Maasai Mara,  occasionally spelled as Maasai Mara and often simply called “The Mara” by locals , is a vast National game reserve situated in Narok county , Kenya , it boarders Tanzania’s Serengeti National park , forming part of the greater serengeti ecosystem . The reserve is named after the maasai people , the indigenous inhabitants of the region , who migrated from the Nile Basin.

The term “Mara” comes from the Maasai language , meaning ” SPOTTED” Referring to the landscapes characteristics appearance  ,dotted with scattered bushy trees.

Maasai Mara is recognized as one of Africa’s top wildlife conservation areas , home to diverse species such as the big five such as lions, leopard , buffalo , rhino and elephants. its global reputation is furthers  solidified by hosting the incredible great migration which is often cited as one of the seven Natural Wonders of Africa and one of the worlds top ten Natural Wonders .The great migration typically occurs from july onwards where large herds of wildebeest crossing the mara river from tanzania into Kenya .

The Great Migration pattern

January to March : In this season its where the calving happens in the Ndutu region of the serengeti where thousands of calves are been born and attracting predators who target the young calves because they are still vulnerable.

April to June :In this season the herd of wildebeest start moving north and they are not much concentrated as the calving season . this is a good time to see long lines of wildebeest as they walk across the plains.

July to September: In this season its the dramatic crossing at the Mara river as thousands of wildebeest cross the river as they encounter predators who are waiting to attack.

October to december : In this season the herds start travelling back and returning to the serengeti and starting another cycle of life.

Maasai Mara was initially established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1961 , covering only 520km2 of the present day area , including the mara triangle. That same year  , the region was expanded to encompass 1821km2 and officially designated as a game reserve. The management of the reserve was handed to the Narok county  council . In 1974, the portion of the reserve was granted National reserve status and was returned to local communities . The local communities who are the maasai people who inhibit the southern kenya as well as the northern Tanzania have a deep connection to the land.

Today , tradition still continues to be the aspect of the maasai life . Known for their tall stature , distinctive shukas and elaborate beadwork,the Maasai maintain a strong cultural identity .

Maasai Mara is the only protected area in kenya that is home to an indigenous black Rhinos that remain unaffected by translocations .

Wildlife and Animals

The reserve is home of a variety of animals . Lions are the most dominant ,with a large population spread throughout the maasai mara . spotted hyenas are also common . leopards can be found in trees . cheetahs thrive in an open savannah where they hunt for herbivores like gazelles. Various species of antelope are present in the reserve including grant’s gazelles , impalas ,dik diks ,hartebeest , topi. The plains are also home to giraffes,the common ostrich, and plain zebras . The rare roan antelope and nocturnal bat-eared fox , which are seldom found elsewhere in kenya , can also be spotted in the masai mara .Recognized as important bird area , Maasai Mara host more than 500 species of birds . vultures , secretary birds , hornbills , crowned cranes, ostriches , eagles pygmy falcons and also the Kenyan bird Lilac breasted roller( Kenya’s national bird ).

Hippopotamuses and nile crocodile are found in large numbers in the mara river.

Threats

As the human population in the surrounding areas grew, conservation organizations like the elephant project were established to promote peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. the project highlights human -wildlife conflict as one of the primary threats in the reserve, as the population continues to grow.

population growth has created a demand for land and resources , which has led to unregulated infrastructure development .The Mara conservancy has played a key role in their ongoing conservation efforts within the reserve , the reserve has been able to arrest number of poachers  and security for both local communities  and tourism facilities.

Geography

The greater Mara ecosystem spans approximately 1510km2 and is one of Africa’s most renowned conservation areas. As the northernmost section of the vast Mara – Serengeti ecosystem , it forms a part  of a sprawling wilderness that stretches across Kenya and Tanzania. The reserve is boarded by maasai pastoral which seemingly connects with serengeti National park.

The terrain of the Maasai Mara is primarily open grassland, punctuated by streams . it experiences a semi-arid  climate with two distinct rainy seasons. Rainfall distribution varies across the reserve .But overall the Maasai Mara is best to visit any time of the year.

Maasai Mara Safari Add-ons

• Hot Air Balloon : Experience the best breathtaking sunrise in the Mara as you view wildlife in the vast savannah  and the landscapes while in the air and get to have scenic experience while in masai mara.
• Walking Safari : Explore the wilderness of the Mara with a professional Maasai tour guide .
• Maasai village : Visit the Maasai village and get to learn the culture of the maasai , their way of life and also be able see their famous houses commonly as the Manyattas , witness their Music and Dances as you indulge with them .
• Bush breakfast ;Experience breakfast in the wild as you watch the sunrise rist in the savannah and enjoy natures wild silence.
• Sundowners; Be able to witness the sunset over the Mara as you wrap your day .

Accommodation

Maasai Mara offers a wide range of lodges and hotels from budget friendly camps , midrange and luxury camps that give unique services and spacious spaces with well furnished rooms that comfortable and upto to your expectations.

 

Maasai Mara has conservancies that are privately managed wildlife areas bordering the maasai mara that benefit the local community and the wildlife conservation .The conservancies include koiyaki, mara north , leme3l and many others that protect endangered species in the mara ecosystem.

Maasai Mara is not only a top destination also on the top when it comes to sustainable tourism and ecotourism. the efforts in conservation, community involvement and eco friendly practices help protect the wildlife, the environment , local community and  help in minimizing environmental impacts . By supporting sustainable tourism they have laid down initiatives like the anti-poaching that protect wildlife and prevent poaching of endangered species like the black rhinos and the elephants for their tusks.

By promoting eco tourism they encourage eco friendly lodges by using solar energies to reduce the use of much electricity and generators and also eliminating the use of plastic to avoid environmental degradation in the reserves and protecting the animals from consuming harmful substances into their bodies.recycling waste materials can also be one of the ways in promoting ecotourism and placing trash bins to avoid littering.  Educating the local community on the importance of sustainability so as to create awareness to the public .

Maasai Mara is the most iconic safari destinations in the world, offering a rich blend of wildlife , breathtaking landscapes with rolling grassland , dotted savannah and rivers. and an eye owing cultural experience  of the maasai people and their ancient culture that has been their for over a century.

Maasai Mara is indeed the ultimate safari escape.