Masai Mara National Park

Masai Mara National Park is located in Kenya along the border of Tanzania and is contiguous with the neighboring Serengeti National Park.  The park region is named in honor of the Masai people group.

Masai Mara stretches across an area of 580 square miles (1,510 sq km).  It represents the northernmost portion of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.  The Sand River, Talek River, and the Mara River are the primary rivers draining waters of the reserve.  The park is divided into two main areas the inner portion which features pristine wilderness and the outer portion which allows for cattle of the Masai people to graze.

The Masai Mara is renowned for its abundance and variety of larger plains species as well as the variety of predator species.  It is considered the only place left in Kenya which resembles the wildlife population today from what it once was.  Although there is an abundance, the wildlife is declining and thankfully the preserve is there to protect it.  It is one of Africa's most coveted wildlife viewing destinations.

Popular wildlife that might be seen in the Masai Mara include hippo, giraffe, waterbuck, reedbuck, roan antelope, warthog, eland, topi, gazelle, zebra, baboon, crocodile, various species of monkeys, and black rhino.  Except for the mountain gorilla, all of Africa’s Big 7 can be part of your wildlife sightings.  The Mara is home to the largest collection of lions in Kenya.

Predator species are almost always atop traveler's wildlife viewing wishlist.  The good news is the Mara has them.  Lion, leopard, cheetah, jackal, hyena, and various species of mongoose are all found throughout the park.

The Masai Mara is a portion of the larger Mara Ecosystem which combines the Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet protective ranches.  All of these efforts work together recognizing the significance of protecting the wilderness and wildlife that live in the region.

Although the plains and wooded areas are beautiful, the wildlife is the reason travelers visit Masai Mara.  Most people target the months between July and October with hopes of experiencing the wildebeest migration through the park.

There are plenty of opportunities for historical and cultural experiences as well.  You can visit Masai villages and cultural centers which will all expose you to the culture of the Masai people.  You might become better at jumping if you pay close attention.

Photos

Masai Mara National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

The Masai Mara is probably the leading safari destination in Kenya and regarded as the jewel of wildlife viewing.  The park is home to 95 species of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.  It is also a bird lover viewing spot with over 400 species of birds.

Whether in Tanzania or in Kenya, ballooning over the million-plus wildebeest herd and the other hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle makes for a spectacular highlight.  Lion, leopard, cheetah, serval, jackal, and hyena are possible predator sightings.

Large herds, 200,000 zebra, 18,000 elands, 500,000 gazelle, 97,000 topi, and the 1.3 million wildebeest can be experienced if the migration herd has crossed the Mara River and grazing throughout the plains and vegetation of the wilderness area.

The whole Mara experience is big.  The game-viewing is extensive, the vistas are awe-inspiring, the rolling hills seem endless, and it is all intertwined with groves of acacia and related bush.  The Mara River and subsequent tributaries traverse through the park creating pristine riverine forests.

Masai Mara National Park Accommodations

Olengoti Eco Safari Camp and Cottages

Olengoti Eco Safari Camp & Cottages delivers authentic African safari accommodations through luxury tents and cottages for those looking to explore Masai Mara in style.

Learn More

Keekorok Lodge

Keekorok Lodge is a premier accommodation nestled in the heart of the Masai Mara, surrounded by hundreds of square miles of wilderness, and located in the heart of the Serengeti migration.

Learn More

Things To Do:

Masai Mara is a wildlife haven with penty of opportunities to see the variety and abundance of animals in the park.

• Game Drive
• Ballooning

Game Drive

A game drive is the most popular activity of the park and the best way to see the greatest variety and abundance of wildlife.  Safari 4x4 vehicles will take you throughout the park givng you up close sightings of the animals.

Ballooning

An aerial view of the Mara landscapes and the wildlife below is one of the most enchanting experiences.  Take in the panoramic views as you tranquilly gluide through the morning air.  This is a captivating experience you will never forget.

Masai Mara National Park Trails

The Masai Mara is wilderness at its wildest.  There are predator species roaming throughout the park and hiking is not an option.  The good news is there are walking safaris which do provide opportunities to have guided and guarded treks into this splendid wilderness.  Make certain you pay attention to any instructions provided by the guide or guards.  They have your safety in mind first with the goal of a wonderful experience with nature as the next key objective.