Masai Mara Safari

The Masai Mara game reserve is probably the most famous in all Africa, if not the world. The reserve, watered by the Mara River, is dominated by rolling grassland covering an area of 1500 kms2 and is surprisingly high at nearly 2000m above sea level.

The Mara is well known for the part it plays in the seasonal migration from the Serengeti of 1.3 million Wildebeest and quarter of a million Zebra, following the annual rains. The Mara region however provides for wonderful game viewing year round. Over 80 species of mammals, dozens of amphibian and reptile species and nearly 500 species of birds have been recorded in the Mara eco-system. However the Mara is more than statistics, it is also about towering escarpments, dazzling red oat grass, dramatic 'bruised' late-afternoon thunderheads and of course the plains darkening with unending lines of wildebeest.

Many tourists visit the Mara; there are many pitfalls to a visit to this the most prolific reserve in Africa. Ideally a visit should include three nights minimum, preferably four, and try to find a safari company with 4WD vehicles as much of the best viewing will be off road. The smaller lodges and camps are usually the best bet as service food and game drives can all suffer with larger numbers. Make sure you have a good guide as you will see so much more.

Click here for a photo record of The Great Migration.

Masai Mara accommodation
If you are a wildlife enthusiast or photographer and want to spend several hours sensitively stalking your said quarry be it cheetah, lion or hyena and you find yourself charging round in a minibus ticking off species you have booked the wrong safari. Think about the impact on the environment that your accommodation has. There are some smaller camps, such as Rekero and Kicheche, which make very little impact on the park yet still offer a top quality product.

Articles and advice about the wildlife, National parks and safaris in Kenya

• Nairobi National Park.
• Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Masai Mara National Park.
• Samburu and Buffalo Springs.
• Flamingos on Lake Oloidien.
• Lake Naivasha drying up.
• Irresponsible safaris.

• The chimps of the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

When to visit the Masai Mara
Very few people visit the Mara only once and whatever time of year you visit you won't be short-changed. The peak migration season is August to October, and the wet season runs from April to June. A few lodges close at this time of year and some roads can become very hard going when wet, but the reserve has much fewer visitors and looks very green and lush. January to March are generally the coolest months and thus very popular, and the game tends to concentrate around the available water supplies.

Fantastic photos of a Martial eagle catching a White stork.
Details.