Located in southwest Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations. It has one of the largest concentrations of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. It boasts the spectacular wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migration.
Here is an overview of the animals you are most likely to see on a safari in Masai Mara:
Wildebeest
The wildebeest migrate into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti in Tanzania in search of water and fresh pastures during July-October known as the great migration. This involves the movement of thousands of wildebeest across river channels occupied by crocodiles, and what follows are thrilling demonstrations of survival instincts. As you will observe, the reserve is not only a melting point during the migration period, but current wildebeest estimates already a number in the tens of thousands, even during low migration season.
Zebras
Zebras perform the Great Migration at the same time as the wildebeest to have protection in large groups. Grant’s zebras and the Burchell’s zebras are permanent residents of the reserve and are usually found feeding on the grasslands with antelopes and gazelles. Some herds may contain more than a hundred zebras at a time.
Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles
These slim antelopes are all over the reserve and can easily be spotted while doing a game drive. During the Great Migration process, they move to the northern regions in search of better pastures alongside more enormous herbivores. Apart from the migration period, the gazelles inhabit the open grasslands and bushlands.
Lions
The Masai Mara ecosystem is home to Kenya’s lion population density, which is over 500 lions in different prides. The large cats are often observed stalking or sleeping under the giant acacia trees. More often, it is possible to observe the large prides of lions with more than a dozen individuals moving in groups. You will almost see the Lions going for a game drive here.
Cheetahs
Cheetahs, the world’s fastest land animals, are natural inhabitants of the African savannah, particularly the Masai Mara plains, where they are able to hunt gazelles at incredible speeds. The reserve is believed to be home to the highest density of cheetahs in the world, with more than 100 cheetahs in the region. This is because cheetahs can be seen watching the plains from the termite hills or resting under trees.
Elephants
In the Mara, residents have been recorded to be more than 1000 African savanna elephants. Lonely bulls and groups of elephants are seen throughout the year from dense forests to open plains. Another guarantee of an average safari game drive is the sighting of elephants.
Hippos
While the Mara River is home to Nile crocodiles, it is home to almost 3000 hippos that seem unconcerned with the crocodiles. During the day, hippo pods remain in water with only eye, ear, and nostril regions sticking out. During the night, hippos move to the land to feed on grass.
Hyenas
The Masai Mara is home to both the spotted and the striped hyenas, which favor areas close to lion’s territories in anticipation of leftovers from their catches. Hyenas, carnivorous mammals, emit a strange call that resembles a whooping laugh at night. Hyenas are solitary or hunt in clans during the day and at night.
This includes the most frequently spotted animals in the famous Kenyan Masai Mara National Reserve. As expected, a safari game drive here on the plains will guarantee one several sightings of all these mighty African animals.
