In the south-western corner of Kenya, close to the Tanzanian border, is the Masai Mara area. It is dominated by the Masai Mara National Reserve, the most popular game park in Kenya. Managed by the Narok county council the Masai Mara reserve is arguably the most popular and visited park in Kenya. Masai Mara in Kenya offers awesome sights and views of uninterrupted savannah grassland flowing teeming with wildlife.
The film ‘Out of Africa’ which was filmed in the Masai Mara shows this extra ordinary phenomenon. The Masai Mara of Kenya has the highest density of animals including all the cats and many herbivores. The open grasslands are home to an incredibly rich and varied wildlife and the awesome, annual migration of millions of wildebeest and antelope is the highlight of many a visit to Africa.
The area also includes Narok, a small town with souvenir shops, a post office and some banks. There is a Maasai village nearby where you may walk around to take photographs, talk to the locals and buy some authentic beadwork.
Kenya migration sightseeing in Masai Mara
The most spectacular Kenya sightseeing tour event in the Masai Mara reserve is the Kenya migration of over 2.5million herds of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra. The animals cross from the plains of the expansive Serengeti into Kenya Masai Mara and back following the rain patterns and young grass.
The migration is at its earnest in late June in Kenya. The predators are always close behind snatching a few of them including the Leopard, lion, cheetah, and hyena.
Masai Mara wildebeest migration river crossings
The vultures also form a cyclic realm around the migration as they move on the plains and pick up on the remains of cats kill or the opportune too weak to move- victim. By far the most spectacular and hair raising event in the migration is the Masai Mara river crossing. A rarity for tourists in the months of July through August.
Kenya animal safari in Masai Mara
Masai Mara not only offers the migration but also has all year round sublime game viewing opportunities. There are over 20 prides of African lion in the Masai Mara. Sighting of the lion in the Mara is a certainty rather than the exception.
Other wildlife always seen in the Mara includes elephant, zebra, gazelle, leopard, lion, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, hartebeest, hippo, crocodiles. In total there are 452 species of wildlife in the Masai Mara.
Masai Mara Accommodation in safari lodges and safari camps
Masai Mara accommodation and lodges vary from the brick and mortar lodges to the luxury and standard tented camps. The northern Masai Mara area is largely Masai group sanctuaries and is able to offer game walks, night game drives and day game-viewing.
Masai Mara & wildebeest Kenya migration: New world Wonder
In November 2006, the Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and the wildebeest Kenya migration were awarded the status of the new 7th wonder of the world. The panel of scientists who were accompanied by American TV ABC channel 1 journalists indicated that the world is lucky to have a mobile phenomenon as the new world wonder.
The panel marveled at the sheer determination of the millions of wildebeest over many a past century, to migrate against all odds driven by the mere need to find new and fresh pastures.
The award ceremony which was aired live in the American show Good Morning America was viewed by millions of viewers who have expressed interest in witnessing this breath taking phenomenon.
Masai people of Kenya tour trips
Complimenting the Masai Mara Kenya migration is of course the warrior-like and nomadic life of the Masai people. The Masai people of Kenya have for a long time been the symbol of Kenyan tourism industry. The Masai, who depend on cattle entirely, will draw blood from a live cow by meticulously puncturing the jugular for blood.
The drawn blood is mixed with a mixture of cooked meat. This cuddles into a thick tasty meat stew that is delicious and African in all aspects.
Masai warrior-Moran
You will get a chance to visit a Masai ‘Manyatta’ (homestead) made of low windowless dung plastered houses. Here you will be entertained by the Masai ‘Moran’ (warriors) and women dancers and also get a chance to buy that cherished Masai beadwork souvenir.
Kenya Camp park-Masai Mara Your Kenyan tour operator will set up tented camps inside the game ranches or the reserve for small group of travelers looking for real camping safaris. There are about 4000 bed nights available in the Masai Mara annually.