In this article, we cover the Best Things to do in Masai Mara National Reserve. The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular national reserves in Africa. The reserve is located on the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Its boundaries overlap with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. When combined with the neighboring Serengeti National Park of Tanzania, the two forms arguably the best place to spot wildlife in the world.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to over 95 species of mammals and 570 bird species. It also has the world’s highest concentration of wildebeest and zebra during the annual great migration, which attracts over 500,000 tourists each year. The Reserve, Mara Triangle, and private Masai Conservancies make up the larger Masai Mara ecosystem. The Mara Triangle is separated from the main reserve by the Mara River. It is less visited and thus less crowded, but it is home to all five of the big five mammals. The following are the main activities in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Best Activities To Do In Masai Mara National Reserve
1. The Great Wildebeest Migration
Between June and November, the Masai Mara is host to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, Thompson’s Gazelles, and Zebras cross the Mara River from the Serengeti in search of greener grass. They encounter many challenges along the way. Apart from stalking predators, the migrating animals have to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River where thousands drown or get eaten by crocodiles. Those who cross the river have to contend with Africa’s big predators. The scale of the migration is so large that it can be observed from space. Tourists visit to witness the great concentration of animals, the calving season, and the battle between predator and prey.
2. Take to the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon
If viewing game using a 4×4 vehicle is great then getting an aerial view of the vast Mara plains will take your breath away – especially if you do it during the great migration. The hot air balloon route follows the Mara River allowing you to get an aerial view of the forests, birds, and aquatic mammals before going deep into the savannah for more stunning views of the landscape. The activity lasts for one hour and ends with a picnic lunch/breakfast with champagne on the savanna plains. All participants are given certificates. Hot Air balloon safaris are excellent for families and couples on a honeymoon. It also allows participants to take great photos of the reserve.
3. Experience Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
Masai Mara is one of the best places for game viewing in Africa. The Mara Eco-system offers opportunities not only to spot Africa’s famous wildlife but also to take great photos and videos. Game drives occur throughout the year and are arranged in areas with the highest concentration of wildlife. A typical game drive is carried out in standard tour vehicles with a retractable roof and can start in the morning or afternoon. The morning game drives start at 6 am. It is the time when most animals are active and in very large numbers as they Things to see in Masai Mara National Reserve head out to eat. The afternoon game drive starts at 2:00 pm and goes on up to 6:30 pm. The best place to view wildlife during the afternoon game drive is at the watering holes as they come to quench their thirst.
Regardless of whether you go for the morning or afternoon session, expect to see all the big 5 mammals, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, elands, and gazelles. Cheetahs are in plenty and well adapted to the Mara but you can also see black rhinos. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is the best place to observe cheetahs in Africa. The highlight of any game drive is observing one of the big cats pull down a zebra or wildebeest. After the game drive, an arrangement can be made to have a picnic lunch in the middle of the African wilderness.
4. Night Game Drives
Apart from the day game drives, it is possible to also go for a night game drive in the clear night skies. The night game drive starts at 6:00 pm and ends in the dark hours of the night. Night game drives provide an amazing opportunity to observe leopards, lions, and hyenas tracking their prey. You can also get to see nocturnal mammals and birds. Herbivores mammals remain alert and on tension at night because they have to be alert for potential predators. Night game drives can only be done in private Conservancies and with the help of Guides who know where to find the animals.
5. Take to the Saddle on a Horseback Safari
This particular activity is arranged in the conservancies and not within the main reserve itself. Participants are taken deep into the Mara on the back of a horse to view antelopes, leopards, wildebeest, hartebeests, giraffes, elephants, leopards, and lions. It is the most ecological way to tour the reserve without emitting sounds and fumes. This particular activity is led by park Rangers, owners of the conservancies, or local Maasai Guides.
6. Bird Watching
With over 500 species of birds, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is a birder’s paradise. You can look out for giant ostriches or check out the birds of prey like vultures. Smaller birds can also be seen nesting on the thickets or edges of escarpments. On a typical birding excursion, you will be looking out for ducks, egrets, geese, herons, ostriches, hornbills, pelicans, spoonbills, and storks. Apart from ostriches, the most interesting for ordinary tourists are the martial eagles and vultures. Birding is led by very experienced and knowledgeable ornithologists/naturalists. These birding guides know all the different species of birds, plants, and wildlife that you will encounter.
7. Bush Meals & Sundowners
If you choose to spend your honeymoon in the Maasai Mara game reserve, this is one thing you shouldn’t miss out on. Your hotel can arrange for mobile dining in the middle of the savanna with meals, drinks, and wines. There is nothing better than watching the beautiful sunset in the wilderness and in the arms of your partner.
8. Mingle with the Maasai on a Community Visit
The Mara not only offers great wildlife experiences but also memorable cultural encounters in Tanzania. The Maasai tribesmen are one of Africa’s most intriguing ethnic groups. They are known for their colorful dresses and height. The Maasai live in Kenya and Tanzania. Interestingly, the Maasai only migrated to Kenya 200 years ago. They are believed to have originated from Sudan. The Masai believe that all cattle in the world at one point belonged to their ancestors. Any that is not with them was stolen from them. Before governments took action, the Maasai would raid neighboring communities to reclaim their lost cattle in what is known as cattle rustling.
The Maasai have a distinct dress code and keep domestic animals as a tradition. Most have embraced tourism and the opportunities that come with it. Many of the tour guides in the reserve are from the Maasai tribe. A visit to one of the Maasai Bomas is highly recommended especially if you are traveling with children. The children will be fascinated by the Masai lifestyle, culture, and traditions. While with the Masai, you can learn how to milk goats, build houses using local material (mud, grass, trees, and dung) and use traditional hunting tools. After the cultural encounter and entertainment (songs and dances), you can also visit one of the artisan shops for souvenirs.
9. Visit the Mara River
The Mara River originates from the Kenyan highlands and drains into Lake Victoria. It provides water to animals in the reserve and is where the wildebeest cross as they migrate from the Serengeti National Park to the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara River grows in size during the wet season and has some of the largest Nile crocodiles in Africa. Most game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve end in the river because it attracts a lot of birds, crocodiles, and hippos.
10. Stay in one of the Private Conservancies or Ranches
The Masai Mara National Reserve receives a lot of visitors between June and November. To avoid crowds, you can choose to stay in one of the private conservancies owned by the Maasai themselves. The conservancies/ranches surround the main reserve and contain more wild animals than the reserve itself. The benefit of staying in one of the conservancies is crowd-free game drives and taking part in activities that are prohibited in the main reserve like night game drives, nature walks, and viewing animals outside the main tracks.
11. Camping and Photographic Safaris
If you love camping during your free time, then you will enjoy your time in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The experience will be different because you will be sleeping in the middle of the African wilderness and wild animals not far away. There are many campsites within the Masai Mara National Reserve. Most are public but there are also private ones with facilities like kitchens and toilets. Some even have pools where you can relax with friends and family.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is known for its amazing landscape, wildlife, and flora. Some of the best wildlife photographers have visited the reserve just to capture its natural beauty and wildlife. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to go on a photographic safari. Anyone with a good camera and a love for photography can take part in the activity.
12. Explore the Open Savanna on Foot
Apart from the standard game drives with tour vans, tourists can also register for guided nature walks or a walking safari. These walking safaris offer tourists opportunities to spot birds, wildlife, and the savanna on foot. It is the best way to appreciate the sheer beauty and panoramic views of the reserve. Nature walks also allow tourists to get close to the surroundings and pristine wilderness in a way that is not possible with game drives. By getting close to nature, you get to appreciate it even more. Nature walks are more suitable in the private conservancies bordering the main reserve and are led by very experienced Masai Guides or armed Rangers. The walks are conducted in areas that are less frequented by predators and the bigger Masai Mara wild animals. The Guides will teach you how to track wild animals but also let you know what to do in case you meet any dangerous ones.
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