The Masai Mara National Reserve is the Northern sector of the bigger than Belgium Serengeti – Maasai Mara eco system, unquestionably the earth’s greatest haven for large herds of mammals, more than 70 species of which go about their business in the vast golden Serengeti – Masai Mara grasslands.
The Masai Mara Game reserve is dissected by three main rivers – Mara River, Talek River, and the Sand River. The Mara River flows in Northernly direction draining into the conservancies of Mara North, Lamek, Ol Chorro, and Enon Kishu. Talek River flows Northeast draining into Naboisho Conservancy. The Sand River flows South along the Kenya – Tanzania border draining into the Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Across the vast plains of the Mara, visitors can witness lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and an infinite variety of other mammals and bird species in their natural habitats.
To View our available Masai Mara Tours:
The Serengeti–Masai Mara ecosystem is, amongst much else, famed for the dramatic migration of its 1,600,000-plus wildebeest, 250,000-or-so zebras and 450,000 gazelles with hooves pounding the plains and the intense attention that migration gets from predators, both mammals and reptiles
Up here in the eco system’s north, the landscapes vary in color but tend to be greener in July August and September which is why the migration heads up here in search of water and green grass, when the drought hits Northern Serengeti in May and June.
The best time to see the Migration is when it heads North in July crossing the Grumeti and Mara Rivers as the giant crocodiles lay in wait. This dramatic fight for survival is so popular that droves of tourists head down to the Mara to witness this natural phenomenon.
The herds arrive in Masai Mara, Kenya in late July – early August and stay until late October – early November when they start crossing back to Serengeti in Northern Tanzania arriving in December in preparation for the calving time in February the following year.
Check out our Masai Mara tours available below:
4 Days Maasai Mara Wildebeest Migration (Luxury)
Exploring Masai Mara with Jumanji Africa Safaris allows you to experience a variety of different safari activities to make your trip even more memorable. Below are the various activities that you can take part in when you visit the Masai Mara.
Watching the long endless miles of Wildebeests, Zebras and Gazelles as they cross the Mara River packed with giant crocodiles while lions, cheetahs, leopards lie in wait to pounce on the injured from croc bites and on the seemingly incautious in such a great spectacle.
The Mara is famed for its incredible hot air ballooning experience over the vast green and golden plains and the abundant wildlife can make for spectacular sightings from above. The flight path goes deep into the Mara were the wildlife concentrates.
Imagine riding a horse as impalas leap and gazelles graze around you. Africa’s famed savannahs ripple in the wind. Giraffes bow their long necks towards the acacia leaves. Elephants raise their heads and watch impassive as you pass.
A horse safari is like no other experience. The thrill of being at one with nature never fades. You move freely amongst the animals as if you are one of them.
Experience a peaceful search of the Big 5 early morning just in time when they are all out for a quick breakfast. The gazelles graze knowing they must outrun the fastest lioness – the lioness must ensure its camouflage in the short golden grass is as good as the grass or its cubs will go hungry.
Like their cousins the Karamojong who settled in Northeastern Uganda, the Maasai are semi nomadic pastoralists who live by herding goats and cattle. A visit to the Maasai Village is worthwhile to learn about how they coexist with the wildlife with incredible wilderness survival skills. Maasai are great artisans, carry a few dollars for souvenirs.
Sit back in the cool wind of the night, watching the stars – enjoy the golden views of acacias and umbrella thorns silhouetted by the setting and rising sun.