Masai Mara National Park
Maasai Mara in Kenya most famous safari destination for game viewing, bird watching and cultural visits to the local Masai villages. Masai Mara, in the Narok country, was 1672 square km until 1984 when it was reduced to 1510 km to allow the Masai community to herd their livestock on the ancestral land. There were private conservancies that were introduced to maintain the route used by wildebeests and zebras, gazelles and the elands during the annual migration of wildlife from the plains of Serengeti in Tanzania into Maasai Mara in Kenya. The Conservancies ensure there are more areas for wildlife as well as preserving the rich biodiversity. The Maasai Mara Conservancies The conservancies have been created around the Maasai Mara perimeter to help in protecting the Maasai mara eco system, and to create a source of income for the Maasai people who are land owners. The conservancy fees apply and are charged differently from the Mara reserve fees. Its main conservancy include; Mara North Conservancy, keekorok, Lemek, Mara Naboisho, Ol Kinye, Siana, and the Ol Chorro Oirua. Best Time to Visit Maasai Mara Even though Maasai Mara is good for safaris all year round, the best time to visit Maasai Mara is July and October, to view the world famous wildebeest’s migration. In this time, millions of wildebeests and many zebras and gazelles cross from the plains of Serengeti in Tanzania to the plains of Maasai Mara. For the big cat lovers, the drier months of December to February are ideal to see a cheetah taking down a gazelle or a lioness giving birth. This is where the famous wildlife documentaries like the big cat Diaries and Discovery channel documentaries were shot. What to Wear in Masai Mara The park is hot and dry most of the time of the year. This means those avoid dark coloured clothes and go for the light skirts, T-shirts and shorts. The best colours for a safari in Mara are green, brown, and Khaki. These colours are easy to clean after a dusty drive in the plains. For the night game drives, you will need the long sleeved shirts. Carry a sun hat, a pair of the binoculars, a camera and the sun screen. Some hotels have got a detailed list of what to pack for a safari. They will explain the main dos and don’ts depending on the activities visitors will undertake.
Visiting Maasai Mara is easy as part of a safari package on any platform that includes accommodation, transport and the guided tours. By flight from Nairobi’s Wilson to the Maasai Mara takes about 45 minutes. The guests and visitors can fly to other destinations from Maasai Mara like Lewa Dwns and Samburu. There are many airstrips in Maasai Mara. these include; Mara Serena, Kichwa Tembo, Olare Orok Airstrip, Mara North, Ol Seki Airstrip for Naboisho Conservancy, Ol Kiombo Airstrip and the Ngerende airstrip for Ol Chorro. In case you like to drive to Mara, expect a 5 to 6 hour road trip through the Great Rift Valley and into the dusty plains of Narok country. There are many gates depending on where your camp is located. There is Lemek gate through Aitong town for Lemek conservancy, Sand River, Sekenani or the Oloololo gates for accessing the Mara Triangle and Mara Reserve and the Musiara gate for Mara North and Mara Reserve.
Game drives This is the main purpose of visiting Masai Mara in the first place as a tourist. The park offers in terms of nature and animals. You will be able to see almost all the wild African animals that you have always dreamt of. You will see many animals including the lions. These are both day and night game drives. Nature walks in the Park With the help of the guides, you are able to walk to parts of the park that are not usually frequented by the predators. You will get so close to the animals like the giraffes and zebras or the huge animals like the elephants and the Rhinos. This also gives the tourists a closer look into the nature and they can also learn about trees in the park and birds. You also get close to the tiny members of the Maasai Mara that you would not have seen were you on your 4x4 truck. Balloon safaris in the park This is an absolute sight that will remain in your memory forever. You can plan to safari the Maasai Mara national Reserve on a hot air balloon. You will see the animals from the bird’s eye view and when you add the ride itself and this is a double delight for you. Picnic in the park Enjoy lunch in the game reserve or along the Mara River. Get to enjoy the silent whispers of the waters as they flow and the roar of a hungry lion in the distance. It’s usually fun if you can do this with your family or lovers. When it comes to romance, the park has got your back. A visit to the Maasai Village The Maasai are the indigenous community of the Maasai Mara Area, hence the name. They have been living in the area for years and then after the intrusion of the western culture in Kenya, they still remain faithful to their African roots and Maasai heritage. You can visit the villages and learn a thing or two about their culture. How they build houses from mud, their clothes and accessories and they can even give you a few pointers on hunting.