What images come to mind when you think of going on safari? Do you picture expansive grasslands and limitless fields teeming with antelope and wildebeest? Do you envision vast herds of elephants and zebras grazing peacefully across open grasslands? Or perhaps you envision a lone Baobab tree in the center of the savanna, with endless horizons and flaming crimson sunsets? It’s no surprise that the excellent Masai Mara weather, spectacular game drives, and gorgeous vistas make The Mara a “must-see” for any safari-goer.
Continue reading to find out why the Masai Mara should be on your bucket list!
- The First Great Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World,” takes place between July and October each year, when over two million wildebeests, zebra, impala, and other mammals leave Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and migrate to Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of greener pasture. Nowhere in the world does such a massive movement of species occur at the same time as during the Great Migration! Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the Mara to witness this miraculous phenomenon, in which millions of wildebeests cover hundreds of kilometers of grassland and gallop through rushing rivers (sometimes in single file lines) in search of more abundant food and water. The Great Wildebeest Migration is a dramatic and sometimes overpowering experience.
- Wildlife Abundance
With its huge open plains and ever-increasing wildlife population, visitors to the Masai Mara are guaranteed to see some of the world’s most sought-after creatures. In fact, the black rhino is the only one of the iconic Big Five (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and black rhino) that is rare (but not impossible!) to discover in this area. Meanwhile, enormous herds of elephants, giraffes, impalas, wildebeests, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and the ever-laughing hyena are common.
The Masai Mara is also one of the best sites in the world to see big cats like lions, cheetahs, and the elusive lone leopard. In fact, our guide expertly spotted a gorgeous, rare leopard napping high up in a tree during our thrilling wildlife drive in the Masai Mara National Park! We sat on the edge of our seats as the massive cat stretched and yawned his way down the tree, ultimately disappearing into the long grass.
- The Masai Tribe
While most visitors to Kenya come to see the wonderful range of animals, they fail to consider the equally incredible diversity of people. Kenya is home to over 40 distinct ethnic groups, the most fascinating of which being the Masai tribe. (the namesake of the National Reserve). The Masai are well-known for their preserved traditions, having migrated to Kenya as early as the 15th century. The Masai are semi-nomadic people who travel between Kenya and Tanzania in search of water and pasture for their livestock. The Masai are great to learn from and experience because of their beautiful, hand-made blankets, jewelry, food, and rich culture and traditions.
- Game Drives at Sunrise
Early morning wildlife drives offer an excellent opportunity to spot predators returning from a hunt. On my most recent visit to the Masai Mara, we camped in lovely tents on the north conservancy. On our last morning, we grabbed our warm Masai blankets and stepped into the jeep, where we watched the golden light emerge from the clouds.