Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is a national nature reserve in Kenya in the southwestern part of the country. It was founded in 1961 on an area of 1,510 km2. The name of the reserve originated from the local Maasai tribe, as well as the Mara River flowing through the park.
The reserve borders the Serengeti National Park and is actually an extension of it. The Masai Mara hosts an animal migration route in September and October. During migration, almost one and a half million wildebeest pass through the park. The reserve is located on the vast East African rift system, stretching from South Africa to the waters of the Red Sea. The terrain is dominated by grassy savannas with forests of acacia trees. There are swamps in the west of the park, which attract many animals to drink here. Tourists practically do not visit this part due to the remoteness, the eastern part is located 220 km from the city of Nairobi and is visited by most travelers.
The Masai Mara Reserve is home to all the representatives of the "Big Five", consisting of rhinos, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, as well as lions, which live here in large numbers. Hippos live in large groups in the Talek and Tara rivers, and cheetahs can also be found in the park, which are endangered because tourists prevent them from hunting during the day.
Wildebeest make up a significant part of the Masai Mara wildlife. Every year in July, antelopes go north in search of food, and in October, with the arrival of the rainy season, they return to the south. In addition to wildebeest, Grant and Thomson gazelles, topi, impala, and miniature wildebeest can be found in the reserve. There are also huge herds of zebras roaming here, and there are 2 varieties of giraffes. The avifauna is no less rich, numbering 450 representatives of birds.
The reserve is managed by the Kenyan Government. To prevent the destruction of animals, several anti-poaching units are stationed in the park.
The Masai Mara can be reached by car from Nairobi or Naroka, or by light aircraft, as there are landing strips in the reserve. Travelers can choose from bungalows, loggias, and campgrounds. Outside the hotel, you can only travel by car, accompanied by a chauffeur. Those who want to see everything at once should take advantage of a hot air balloon tour.
