Massai Mara

Create:
In the middle of the south-west Kenya's Lake Victoria Basin and also a natural offshoot of the past in Tanzania Serengeti. The reserve with an area of 1792 km2 in May 1961 placed under state protection and is officially a wildlife refuge, allowed to graze their flocks in the pastoral and human activities are tolerated. The core zone of 512 km2 lives in the most wild, is declared as a national park and should not be built with few exceptions. The average height is between 1500 m 1650 m above sea.

Landscape:
The varied landscape of rolling hills, lights Akazienwäldern, vast savannahs with endless undulating grasslands, Gallery forests along the winding bed of the Mara River and its tributary Talek, is of unforgettable beauty.

Special features:
Virtually all animals have been observed there in greater numbers than elsewhere.

Migration:
On the seasonal migration of vast herds of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti to come forth in this park.

Special Animals:
Many lions and cheetahs. Smaller, well-protected rhino stock. The Masai Mara is rich in birds like Great Bustard, Secretaries, Masai-Strauss, Haubenkraniche, Raptors and vultures. The Mara River and its tributary Talek are populated by crocodiles and hippos huge.

Ballooning:
A unique and fascinating experience, take a balloon ride. Just before dawn, the balloon rises into the air and during 1 Hours can enjoy the unique and wonderful views. The direction and the height is determined by the wind. After landing in the middle of the Savannah served a delicious champagne breakfast. No effective, for a unique experience!

Each year between July and September, the Maasai Mara transformed into a giant open-air stage, takes place on an unparalleled natural wonder. The main actors are the wild animals, form the backdrop of the seemingly endless grasslands, the hills to the east and west, and the life-giving water veins. Over a million wildebeest, followed by zebras, Gazelle and their predators, the lion, go in search of lush grass of the southern Serengeti to Maasai Mara, where it is green after the rainy season and blooms.

However, the reserve is outside the migration as one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich conservation areas in East Africa. Here you can also visit with only two or three days, the best opportunities, the “Big Five” to meet. A must for every first-time visitor to Kenya.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is located approximately 1700 m on one level and comprises an area of 1800 km2, from which 518 km2 within the national park status and have the external reserve to some degree by the local Maasai can be used for grazing. Here one can also go off the beaten track, However, one should consider, that each new tire track the turf destroyed. We therefore recommend as far as possible to stay on the slopes and to make, especially in the rainy season with an all-terrain vehicle, the game drives to stick in the loamy black soil also does not remain and even expand into the areas of the reserve to, which of the safari buses can not be driven.

The Maasai Mara can be divided into three areas:

In the eastern limit of the reserve Ngama Hills, its highest point up to 2080 m increases. Here are frequently sighted rhino. The middle section extends west to the Keekorok Lodge Mara – Flow, of the park from north to south crosses. West of the Mara, extends the so-called Mara Triangle, the rolling hills of Esoit Oloololo Siria Escarpment restrict the reserve to the west. From the hill you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the vast grassland plains.

There are numerous accommodation options for every budget. Starting from simple tented camps up to Lodges (Small Hotels) and luxury tented camps here, each category is available. The drive from Nairobi, depending on the chosen accommodation 4-6 Hours. By the species richness is the Maasai Mara is also a popular destination for photographers, which will find incredibly beautiful designs. Of course it is also possible to visit a Maasai village once and get an insight into the culture of these proud people, or take a balloon ride across the steppe. There are many ways to design a safari and explore the Maasai Mara.