Safari in the Maasai Mara (also known as Masai Mara) is one of the most sought experiences by thousands of safari-goers across the world, a very popular destination in Kenya, and you should definitely add it to your bucket list.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the best wildlife destinations in Africa. The reserve, which is locally known as The Mara, is situated in south-west Kenya in the Great Rift Valley and was originally established in 1961. Mara means ‘spotted’ in Maasai language and refers to the short trees and bushes that dot the landscape. Among the seven wonders of the world is the Maasai Mara ecosystem because of the Great Migration.
There are two major rivers which cut through the Mara, Talek and the Mara River, they are home to hippos and massive Nile crocodiles. The rivers split the reserve into three sectors: the Sekenani sectors, which is to the east of the Talek river, the Musiara Sector, which lies right between the rivers and the Mara Triangle which lies to the west of the mara river.
Here are some activities to do while on your visit:
1) Game drive. The main event is the game drive where you have options of early morning drive or night drive. Wildlife roam freely across the boundaries of the reserve, you will get a chance to see the big five, cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, warthogs and more. Enjoy the game drive with safari vehicles and professional drivers who have a lot of experience.
2) Witness the Great Migration. The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest migration in the world where millions of animals move across the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Mara Plains in response to the weather.
The animals which include wildebeests, zebras, elands and gazelles, move in herds, following the rainfall and fresh grass. They migrate annually in a clockwise direction. Migration dates into Maasai Mara are not predictable but they typically start in July and ends late September.
3) Hot air balloon safaris. Going for a hot air balloon ride at dawn above the plains of the Masai Mara is an experience on a whole different level. It might sound unpleasant waking up at the crack of dawn on your vacation, but this will be worth your while.
Enjoy the tranquility of the ride, the fresh air and the views of the sun rising as you watch the wildlife below. The balloon ride takes approximately one hour but the memories will last a lifetime.
4) Maasai culture tour. Enjoy a visit to the Maasai village and get a chance to interact with the Maasai, learn about their culture and see some of their unique customs and practices firsthand. You get to see their manyattas, learn how they are made and their day-to-day life. It is interesting to learn some of the traditional rituals and ceremonies that make up the Maasai culture. Moreover, you get to dance and sing with them, the Maasai are famous for their jumping skills where the warriors gather and one of them stands in the center jumping higher and higher along with the singing of the warriors.
You will also get a chance to buy souvenirs to take home with you which include beaded jewelry and more.
5) Bird watching. The Mara is a great place for birdwatching throughout the year with over 500 birds to find. Some of the popular birds in Maasai Mara include ostriches, hornbills, vultures, sooty chat, Marabou, glossy ibis, goliath heron and more.6) Visit the Mara River. The Mara River is famous because of annual wildebeest migration. The river which drains into Lake Victoria at Musoma in Tanzania, runs through the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Animals you can find there include hippos, bird life and Nile crocodiles. Many wildebeests die while crossing the Mara River
due to drowning, stampede and even being preyed on by the hungry crocodiles.
7) African sundowner. A sundowner is a unique experience during sunset as you watch over the
African Bush. The perfect way to end a long day after exciting safari experience, is sundowner in the bush which is an iconic part of any safari experience.
When it comes to accommodation in the Mara, there is a wide variety of options, from mobile camps, to tented camps and very luxurious family-friendly lodges.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is worth visiting any time of the year, not only during migration period, due to its abundant wildlife and mild climate. Book your preferred safari with Creek Tours and Travels to experience the best of Maasai Mara.
