6 Masai Mara National Reserve facts. Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in Kenya that tourists can visit on Kenya safaris, popular amongst travellers looking for unforgettable safari experiences in Africa. Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, stretching up to over 1,510 square kilometers and raising at an elevation of 1,500-2,170 meters above sea level. Contiguous with the plains of Serengeti National Park Tanzania, the Mara is home to breathtakingly amazing wildlife. famous for the big 5 game including lions, leopards, African elephants, buffalos and black rhinos, as well as a variety of other Masai Mara National Reserve animals like zebras, giraffe, hyena, cheetah, wildebeest, among so many others, Masai Mara National Reserve is also a great wildebeest migration destination where travellers can see one of the greatest world spectacles.
Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya is an amazing Kenya safari destination from where travellers can enjoy unforgettable Kenya safaris. Below are some of the 6 Masai Mara National Reserve facts that may be useful to you as you plan your Masai Mara safari;
1. Area and Location
Masai Mara National Reserve is located in the south western part of Kenya in East Africa. It is for a fact that Masai Mara National Reserve is not fenced but rather carved almost vertically by the Great Rift Valley whose escarpment forms a kind of fence. Masai Mara National Reserve borders Serengeti National Park Tanzania to its south, which can be visited together on amazing 5-6 days Kenya and Tanzania safaris.
2. Amazing Wildlife
Masai Mara National Reserve animals are one of the most amazing things that travellers come to see in the reserve, on Masai Mara safaris anytime of the year. First established as a conservation area in 1961, Masai Mara National Reserve is a year-round Kenya safari destination offering unforgettable safari experiences, due to the availability of conducive climate and abundant wildlife for excellent game viewing. Masai Mara inhabits all the big 5 animals, as well as the Big Nine animals. The big 5 animals include lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos and elephants, as well as other Masai Mara National Reserve animals like zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, among so many others. Masai Mara inhabits over 400 bird species including 60 species being raptors, which tourists can see with birding safaris in Masai Mara National Reserve.
3. Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the spectacular world events that has been selected as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya takes place in the months of July to end of September, much as the times are somewhat divergent due to prevailing weather and climatic conditions. The Masai Mara National Reserve wildebeest migration sees over 1.5 million wildebeests and thousands of zebras and other grazers crossing the Mara River to Masai Mara in search of food and water. Masai Mara National Reserve wildebeest migration is one of the 6 Masai Mara National Reserve facts that you shall get to witness with amazing Masai Mara migration safaris.
4. Lion Population
Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya inhabits fascinating wildlife species, but it is sighting lions in Masai Mara National Reserve that elates most tourists who visit the reserve as lions are at the top of the animals in Masai Mara that they look to encounter while on their Kenya safari. There are about 800 to 900 lions including lionesses in the Masai Mara area. Be rest assured that you shall spot lions in Masai Mara National Reserve whilst out on your game drives in Masai Mara.
5. Scenery and Landscapes
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most amazingly beautiful Kenya safari destinations that shall leave you awed by the scenery and landscapes. Masai Mara National Reserve is a vast rolling savanna grassland dotted with acacia trees, bushy trees and shrub. Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya also has hilly outcrops and steep cliffs on the Oloololo escarpment which give amazing views to travellers, and a great place to see lions and other predators s they watch the land.
6. The Maasai People
One of the 6 Masai Mara National Reserve facts is that there are locals who inhabit the reserve, the custodians of the reserve and earlier inhabitants of the land, the Maasai people. The Maasai people are the early inhabitants of the Masai Mara land, who lived and still do with the wildlife in their nomadic life. Originally a Nilotic ethnic group believed to have migrated from the semi-arid Nile valley north of Lake Turkana, the Maasai people inhabit the reserve and part of the Great Rift Valley area. You may see the Maasai people on cultural encounters while on masai mar safaris in the reserve.
Masai Mara National Reserve is the best Kenya safari destination that tourists can visit for amazing and memorable safari experiences. You may consider visiting Masai Mara National Reserve alone, or combine it with the picturesque Amboseli National Park, or vast Tsavo National Park. Also, you may consider visiting both Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park for an opportunity to visit the two most sought after Africa safari destinations. A 6 Days Masai Mara and Serengeti Safari is one of the best safari plans you can book for amazing safari experiences to see not only Masai Mara National Reserve animals but so much more. Get in touch with a reputable tour operator to help you pitch together an amazing Kenya safari package for unforgettable Masai Mara safari experiences.