What to See Maasai National Reserve

What to See in the Maasai Mara National Reserve?

Planning a trip to Kenya? That’s one of the interesting things to do in Africa, and it’s, of course, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Maasai Mara National Reserve is a prime wildlife sanctuary in this East African country. It lies in the southwest of Kenya, bordering the Serengeti to the west, and together, they host the greatest adventure on earth, the wildebeest migration, or simply the Great Migration. As for anyone looking for adventure, knowing key attractions is essential. In this article, we reveal the stunning attractions you must see while you’re in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

The Big Five

The term ‘big five’ always refers to five animals—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—that are remarkably challenging to bring down. The term originates from the old-school hunters, who once went on foot to hunt animals and found it very dangerous to hunt these five animals. So, they were named the Big 5.

All the big 5 animals call Masai Mara home. Whether you want to spot social lion prides in the golden savannah or the elusive leopard hiding in an acacia tree, Masai Mara offers wildlife views beyond expectations.

Elephants and buffalo are a common sighting, while rhinos and leopards are quite rare. There are about 40 in the Masai Mara. The chances of spotting this endangered animal are great in the Mara Triangle. Rhinos stay in groups—their strongest bond is between mother and calf. They preferably stay in shrubs where they browse on leaves. There’s a fantastic leopard population in the Masai Mara, but it’s not easy to encounter them.

Let’s face it. It’s challenging to spot all the Big 5 on a single go. But it’s possible, especially when you’re with the experts of the game. Drive in the vastness to scan for lions and buffalo. Elephants are abundant in the woodlands. As you drive, keep an eye out for leopards in acacia trees. And if you want to spot rhinos, go after shrubs but with extra care.

The Great Migration

The greatest show on earth is also featured in the Masai Mara from July to September. The major drive of this never-ending migration cycle of over 1.7 million wildebeest, along with zebra and gazelle, is the search for greener grazing grounds and water. The animal starts the cycle with the calving season in the Serengeti southern plains and Ndutu. They then move northward via the Western Corridor and finally head into the northern edge where the Serengeti meets the Masai Mara. Some of the incredible migration events you might see in the Masai Mara include

Crossings of the Mara River. Between August and September, the wildebeest herds are on the Great Mara River. As one of them leaps into the crocodile-infested waters, chaos begins. Driven by bravery and survival instincts, wildebeest fight with the hungry Nile crocs in a life-and-death battle to reach the other side. Thousands of lives are lost but the scene is more dramatic than you can imagine.

Predator-prey movements. With wildebeest being tired, hungry, young, or sick, even lazy predators can get their share with less effort. The battle is not easy but very appealing to watch.

Other animals

The Masai Mara is home to many animals apart from the big 5, wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles. A game drive in this splendid reserve is quite busy with numerous animal encounters—like Maasai giraffes, elands, impalas, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and so much more.

Seen from afar with their necks emerging from woodlands, giraffes are gentle animals. Hyenas are active in the late evenings and during the night. They have a unique laughing sound that can be heard at night. More frequently, you can see antelopes grazing in grassy plains or woodlands.

The Mara Triangle

For those in a hurry or first-timers, this region is great for encountering many animals. The wildlife population is superb as compared to other places. And there are better odds of coming across with all the big five.

Birds

Birds turn the Masai Mara into an interesting reserve packed with colorful singing birds. The feeling of searching for a certain bird species out of 500 species is remarkable. Some of the notable birds include ashy starlings, secretary birds, yellow-billed storks, marabou storks, grey-crested cranes, flamingos, and more.

The Maasai Communities

After you enjoy your Kenya wildlife safari, it’s time to hang out with the Maasai herdsmen. They’re super welcoming to visitors and have an incredible culture to learn from. Their unique dancing style (Adumu dance) showcases their men’s strength based on who jumps higher. And of course, those who prove to be stronger may even get a spouse for that.

There is a spear-throw challenge if you dare! You make a line with your spear in your strong hand and whistle. You run a short distance, then you throw the spear. Whoever manages to throw the spear further wins the challenge. Again, you can try a unique Maasai outfit or get yourself a collection of beads, rings, and other handmade items.

And there’s more than that. Yes, the untold scenes and feelings while you’re in such a great destination. If you want to discover more of the Masai Mara, consider booking a trip with Focus East Africa Tours today. If you still have more questions, please contact our Kenya safari experts.