Masai mara as a destination | Wildebeest migration
Kenya’s safari vacation would not be complete without a trip to the world-famous Masai Mara. The Masai Mara National Reserve is a vast and beautiful grassland covering 1,510 km2, further enlarged by the surrounding private reserves. The endless plains of the savanna are separated by acacia thorn trees, rocky copiers, and craters. This dotted landscape fits in with the origin of the name Mara, which means it was discovered in the local Maasai language.
Maasai Mara forms the northern part of the larger Mara & Serengeti ecosystem, world-famous for its annual migration of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelle. This incredible sight attracts most visitors to Mara from July to October, but not all animals move south to Tanzania. With abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, wildebeests, and hyenas, you can enjoy safari all year round in Masai Mara and nearby Wildlife Refuges. This blog provides a guide on how, why, where, and when to explore the Mara Safari.
Why go to Masai mara
Masai Mara is a classic African safari destination, and most of us would have seen it in one of the many wildlife documentaries filmed there. It is one of Africa’s largest lion dens and is home to countless predators who have become famous for the BBC’s Big Cat Diary. Undoubtedly this year-round wildlife and endless romantic views will bring such a mysterious attraction to visitors.
When to visit
July-early October is the dry season in Kenya and Masai Mara, with warm days and cool nights. This is a good time for safari as wildlife is concentrated around diminishing water sources and is easy to find. It is also when the big move moves from Serengeti in Tanzania to Mara. This incredible sight itself may be your reason to visit Masai Mara, and if that is the case, now is the time to do it. However, this is also a high season, so be prepared to be busy. Room rates are high and vacancies are limited and should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Unless you’re brave or a real bargain hunter, the time to avoid is from late March to May. This is the main rainy season, which often rains most days, and the saturated black cotton soil of Mala can be impassable, resulting in the closure of many camps.
Its Gems
The Masai Mara is home to a diverse range of wildlife and environments. The Masai Mara is not only home to the “Big 5” lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffaloes, and rhinos, but it is also renowned for predator sightings, with a significant population of lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
The Maasai Mara is famed for its large lion population, and you will almost certainly see lions there. Cheetahs thrive on the open savanna, which is also a fantastic site to look for mala. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of their remarkable movement while hunting. There’s also a large hyena clan that roams the plains with abandon, and it’s a good source of general sighting information at all hours of the day and night.
Top activities
Witness the annual wildebeest migration – this is an astonishing annual migration of other animals such as wildebeests, grant’s gazelle and Thomson’s gazelle from Kenya to Tanzania due to the country’s short rains. Mid-July of the 2022 season is recommended as the transition begins in earnest and larger herds of wildebeest move to Masai Mara. The transition will continue until the end of August, after which it will begin to slow down until mid-September.
Walking Safaris and Nature Trails – These are guided bushwalks within the National Reserve, accompanied by security guards and local guides. Almost all Kenya National Parks, with the exception of Hell’s Gate National Park, have hiking restrictions. The same applies to both Narok County and Mara Sanctuary in the main Masai Mara Sanctuary. On the other hand, private reserves around the main reserve can run well-planned and supervised walking safaris. Even within the main reserve, camps and lodges offer short nature walks, usually within an hour, in the immediate vicinity of the safari property.
Hot Air Balloons Flying in the Masai Mara-Flying in the Masai Mara steppes is a great experience on the Masai Mara safari. The balloon takes off early in the morning at 6 am and floats quietly above the savanna below where various wildlife can be observed. After an hour’s drive, a “champagne bush breakfast” is followed by a wild balloon landing pad. Balloons are usually piloted by well-qualified and experienced pilots, and the balloons are manufactured by Cameron, a specialist manufacturer of hot air balloons in the United Kingdom. Baskets vary in size and space is usually limited, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Hot air safari can fluctuate from $ 380 to $ 475.
Visits to Maasai Villages – Africa’s most famous tribal group, the Maasai, inhabits much of southern Kenya and is the most populous ethnic group in the Maasai Mara. Many of the tribal practices of this nomadic warrior, who once dominated most of pre-colonial Kenya, are still practiced in the Masai Mara region, which is largely undisturbed by modern society. So why do we need to visit the Masai village and what can we see there? A one-hour visit to this Maasai village allows you to interact with the Maasai, learn about their culture and way of life, and witness some of their rituals and traditions first-hand. Visit costs range from $ 25 to $ 50 per person.
Bush Dinner and Sundowner-Eating under the starry sky of Africa is called Bush Meal. Whether you’re dining with a roaring hippo on the riverbank or in a plain with a panoramic view of the big game, this is an exhilarating experience. In most cases, bush meal begins when the sun sets. Enjoy a wonderful urban dining experience in the wild. A light-filled set between Star Servers guarantees a perfect experience.
Why I Love Kenya
You can rent a room on the beach of find a place with room to spare. You can enjoy your breakfast at dawn or feel the magic at dusk. You can see all the stars of the show or sleep under the stars on a bed. You can visit a Rhino Sanctuary or be part of the Rhino Charge. You can build bridges of friendship or walk bridges in the trees. You can drink tea on a tea plantation or tee off at a luxury club. You can soak up Swahili Style or discover a style of your own. You can catch a wild trout or let the wind catch you. You can kiss the bride on the beach or be kissed by a Giraffe. You can circle the edge of a crater or hand off the edge of a rock face. You can see where our champions train or catch a train you’ll never forget. You can drift away on an Arab Dhow or simply drift away. You can ride like the wind on the sea or ride on a horse in the wild. You can get carried away by a donkey or just get carried away. You can find your way through traffic or see the most famous traffic on earth. You can waken your warrior spirit or set your soul and spirit free. You can walk in a magical forest or go hiking in famous foothills.
Three Stars Hotel Kisumu Kenya
- Royal City Milimani
Along Aga khan walk, Behind KPC- CITAM Church, Kisumu, Kenya - The Duke Of Breeze Hotel
Off Jomo Kenyatta Highway, Kisumu, Kenya - Jumuia Hotel Kisumu
Gumbi Road, Opposite United Mall, Kisumu, Kenya - Parkview Safari Hotel and Apartments
Harambee road, Kisumu, Kenya - Royal City Town Centre Branch
Odera Street, Kisumu, Kenya
One Stars Hotel Nakuru Kenya
- Cactus Eco Camp Lodge
Off Nairobi/ Nakuru Highway, Lake Elementeita, Kenya - Hotel Marvin
Flamingo Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Nuru Palace Hotel
Oginga Odinga Avenue, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Jambo Place Guest House
Eldoret- Nakuru Highway Ngata Bridge, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Salama Resort
Market Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Hotel Freci
Off Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, Gilgil, Kenya - Lanet Country Hotel
Lanet, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya
- Farmers Inn Hotel
Njoro-Elburgon Road, Njoro, Kenya - Signature Sports Hotel
Off Odinga Oginga steet, Nakuru, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Red Rhino Furnished Apartments
Old Nairobi Road, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya - Maire Hotel
Off Kufanya Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Royal Palm Hotel and Suites
Kenyatta Avenue, next to Tuskys Supermarket, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Karuru Tuu Cottage
Off Moi North Lake, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya - Sleepway Cottages
Uhuru Street, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya
Two Stars Hotel Nakuru Kenya
- Kaka Guest House
Mosque Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Brownie’s Guest House
Mbaruk, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Top Cliff Lodge
Along Nakuru – Nairobi Highway, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Ronella Cottages
Nakuru Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Nesia Hotel & Gardens
Off Nairobi-Nakuru highway, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya - Lanet Matfam Resort
Off C83 Dundori road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Chester Hotel
General Kariba St, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Kabarak Guest House
Off Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Pekars Lodge
Mburu Gichua Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Milele Resort
Mlimani Estate, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Viena Hotel
Milimani, Oginga Odinga Avenue, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Cool Rivers Hotel
Nakuru, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Peniel Guest House
Golf Course Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Kivu Retreat
Off Flamingo Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya
- Carnation Hotel
Corner Of Mosque Road And Mburu Gichua Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Hotel Citymax
Freehold-mashindano Street, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Geranium Hotel
Nakuru, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Oasis Eco Camp
Lake Elementaita, Gilgil, Kenya - Nakuru Milimani Guest House
Maragoli Avenue, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - El Bethel Guest House
Mount Kenya Road, Section 58, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - The Samsons Guest Resort
Pipeline, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Miale The Hotel
Off Nakuru-Nairobi Highway Dual Carriage, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Brians Guest House
Sigor Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Golden Palace Hotel
Mashindano Street, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Glane Hotel
Kanu Street, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Hotel Bison
Mpuru-Kishua Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Mau Springs Country Resort
Kenyatta-Lare Road, 20100, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Lakira Camp
Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya - Mission Safaris Cottages
Off Njoro Nakuru road, Njoro, Kenya
Three Stars Hotel Nakuru Kenya
- Hillcourt Resort and Spa
Off Old Nairobi Road, Near Hyrax Museum, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Maili Saba Camp
Solai road/ Nakuru – Nyahururu Road, Menengai Crater, Kenya - Eagle Palace Hotel
Oginga Odinga Avenue, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Abbey Resort
Kariba Road, Near Afraha Stadium, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - The Legacy Hotel & Suites
Maralal Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Jumuia Guest House Nakuru
Kanu Street, off Flamingo Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Lake Nakuru Lodge
Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya - Emboita Hotel
Along Maragoli Avenue, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya
- Avenue Suites Hotel
Pandhit Nehru Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Apex Resort
Forest Road, Milimani, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Rhino Campsite
Off Kabatini Road, Nakuru, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Leopard View Hotel
Karima Kayonka Road, 944-2100, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Hotel Genevieve Ltd
Mashindano Street, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Haute Apartment & Suites
Milimani Street, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya - Elementaita Country Lodge
Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, Lake Elementeita, Kenya
Four Stars Hotel Nakuru Kenya
- Flamingo Hill Tented Camp
Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya - Ziwa Bush Lodge
Nakuru/Njoro, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Merica Hotel Nakuru
Kenyatta Avenue, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya - Hotel Waterbuck Ltd
Along Government Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya
- Jarika County Lodge
Kericho Road, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - Sentrim Elementaita Lodge
Nairobi-Nakuru Rd, Lake Elementeita, Kenya - Pelican Lodge
Lake Elementaita, Nakuru town, Nakuru, Kenya - The Sleeping Warrior Camp
Soysambu Conservancy, Lake Elementeita, Kenya - Mbweha Camp Lake Nakuru
Elementaita Road, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya
Two Stars Hotel Mombasa Kenya
- Tudor Water Sports Hotel
Off Tom Mboya Avenue, Mombasa Island, Mombasa, Kenya - Bahari Dhow Beach Villas
Diani Beach road, Diani Beach, Msambweni, Kenya - Tamani Jua Tao Resort
Lamu Road, Malindi, Kenya - Lamu Archipelago Villa
Jomo Kenyatta Road, Lamu Town, Lamu, Kenya - Ritam Getaways Hotel
Likoni -Ukunda Road, Ukunda, Msambweni, Kenya - Estate Gate Hotel
Maweni Street, Mtwapa, Kenya - Bahari Guest House
Shella Village, Shela, Lamu, Kenya - Kiboko Camp
Galana Ranch, Tsavo Road, Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo, Kenya - Diamond Beach Village
Ras Kitau, Manda Bay, Lamu, Kenya
- Malaika Holiday Villas
Sunset road, Diani Beach, Msambweni, Kenya - Diani Cottage
Diani, Diani Beach, Msambweni, Kenya - Fisherman’s House
Shela Village, Lamu Island, Lamu, Kenya - Lavender Gardens
Wundanyi, Taita Hills, Tsavo, Kenya - Nyali Villa
8, Kasuku Road, Nyali, Mombasa, Kenya - Shella Island Hotel
Shella Island,, Shela, Lamu, Kenya - Villa Bahati Oasis Sun Dream
Diani Beach Road, Galu Beach, Msambweni, Kenya - Tranquillity Camp
Manda Island, Manda Bay, Lamu, Kenya