Masai Mara

Situated near Narok in Kenya, Masai Mara is arguably the most famous game reserve on the planet. It forms the most spectacular ecosystem of Africa and is named in the honour of Maasai people who are original inhabitants of the area. The word ‘mara’ means spotted denoting trees, savanna and cloud shadows that characterize the area.

The park is situated on a rift valley. It is bounded by the Serengeti Park to the south, the Siria escarpment to the west, and Masai pastoral ranches to the north, east and west. The reserve is characterized by open grassland dotted by seasonally rivulets. The Sand, Talek and Mara River meander through the reserve. In the periphery of national reserve, there are many private conservancies. These are privately owned lands which also have wildlife, and these conservancies have their own set of properties. Colloquially by “Masai Mara” people mean the National reserve. Olgatuni camp is located inside the national reserve, right in the heart of the reserve, which is possibly the richest patch of wildlife in the Mara ecosystem with territories of two Lion prides overlapping with the camp, a pool of Hippopotami adjacent to the camp and our own resident Leopard Bahati which is often seen across the camp on a particular tree. The river crossing points and two famous Cheetah family territories are 10-15 minutes away, and so is Olkiambo airstrip.

The park shelters unique fauna including lion, leopard, cheetah, serval, hyena, bat-eared foxes, black-backed and side-striped jackals, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, baboons, warthog, topi, eland, Thompson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, impala, waterbuck, oribi, reed-buck, and zebra. Hippopotamus and crocodiles are found in Mara and Talek Rivers. About 470 species of birds have been identified at the park such as vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, crowned cranes, ostriches, long-crested eagles, African pygmy-falcons and the lilac-breasted roller

Being at an average elevation of 1500-1800 metres, the Mara has a pleasant climate all-round the year, with temperatures ranging from 12 Degrees to 27 Degrees for most days of the year. No camp including ourselves have Air Conditioners as we do not need them here in the Mara. However the being near the equator the Sunrays can be strong so come with Sun screen lotions.

The best way to see the wildlife of this amazing eco-system is by game drives in 4×4 land cruiser vehicles, accompanied by our silver-rated Masai guides for whom the park is their backyard. Spend at least a few days in this unique wilderness hotspot and let the savannahs reveal their secrets to you. Seeing the big cats and most common animals is easy, it is only when you spend some time with our expert naturalist guiding you, you get to experience the rare animal instincts of survival, rivalry, love, etc. These are moments to be cherished for a lifetime.

Another interesting way to see the savannahs is from the skies, on a balloon safari. Typically these are 45 minute ride in a hot air balloon shared between 8-15 people, and the balloon cruises gently over the great plains of the Mara. The ride is followed by a champagne bush breakfast and a certificate for all participants.

The great wildebeest migration is touted as the 8th wonder of the world and it is the greatest natural spectacle known to mankind. Words cannot describe the feeling when one sees tens and thousands of wildebeests and zebras thumping together and crossing the rivers while tackling predators like Lions and Wildebeests. Typically July to September are touted as the best months to see the great migration, though each year the starting and ending time varies. However visiting Mara during migration has both its pros and cons. During the migration while you have the best chances to see this grand spectacle of nature, but the Mara is relatively filled with tourists during the migration time. During the non-migration months of October to June, there are relatively less crowds, prices are less, and Big Cat activity is equally good or better. Many photographers these days choose the non-migration months to shoot the Big Cats and other animals due to relatively less tourist pressure. However we leave it upto you to decide when do you wish to come, we are always ready to welcome you with a smile whichever month you decide to come. Also be rest assured that the Mara has something special to offer every single day of the year, and just like us the Mara is always ready to welcome you and surprise you, whenever you decide to set feet on this magical land.

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