Masai Mara Discovery Journeys are epic of all Kenyan safaris and wildlife encounters. The reserve is located in southern Kenya in the Rift Valley region and it is Kenya’s most visited Safari destination. It is a renowned ecosystem with diverse wildlife species where Kenya tour adventures take place.
Kenya is believed to be the birthplace of safari and Masai Mara Discovery Journeys affirm this. There are several Kenya Signature experiences but those in Masai Mara are iconic. Below are our top and featured Masai Mara Discovery Journeys for those who are considering visiting.
Wildebeest Migration Discovery Journeys
The great wildebeest migration is one of the major mass animal movements on the planet. It is a natural wonder that involves wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and the topi. These herbivores and major grazers move from Serengeti in Northern Tanzania which is adjacent to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Serengeti and Masai Mara used to be one ecosystem with no boundaries. The region was however divided during the Scramble and Partition for Africa held in Berlin in 1885. Present-day Tanzania went under German rule while Kenya became a British colony. The two colonial masters drew a borderline that saw the separation of communities and ecosystems to Masai Mara and Serengeti.
Animals unlike humans know no borders. They had for hundreds of years traversed this ecosystem following the rains and looking for pastures. These grazers still cross the border annually in the renowned Wildebeest Migration. Migrating herds comprise over a million wildebeest involved as well as hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. The Wildebeest migration is one top Masai Mara Discovery Journeys and adventures you must be part of. It is amazing to see such a huge population of animals in one place.
The Mara River crossings of the migrating herds are iconic. They jump over the steep edges of the River Banks and those that make it through proceed to Masai Mara. No words can describe how a phenomenon the wildebeest migration is. We just recommend you visit Kenya and experience this natural wonder.
Masai Cultural Experiences
Visiting a destination is valuable when you interact and bond with the natives of the area. The Masai are native to and guardians of the Masai Mara ecosystem. They have lived alongside the wildlife species of the Mara ecosystem for years and are the best safari guides. Safari lodges in the reserve have an architectural and interior design inspired by the Masai Culture. They also employ the Masai as site guides conducting guided nature walks and game drives in the reserve.
Masai community visits and cultural experiences are engaging as you directly interact with the people. There are several communities around the reserve with people who still observe and live by their cultural and traditional values. On a visit there, they take you through their Manyatta homestead which has an extended family setup. You get to observe and directly interact with them learning their values and rich heritage.
The Masai cultural experience is among the most authentic Masai Mara Discovery Journeys adventure. They have several handmade crafts that you buy as souvenirs. Money raised from this helps the community generate revenue. For a more insight and understanding you can have a homestay with an overnight in the Manyatta. You can alternatively opt for a day excursion that is more feasible with the safaria adventures.
Mara Big Cats Safaris
Savanna’s big cats are a major wildlife draw to Masai Mara. The reserve has all three big cats including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. These unlike in other Kenya safari destinations occur in large numbers. It is normal to spot a leopard on a game drive in Masai Mara even though it is solitary in nature.
The lion population surpasses all the other big cats and forms a great part of Masai Mara Discovery Journeys. Lions in Masai Mara move in pride of up to 20 individuals. You can only spot two if it is a mating season or if they have broken away from their Pride.
Cheetahs are impressive to watch and are the ones becoming rare. Masai Mara still has a reasonable population of these but spotting them on game drives is not as common as it is with lions. It is therefore fulfilling to finally meet a cheetah that is also the land’s fastest animal. The Masai Mara ecosystem is an open space and a playground for a fast animal like a cheetah. You will truly have the best of the big cats experience in Masai Mara. Just prepare and visit Kenya for more.
Birding Discovery Journeys
Birding discovery Journeys in Masai Mara are the most underrated Kenya safari experiences. Masai Mara has a rich bird life of all bird species from vultures, scavengers, and herbivore birds. The Vultures and scavengers take advantage of the predator hunts to get a meal. Some vulture birds or prey are aggressive and directly hunt young antelopes.
It is easy to spot the different bird species in Masai Mara. You can do normal game drives featuring these, the big cats, and other safari animals. If you are an avid bird lover, you can dedicate your Masai Mara safari to birding. With this, you can fully explore the bird life in Masai Mara including endemics.
Masai Mara is visited by migratory birds from North Africa and Europe from November to April. These months are a low-and-shoulder tourist season. During this time the number of people on Masai Mara Discovery Journeys is not high compared from June to October. You can therefore enjoy exclusive birding and overall savanna wildlife safaris in the reserve.
Masai Mara Photography Safaris
Wildlife photography has started to be widely appreciated thanks to impressive and iconic safari destinations like Masai Mara. Masai Mara does not just have big cats and wildebeests. It is also home to safari animals like giraffes, dik-dik, hartebeests, elands, and zebras among others. All these animal species offer provision for photography safaris.
Masai Mara has diverse landscapes and ecosystems from open grasslands, rivers, shrubs that are ideal to capture on a photography safari. Capturing these moments and experiences makes Kenya Discovery Journeys exceptional. Some of the best wildlife documentaries were captured here and there is still a chance to cover more.
The best time for photography safaris is in the dry season from June to September. For more exclusive photography sessions and vibrant bird life, it is better to visit from November to May.
Masai Mara is not stand stand-alone Kenya safari destination. You can combine your visit there with other destinations like Amboseli and the Rift Valley Lakes. You can also opt for Rwanda Tour adventures or Uganda safaris depending on your preference. Our Tanzania Travel Guide is extensive and provides insight into destination Tanzania.
