Maasai Mara National Reserve -7th wonder of the world, Maasai, Big5 & wildebeest migration
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Kenya- Africa. The reserve is located in the Great Rift Valley in primarily open grassland.
Wildlife tends to be most concentrated on the reserve’s western escarpment.
The Masai Mara is regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife viewing areas. The annual wildebeest’s migration alone involves over 1.5 million animals arriving in July and departing in November.
There have been some 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles and over 400 birds species recorded on the reserve.
Nowhere in Africa is wildlife more abundant, and it is for this reason a visitor hardly misses to see the big five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino).
Mara Triangle
The Mara is known as one of the finest wildlife destinations in the World. There is an excellent chance of seeing the Big Five
Climatic conditions – Altitude 5,300 feet (1,600 metres). Rainy season from November through May, with peak rainfall in December-January and April-May. Dry season from June-November. Often sunny mornings with cloud build-up in the afternoons – during the rains this develops into thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Max temperatures up to 30°C and min temperatures around 20°C.
Wildlife – The Mara is known as one of the finest wildlife destinations in the World. There is an excellent chance of seeing the Big 5, cheetah, serval, hyena, bat-eared foxes, black-backed and side-striped jackals, hippo, crocodile, baboons, warthog, topi, eland, Thompson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, impala, waterbuck, oribi, reed-buck, zebra.
During the migration (July to November) huge numbers of wildebeest move in.
Access – The Mara Triangle is serviced by two all-weather airstrips– Mara Serena and Kichwa Tembo. The main road access into the Triangle is through Narok and Sekenani Gate.
Accommodation – Mara Serena (150 beds that have luxury bedding and cozy pillows) and Little Governors’ Camp (36 beds luxury bedding and cozy pillows) are the only two lodges situated in the Triangle. Kichwa Tembo, Mpata Club, Olonana, Mara Siria and Kilima Camp are situated on the periphery but use the Triangle.
Best time to visit – Peak season is between July and October, during the migration. Early November and February can also offer excellent game viewing.
Activities – Game viewing, camping, night game drives, visits to Masai cultural villages, ballooning, bush dinner, lunch and breakfast. As wedding destination in the country, it makes for a spot for a destination wedding photographer to engage different scenes with clients.
LANDSCAPE
Masai Mara ecosystem contains some 25% of what is left of Kenyan wildlife. The estimate says that around 70% of Kenya’s wildlife lives outside national parks and reserves. Thus; the need for new role models preserving the Mara wildlife, on private land is paramount. Naboisho plays that role today! Africa has lost some 95-98% of its most iconic mammals over the last hundred year or so, elephants, rhinos, lions, and cheetah. WWF estimate that the world will lose 2/3 of its vertebras in the incredibly short period 1970-2020, ie 50 years. Some 70% of the world’s ecosystem is under stress. Loss of habitat is the main reason for this decimation.
WILDLIFE AND MIGRATION
The Mara is perhaps best known for the Great Migration, which takes place every year July to September. During these months the yellow savannah is dotted black by more than 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and antelopes that migrate from the Serengeti to the Mara in search of food and water.
Mara and Serengeti parks are interdependent wildlife havens. This is where the world’s largest multi-species migration takes place. The movement is, centered around the wildebeest migrating from Serengeti into Masai Mara during the dry period in Tanzania, crossing the mighty Mara River on their way. The Great Wildebeest Migration rightfully deserves its standing as one of the natural world’s most astonishing spectacles. Compromising of more than 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and antelopes, the Great Migration constitutes the last surviving multi-species migration on the planet.
THE GREAT MIGRATION SEASON
From the end of July onwards, millions of freshly arrived brown and black dots scatter the great plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve, making this Natural Wonder of the World even more wondrous until they wander back in December. The life cycle of the wildebeest is a snapshot of the circle of life of all living creatures. The wildebeest spend their lives wandering, unwearyingly trekking between the Serengeti in the South to the Masai Mara in the North.
Every sequence in a wildebeest’s life happens in accordance with Mother Earth. Their migratory routes are determined by the rain patterns; they wander in constant pursuit of water and fresh grass. Similarly, their calving instincts are timed to the movements of the moon, resulting in a three-week-long birth fest on the Serengeti plains in February.
The comings and goings of the wildebeest also shape the lives of many other species. For the predators of the Masai Mara, the arrival of the wildebeest marks the beginning of a time of feasting and prosperity. The Big Cats, in particular, thrive during the migration season. The abundance of available prey means that the lions, cheetah and leopards are able to grow strong and produce healthy offspring.
Hotels in Maasai Mara Kenya
Acacia House (Mara Bush Houses) – Mara North Conservancy
Acacia House (Mara Bush Houses) sits in the Ol Chorro Losoit Valley within the Lemek hills, far from the tourist trail and within the 70,000 acre Mara North Conservancy area.
Amani Mara Lodge – Olaro Motorogi Conservancy
Amani Mara Lodge is located in Olare Orok Conservancy in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Angama Mara – Welcome to Angama Mara, a remarkable new safari lodge balanced on the rim of Africa’s Great Rift Valley.
Ashnil Mara Camp – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Ashnil Mara Camp has a beautiful setting in the middle of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Basecamp Maasai Mara -Talek Area
Basecamp Maasai Mara is situated on the Talek River on the boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Bateleur Camp – Bateleur Camp is situated on the western border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya.
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp – Olderikesi Wildlife Conservancy
The Cottar’s Safari Camp is situated in the Maasai Mara bordering the Serengeti and Loliondo Reserves.
David Livingstone Safari Resort -Lemek Conservancy
David Livingstone Safari Resort commands one of most spectacular views in the Mara – Serengeti ecosystem.
Eagle View – Eagle View, is set on a spectacular escarpment overlooking the Koiyaki River, in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy.
Elangata Olerai Tented Camp -Elangata Olerai is a luxury tented camp located in Maasai Mara National Reserve a home to over 4 million animals and birds.
Elephant Pepper Camp – Mara North Conservancy
Elephant Pepper Camp is located near Maasai Mara National Reserve in the middle of a 3,600 sq km wilderness area called the Mara North Conservancy.
Elewana Sand River – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Elewana Sand River is located in within Maasai Mara National Reserve sitting at the banks of the river where it takes the name from.
Emboo River – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Emboo River is located in a river bend within the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Enchoro Wildlife Camp – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Enchoro Wildlife Camp is located near Maasai Mara’s Oloolaimutia gate with panoramic views of Oloolaimutia hills on the East gate of the Maasai Mara
Encounter Mara Camp – Naboisho Conservancy
Set in the highly sought after Naboisho Conservancy, Encounter Mara Camp gives guests access to some of the best wildlife viewing in East Africa.
Enkerende Tented Camp – OlChorro Oiroua Conservancy
Enkerende Tented Camp is an intimate and exclusive camp, located on Ol Choro Oirowua, one of the most privileged areas in the Maasai Mara.
Enkewa Camp – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Enkewa Camp is a small, exclusive, luxury tented camp in the heart of the least explored area of the Masai Mara.
Entim Mara Camp – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Entim Camp is situated in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, overlooking the plains and the Mara River.
Entumoto Camp –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Entumoto is a private tented safari camp elevated in the hills of the Rift Valley, commanding breath-taking views and sunsets over the Mara plains.
Exploreans Mara Rianta Camp -Mara North Conservancy
Exploreans Mara Rianta is a Luxury Camp, nestled in the heart of the Mara North Conservancy.
Fig Tree Camp – Talek Area
Fig Tree Camp is located on the banks of the Talek River in the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Governors Camp – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Governors’ Camp is situated on the banks of the Mara River in the west of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Governors Il Moran Camp – Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Governors’ Il Moran Camp is located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, in a wooded section of the park on the Mara River.
Governors Private Camp –Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Governors’ Private Camp is situated in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, in a wooded section of the park on the Mara River.
Ilkeliani Camp – Ilkeliani is a permanent luxury tented camp, centrally located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Keekorok Lodge –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Keekorok is located within Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is at an altitude of 1,617 metres above sea level.
Naibosho Camp -Naboisho Conservancy
Naibosho Camp is a new seasonal camp situated in the Naibosho Conservancy (a 50,000 acre area) that lies to the far east of the Mara/Serengeti Eco system.
Ngare Serian -Mara North Conservancy
Ngare Serian is an intimate private camp set alongside the Mara River in the North Mara Reserve.
Offbeat Mara Camp -Mara North Conservancy
Offbeat Mara Camp is a seasonal camp, which lies on the river on the Olare Orok Koyiaki Group Ranch (adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve).
Rekero Camp –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Rekero Camp is situated at what is recognized as the prime site within the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Richard’s Forest Camp -OlChorro Oiroua Conservancy
Richard’s Forest Camp is the ultimate retreat for families and friends looking for a private safari experience.
Richard’s River Camp – Olaro Motorogi Conservancy
Richard’s River Camp is situated in a conservation area North West of The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Sala’s Camp – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Located in an extremely private area of the renowned Maasai Mara, Sala’s Camp rests on the banks of the Sand River looking into Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
Sanctuary Olonana – Sanctuary Olonana is an award-winning tented camp on a private stretch of the Mara River, at the foot of the impressive Siria Escarpment.
Saruni Mara -Mara North Conservancy
Saruni is a deluxe and intimate lodge set in a private conservation area (the stunning Mara North Conservancy) outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Saruni Wild – Lemek Conservancy
Saruni Wild is a small private tented camp located in the Lemek Conservancy, in a wild, scenic valley rich both in wildlife and privacy.
Serian Camp – Mara North Conservancy
Serian Camp is an exclusive wilderness camp set alongside a secluded valley flanking the Mara river, close to the Siria escarpment in the Maasai Mara.
Serian Nkorombo Mobile –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Nkorombo is a traditional tented camp available all year round located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Speke’s Camp – Speke’s Camp is situated in its own private wedge of the Maasai Mara surrounded by fabulous indigenous trees overhanging the Olare Orok River
LuxuryTopi House (Mara Bush Houses) – Private houses
Topi House is located within the 23,000 acre Olare Orok Conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Ashnil Mara Camp –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Ashnil Mara Camp has a beautiful setting in the middle of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Eagle View -Eagle View, is set on a spectacular escarpment overlooking the Koiyaki River, in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy.
Entim Mara Camp –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Entim Camp is situated in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, overlooking the plains and the Mara River.
Fig Tree Camp -Talek Area
Fig Tree Camp is located on the banks of the Talek River in the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
House in the Wild -Enongishu Conservancy
House in the Wild is set on the banks of the Mara River in the northern part of the Maasai Mara Ecosystem, with an amazing view of the river.
Ilkeliani Camp -Ilkeliani is a permanent luxury tented camp, centrally located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Karen Blixen Camp -Mara North Conservancy
Karen Blixen Camp is located in the Maasai Mara, set on the bank of the Mara River with the great Mara plains behind the camp.
Kilima Camp -Kilima Camp is an intimate and a friendly safari holidays camp located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp -Olaro Motorogi Conservancy
Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp is located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy North of the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Mara Intrepids Camp -Talek Area
Mara Intrepids Camp enjoys one of the most spectacular locations in the world’s best-known wilderness Maasai Mara National Reserve
Ngerende Island Lodge -OlChorro Oiroua Conservancy
Ngerende Island Lodge is located in the Ol Choro-Oirogua Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Ol Seki Hemingways Mara -Ol Seki Hemingways is set on a wonderful rocky promontory, overlooking the sweeping Isupukiai River in the Maasai Mara Eco-system in Kenya.
Royal Mara Safari Lodge -Mara North Conservancy
The Royal Mara Safari Lodge is located within the Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya directly at the bank of the Mara River.
Sarova Mara Game Camp –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Sarova Mara Game Camp is centrally located 260 km South West of Nairobi, in the heart of the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Sekenani Camp –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Sekenani Camp is located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Siana Springs Camp -Mara Siana Conservancy
Siana Springs Camp borders the southern side of the famous Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Park.
Spirit of The Masai Mara -Mara Siana Conservancy
Spirit of the Masai Mara is a family owned and run luxury boutique lodge located in the exclusive Siana Conservancy
Mara Olapa Camp – Talek Area
The Mara Olapa Camp is the best improved & affordable individual tailored camp in the Maasai Mara under the moon.
Amani Mara Lodge -Olaro Motorogi Conservancy
Amani Mara Lodge is located in Olare Orok Conservancy in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Basecamp Maasai Mara -Talek Area
Basecamp Maasai Mara is situated on the Talek River on the boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
BudgetDavid Livingstone Safari Resort – Lodges
Kenya » Maasai Mara » Lemek Conservancy
David Livingstone Safari Resort commands one of most spectacular views in the Mara – Serengeti ecosystem
Elangata Olerai Tented Camp – Elangata Olerai is a luxury tented camp located in Maasai Mara National Reserve a home to over 4 million animals and birds.
Enchoro Wildlife Camp –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Enchoro Wildlife Camp is located near Maasai Mara’s Oloolaimutia gate with panoramic views of Oloolaimutia hills on the East gate of the Maasai Mara
Encounter Mara Camp – Naboisho Conservancy
Set in the highly sought after Naboisho Conservancy, Encounter Mara Camp gives guests access to some of the best wildlife viewing in East Africa.
Enkerende Tented Camp -OlChorro Oiroua Conservancy
Enkerende Tented Camp is an intimate and exclusive camp, located on Ol Choro Oirowua, one of the most privileged areas in the Maasai Mara.
Exploreans Mara Rianta Camp -Mara North Conservancy
Exploreans Mara Rianta is a Luxury Camp, nestled in the heart of the Mara North Conservancy.
JK Mara Camp – Talek Area
JK Mara Camp is situated along the Muliban River in the Talek area. Set amongst picturesque hills and rolling plains in prime game-viewing country.
Kandili Camp -Kandili Camp is a brand new tented camp in Maasai Mara, located within the Leopard Gorge Conservancy
Loyk Mara Camp – Olaro Motorogi Conservancy
Loyk Mara Camp is located in one of the most picturesque places of Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
Maji Moto Eco Camp -Maji Moto Eco Camp is situated in a local Maasai village in the world renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Mara Bushtops -Set amidst the Mara Bushtops private Conservancy and bordering the Maasai Mara, Mara Bushtops boasts a sensational location.
Mara Eden Bush Camp –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Mara Eden Bush Camp is located along Talek River, Irbaan area opposite the Irbaan School.
Mara Enkipai – Mara Enkipai Safari Camp is beautifully set on the edge of the fast-flowing Mara River in the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
Mara Leisure Camp – Talek Area
Mara Leisure Camp is located along in the Talek River, at the confluence of the Maasai Mara’s four game-viewing areas on the northern boundary
Mara Nubian Camp -Mara Nubian Camp is located in the Enokishu Conservancy in the norhern part of Maasai Mara National Reserve
Mara River Camp –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Mara River Camp is nestled at the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment and on the north west boundary of Kenya’s famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Mara River Lodge – Lemek Conservancy
Mara River lodge lies on the Mara River at the edge of Maasai Mara Game Reserve and overlooks deep pools where crocodiles and hippos bask all day
Mara Simba Lodge – Talek Area
Mara Simba Lodge sits overlooking a dramatic bend on the bank of the Talek River.
Mara Sopa Lodge -Mara Sopa lodge is located on the slopes of Oloongams Hills being one of the first lodges to be built in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Masai Mara Manyatta Camp -Masai Mara Manyatta Camp is a new concept in the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp is locate near the Ololamutiek Gate.
Mpata Safari Club -Mpata Safari Club sits high on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment with panoramic views across the Maasai Mara Plains.
Nalepo Mara Camp –Maasai Mara National Reserve
Deep in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, on a beautiful bend of the Talek River close to a wildebeest crossing point.
Olare Mara Kempinski – Olaro Motorogi Conservancy
Olare Mara Kempinski is located in the Olare Orok conservancy in Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserve, The Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Olarro Lodge – Olarro is the delightful jewel in the crown of the Loita hills lying luxuriously snug in the contours of this ancient hillside in Maji Moto Group Ranch.
Ol Moran Tented Camp – Ol Moran Tented Camp is a sweet small camp on the eastern side of the Maasai Mara Eco-system on the banks of Ololaimutia River.
