When you think of the word "safari," your mind likely conjures up images of vast savanna wilderness, herds of elephants, bounding antelopes, and big, fiery sunsets. Well, trust me--that is exactly the experience that you will have in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve!
Located in southwestern Kenya, the Masai Mara extends into the famous Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This giant game reserve is Kenya's most popular wildlife destination, for it is full of thousands of different animal species, including the Big 5: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos.
With its grassy landscapes, rolling hills, and vast array of wildlife, the Masai Mara is an iconic safari location. Continue reading to see what to expect from a Kenyan safari in the Mara!
1. A LOT of wildlife
With its vast numbers of animal species, the Mara is sure to delight each and every safari-goer. During your time in the Mara, you are sure to spot large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebra, impala, wildebeests, and hyenas. As you get closer to the rivers, you will likely see giant hippos and crocodiles, and if you're really lucky, you may even catch the very rare (and very shy!) black rhino hiding in the brush.
The Mara is also one of the best places in the world to see the big cats: lions, cheetahs, and leopards! In fact, during a morning game drive in the Masai Mara, our skillful Masai guide spotted a beautiful, lone leopard taking a nap high up in a tree! We sat on the edge of our seats as we watched the giant cat stretch and yawn and slowly made her way down the tree, where she eventually disappeared into the tall grass.
2. The Wildebeest Migration (From July to October)
If you travel to the Mara between the months of July and October, you are likely to experience an incredible phenomenon known as the Great Migration, or the Great Wildebeest Migration. Commonly recognized as one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World,” this overland migration involves over two million wildebeests, zebra, impala, and other mammals, who slowly leave the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and migrate into the Masai Mara in search of greener pastures. Nowhere else in the world is there such a huge movement of wildlife at one time! Thousands of tourists travel to the Mara each year to watch as millions of wildebeests cross hundreds of miles of grassland and run through rushing rivers (often in single file lines) to find more abundant food and water. The Great Wildebeest Migration is a fascinating (if not somewhat overwhelming) spectacle that will mesmerize all who are lucky enough to capture it.
3. The Beautiful Landscape
The Maasai Mara has a varied and romantic landscape, full of open savanna and rolling hills. The lush grasslands and small wooded areas around the river are occasionally spotted with a baobab tree or shrub. The golden grass and wide open blue skies are perfect for long game drives and wildlife-spotting!
4. The Masai Tribe
While most people picture the variety of wildlife species when they think of going on safari, the people and culture of the Masai are equally intriguing to learn about. In fact, there are over 40 unique ethnic groups that live in Kenya, one of them being the Masai tribe (the namesake of the National Reserve). Arriving in Kenya as far back as the 15th century, the Masai are well-known for their preserved traditions throughout the centuries. The Masai live a semi-nomadic existence, roaming between Kenya and Tanzania in search of water and pasture for their cattle. Their lovely, hand-made blankets, jewelry, food, and rich culture and traditions make the Masai incredible to both learn from.
5. Exciting Game Drives and Expert Guides
Game drives, which are most often led by local Masai guides, are incredible opportunities not only to see wildlife up close, but also to learn about the culture and traditions of Kenya. Watching animals walk, run, play, eat, and hunt up close is amazing; it is also amazing to learn about how the local tribes live on the land. The game drives and local guides have so much to teach you!
What do you hope to experience on your Kenyan safari?
Post written by Grace Klopp