Masai Mara National Reserve

HIGHLIGHTS
* Annual migration happens in the Masai Mara
* Exceptional game viewing: all predators 
* Tremendous views across the plains
* Mara River Hippo Pools
* Traditional Masai culture

Little Governors' Camp Il Moran Camp, Mara Bushtops, Keekorok Lodge

Masai Mara is the ‘park of parks’ here in Kenya. Its grass-carpeted smooth hills, the chocolate Mara river waters with frolicking hippos, as well as the rich faunal diversity, fulfil the expectations of any visitor searching the African landscapes portrayed in motion pictures such as "Out of Africa" or "Mogambo". Save particular tastes or special requirements, this is the park on top of the "must-do" list in the country.

LANDSCAPE

Masai Mara's location and altitude, above 1,500 m, yield a climate which is milder and damper than in other regions. The grassy landscape and the nutrient wealth for the great herds are maintained by the abundant rains, which here last from November through June. In the hills and plains, grasslands are scattered with acacia woods and bush. The riverbanks of the Mara and of the multiple tributary streams are bordered by dense riverine forests with a good chance to find some of the reserve's bird species.

The reserve is located west of the Rift Valley and is a natural extension of the Serengeti plains in Tanzania. The Mara River, the reserve's backbone, traverses north to south heading for its westbound way unto Lake Victoria, through the Tanzanian park. This course is the natural barrier crossed every year by what is the most impressive natural phenomenon - the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle.

WILDEBEEST MIGRATION

More than 1.5 million animals move in a quest for the best pastures and around July the herds cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti plains into Kenya to reach the Mara's grasslands. Predators like lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena are stalking the herds while vultures circle in the sky as the dramatic journey unfolds. When the herds ford the crocodile-crowded river, many animals are taken by crocodiles or drown and leave their bones by the Mara banks. Their brave river crossings are a spectacle for tourists never to be forgotten. From July to October, Masai Mara is at its peak, with the seasonal visitors populating the vast grasslands.

GAME & BIRDS

True that it's not the best park for bird watching, and true that some species are not easily found. However, with leopards and rhinos abound, an average of 3 lions per square kilometre, an abundance of plains game and more than 450 bird species, the reserve should not be envious of Samburu or the great Kenyan bird sanctuaries.

PEOPLE

The Masai Mara is home to the famous warrior tribe of the Masai who now roam the land with their herds of cattle. The Masai live in family clans and build kraals surrounded by very effective thorn-bush fences. In the evening the animals are brought inside the kraal for protection against predators.

Masai women and girls are responsible for building the huts, milking the cows and fetching water, which sometimes can be quite a distance away. Women also spend much time on bead jewellery including arm and leg bracelets and amulets.

As young Masai boys reach the age of 15 they are initiated into manhood. They make headdresses of ostrich plumes, shave their heads, are circumcised and become Morani, or young warriors. As they are not allowed to spear-hunt lions any longer they set off together to learn survival techniques