Masai Mara Game Reserve: Located in the south west of Kenya, Masai Mara game reserve is a diverse area that is home to millions of creatures. The word ‘Masai’ come from one of the largest nomadic warrior groups in Kenya. And that is the Maasai while ‘Mara’ refers to a predominant shrub, flat topped acacia trees and bushes that covers most of the area. Masai Mara is a habitat to both small and big animal species. The ‘Big Five’ game that is the lion, African elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo are seen rooming around Masai Mara.
Every year, tourists from all over the world travel to Masai Mara to witness the great migration. This simply involves large herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles jumping and crossing the muddy water of river Mara. They cross the river and travel eight hundred kilometres through the Masai Mara ecosystems. Further, they are always in search of greener, mineral rich pastures. The herds of course have to meet up with predators. For example; the crocodiles and the hippos hence the migrations end up being survival for the fittest. The positive thing about Masai Mara is that it has lots of wildlife each year so the ecosystem needs a little bit of balancing.
An activity you wouldn’t want to miss in Masai Mara is hot air ballooning. This is a chance to get to view the amazing landscape. It is more breath-taking when you get to view the great migration from above. Other propounding views to catch sight of while on the hot air balloon would be watching lions hunting their prey. More so, having a glimpse on leopards perched up high in trees and seeing active hyena dens. You also get to enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or any other drink of your choice. Again together with some fantastic snacks as you view the magical nature.
It is not fair to set foot in Masai Mara without taking interest in the Masai cultural encounters. Get to learn about the Maasai families that have lived in the Masai Mara for over hundreds of years. These are passing their culture from one generation to another generation. Get to visit their camps and gain knowledge about their lifestyle. The Maasai community is made up of about forty-eight houses surrounding their cattle kraal. This is in order to offer security from invaders and thieves that may attempt to steal. The traditional houses ‘manyattas’, are built with mud and branches in a circular arrangement. Hence providing a cool environment inside away from the scorching sun.
The Mara is renowned for delivering exceptional big cat (lion, leopard and cheetah) sightings. Cheetahs are particularly well adapted to the region’s flat plains. More so, which makes the Masai Mara one of the best places to see these nimble predators.
It also hosts the Great Migration, which secured it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. And more so as one of the ten Wonders of the World. This Wildebeest migration takes place at different times of the year and in Maasai Mara national reserve. It takes place during the months of July to September when the wildebeest cross to Maasai Mara reserve in Kenya through the Mara River which is considered the climax of the migration period.
The migration is not a singular, isolated event. Instead, the phrase describes the constant movement of over 1.6 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of great zebras, as well as elands and gazelles. As with other wildlife, the purpose of the movement is the search for pasture and water. When supplies of these vital resources are depleted in one area, the animals move to another area where water, grasses and other food sources are plentiful.
This Great Wildebeest Migration arriving from the Serengeti is also due to the weather patterns and the cycle of the rainy and dry seasons which brings greatest influence on the wildlife movement. Because rainfall and weather are somewhat unpredictable, there is no way to calculate concretely where the animals are at any point in the year, nor how long they will remain in one area.
Breath taking at any time of the year, the Masai Mara reaches its peak in July and august during the annual migration of the millions of wildebeest and others grazers from adjacent Serengeti national park as the herds make their journey into the Mara on trek commonly known as the Great migration. This is arguably the most spectacular wildlife show on the planet and booking one of the various Masai Mara tours with Umarella voyage safaris registered company in Uganda operating allover East Africa at this time of the year is something you do not want to miss on your Safari in Africa
Wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara is good throughout the year. The best months for the wildebeest migration are September and October. June to October is relatively dry, and offers the best general wildlife watching.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the major parks in Kenya. This is an area of preserved savannah wilderness on the south-western side of Kenya. Masai Mara borders the Serengeti along the Tanzanian border. Masai Mara animals include lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and hippos.
You can see the Masai Mara Animals while on a game drive or while on the spectacular hot-air Masai Mara balloons. Walking safaris are also available for those who are looking for a more personal experience in the world. While this is not allowed in the reserve, the conservancies and ranches offer these guides.
Other Masai Mara Wildlife; Giraffe, Silverback Jackal, Hyena, Warthogs, Vultures, Leopard, Secretary birds, Hornbills, Crowned cranes and Ostriches. The national reserve also hosts a big population of birds including endemic species, savannah species and forested species.
These include Ostrich, grebes, Pelicans, cormorants & darter, Herons, egrets & bitterns, Hammerkop and shoebill, storks, Ducks and geese, Secretary bird, Vultures, Eagles, kites, harriers and hawks among others.
The best time for birdwatching in Masai Mara game reserve is through out the year (it is possible through all the time) but for a great birding experience is in the month November to April when there is migratory bird species in the park and June to October when the Reserve experiences dry season and the grass is short offering you uninterrupted views of the colourful birds
Exploring the best of Masai Mara National Reserve with Umarella Voyage Safaris gives you a great range of experience through different Safari activities at the Reserve hence making your African trip more Remarkable. We offer our guests a wide range of best selected safari activities that are done within the Reserve. You can explore these activities by our cars, guided foot walks or horse Riding.
These game drives are the key activities carried out by Umarella Voyage Safaris in most of East African National Parks. We do these game drives the whole day, half day or at night and Masai Mara is among the few national parks that allows night game drives. You will have a chance to spot all the wild species in the reserve through our strong open roofed cars that give the best view of the animals.
You can also opt to have a nature walk through the Reserve that are led by our game rangers. On top of viewing wildlife through nature walks, you will get a chance to have cultural tours, visit the locals and see true African set up of traditions with the Maasai culture.
For any inquiry about your dream destination just email us at info@umarellavoyagesafaris.com or umarellavoyagesafaris@gmail.com , we are the solution.