The Mara Triangle
Maasai Mara National Reserve Triangle.
The Mara Triangle is an important region in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, covering over 510 km², about one-third of the total area of the reserve. It is the south-western part of the main reserve, bordering the Oloololo Escarpment on the west and Tanzania on the south.
The Mara Triangle is where the Great Migration herds enter and depart the Maasai Mara National Reserve from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, making it a perfect location to witness this incredible wildlife display. The Mara River Crossings are among the most dramatic events of the Great Migration, so staying in the Mara Triangle on a Kenya safari will offer you front-row seats to the show.
The Mara Triangle has a hot air balloon launch point, and this aerial pastime is not to be missed. Flying high over the Mara plains as the sun sets turns the scenery golden and allows you to view wildlife from the air, an unforgettable experience. Basically, there is no better place to view the dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration.
History of the Maasai Mara National Reserve Triangle
The Maasai Mara National Reserve Triangle, also known as ‘The Mara Triangle’, spans across 510 square kilometres, approximately one third of the entire Maasai Mara National Reserve. In the past, this region was the scene of widespread poaching, leading to the death of thousands of animals each year. In 2000, a group of local leaders joined forces to make a difference to promote the conservation of the Maasai Mara National Reserve Triangle.
The collaboration of these leaders led to the establishment of the non-profit Mara Conservancy. This was the first step towards a groundbreaking partnership between the public and private sectors, between conservation professionals and the local Maasai community, to successfully conserve and manage one of the most animal-rich areas of the world.
Geography of Maasai Mara National Reserve Triangle
This region of the Maasai Mara National Reserve lies between the mighty Mara River and the western Oloololo Escarpment in Southwest Kenya, and it can only be reached through Oloololo Gate or by way of the New Mara Bridge. Because of the limited access, it is far less visited and less crowded than other areas of the reserve. A gem in the rough, the Maasai Mara Triangle is home to large populations of wildlife all year round. Its vast open plains and acacia forests are home to an amazing array of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, elands and impalas. As expected in these areas, predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals and cheetahs are always lurking, looking for an opportunity to feast on the abundant wildlife.
The banks of the Mara River are flanked by riverine forests giving shelter and food to elephants, cape buffaloes, hippos, and baboons. During the Great Migration, crocodiles lie in wait in the murky waters of the Mara River, ready to snatch away the weakened prey attempting the fateful crossing of the river.
The Gateway to the Great Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration is what makes the Maasai Mara National Reserve Triangle. Well, it is probably one of the best locations to witness the Mara River crossings during the Great Migration. This area is the entry and exit point for the endless herds of wildebeest and zebras on their annual trek from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara.
The Great Migration crossings occur from July through October and are nothing short of breathtaking. Imagine watching over a million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles and other animals making the perilous trek through this region to reach the green pastures and water sources of the Masai Mara plains each year. It is a mind-blowing sight to see.
Where to stay in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Triangle.
There are a limited number of accommodations in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Triangle. In this region of the reserve, there is a very strict limit of approximately 350 acres per guest or 700 acres per double-occupancy tent. There are only two permanent lodges and several camps located along the edge of the Maasai Mara Reserve Triangle.
The few accommodation options in this region tend to fill up quickly. Therefore, it is important to book your accommodation as soon as possible to ensure there is space available for you. In an effort to support the local Maasai communities, conservancies hire locally when possible. Because of this, some staff members may not speak fluent English. It does mean that your stay at any camp or lodge in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Triangle is directly benefiting the local Maasai community.
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Little Governors’ Camp
- Mara West Camp
Seasonality in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Triangle
Just already noted that the Maasai Mara National Reserve Triangle is known for being the Great Migration Gateway, so you will probably want to visit during the Great Wildebeest Migration. Note that the chance of seeing the migrating herds trek by is best during the months of July through October.
Weather conditions are good during this dry season. The so-called green season in Kenya, as well as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, runs from November through June, which is excellent for viewing wildlife. During this time of year, the weather may be poorer, but there are also far fewer visitors during these months.
