For anyone who’s ever been through a travel Journal, the Masai Mara needs no more introduction. The Mara Serengeti Ecosystem in over 20000 km2 in size. The parks size is 1500 km2 does it pack a lot in, its neighboring Serengeti National Park is 10 times bigger. The original homeland of the “Maa” Speaking people, Mara means ‘spotted land’, so named for its boundless and endless plains lightly sprinkled with Tortillis acacias and kopjes. This scene has become the face of East African safaris and set the Masai Mara National reserve firmly at the top of Kenya ultimate safari park. The park and its neighboring conservancies happen to be home to some of the highest densities of wildlife in World, which provide and guarantees some of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. Big herds of the African elephant, the Allure of Africa’s biggest cats, predators, birds of prey plain game and the heart-pumping thrill of the Migration It all awaits on a Masai Mara safari.
Here is the Mara!
On safari, game drives are good and magnificent and allow tour participants to cover the most ground, keeping pace and action with the millions of thundering herds of wildebeest & zebras and watching big cats follow their prey. In most cases clients full advantage of a full-day drive so you never miss a moment of this show. Nature walking and hiking is possible in some of the neighboring private conservancies, and might trace movements of a beetle, uncover hidden burrows and get to learn to track wildlife on foot with an armed Maasai guide. You can even join the throngs on horseback only allowed in private conservancies and get closer to the game than you thought possible or watch over the sprawling plains and ant-sized plain game from Masai Mara hot air balloon- an experience that it’s never to be missed while in Mara.
While the Masai Mara’s things to do list-bucket list is more, so does the price tag, this includes the number of days. A Masai Mara safari may be quite expensive but it’s worth the price tag– everything from Nature walking safaris, private game drives, balloon experience to sundowners tend to be included in the price. The fund collected here are for conservation and community projects.
In Many cases, we’ve we have been tipped or two for saving some pennies in the Masai Mara Reserve– and all without changing the overall experience. Most people prefer staying outside the main reserve and stay in the conservancies for part of their trip can which are more affordable than the central areas of the reserve and which are often quieter and more exclusive. It sounds tempting and time-saving to fly from place to place, The country road pattern makes it possible to drive between most safari destinations, this means you are benefiting from having a private guide for all the duration of your safari. The safari price changes with seasons with peak season being migration season – July, august to September, Low season April May and June, the rest of the season are mid-season.
Prime spotlights
The famous Great migration is undoubtedly the greatest wildlife show on earth (one of the seventh wonders of the natural world) and for a portion of the year (July to October), it plays out in the Masai Mara national reserve. In July, the Thundering herds of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and topi gather their energy on the banks of the Talek and Mara Rivers before Mara river crossing over the coming weeks, hoping to escape the waiting crocodile and predators. They are residents on the plains of the Mara National reserve until October, enjoying all the green short grasses and fresh water they can – One of the fantastic site no one want to miss.
Apart from Migration and Mara river crossing aside, the collection of wildlife of the Masai Mara is a highlight all on its own. The Big Five can be spotted all year round; it’s just the rhino that remains elusive. The rolling plains also provides a unique chance to see cheetahs sprinting across the plains in pursuit of plain game, while the two (Talek and Mara) rivers hold giant crocodile and big pods of hippo, which at times basks in the sun or foraging in nearby areas on night game drives.
The country has an amazing range of birdlife with over 1200 species to be spotted, including the migratory birds, resident birds, wading and birds of prey. Birding is at its colorful peak between eraly November and late March, and ornithologist will be amazed by the variety, from the tiniest African bee-eater to Africa heaviest bird the hammerkop.
This is the land of the “Maa” speaking people (Maasai) and a visit to the Masai Mara gives a true insight into their customary way of life. You can visit a Masai village just outside reserve and learn how to spot and track wildlife from the Masai guides on a guided walking nature trek.
The Masai Mara Can divided into three
The great Masai Mara ecosystem can be divided into three distinctive areas, each of which differs in ownership, activities offered and the number of visitors.
Masai Mara National Reserve
This is the Masai Mara National Reserve as its known. The largest piece of the pie, it is government-run (run by the County government of Narok) and has more rules to follow. For example, there is no off-road driving or walk, treks allowed and, to avoid being in the wrong hands with anti-poaching patrols, no night drives allowed too. We have a long list of camps/hotels and lodges built inside the reserve, which translates the crowds can be big in peak season. The main reason is, it provides all year round wildlife viewing – the Big Five, Africa’s big cats, Big herds of plain game and antelope are all in residence. It also happens to be prime at Mara river territory when the Great Migration moves across the Mara and onto the plains.
Accommodation
One of the best camps in the reserve, Ashnil is well-established – and what a location just right by the Mara River. You will be among the first to see the Great Migration herds from your deck!. Other Luxury Tented Camps, Mara intrepid and Mara Explorer provides lavish tents and vintage style at a riverside spot, where you will see abundant wildlife on game drives with some of the finest guides around. Keekorok Lodge located centrally In Mara National reserve. Over 800 square miles of lush, rolling plains encircle Keekorok Lodge, the first property in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The lodge was opened in June 1962.
The Conservancies
Past the boundaries of the Mara main reserve, there is a collection of 14 conservancies, which are leased out to the camps operators by Maasai landowners. There are only a few camps allowed in each conservancy, they are all required to remain below a certain size, creating an intimate and serene experience. With few people – only guests residing in the conservancy are allowed in this private conservancy– you will enjoy normal safari activities, walking safaris, horseback safaris, off-road safaris and night game drives. And you don’t have to worry about jostling for a spot as only between 2 to 5 vehicles are allowed at each animal sighting. Being in the neighboring conservancy doesn’t mean less wildlife either –all here, and you may just end up seeing more game then in main reserve. Please note some of the main conservancies:
• Mara North Conservancy
Mara North Conservancy (MNC) is a private conservancy area of more than 27,600 hectares. It is an important part of the Maasai Mara ecosystem and its located north-western zone, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve in the south of Kenya.
Mara North Conservancy is a nonprofit entity opened in January 2009. The conservancy is in partnership between 12 Tourism Partner members (6 camps, 3 lodges and 3 riding outfits) and over 800 Maasai Landowners. The aim is to create a ethical practice, world-leading conservancy with long-term commitments to the environment, wildlife, and local people.
• Koiyaki Conservancy
Within the Koiyaki Ranch, there are 4 lodges, David Livingstone Safari lodge, Mara Buffalo, African Safari camp, Olmakau/Royal Mara camp and several luxury tented camps. Here, tourists may find accommodation at the lodge or tented camp and enjoy the safari while on their way to Isebania/Sirare border to Tanzania or Nairobi.
There is a separate entrance fee for the safari. The separate fee should not to be confused to Mara National Park fee. The income from the separate park fee will be used for management of the Conservancy, and for financial assistance for social economic projects.
• Olerai conservancy
Olerai Conservancy in Maasai Mara just south of Siana Conservancy, and was established in 2017 to rehabilitate a mismanaged ecosystem for wildlife conservation and community empowerment.
• Lemek Conservancies
The Lemek Conservancy which is located close to the Maasai Mara National reserve in Kenya , all together having a total of 45,000ha. There are 520 members in Lemek and it is managed totally by local people under the supervision of famous Chairman Philip TINKA and other chosen board members. Some of the members have a private ranch within the area. This area is a natural resource and boasts of abundant game and a number of high end camps. Saruni Wild camp, Richards’s camp, Ngerende and Losokwan camps are located in this area.
Accommodation
We love Olare Kempimski Luxury camp for its no-frills, down-to-earth feel and its address along the Olare Orok River. Otherwise, Richards Branson Mahali Mzuri luxury camp (Virgin Atlantic) one of National Geographic’s picks for the most unique lodges in the world, provides a taste of luxury along with open 4×4 specially-designed photographic vehicles. Budget camps are in plenty in Talek, Sekenani and Olalimutiek gates. This budget camps includes Mara Siria camp, Sekenani Camp, Masai budget camp, Enchoro Wildlife camp, Enkorok mara camp and mara rhino camp.
Mara Triangle
A spectacular piece of the larger Masai Mara national reserve located just North West of the Main reserve; The Mara Triangle is bordered by the Serengeti national park, the Oloololo Escarpment and the iconic Mara River. The part of the reserve is managed by a non-profit Trust formed by members of the Maasai people and works to eradicate hunting and poaching, infrastructure maintenance, and power to local conservation and environmental projects. The Triangle makes up third of the reserve, while promising fewer crowds (there are very camps inside the conservancy), Amazing numbers of wildlife, easy access to the river crossings. Main areas where some movies and documentary are filmed.
Accommodation
One of our best camps in the Mara Triangle, Main governor’s camp sits beside a peaceful waterhole where wildlife stops for a drink, not far from the famous Mara River Crossings. Atop the observation hill where Meryl Streep viewed over the Masai Mara National Reserve. Angama mara and Mara Engai provides breathtaking views, superbly-designed tents and a private guide for memorable game drives with their customary built safari vehicle. Mara Serena Safari Lodge invites and brings you home to a world where dramatic sightings and experiences are enhanced and graced by great service and five-star amenities. It’s the only safari lodge in the famed Mara Triangle, The lodge offers a set unmatched by other hotels in the world: perched on a bush-cloaked Look out hill with sweeping views of of rolling mara plains and to the North the olooloo escarpments.
Park fees & other charges
If staying at accommodation located within the main National Reserve, the entrance fee is USD 70 per adult for 24 hours and USD 40 per child under 12 years of age, Student pays as children. If staying at Camp or lodge outside the main reserve the entry fee is USD 80 per adult for 24 hours (see below) and USD 45 per child per 24 hours. Citizen and Residents pay Ksh1000 while children and students pay Ksh200.
Masai People
Original inhabitants of the Masai mara area -There are 49 tribes of native people originally from Kenya. The Maasai people are one of the few tribes that have managed to stick to their traditions and keep their culture alive. This didn’t come that easy though. The maa Speakers are originally from the lower Nile Valley. Later on, they migrated south and settled in the Rift Valley and the Dodoma in Tanzania and Mount Marsabit region in Northen Kenya. They are raiders and were feared for raiding cattle as far east as the Indian Ocean Coast in Tanzania. These warriors are swift in use of shields and spears but are especially feared for throwing their clubs known as ‘orinka’. Maasai warriors famously known as Moran can throw the orinka with expert precision across a distance of up to 100 meters.
When to go on a Masai Mara safari
The truth is, it actually depends on what you would like to see. For the famous great migration, time your visit from mid-June when the wildebeest begin to arrive in Kenya from Serengeti National park and cross the Mara River as crocodile and Predators feast on the slowest runners. These iconic river crossing continues throughout June to September, before the big herds return to the Serengeti in October. Apart from normal and epic fanatic game drive, this is also the best time for a guided bush walk and hike due to short grasses and fewer water sources. This is the peak season for safari.
Any photographer or film shooters will tell you that March April and May are the best months to visit for spectacular photos and shots. The rains invigorate the Mara plains, cloudy skys, and stunning thunderstorms and lightening create incredible images. Birdlife is in full plumage. This season is also the least expensive time to plan a Masai Mara safari with high end properties giving throw away prices. The wildlife sightings may be hard, but the lesser you are in the park makes it more special. Temperatures don’t fluctuate between the dry and wet seasons, and the long rain usually arrives in short, sharp bursts in the afternoon, this is conventional rainfall due to effects of mighty Lake Victoria. However, there is always the chance that roads muddy and slippery, game tracks and airstrips might be affected.
This means planning a Masai Mara safari between mid -October and November means fewer crowds, lovely weather and fantastic end of Migration-watching. And calving season for Topi, impala Elands and giraffe!
How to get there
It’s one of the most famous destinations in Africa and getting around on a Mara National Reserve safari is relatively simple. We have various airstrips in park depending on the location of the camp. Five usable airstrips include Keekorok airstrip, Kichwa tembo, Angama airstrip, Siana airstrip and Mara north Airstrip. We have different local airline that operates in this routes, namely Air Kenya limited, Safari link, Mombasa air and Air 784 services. It’s possible to make the journey with a private guide and vehicle and then continue on to another of Kenya’s wildlife hotspots.
Alternatively you can drive to Masai mara National reserve from Nairobi which is 5 hour away for drive in guest. This is the most common mode of transport for those who want to see much of the country.
Transport is by 4×4 land cruisers and 4×4 minivan with pop up roof. Local guides speak fluent English with a good number speaking basic Spanish, French, German and mandarin. Our purpose-built Safari vehicles allow for excellent game viewing, equipped with pop up roof hatch and large sliding windows. Same vehicles will be used for both game drives and for transfers between parks.
A safari to Masai mara can be combined with popular destinations easily. Firstly, it’s easy to reach the Serengeti National Park simply fly to Migori/Isebania and transfer to Northen Tanzania’s Tarime/Sirare Airstrip for a flight to Seronera in the central Serengeti.
Alternatively, add a few more of Kenya’s gems to your Masai Mara safari with our safari highlights tips, and enjoy conservation projects in North land and the sensational elephant of Amboseli National Park, or throw in a dose of beach goodness in Kenya’s Diani beach, Mauritius or the Seychelles. And if you can’t leave Africa without seeing those iconic gorillas, add a few days in Rwanda with our Gorilla treks in Volcans national park and game drives in Akagera National Park.
