Unforgettable Adventures: Masai Mara Safari Packages in Kenya

Are you dreaming of the perfect safari vacation? Then Kenya is the dream destination for you. One of the best things to do here is to go on a Masai Mara safari and witness remarkable wildlife. This year, enjoy Kenya travel packages with the stunning park of Masai Mara.

Masai Mara National Reserve

Imagine embarking on Kenya safari tours and encountering endless golden-hued savannahs, abundant wildlife, and a rich history. All of this and more awaits you in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Nestled in southwest Kenya, this reserve stands as a conservation sanctuary, renowned not just within Kenya or Africa, but globally. Covering approximately 1510 square kilometers, Masai Mara dazzles with its picturesque vistas, diverse animal inhabitants, myriad avian species, and captivating cultural heritage.

The reserve is named after the Maasai tribes who are the ancestral inhabitants of the land. They have lived in the reserve for a long time and are the indigenous people. The word ‘Mara’ means spotted in the Swahili language. It refers to the landscape of the reserve which is dotted or spotted with acacia bushes and baobab trees.

In 1961, the reserve was originally established as a wildlife sanctuary which covered merely 520 square kilometers of the area. Later, it was extended and converted to a game reserve. The Maasais never left the land but instead learned to live in harmony with the wildlife. Today, the Maasai play an integral role in safeguarding the animal species.

The Landscape and Wildlife of Masai Mara

The Great Rift Valley passes through the Masai Mara National Reserve. This valley is both a geographical and a geological feature, formed around 35 million years ago. The Great Rift Valley is known for beautiful sceneries and an abundance of wildlife. Similarly, the Mara showcases spectacular landscapes and exotic wildlife.

The Mara Triangle is one of the best places to see wildlife in the reserve. It makes up for approximately one-third of the reserve and is a success story that started conservation practices in Masai Mara. The triangle is home to huge concentrations of wildlife such as wildebeest, elands, zebras, giraffes, and other plain animals. Stalking them are predators like leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and jackals. The Mara River, which is seen in this area, houses animals like elephants, buffalos, and hippos.

To the east is the Ngama Hills which protect the endangered black rhinos of the reserve. The hills are a favorite spot for the rhinos where you can spot them peacefully grazing. Other attractions are the Olooloo escarpment, Mara’s riverine forests, the Loita Hills, and the Mara plains among the few.

Masai Mara offers the popular Big Five African safari wherein you can spot the well-known safari animals like lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo as closely as possible. With so many natural habitats found in the reserve, the Mara is the best place for excellent game viewing.

The Great Migration

Did you know that you can experience one of the seven wonders of the world right here in the Masai Mara Reserve? This seventh wonder called the Great Migration or the wildebeest migration is one of the most incredible migrations of the animal kingdom.

Taking place annually, the migration involves millions of wildebeest, thousands of zebras, and hundreds of impalas, gazelles, and other hoofed animals. Together, they begin their journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park which is situated adjacent to Masai Mara. The animals follow an age-old route to reach the Mara for pasture and water.

The Mara displays an amazing sight of the wildebeest covering the entirety of the Mara plains in the latter part of the year. This migration is extremely unique to Masai Mara and cannot be seen elsewhere.

During the journey, the animal faces various challenges. They are followed by predators like lions and hyenas and so, dramatic predator-prey interaction is often seen. One of the main events of the migration, the Mara River crossing, is thrilling to witness. Wildebeests attempt to cross the crocodile infested Mara River to reach the other side of the reserve. However, danger lurks constantly as they are preyed upon by crocodiles and dragged into the water before they can make it to the shore.

The migration season also invites the African Big cats to be seen more frequently. As mentioned before, wildebeest and other plain animals become the prey for predators, especially lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The lion prides living in the reserve are always on the lookout to pounce on a wildebeest or a baby calf.

Activities to do in Masai Mara

There are loads of options available when it comes to exploring and enjoying the beauty of Masai Mara. Some of the top activities to do in the reserve are as follows:

Game drives – Your trip is truly incomplete if you skip out on game drives or safaris in the reserve. An authentic African safari can truly be experienced here. There are different times of the day when safaris can be done. Early morning, afternoon, and late nights safaris are usually offered. Late-night safaris are offered only in private conservancies of the Mara.

Walking safaris – If you want to do something other than a safari in a vehicle, opt for a walking safari. This guided excursion takes place on foot and allows you to go on a sensory walk in nature. You will get to experience Mara’s wilderness as closely and intimately as possible. Walking safaris are usually accompanied by a local guide who has immense knowledge, provides witty commentary, and tracks animals swiftly.

Masai Village Visit – If you arrive in Masai Mara, you have to enjoy the cultural experiences offered in the reserve. The indigenous Maasai people, the original residents of the land, continue to reside in the reserve till date. In today’s modern world, the Maasais live according to their age-old traditions and customs. They are easily recognizable in their red-striped attire and tall height. A visit to their village will provide you with a total cultural immersion. You can take part in the traditional singing and dancing of the Maasais and bring home souvenirs handcrafted by them.

Kenya’s Masai Mara safari is surely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Choose from a variety of Kenya travel packages and discover the beauty of the country today!