Justifiably famous for its spectacular wildlife viewing, the Masai Mara is one of Kenya’s safari highlights. The open plains, so quintessentially East African, stretch as far as the eye can see, beautifully framed by the Rift Valley escarpment. Wildlife here is fabulous with elephant, lion, wildebeest, cheetah, plenty of antelope species, crocodiles, hippo and buffalo all present in large numbers. It’s culturally fascinating too, with the Masai still herding their cattle and goats as they have done for centuries.
The Masai Mara also plays host to the legendary wildebeest migration when, between July and October, herds numbering millions dot the plains. The famous river crossings occur when the wildebeest attempt to negotiate the Mara River crocodiles as they traverse the waters between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara for fresh grass. It’s a proper once-in-a-life time spectacle.
Notoriety draws crowds and the Masai Mara does get busy at certain times of the year. Safari goers can enjoy more peaceful wildlife viewing by staying in one of several private conservancies which sit adjacent to the park itself. These reserves enjoy all the same wildlife (there is no fence between the park and conservancy) yet with far fewer camps and vehicles.
Accommodation options in the Masai Mara are almost as endless as the animals themselves with everything from luxury lodges to private houses and simple tented camps.
