Maasai Mara animals. Wildlife in Masai Mara National Reserve is considered one of the finest collection of wild animals in the world. There are over 90 mammal species including the African big 5 animals that travellers can encounter while on Masai Mara safaris any time of the year. Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya is one of the best Africa safari destinations visited by thousands of tourists every other year to enjoy among others the various Masai Mara animals. The various Masai Mara animals provided here are listed to include the famous and most sought after African Big 5, the Big Nine, as well as the other animals in Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya that tourists can see while on Kenya safaris in Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Big 5 in Masai Mara
Most tourists who come on Africa safaris come with the sole purpose to see the Big 5 animals in the wild. The Big 5 animals include Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhino, and Buffalos. The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the few places in Africa where tourists can see all the African big 5 animals.
Lions: there are about 850 lions in Maasai Mra National Reserve Kenya and the surrounding conservancies bordering the reserve. Individual lions in Masai Mara can occupy huge territories from 30-499 square kilometers.
Elephants: the African elephant is one of the most prolific animals in Masai Mara. The African elephant is an intelligent, sociable and familial animal, whose population in Masai Mara is considerably growing despite the threat of poaching that they face for their ivory.
Rhinos: Masai Mara National Reserve is home to a number of Black rhinos in the wild. While rhinos are rare and hard to find in most other Kenya national parks, Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best Kenya safari destination to see the rare Black rhinos.
Leopard: Leopards are one of the Big Cats, and one of the African Big 5 animals sought after by tourists who visit Kenya and embark on Masai Mara National Reserve safaris. Leopards re elusive animals, listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. It takes a very good experienced guide to see leopards in Masai Mara National Reserve.
Buffalos: also known as the Cape buffalo, buffalos are regarded as one of the most dangerous animals, especially the lone buffalos. Buffalos re social animals living in herds of even up to 100 individuals.
The Big Nine Animals in Masai Mara
The Big nine animals in Maasai Mara are essentially the Big 5 Masai Mara animals listed above in addition with the Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra and Hippopotamus. Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya is one of the few Kenya safari destinations that tourists can see all the Big nine animals, while on extensive game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve.
Other Masai Mara Animals
Other Masai Mara animals apart from the Big 5 and Big nine animals include the Aardvark, Aardwolf, African Hare, Antelopes, Banded Mongoose, Bat Eared Fox, Bush baby, Bushbuck, Coke’s Hartebeest, Common Eland, Red-tailed Monkey, Crested Porcupine, Dwarf Mongoose, Gazelles, Honey Badger, Impala, Kirk’s Dik Dik, Klipspringer, Olive Baboons, Oribis, Pangolin, Side stripped Jackal, Slender Mongoose, Spotted Hyena, Topi, Vervet Monkeys, Warthogs, Waterbuck, Wildebeests, among so many others.
How to see Masai Mara Animals
Tourist can see Masai Mara animals with different activities in Masai Mara National Reserve. Some of the activities in Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya that tourists can see to see the various Masai Mara animals include game drives in Masai Mara, guided walking safaris in selected camps and lodges in Masai Mara National Reserve, among other activities in Masai Mara.
When to see Masai Mara Animals
Masai Mara animals can be seen all throughout the year. The best time to see Maasai Mara animals however is during the dry season, when the roads are smooth, grass is shorter thus facilitating easy animal viewing. The dry season is also the peak season, thus resulting into high rates especially for accommodation and park fees.
Looking to encounter the various Maasai Mara animals, get in touch with a reputable tour operator to help you create amazing Masai Mara safaris. You may combine a Masai Mara national Reserve safari with other Kenya national parks like Amboseli National Park which is a picturesque Kenya safari destination.