MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. Its rolling savanna studded with flat-top acacia trees is fantastic at any time but from July to October, the Mara’s plains and rivers are flooded with wildebeest a million strong on their great migration, along with herds of zebras, elephants and giraffes. Trailing this walking buffet are lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and crocs. If you only visit one place in Kenya, make it the Mara.

Situated in the southwest of Kenya, covering an area of 1 510 square km (583 square miles), Masai Mara National Reserve is a land of breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife and endless plains.

The quintessential photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise delivers many attractions, as the reserve is home to an excellent year-round concentration of game, including the more than two million wildebeest, zebras and other antelopes that make up the famous Great Migration that traverses the Masai Mara via the Serengeti National Park.

Recognized as one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, the migration is a continuous route that is followed by an over 1.5 million wildebeests and thousands of zebras, gazelles and elands. In their never-ending pursuit for the finest grazing and watering grounds, the gnu relocate on an almost constant basis. The perseverance of these wildebeests is demonstrated in their ability to mate while on the move, and many cows are pregnant during part of the migration. Additionally, even the youngest wildebeest calves are expected to keep up with the herd. Standing and walking within minutes are critical to its survival.

The migration event of Maasai Mara National Reserve takes place from approximately late July – early August until the end of October – early November. But the Mara offers year-round game viewing. The reserve and surrounding conservancies offer diverse resident species experiences during your Mara Africa safari excursions.