Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara is said to be the greatest wildlife sanctuary on the planet. It is located North of the Serengeti plains and measures 1510 KM2 of mostly open grassland. Entrance to the park can be permitted at any of the six official gates; Taleki gate, Ololaimutieki gate, Olololo gate, Musiara gate, Sekanani gate, Sand River gate (currently closed). Apart from the usual game drives, there are many other types of safaris offered in the Mara, including masai village visits – see the culture of the people that inhabit the area, balloon safaris – which can be a great way to see the park from a great height with phenomenal views, camping safaris – where you can hear elephants and hyenas walking past your tent as you sleep and also walking safaris – you are led by a Masai Moran (a Masai between the ages of 14-30 who is living in isolation in the bush in preparation to be a tough warrior) who can show you the land on foot who acts as your protector as well as your guide.

There are many different types of accommodation to stay in at the Masai Mara, my recommendations are Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Keekorok Lodge, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge and Mara Safari Club.

The Mara river proves to be a supply of water for many different types of wildlife each year, this may be part of the reason that the Masai Mara continues to be one of the most animal rich safari destinations in the world. On safari there, you may be able to spot the ‘big five’ in all its glory (black rhino, cape buffalo, masai lion, elephant and leopard).

There are also many other types of animals that inhabit the park, such as crocodile, hippo, masai and rothschild’s giraffe, wildebeest and topi. There are also many different species of bird in the Mara, consisting of crowned eagle, goliath heron, grey-headed kingfisher, lilac-breasted roller and super starlings.

If booking a Masai Mara safari then research where the ‘great migration’ will be. Millions of wildebeest, eland, thomson’s gazelle and zebra cross from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara and back. So check the dates before booking your Kenya safaris!