FactFile on Maasai Mara

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 Maasai Mara is one of the most popular game reserves in Africa. The Maasai Mara national reserve covers an area of 1510 sq kms. Mara means "spotted" in the Maasai language, meaning clusters of bush which dot the plains. It is located in southwestern Kenya, about 250 km from Nairobi. The Loita Hills to the East, Itong Hills to the North, and Siria Escarpment to the west form its borders and it is a natural extension of the Serengeti. It is owned and managed by the Maasai people, through the Narok County Council.

Elephants grazing

Cheetah on the lookout

Lazying Lions

Zebra's in the Mara

Spectacular Sunset

It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mara in search of water and pasture. More than 1.5 million Wildebeest are estimated to take part in this great movement and occurs between the month of July and august. In October, when the reserve experiences short rains, the animals return south to the Serengeti.

When visiting the Maasai Mara you are likely to see the famous Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Especially lions are common here, and have grown relatively accustomed to their two-legged visitors, which makes them easier to spot. The Mara Plains are teeming with wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, impala and Thomson's gazelle. Also cheetahs, hyenas and jackals are seen regularly in the reserve. In the Mara River large amounts of hippos and crocodiles are in existence. Bird life in Maasai Mara is abundant and diverse. More than 500 species of birds have been recorded such as ostrich, lark, sunbird, and several species of birds of prey.

The grassy savannah landscape enhances the beauty of the reserve. Scattered acacia woods and bush stand out in the plains. There is also a riverine forest, due to the presence of the Mara River, where most of the bird species dwell.

The Maasai culture is another major attraction. One of the best-known tribes, the Maasai have maintained their culture even as other tribes fall prey to modern practices. Their bright colored clothes and traditional dances are a must-see. The Maasai community near the Mara dwell in traditional villages, largely un-affected by the outside World, but are happy to welcome visitors for a small fee.