event occurs multiple times during a span, typically 2-3 months when wildebeests reside in Masai Mara. Several regular crossing points exist within this area; notably so is a cluster situated within an up-water region–approximately 5 km upstream from the Talek confluence with Mara River. The optimal vantage point for observing the herds gather and cross the river is Lookout Hill, which stands in opposition to Serena Lodge.
- The Mara Triangle
The Mara Triangle, the most westerly section of the Masai Mara Reserve, faces division from the rest of the park by its eastern boundary – The Mara River. To its northwest stands imposingly: The Oloololo Escarpment—400 meters above wildlife grazing on plain terrains; this dramatic backdrop adds to the scenic charm. Come July and August when grasslands flourish with life; it is not just a mere population explosion but an intricate dance between prey–wildebeest, zebra, gazelle—and their many predators that takes place in these vast stretches: specifically within the confines known as “The Triangle.”
The rest of the Masai Mara experiences more visitation and crowding than this particular section of the park; however, its accommodation options are limited–albeit of high quality.