Introduction to Masai Mara

Travelling is far most the best experience one can get. It allows one to gather memories along with vast knowledge. People are going all over the world for a long time. They used to travel on foot or animals for their comfort. Since the world is modernized and we are living in the 21st century, the means of travelling has also advanced. One can go from one part of the world to another in just a few hours. Apart from collecting memories, travelling also improves your health both physically and psychologically. It makes you smarter. When going to different places, it expands your knowledge about different cultures and traditions. You get to learn about the food of various kinds. Your social network gets large. So, why not pack your bags to tick off travel destinations that are on your bucket list? One of the most exciting destinations in the world is Masai Mara.

What is Masai Mara?

Masai Mara or Mara is a massive game reserve in Narok region of Kenya. Sharing a border with Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, it is named after the indigenous population of Maasai. Mara refers to ‘spotted’ in the local Maasai language of Maa looking at the significant number of trees which dot the landscape. It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1861 and expanded over an extensive area. In 1974, it was given the status of National Reserve. The vast hills, grassland and woodland, support a lot of wildlife. It houses all the members of Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, cape buffalo and rhinoceros) and around 470 bird species. The place is a small part of the Greater Mara eco-system.

Why visit this place?

It is merely one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The Masai population is amiable and welcome you very whole-heartedly. They are famous for their traditional jumping dance and the beaded jewellery which they wear. Try to live with them for a day and two, and you would learn single daily activities from milking the cow to cooking food. There are several companies which offer the sunrise hot air balloon experience, and you surely don’t want to miss that. The view from the sky focusing the trees and a lot of herds is simply breath-taking.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit this beautiful place is from July to October, primarily a cool-dry season. It could get a little bit expensive but nothing compared to the fantastic views witnessed. Due to the absence of flora, animals are more comfortable to observe. Ideally, you should visit for 4-5 days. A lot of people also like to come during the period of Great Migration. Millions of animals make their way to the northern part after crossing the Mara river for mass grazing.

Other parks to visit in Kenya

● Lake Nakuru National park is 5-6 hours away and famous for its birds and black/white Rhino population

● Amboseli National park is famous for its bull elephants and the majestic backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Amsoseli is about 10 hours of drive. 

● Lake Naivasha is famous for its water birds in and around the lake, specially the African fish eagle, varieties of Kingfishers, Pelicans and Flamingos. It is about 4-5 hours away from Mara. 

● Samburu national park is famous for its Leopard population and unique habitat. It is about 13-14 hours of drive from Mara. 

Budget

Budgets vary by the location of stay, quality of guides, time spent and additional services availed like Balloon safari etc. By an usual leisure holiday standards, Mara is not cheap and there are multiple levels of luxury available when choosing stay option. However it is worth to invest in a place of stay which is INSIDE THE PARK, as against those outside the park. Staying inside the park gives you great advantages in your pursuit of wildlife, like you can be in the park during Sunrise and Sunset, and catch big cats in action early morning when they are on the move. Olgatuni is located right in middle of the park.

Also options of reaching Mara include a 6-7 hour road journey and a short 40 minute flight from Nairobi. We always recommend taking the flight if your budget permits as the road travel in the last 3 hours is on a dirt road and not the most comfortable. However flights take limited luggage, usually 15 kg, in that case rest of the luggage is transported by road.