Game Reserves in Kenya

Masai Mara National Park & The Wildebeest Migration

Masai Mara has earned a reputation as one of the premium Game Reserves in Kenya. Certainly there are large numbers of animals to be found here. They attract scientists, naturalists and preservationists from across the world to study animals in their natural habitat as well as the balance of ecology in South Western Kenya.

The Masai Mara is also home to the Maasai, a traditionally nomadic people who live their life in harmony with the changing seasons and animal migrations that occur here.

There are many different ways to spend your safari exploring the 320 square kilometres of Masai Mara’s open plains.  You can stay in one of the many camps that dot this magnificent game reserve. You can even book a balloon safari where you ride in a hot air balloon across the park in the early morning. No matter what your budget, you will find accommodations to suit, everything from basic camping to luxurious lodges.

As far as animal viewing, Masai Mara National Park offers the best out of all the other Game Reserves in Kenya. Elephants, leopards, cheetahs, lions, ostriches, gazelle, zebra, rhinoceros, hyena, hippopotamus, crocodiles, vultures, buffaloes, birds and monkeys are all here. The terrain is primarily grasslands with acacia forests. The Mara and Talek rivers provide plenty of water and the Musiara Swamp is home to the hippos and crocodiles.

The wildebeest occupy the Masai Mara between May and October each year when they migrate north from the Serengeti, across the border in Tanzania. The thousands upon thousands of migrating wildebeest crossing the Serengeti and the Masai Mara Game Reserves in Kenya is said to be one of the most spectacular sights on earth

See the Wildebeest Migration Video here

Other Attractions

Besides the attractions of wildlife viewing, there is plenty to do in this part of Kenya. Explore the Maasai culture, go horse riding or hiking, or just admire the splendid views of Mt. Kilamanjaro across the border in Tanzania.  A three hour drive northwards will take you to Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, where you can enjoy all the attractions of a large, tourist destination.

Accessibility

Masai Mara is in the South Western part of Kenya. There is a road from Nairobi, and two airstrips for small planes and private charters.  It is possible to hire a car and the park itself is driveable, although during the rainy season some roads might be impassable.

The best way to get the most out of a Safari in any of the Game Reserves in Kenya is with an experienced guide. They not only understand how to navigate some of the more difficult roads, but they are experienced in what animals can be seen where and when as well as how to keep yourself out of danger.

Keep in mind though that there are bogus operators out there and you need to avoid them.