Masai Mara Safari tour activities are top-rated of all Kenya Discovery Journeys experiences. Masai Mara National Reserve is located in Southern Kenya and comprises the Mara Triangle and adjacent Conservancies. The Reserve is a renowned Kenya Safari destination famous for its epic wildlife experiences.
It covers a land area of 1,510 square kilometers of open savanna grassland. This has scattered trees that are evenly distributed all over the ecosystem. Masai Mara has three major Rivers: the Mara, Talek, and Sand Rivers. The reserve has two major seasons, the rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season Starts from April to May with long rains and from November to December favoring the growth of lush vegetation.
June to October are dry months and double as the peak tourist season months. Masai Mara can be visited any time of the year depending on one’s interest. Here are the major safari tour activities you Must do on a visit to the reserve.
Wildebeest Migration Safari
The great wildebeest migration is the leading Masai Mara safari tour adventure. It starts from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park as millions of wildebeest migrate searching for fresh pasture. They are followed by hundreds of zebras, topi, and grant gazelles forming the World’s largest savanna wildlife migration.
The Wildebeest migration starts with the calving period in Southern Serengeti where over 7000 calves are born daily. From here the herds slowly move towards central Serengeti and eventually the North before crossing the Mara River into Masai Mara. The Mara River crossings are among the most anticipated parts of the wildebeest migration. This is because the Mara River is home to high crocodile concentrations that await the migrating herds to take down their prey.
Masai Mara is home to predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs that take advantage of the wildebeest migration to hunt. On Masai Mara Safari tour adventures featuring the wildebeest migration, you therefore journey with the herds and also stand an opportunity to see predator hunting. The wildebeest migration is highly recommended for adventure enthusiasts and those with a keen interest in photography. Our 5-day Kenya Safari features the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara. It can be further customized to allow a longer stay in the reserve for more chances of wildlife viewing.
Balloon Tour Adventures
The open savanna ecosystem of Masai Mara has made it ideal for balloon safari adventures. Ballon safaris are among the recently added African safari expeditions offering impressive panoramic views. Such experiences make more sense in a destination like Masai Mara because of the reserves’ wildlife numbers.
Hot air balloons are flown at reasonably lower altitudes making it easy for one to see the wildlife in the ecosystem. They are however operated with caution and eco-friendly aspects to avoid scaring away the animals.
Ballon safari tours are done early morning or late afternoon. This is when animals are most active and can easily be spotted. During the hot mid-hours of the day, animals find shelter and a balloon safari operated then might not be as fruitful as one done in the morning or evening. Balloon safari tours are listed as optional activities and can be done in addition to game drives.
Open Savanna Safari Tour Experiences
Open savanna safari experiences are the commonly done Masai Mara safari tour activities. These mainly include game drives and nature walks. They can be customized to focus on Big Cats, Big Five Mammals, or the general safari animals in the reserve.
Masai Mara is home to giraffes, elephants, hippos, zebras, hyenas, buffaloes, and more. These safari animals occur in large numbers and are easily spotted on game drives. Off-truck driving is allowed and you therefore stand a chance of getting closer to the animals as long you do not threaten them.
Nature walks are done with caution and guided by an armed ranger. They are done in designated areas that are safe and free from predators like lions. Nature walks are impressive of all Masai Mara safari tour activities as they enable you to get close to the wildlife.
Community Visits
Masai Mara is home to the Masai people who are believed to be the guardians of the ecosystem. These have lived alongside the safari animals in the reserve for years even before it was gazetted. The Masai initially depended on the reserve for livelihood but with rampant poaching and then the need for conservation the reserve was gazetted. This put a limit on human activities especially poaching and grazing in Maasai Mara.
Some of the communities were relocated to the reserve outskirts which are safer and can be visited on a community excursion. On Masai community visits you therefore get to meet the Masai people who tell you tales of their history and coexistence with the wildlife in Masai Mara.
They live in Manyatta homesteads that are of a typical extended African family setting. The cattle, goats, and sheep are provided for in the middle of the Manyatta which is safe protecting them from predators and cattle wrestlers. We highly recommend Masai Mara community visits as they give you an insight into the Native people’s ways of life.
Birding Tour Adventures
Masai Mara is a great birding destination. The reserve is home to over 500 bird species 57 of which being raptors. Masai Mara also has a high number of Vultures whose survival is supported by the predator kills that often happen in the ecosystem.
Notable birds you can see on a Masai Mara birding safari tour include the Kori bustards, Secretary Birds, ostriches, Turaco’s, and Silver birds among others. Birding in Masai Mara is doable throughout the year but boosted by the migratory birds that are present from November to May.
Masai Mara safari tour activities are remarkable and what you need on your Kenya safari holiday. These can be done alongside other Kenya adventures like mountain hiking or beach holidays. Tanzania is another safari giant offering classic adventures and wildlife journeys. Primate trekking featuring chimpanzees and mountain gorillas can be experienced in Uganda and Rwanda. Contact us now to get started and book your next life-changing Discovery Journey.
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