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Maasai Mara National Reserve Overview
Maasai Mara National Reserve Flora & Fauna
The Masai Mara is a landscape and ecosystem that immediately comes to mind when one imagines the African savannah. This expansive grassland is one of the best-protected reserves in all of Africa, and a stunning representation of the savannah at its purest. Acacia woodland, Grassland, non-deciduous thickets, riverine forest, Acacia, Tarchonanthus, and Croton Scrub are just some of the many types of vegetation found in the reserve. Because of things like drought, bushfires, human encroachment, and an abundance of herbivores in the area.
When planning an African safari, one of the most exciting activities is to see if you can spot all five of the "big five" animals in their natural habitat. Elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards are the "Big 5" animals. The term "big 5" was coined to describe those five particularly regal creatures that ancient hunters had a tough time bagging. However, the word gained additional significance in the tourism industry, and you'll hear most tour operators using it frequently to refer to the aforementioned animals. Some of them are notoriously difficult
Things to Do at Maasai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is a great place to go on a game drive in a 4x4 open-roof safari van or Land Cruiser. The best game drive is the early morning one, when you can join other early birds in watching the sun rise over the African plains. Evening game drives, which typically begin at 4 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m., and night game drives, which are only undertaken in the company of highly trained game rangers, are available.
Location: Mara Triangle
Price: Starting From USD 75
When you go on a nature walk in Masai Mara, you'll be led by a game ranger armed with a gun. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with elephants, giraffes, antelope, buffaloes, and other grazers in the park. Because of the fun and physical nature of the activity, researchers often opt to do it as part of their fieldwork in order to gain a deeper understanding of the reserve's ecosystem, the habits of the animals who live there, and the connections between the local community and the park.
Location: Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Price: Between USD 50 and USD 75
One of the best ways to take in the Maasai Mara is from above, with an eagle's eye view of the ecosystem below. As you soar, you'll see the breathtaking terrain below, which features a never-ending variety of riverine forests, expansive savannahs, towering escarpments, and rough rivers. Hot-air balloon rides over the Masai Mara offer a spectacular view of the park's wildlife while floating above the ground in the early morning mist.
- Price: 450 USD
Cultural safaris, or visits to the local Masaai community, are one of the most exciting things to do in Maasai Mara. Learn about the Masaai people and their way of life, from the jumping dances of the Masaai people to the milking of their indigenous cows. Watch them drawing fresh blood from an animal, preparing traditional meals, and constructing mud homes.
The thrill of getting up close and personal with majestic animals while galloping across the open plains of Africa atop a horse makes for one of the most exciting parts of any Safari. Explore the seasonal and permanent home of millions of nomadic migrants by mounting your horse and connecting with its rare elements of elegance, beauty, spirit, and a twisted labyrinth of nature.
Price: USD 200
One of the interesting things to do in Masai Mara National reserve is birdwatching as there are more than 450 different bird species including more than 45 different raptor species. Maasai birds are a popular attraction for birdwatchers, and the reserve is home to a number of important species of birds native to Kenya's Savannah.
Lodges and Camps in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Sala's Camp is situated in the more tranquil southern region of the Masai Mara and has private plunge pools and glass doors, so you can relax in unparalleled luxury. The camp looks out into the Northern Corridor, the path followed by over a million wildebeest on their annual migration, so it's in a prime location for seeing the Great Migration unfold.
Location: Sand River, Masai Mara
Amenities:
- Laundry Service
- Massage
- Ironing Service
- Special Diet Menus
Price (in USD)1040 USD per night
Small but luxurious, Saruni can be found in the heart of the Masai Mara's premier wildlife sanctuary, the Mara North Conservancy. The modern villa's two bedrooms each have their own private bathroom, and the spacious living room features a dining area, plush sofas, and a fireplace. Additionally, there is a huge veranda with breathtaking views of the Masai Mara.
Location: C14, Keekorok, Mara North Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve
Amenities:
- Concierge
- Bar
- Sun terrace
- Outdoor fireplace
Price: 442 USD per night
The exotic Little Governors' Camp is situated amid a beautiful forest within Masai Mara National Park. In this camp, you can enjoy candlelit meals, an "Out of Africa ''–style deluxe safari tent, hospitable Maasai guides and camp workers, and any other amenity you could possibly desire. Apart from this there's even a waterhole there where all sorts of animals assemble to drink and play.
Location: C14 Keekorok, Maasai Mara National Reserve Kenya
Amenities:
- Baggage storage
- Outdoor fireplace
- Sun terrace
- Laundry service
Price: 379 USD per night
Angama Mara has the finest view of any safari lodge in the world as the camp is located high on the Oloololo Escarpment, providing breathtaking views of the Mara plains below. This camp provides higher level luxury, with amenities including spacious glass-fronted safari tents and attentive staff.
Location: Mara Triangle, Maasai Mara National Reserve
Amenities:
- Sun Terrace
- Sun Deck
- Concierge
- Butler Service
- Laundry Service
Price: 1335 USD per night
The setting is perfectly described by the Masai word serian meaning calm, placid, and peaceful. Serian offers visitors the chance to explore the Mara without sacrificing comfort while serving as a haven from the daily grind. Only 11 safari camps make up the elite Mara North Conservancy, and Serian - The Original is one of them.
Location:C14, Keekorok -Siria Escarpment, Mara North Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve
Amenities:
- Laundry service
- Wake-up service
- Free transportation
Price:754 USD per night
Maasai Mara National Reserve Tour Packages
Go on adventure expeditions with two of the world's best-preserved natural environments, the Maasai Mara National Park and Lake Nakuru. This belt is a haven for animal and nature lovers because it is home to elusive animals like lions and cheetahs and the favorite place for migratory birds.
Inclusions:- Nairobi to Nairobi transfers- stay in tents or in luxurious lodges, sharing a room, for the duration of the tour.- Meals and drinks are inclusive - Game drives in a safari minivan with a pop-up roof as scheduled.- Park admission charges- English speaking driver or tour guide
Price: Between $835 to $1500
Join this 5-day safari in Kenya to see a variety of species while driving through Great Rift Valley's Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, and the enormous Masai Mara plains. Observe sizable flamingo colonies, pelicans, cliff chats, green woodhoopoes, African fish eagles, and tawny eagles on the shores of Lake Nakuru. Visit Lake Naivasha and take a lovely nature walk. Enjoy shooting pictures of the renowned "Big 5" in the Masai Mara as well.
Inclusions:- Park fees- Meals on all days at all times- Lodging - Transportation facility- Services of an english speaking guide/ safari driver- Game viewing drives
Price: Between $645 to $900
The 7-day Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Samburu Safari is often referred to as the "ultimate Kenya safari." In addition to visiting the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and the Samburu people over the course of seven days, you will also cross the equator. The highlight of this journey is a safari in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, home of the infamous "Big Five" and other predatory animals.
Inclusions:- Park admission ticket- Nairobi to Nairobi transfers- Accommodation provided in camps and opulent lodges on a shared basis.- Meals and drinks- Game drives in a safari minivan with a pop-up roof as scheduled.- Each game drive includes one water bottle per passenger.- Services of an english speaking guide/ safari driver
Price: Between $1700 to $2000
On this three-day, two-night safari in the Masai Mara, you'll get to experience the natural beauty of the Masai Mara Reserve. Amazing migratory species, such as wildebeest and some of Africa's "Big Five," will be on display for your viewing pleasure. One of the highlights of the trip is the opportunity to visit a local Maasai village.
Inclusions:- Accommodations for two nights in a private tent- Entrance fees for all parks- Meals served as scheduled- Transportation in a specially equipped safari vehicle (pop-top roof optional) for photographing wildlife.- Services of an english speaking guide/ safari driver- Purified drinking water - Hotel pick-up and drop-off included.- Safari in a Maasai community (if option chosen)
Price: Between $400 to $450
The 7-day Amboseli, Nakuru, and Masai Mara Safari gives you plenty of time to explore three of Tanzania's most popular tourist spots: Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya's smallest parks but rich with attractions; Amboseli National Park, famous for its large population of elephants; and Masai Mara National Park, home to jackals, baboons, spotted hyenas, and warthogs.
Inclusions:
- 6 nights of lodging
- All entrance fees to parks in Nakuru, Amboseli, Mara, and Hells Gate.
- Meals and drinks
- All transportation is done in a safari car that has been specially designed for easy photography and game watching.
- Assistance at all times
- Lake Naivasha boat tour
- Get picked up and dropped off at your hotel
Price: Between 1441 to $1559
Plan Your Visit to Maasai Mara National Reserve
1. How to Reach:- By Air:The quickest route to Mara is by air. Daily flights from Wilson Airport to the Mara are operated by airlines including SafariLink and Air Kenya. A 45-minute flight gets you to Mara. The airplane will land on the airfield that is closest to your camp when it arrives.
- By Road: One can also opt for guided drive or self drive from Lake Nakuru NP. The distance is about 235 km/150mi and the driving time is roughly six hours.
2. Best Time to Visit:The driest months, from late June to October, are the best times to visit the Masai Mara and enjoy the safari as the weather remains pleasant with clear blue skies. The greenery is sparser and animals congregate around rivers and watering holes during these months, they are the ideal for observing wildlife.
- Vaccination certificates
- Loose-fitting, lightweight clothes
- Duffel bags
- Insect repellant
- Binoculars
- Refillable water bottles
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Scarf/hat
- Check with your primary care physician no less than six weeks before embarking on a safari to Masai Mara.
- You should discuss your current health situation, any medications you are currently taking, and any allergies you may have with your doctor at your appointment.
- After you've had your shots, preserve the documentation proving that you've been immunized with your passport.
FAQ’s Of Maasai Mara National Reserve
What activities can we do at Maasai Mara National Reserve camps?
You can keep an eye out for emu-like ostriches and vultures in the Maasai Mara National Reserve as it is home to more than 500 different bird species. Visitors can sign up for guided nature walks or a walking safari in addition to the normal wildlife drives in tour vans. In the Mara, you can ride deep into the wilderness in search of wild cats, antelopes, and wildebeest. A hot air balloon journey is another way to see the forest, birds, and aquatic creatures before venturing far into the savannah. You can watch and use your lenses to catch the best shots of lions in this reserve which has also the highest lion densities in the world.
How many days do you need in Maasai Mara National Reserve?
Ideally, you'd need at least three days and two nights in Maasai Mara National Reserve. That's plenty of time to see everything the park has to offer, from its diverse fauna to its breathtaking landscapes.
What is the best time of year to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The months between August and November are the optimum time to visit the Masai Mara to see the Great Wildebeest Migration.
What facilities will I get in Maasai Mara National Reserve camps?
Some of the facilities that you will get in Masai Mara National Reserve Camps include laundry services, ironing service, wake-up call service, special diet menus, Kids’ meals, lounge, concierge, and massage services.
Which are the best places to visit in Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The best places to visit in Maasai Mara National Reserve are Mara river, Musiara camp, Mara Triangle, and Eluai Plain.