Things to do in Maasai Mara National Reserve : Maasai Mara National Reserve is renowned as one of the world’s natural wonders and one of the best places to adventure wildlife in Africa and each year, the reserve attacks millions of tourists. However, it is more remarkable during the wildebeest migration event which usually happens from the month of July to early October.
Below is the highlight of the activities to do in Maasai Mara National Reserve as follow;
Game Drives;
The Masai Mara is one best place to go for game drive viewing in Africa. Well, the Mara Eco -system offers a great opportunity for wildlife viewing, photography and video capturing. Game drive in Masai Mara can be done in three sessions morning game drive starts at 6am, afternoon starts at 2pm and Full day game drive which starts at around 7am to 6:30pm. Regardless of which shift you engage in, expect to see all the big 5 mammals like lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, Rhinos and other diversity of animal species such as; zebras, giraffe, hyenas’ wildebeest, elands and gazelles and cheetahs are in plenty among others.
Night Game drives
This is also a stunning activity which starts at 6:00pm and ends in the last hours of the nights. Night game drive offers a great opportunity to view animals like leopards, lions and hyenas are seen hunting their prey. Herbivores mammal’s species remain alert and are easily to be spotted. Note, night game drive can only be done in the private conservancies with the help of guides who know where to find the animal species.
Birdwatching
This park is truly a birding paradise with over 500 bird species and among the list you can spot out giant ostriches and other birds to see include ducks ,egrets ,geese ,heron ,Ostriches ,hornbill ,pelican ,spoonbills and stork ,martial eagles ,Silver bird ,Secretary bird ,Grey penduline tit, Grey-crested helmet-shrike ,Hildebrandt’s starling ,Lazy cisticola ,Purple grenadier ,Red-throated longclaw ,Rufous-bellied heron ,Saddle-billed stork, Schawlow’s turaco ,Abdim’s stork , African finfoot ,African wood owl ,Ayres’s hawk eagle ,Bateleur ,Cinnamon-breasted bunting ,Denham’s bustard, Grey-crested helmet-shrike and many more. Birding in Masai Mara is best done from November to April when the migrants from Europe and North Africa arrive.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
This is the most astonishing activity in the Masai Mara National Reserve that attracts millions of tourists especially the month between July to October to flock into the park, purposely to be part of this wildebeest migration events, where over millions of wildebeest, Thompson’s Gazelles and Zebras can be seen crossing the Mara River from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania in search of green pastures. Although, few do not make it to Masai Mara since they face challenges of predators along the way – has they cross the crocodile eat them up. But the experience is worth while in the heart of Africa.
Nature walks/walking safaris
The nature walk is Mara is an interesting activity as you get great opportunity of spotting variety of bird species, wildlife and touring beautiful savannah on foot which is the best way to appreciate the sheer beauty of the reserve. It also allows visitors to get close to the surroundings and pristine wilderness. Note, nature walk can be done by the skilled guide who led you through different stunning trails in the park.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
This is an incredible offering spectacular aerial view of the park’s beauties of wildlife and more rewarding during the time of wildebeest migration events. Animals to view include wildebeest, leopards, elephant, giraffes, hartebeests, lions and variety of antelopes as well as savannah birds can be viewed. The experience lasts for one hour and ends with a picnic lunch -breakfasts with champagne on the savanna plains and participants are given certificates.
Hot air balloon safaris are perfect for families and couples on a honeymoon.
Sundowners and Bush breakfast/dinner
This activity is best recommendable for honeymooner who visit the park. Your hotel or lodge is the one in charge of arranging this romantic dinning in the middle of the savannah with meals and drinks. There is nothing stunning better than watching the beautiful sunset in the wilderness and in the arms of your partner.
Camping and photographic Safaris
There is nothing one experiencing a night in the middle of the African wilderness next to wild animals. To public camping involves in carrying kitchen and toilets facilities as well as private camping is rewarding, have pools where you can relax with friends and family. Camping experience allows you to enjoy night stay in the middle of wilderness while wild animals are not far away from you. Well, Masai Mara National Reserve has got many campsites ranging between public and private with good facilities like spacious Kitchens and toilets. Some have swimming pools where you can relax with friends and family.
What about photography?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is famously known for its amazing landscape, wildlife and flora species. Some of the wildlife photographers have visited the reserve to enjoy capturing the natural beauty of the park and the diversity of wildlife. Note, you don’t have to be a professional photography to go for a photographic safari. All can be perfect even if you think you don’t know.
Maasai Cultural Encounter;
In fact, Mara does not only offer great wildlife experience but also unique cultural encounter in Tanzania. And Maasai tribesmen are one of Africa’s most intriguing ethnic groups. However, are known for their unique dresses and height. The Maasai live in Kenya and Tanzania. Amazingly, the Maasai migrated to Kenya 200 years ago and are believed to have originated from Sudan. More so, these Maasai people believe that all cattle in the world belonged to their ancestors. Unfortunately, before government took into action, the Maasai would raid neighboring communities to reclaim their lost cattle in what is known as cattle rustling. There work is to keep domestic animals as a traditional. Take note, a visit to Maasai Bomas is highly recommended especially if you are traveling with children – they will be attracted by the Masai lifestyle, culture and traditions. During your visit to the home villages, you can learn how to milk goats, build houses using local material like mud, grass, trees and dung as well as use of traditional hunting tools. You can visit one of the artisan shops for souvenirs, where you can buy some material to take back home.
Choose to stay in one of the private Conservancies or ranches;
Maasai Mara National Reserve receives number of visitors between June and November. These private conservancies are owned by the Maasai, and they are surrounded by the main reserve and contain more wild animals than the reserve itself. Activities to take part in around include; night game drives, nature walks and viewing animals outside the main tracks.
The Mara River;
The Mara River originates from the Kenyan highlands and drains into Lake Victoria. This is water body which provides water to animals in the reserve. More so, the mara river grows in size during the wet season and home to various largest Nile crocodiles in Africa, hippos and notable birds.
Get started now! Planning a visit to one of the top visited safari destinations in the world not other than the Masai Mara National Reserve. Visiting Maasai Mara can be combined with other African safari destination like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Amboseli National Park in Kenya, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania among others.
