What to do Maasai National Reserve
Activities to do in the Maasai National Reserve
It’s no surprise that the Maasai Mara National Reserve is a visitor magnet in East Africa. Bordering the Serengeti to the south, this 1510-square-kilometer reserve is home to an incredible wildlife population, which ranges from predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas to herbivores like African buffalo, elephants, wildebeests, and zebras.
There are so many things to do while you’re in this reserve, depending on your interests and budget. Whether you like luxury experiences like hot air balloon flights or authentic, cost-friendly nature walks, we’re ready to take you through Kenya’s flagship conservation area.
Game drives
There are plenty of animals in the Mara, big and small. It’s remarkably rewarding to go on a game drive twice a day to search for the Big Five or other animals. You start the day with a morning drive, which promises to see animals in their active state. Birds and elusive animals like leopards are still outside before going into their hideouts when the sun rises.
Later on, after you’ve had lunch, you get into the safari jeep for an afternoon game drive. Explore the vast plains before sunset to increase your list of animals encountered.
Game drives are usually included in almost every Masai Mara safari package, except if you want to opt out. There’s no need to book it separately. However, prior booking is important for night game drives and exclusive photographic safaris.
Hot air balloon flight
Imagine floating over the grass plains while watching animals from atop. That’s how a balloon safari feels. Balloon flights are expensive, but the experience is worth the price. And they’re always available on prior booking.
The crew starts preps at dawn. After you arrive at the launch site, the pilot gives a brief about the flight. Then you get into the basket and takeoff begins, which can be a little bumpy. You’ll then spend an hour floating over the expansive savannahs and all the magic.
The experience is celebrated with a champagne breakfast after we land. Thereafter, you continue with a game drive for the rest of the day or go on a brief visit to the Maasai tribal village.
Nature walks and treks.
Lodges and Camps within the Masai Mara offer short nature walks. This allows you to explore nature up close. You also enjoy small, unnoticed creatures we can’t see from the Kenya safari jeep or balloon. There’s no reason to worry about being safe because you’ll have expert rangers in the company.
Long walks are only available in small conservancies, not in the main reserve. If you want to walk in the wild for hours, you can visit one of the private conservancies surrounding the Masai Mara.
Maasai village visit
The Maasai are the Maa-speaking people in East Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. These nomadic pastoralists build their unique huts, manyatta, out of grass, cow dung, and wood. Their striking dressing style is unique, not just in Africa. Men wear red or blue shukas and would hold a locally made shield, a bow, and arrows. Women also wear red or blue shukas adorned with beaded jewelry and other ornaments.
The Maasai also have a signature dance called the Adumu, or Maasai jump. During this unique dance, they form a circle around, and one of them enters the center. When he gets tired, he leaves the circle, and another takes his place.
The Adumu always goes together with traditional songs. Men also use horns to create rhythms, while the beads on their shukas produce a jingling sound, adding a unique flavor to the dance. As you watch them jump higher than Michael Jordan, you may think it’s as simple as that—you’ll quickly realize how difficult it is once you try it yourself. Another fun thing to try when visiting a Maasai village is the spear-throwing challenge.
Watch the wildebeest migration.
The world’s spectacle, a heart-pounding event that features over 1.7 million hoofed animals, reaches the Masai Mara between August and September. You can view this event all year round, but the nail-biting crossings of the Mara River are unmatched.
Horseback safaris
Want a close-to-nature experience? Try horseback safaris. Animals aren’t as afraid of horses as they are of vehicles. Therefore, you can explore animals very clearly. This experience is, however, offered by limited operators and requires prior booking.
Bush meals and sundowners
Enjoying a candlelit dinner is something you should not miss on your next Masai Mara safari. It’s a fascinating experience after a busy day. Whether you want to enjoy local cuisine or any dish you would like, a bush meal is the ultimate culinary experience not to miss on your safari.
Every Kenya safari-goer who comes to the Masai Mara has their desires. That feeling of watching animals enjoy their natural environment is incredible. If you wish to enjoy any of the Masai Mara’s experiences, drop us a line so we can arrange everything in advance.
