Top 10 Wildlife Found In Masai Mara Kenya

Top 10 Wildlife Found In Masai Mara, Kenya: Masai Mara is situated in the southwest of Kenya in Narok County, and below are the top 10 wildlife found in Masai Mara in Kenya.

1. Lions

Lions are among the wildlife that is found in Masai Mara in Kenya, and these lions are among the Big Five animals. The population of the lions in Masai Mara is about 850 to 900, and this therefore makes it one of the best locations in Kenya where visitors can be able to see the lions in their natural habitats. On a Kenya Wildlife Safari, tourists to the Masai Mara can witness lion prides with about 15 to 20 members, of which about 3 are males and a few females, with one dominant male in charge. The lionesses do most of the stalking, often helping the males finish off larger animals..

2. Elephants

Masai Mara is a habitat for a large number of elephants, and these elephants attract numerous visitors to come and visit due to their large population in this area. Visitors across the globe visit Masai Mara to have a glance at these animals being as they are the largest animals on land. The elephants in Masai Mara are approximately 2500 to 3500 in number. These animals migrate seasonally to other places like the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Loita hills and other conservation areas in Kenya. They contribute a lot to the ecosystem and also enable the existence of small species in this area.

3. Buffaloes

One can see buffalo herds, typically 100 in number, during a Kenya Wildlife Safari in Masai Mara. Such herds are typically seen near water sources, especially during dry weather conditions when water is limited and wildlife groups gather near available waterholes. That is why they are seen around water sources. The buffalo Masai Mara are about 28000 in number, and each buffalo weighs about 800 kilograms. These animals are also part of the big five animals, and in most locations where these buffalo reside, they are always seen in large numbers.

4. Leopards

Leopards are among the big five animals that reside in Masai Mara in Kenya, and the leopards can be seen very early in the morning and late afternoon. The leopards are nocturnal animals and they reside in forests, woodlands and the savannahs. These animals prefer hunting at night because they are considered to be shy. Visitors can also spot these animals in trees in Masai Mara, and at times, it is where they base to capture their prey with the aid of their clear vision, and during the day, they spend most of their time around trees resting.

5. Hippos ( Hippototamus) 

Hippos are also among the animals that can be spotted in big numbers in Masai Mara, and they are mostly seen at water sources, that is to say, the rivers, swamps and lakes that is because they prefer living in a cool area. These animals are known to be the third-largest animals on land, and their weight is approximately 1500 kilograms. These hippos can be sighted by the visitors at various hippo pools in Masai Mara and the rivers. In Masai Mara in Kenya, in terms of population, there are about 4000 hippos that reside there.

6. Giraffes

There is an estimation of about 33000 Masai giraffes that reside in Masai Mara in Kenya. The giraffes are known to be the tallest animals on land, and they are commonly found in open savannahs.

7. Hyenas

If you are on a Kenya Wildlife Safari in the Masai Mara, you can spot the spotted hyenas, with an average of about 12 in each 100 square kilometres. Their power and teamwork in hunting enable them to be successful predators that can kill prey larger than themselves. The hyenas tend to be active at night, and thus, a night game drive is the best time to observe them as they roam around to find food. The hyenas mostly live in areas of grasslands and savannahs in the Masai Mara. Another name for the hyenas in Masai Mara is the laughing hyenas, since their presence can be felt and heard from 5 kilometres away. The hyenas are social animals since they are spotted at times when they are gathered together in a crowd.

8. Zebras

Masai Mara is a habitat to a large number of zebras, including the plains zebras, Grevy’s zebras and mountain zebras. The zebras in Masai Mara can be spotted in the savannah and grasslands where they opt to stay. The zebras are often seen in large numbers, and this is also a means of protecting each other from predators, though they are also naturally social animals. Masai Mara is also home to a rare or uncommon zebra known as Tira, that is having a polka dotted appearance that is unique and different from other zebras with white and black stripes.

9. Wildebeests

Wildebeests in Masai Mara are one of the animals that are known to migrate in large numbers from the Serengeti to Masai Mara. This is done because these animals are seeking fertile land elsewhere. The wildebeest migrate once a year, and this takes place from July to October; therefore, this time is perfect for visitors to visit Masai Mara to have a glance at these animals. The movement of these wildebeests is referred to as the Great Migration. The wildebeests can be seen crossing the Masai Mara river in their course of migration to another location.

10. Rhinos

Rhinos are one of the big five animals and are among the animals that are found in the Masai Mara in Kenya. There is approximately a population of 35 to 40 black rhinos that are sheltered in the Masai Mara. These animals move from time to time from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti in Tanzania. During a Kenya Wildlife Safari trip in the Masai Mara, visitors are advised of the invaluable conservation efforts involved in safeguarding endangered animals like the rhino. With numbers once exceeding 35 to 40 individuals, the rhinos’ populations declined significantly due to poaching activities. However, through vigilant protection acts, these handsome creatures are protected, weighing between 850 kg and 1,600 kg.