Maasai Mara National Reserve Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Maasai Mara National Reserve, located in the Narok region of Kenya, is a must-see destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spanning over 1,500 square kilometers, this national reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for safari-goers.
One of the main attractions of Maasai Mara National Reserve is the annual wildebeest migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals make their way across the Mara River in search of greener pastures. This spectacle is a sight to behold and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors.
In addition to the migration, visitors to Maasai Mara can also spot the "Big Five" - lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos - as well as an abundance of other wildlife such as giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, and hippos. The reserve is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 450 bird species recorded within its borders.
For those interested in learning about the local culture, Maasai Mara offers the opportunity to interact with the Maasai people, one of the most well-known indigenous tribes in Kenya. Visitors can visit Maasai villages, learn about their traditional customs and lifestyle, and even participate in activities such as traditional dancing and crafts.
The landscape of Maasai Mara is also a sight to behold, with vast savannahs, rolling hills, and acacia woodlands providing a picturesque backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography. The reserve is also home to the Siria Escarpment, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding plains and the Mara River.
Narok
Maasai Mara National Reserve Attractions - What to See and Explore
Maasai Mara National Reserve offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mara Triangle. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Maasai Mara National Reserve
Learn when is the best time to travel to Maasai Mara National Reserve weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Lion
The lion, a majestic big cat from the genus Panthera, roams the wilds of Africa and India. Known for its powerful build, rounded head, and distinctive tail tuft, the lion is a striking figure in the animal kingdom. Male lions, larger than females, are easily recognized...
Mammals
Cheetah
The cheetah, a large feline found in Africa and central Iran, is renowned for being the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds between 80 to 128 km/h. Built for speed, cheetahs possess a lightweight frame, long slender legs, and a lengthy tail.
Mammals
Common Hippopotamus
The hippopotamus, or hippo, is a fascinating and hefty mammal native to Africa, renowned for its massive barrel-shaped body, wide-opening mouth, and almost hairless skin. These semiaquatic giants can weigh around 1,500 kg on average.
Mammals
Black rhinoceros
The black rhinoceros, also known as the hook-lipped rhinoceros, is a critically endangered species native to eastern and southern Africa. These remarkable creatures can vary in color from brown to grey. Carl Linnaeus first named them *Rhinoceros bicornis* in 1758...
Mammals
Leopard
Leopards, belonging to the Felidae family and the genus Panthera, are among the five big cats in this group. They inhabit sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.
Mammals
Narok