Location of Masai Mara National Reserve; Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most important features that travelers consider most when it comes to visit Kenya Safari Destination. Well, Masai Mara National reserve location – located on the southern part of Kenya along the Great Rift Valley area and found in Narok county which is a few kilometers drive from the main and largest Masai town Narok.
The national reserve lies 224 kilometers away from the capital Nairobi and the park borders the popular Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. And these two parks are considered as the world’s oldest ecosystem that is Mara- Serengeti Ecosystem. Besides Virunga in Congo that share to Rwanda covering area of Volcanoes National Park. More fact, the Mara- Serengeti ranks as one of the largest ecosystems in Africa covering an area of 25,000 square kilometers. Masai Mara is featured by three rivers those are Mara River, Sand River and Talek river.
The Masai Mara National Reserve lies in the semi-arid area covered primary by the open savannah grassland comprised of the various Acacia trees. It is bordered by the Great Rift Valley Escarpments to the East, Siria ‘’Esoit’’ on the west, the Masai ranches on the North, Serengeti National Park on the South.
This national reserve can easily be accessible from different parts of the country. There are two ways of accessing the reserve by road and by air;
By Road; Maasai Mara National Reserve lies about 224 kilometers south western part of Nairobi along the great rift valley region. It can be reached by road using public means or private transportation.
The public shuttles are found at the Centre of the city that stops at Narok town which is few kilometers from the gate.
For travelers who want to adventure the hidden features of Africa, we recommend you to book directly from the reputable operator is the best deal. This guided drive will enrich you with more of African culture and spectacular views of the great rift valley escarpments. The drive is scenic and full of the African experience.
Road; The drive takes about 6 to 7 hours drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve through smooth road that leads at Narok town. Then, from the Narok town, the road becomes bumpy with potholes to the main entrance gate. However, the travelling journey by car might be long but rewarding with beautiful countryside, village homestead.
By Flight; Maasai Mara National Reserve can be accessed by a daily flight that depart Nairobi’s Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
There are several domestic flights which are operated by many of domestic private aircraft. However, the reserve has got number of airstrips that are found inside the reserve. From Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve takes 45 minutes only. The main highlighted airstrip operated in the park include Shikar Airstrip, Maasai Mara Serena Airstrip, Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, Sian Springs Airstrip many more.
Masai Mara is comprised with the range of domestic airlines like Air Safari, Air Kenya, Mombasa Air Safari, Safari link, Fly540, Eastafrican.com, Silverstone air among others. The reserve can also be connected from other national parks across the East African region; Visit Uganda – ‘’the Pearl of Africa’’ for Gorilla Trekking Tours, Kenya and Tanzania for perfect wildlife, Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking Safari as well as a visit in Burundi can be reached with direct flights. Depending on how you have planned and budgeted for your Masai Mara National safari
History of Maasai Mara National Reserve;
Masai Mara National reserve is also referred to as Maasai Mara the largest protected area found in the Narok County. The reserve is managed by the Masai locals unlike other national parks and game reserves in Kenya that are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Services.
The Masai Mara was named in reference of the Maa people that occupy the land that the reserve sits. These ancestral inhabitants of the Masai land where described the topography of the land while using their local Language Maa as ‘’Mara’’ – means looked from far.
This national reserve is known for its premium protected areas not only in Kenya but the whole Africa. More so, Maasai Mara was established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary that covers only 520 square kilometers. Later on, the reserve was declared in 1974 and its land was added to it in 1976. Today, Masai Mara National Reserve covers an area of about 1.510 square kilometers.
Masai Mara National Reserve has been under management of the Narok Council till 1994, when the Trans Mara Country Council started on the Western part of Masai Mara.
Fact, Masai Mara National Reserve location favors visitors who land in Nairobi or visit the country for the business trip where you can have a short briefing time to explore the land of Africa. You can visit Masai Mari on 3 days Mara Safaris or 3 days hot air balloon safari or choose to combine them with 8 days Kenya and Tanzania Safaris or 6 days Kenya and Uganda Gorilla Tours ,7 days Masai Mara and Serengeti safari among others. We advise you to get reputable local operator for the best offers.
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