The world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve is a huge expanse of tawny, sun-burnt grasslands dotted with acacia trees and heaving with animals big and small. Impressive at any time of year, it’s at its best between July and October when around a million migrating wildebeest and thousands of topis, zebras and other animals pour into the reserve from Tanzania in search of the fresh grass generated by the rains. It is, arguably, the most spectacular wildlife show on the planet and the one thing that no visitor to Kenya should even consider missing.
Reliable rains and plentiful vegetation underpin this extraordinary ecosystem and the millions of herbivores it supports. Wildebeest, zebras, impalas, elands, reedbucks, waterbucks, black rhinos, elephants, Maasai giraffes and several species of gazelle all call the Mara home. Predators here include cheetahs, leopards, spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, bat-eared foxes, caracals and the highest lion density in the world. The 1510 sq kms of open rolling grassland that makes up the Mara offers the quintessential African safari experience, whether you are a first-timer or a safari connoisseur.
The Great Migration
The Maasai Mara is globally famous The Great Migration. It is rated as one of the world’s most spectacular natural events – every year during the months of July to October the spectacle of over a million wildebeest, zebra and antelope migrate clockwise around the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem. This mass exodus is not only noted as a wonder of the world, but is always a great opportunity for people to witness nature at its best. At a distance the plains appear to be infested with lines of black ants. A closer view reveals it to be Wildebeest – those curious creatures aptly called “the clowns of the plains”. The sound of their grunting fills the air and the spectacle is almost unbelievable. You can witness the drama unfold as predators such as lions lurk in the bushes and prey scamper for safety in what has since been dubbed ‘survival for the fittest’.
In order to reach greener pastures, all these animals have to cross the Mara River, which provides another unique sight. As crowds of these ungainly Wildebeest throng down the steep banks in a cloud of dust and swim across the churning brown water, some of them are swept away and others grabbed by crocodiles. Engorged crocodiles bask on the banks, while flocks of vultures and other scavengers congregate to clean up remains. The rest of the year is never dull either, as large numbers of predators remain resident, and are commonly seen hunting herbivores. Elephants are plentiful and it’s not uncommon to be held up by elephants on the road. All members of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, African elephant, buffalo and black rhinoceros) are found in the Maasai Mara.
Birdlife
Birdlife is varied and profuse. More than 470 species of birds have been identified in the park, many of which are migrants. Schalow’s Turaco, Crested Guineafowl, Blue Flycatcher and Pel’s Fishing Owl can be seen in the riverine woodlands, while several varieties of bustards (including Denham’s) can be seen on the open plains – as can the spectacular Southern Ground Hornbill and the comical Secretarybird. Vultures, eagles and falcons can all be seen circling overhead or perched on trees, while over 50 different species of birds of prey have been recorded. From November to March many northern migrants are present in large numbers and bird-watchers will always be rewarded with much to record. Birds that call this area home for at least part of the year include: ostrich, francolins, vultures, storks, crowned cranes, bustards, plovers, kingfishers and the lilac-breasted roller, while for those who welcome a challenge there are several species of pipits, cisticolas, swallows and widowbirds to identify.
Culture
“A Maasai warrior is a fine sight. Those young men have, to the utmost extent, that particular form of intelligence which we call chic; daring and wildly fantastical as they seem, they are still unswervingly true to their own nature, and to an imminent ideal. Their style is not an assumed manner, nor an imitation of a foreign perfection; it has grown from the inside, and is an expression of the race and its history, and their weapons and finery are as much a part of their being as are a stag’s antlers.” Extract from ‘Out of Africa’ by Karen Blixen.
Activities
For most people, getting a chance to travel to the Maasai Mara is a dream come true. This is the land where popular shows like the Big Cat Diary were filmed. And you don’t have to focus exclusively on wildlife viewing. The Maasai Mara has a range of activities on offer and this diversity makes it a very special place for a safaris. Activities include game drives, nature walks, air balloon safaris, riding safaris, picnics in the wild & visit to Maasai villages.
In Summary
The Maasai Mara is undoubtedly the Jewel in the Crown of East Africa, forever to be associated with vast numbers of game, the unique spectacle of its animal migration unchanged over the centuries. This is Hollywood Africa: vast rolling grass plains interspersed with rounded hills, groves of woodlands, dense scrub thickets and the riverine forest of the Mara River which bisects the area. Smaller rivers feed massive fig trees growing along their banks. The word Mara is Maasai for “mottled” – and when flying over the plains and panoramic views of the Mara (in a plane or hot air balloon) or observing them from the vantage point of one of the surrounding hills, it becomes evident why this area was so named.
About Origins Safaris
At Origins Safaris we are passionate about wildlife, cultural heritage, adventure and exploration. We customize each and every safari to your personal requirements and expectations, ensuring an exclusive, unique and authentic experience every time.
Origins Safaris is a family business, founded in 1963 by Don and Margaret Turner. It is managed today by two subsequent generations of the family, and predominantly by Don’s son, Steve. We are so much more than just a travel broker – our years of experience, professionalism and reliability means that we go the all important extra mile, to make sure your dream safari is safe, memorable, educational and most of all great fun. We are renowned for our meticulous safari planning from start to finish, and the highest standards of natural history.
Origins Safaris provide that crucial “sound advice and impeccable service” so seldom found by other companies. We have 50+ years of authentic African safari experience and the know-how to make your trip run as smoothly as possible.
Let Origins Safaris help you to experience the Jewel in the Crown of East Africa. Contact us on www.originsafaris.com for more information.
Origins Safaris – Authentic African Experiences Since 1963
STEVE TURNER
SELEMPO EDWIN LESOINE
STANLEY KARITHI
ZACHARY METHU MBUTHIA
PETER LIECH ADEDE
FELIX WAMBUGU
JOSHUA SONKOYO
HENRY MIWANI
