The Maasai Mara Reserve is national conservancies that are packed with life and great packages of safari explorers in the East of Africa with massive reviews.
The area which is a conservation site Masai Mara National Park is located in Kenya along the border of Tanzania and is contiguous with the neighboring Serengeti National Park another great tourist attraction. The park region is named in honor of the Masai people group.
Why is Maasai Mara National Reserve famous?
Maasai Mara is one of the most famous and important wildlife conservation and wilderness areas in Africa renowned for its exceptional populations of lion, African leopard, cheetah and African bush elephant. Masai Mara stretches across an area of 580 square miles (1,510 sq km). It represents the northernmost portion of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
The Sand River, Talek River, and the Mara River are the primary rivers draining waters of the reserve. The park is divided into two main areas the inner portion which features pristine wilderness and the outer portion which allows for cattle of the Masai people to graze.
The Masai Mara is renowned for its abundance and variety of larger plains species as well as the variety of predator species. It is considered the only place left in Kenya which resembles the wildlife population today from what it once was. Although there is an abundance of wildlife, the wildlife is declining and thankfully the preserve is there to protect it. It is one of Africa’s most coveted wildlife viewing destinations with an
Popular wildlife that might be seen in the Masai Mara include hippo, giraffe, waterbuck, reedbuck, roan antelope, warthog, eland, topi, gazelle, zebra, baboon, crocodile, various species of monkeys, and black rhino. Except for the mountain gorilla, all of Africa’s Big 7 can be part of your wildlife sightings. The Mara is home to the largest collection of lions in Kenya.
Predator species are almost always atop traveler’s wildlife viewing wishlist. The good news is the Mara has them. Lion, leopard, cheetah, jackal, hyena, and various species of mongoose are all found throughout the park. The Masai Mara is a portion of the larger Mara Ecosystem which combines the Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet protective ranches. All of these efforts work together recognizing the significance of protecting the wilderness and wildlife that live in the region.
Although the plains and wooded areas are beautiful, the wildlife is the reason travelers visit Masai Mara. Most people target the months between July and October as the best time of visiting with hopes of experiencing the wild beast migration through the park. During that period, it has a balanced weather condition and average temperature to enjoy your ride in the jungle.
There are many activities with plenty of opportunities for historical and cultural experiences as well. You can visit Masai villages and cultural centers which will all expose you to the culture of the Masai people. You might become better at jumping if you pay close attention to the culture through some dressing, dance move just name them.
Maasai Mara national reserve is a great destination to experience African sundowner and breakfast or dinner, this experience is perfect for visitors on honeymoon. The African Sundowner experience offer tourists an opportunity to enjoy their drinks, foods and a glass of wine in the wilderness of Maasai Mara plains.
The Masai Mara is probably the leading safari destination in Kenya and regarded as the jewel of wildlife viewing. The park is home to 95 species of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. It is also a bird lover viewing spot with over 400 species of birds.
Whether in Tanzania or in Kenya, ballooning over the million-plus wildebeest herd and the other hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle makes for a spectacular highlight. Lion, leopard, cheetah, serval, jackal, and hyena are possible predator sightings.
Large herds, 200,000 zebra, 18,000 elands, 500,000 gazelle, 97,000 topi, and the 1.3 million wildebeest can be experienced if the migration herd has crossed the Mara River and grazing throughout the plains and vegetation of the wilderness area. The whole Mara experience is big.
The game-viewing is extensive, the vistas are awe-inspiring, the rolling hills seem endless and it is all intertwined with groves of acacia and related bush. The Mara River and subsequent tributaries traverse through the park creating pristine riverine forests.
Entry Fee And Staying At The Maasai Mara Reserve National Park
Entry cost to Masai Mara is based on the location of Camps or Lodges at which one is staying at in the Reserve. If staying at accommodation located inside the main National Reserve, the entrance fee is USD 70 per adult per 24 hours and USD 40 per child under 12 years of age.
If staying at accommodation outside the main reserve the entry fee increases to USD 80 per adult per 24 hours and USD 45 per child per 24 hours. This applies to both the Narok side of the main reserve as well as Mara Conservancy in the western corridor of the Maasai Mara though for Mara Conservancy note that persons under 18 years of age are also extended the child rate.
In case you are wondering how much it costs to go to Masai Mara for a tour, most Masai Mara Safari packages already include the entry fee for tourists so do confirm with your tour operator. Fly In Safaris are the exception as the fee is usually payable upon landing.
There are beautiful and serene lodges and hotels ranging to the 5 star at the Maasai Mara National park to make your trip a memorable one. Adventures can enjoy some nightlife in the villages and the small towns as they share stories around a bonfire with the local people.
Planning your holiday tour to the Maasai Mara Reserve, you can browse upcoming events and packages from the official website to make bookings and registrations online. Students can also make registration to explore the location for their research works.
Also read… Mount Kilimanjaro: The Highest Point Of Africa
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