Masai Mara (or Maasai Mara) - Kenya
Also known as Masai Mara Game Reserve, it is located in the south western corner
of Kenya. It is basically the continuation of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park
game reserve and 275 Km from Nairobi. The Masai National reserve spans in an
area over 1500 square km and opened in 1974. Its has vast plains and woodlands
and is the most visited wildlife reserve of Africa. Lions sightings are quite
popular. The rangers and guide coordinate to help tourists to enjoy this African
safari, once a lion is sighted, the jeeps speed off in the hot pursuit. Once the
pride is seen relaxing in this sun belt the tourists take out their cameras to
film these majestic lions. The film "Out of Africa" was decided to be made here
as this park has vast plains and grasslands. All the "Big Five" mammals are
found here, that is the Lion, African elephant, African buffalo, leopard and
Black rhinoceros.
July through October is a good time to witness the annual migration of 1.3 million wildebeests, gazelles and zebras coming from the Serengeti. Following them are the lions, hyenas, cheetahs and other predators. The hot air ballooning is very famous particularly at sunrise to witness wildlife and the scenery. Additionally, over 450 species of birdlife have been identified in the park, including vulture, marabou, secretary bird, hornbill, crowned crane, ostrich, long-crested eagle, and pygmy falcon.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The terrain of the reserve is primarily open grassland, with clusters of the distinctive acacia tree in the south-east region. The western border is the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment of the Rift Valley, and wildlife tends to be most concentrated here, as the swampy ground means that access to water is always good and tourist disruption is minimal. The easternmost border is 224 km from Nairobi, and hence it is the eastern regions which are most visited by tourists.
MASAI VILLAGES:
The traditional Masai villages consisting of mud-covered straw hats are in the north of the park. The locals are hospitable and dress in bright red with colorful beads jewellery. People come here and take plenty of photographs.
WHERE TO STAY AND GETTING THERE:
Game parks are a major revenue source for Kenya and there are a number of lodges and tented camps for tourists inside the reserve. Mara Serena Airport and Keekorok Airport are located in Masai Mara. Masai mara is popular for its travel and tourism attractions.
