What is special about Maasai Mara?
What is special about Maasai Mara? Witness the great wildebeest migration : The Masai Mara, considered the crown gem of Kenya’s wildlife viewing zones, is home to over a million wildebeests, half a million gazelles, and 200,000 zebras. It has been nominated as the eighth New Wonder of the World.
The Great Migration in Africa, sometimes referred to as the Gnu Migration, the Serengeti Migration, and the Masai Mara Migration, began in the fabled Masai Mara. One of the main draws for so many tourists and passionate nature lovers visiting Kenya, Tanzania, and the Masai Mara is the yearly Great Migration, which offers an incredible Migration safari and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Millions of wildebeest travel through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem as part of the Great Migration, which also involves a significant number of zebra, eland, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, and Grant’s gazelle. The animals cross the great Mara River to go from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park into the Masai Mara National Reserve. Many refer to the Mara River crossing as “the greatest show on earth,” but it’s actually one of the most dangerous and exciting things to see because it’s home to multiple predators. Predators such as Nile crocodiles wait patiently and continuously for the ideal opportunity to attack and take down the wildebeest. Usually, the southern Serengeti National Park region is where the Great Migration begins. The best time to witness thousands of wildebeest calves being born within a few weeks of one another is during the “start” of the Great Migration. The number of predators in the area, including lions, leopards, and hyenas, who are always on the lookout for newly born wildlife, has significantly increased as a result of the quick growth in the number of new born wildebeest.
The Great Migration continues its journey through the Serengeti up and around in a clockwise direction towards the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya following the calving season in the southern part of Tanzania’s Serengeti near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is just as the drought starts to set in during the month of May and Tanzania’s dry season approaches.
Every year, sometime between August and November, the enormous herds from Tanzania arrive after the rains, traversing some of the most well-known rivers in Africa. An epic tale of life and death unfolds beneath Kenya’s expansive skies, with countless snorting and cavorting animals, the suspenseful river crossings, and the menacing patience of the predators who pursue the herd.
Great wildlife sightings
One of the main reasons to visit the profound Masai Mara National Reserve is unquestionably its richness and glorious diversity of wildlife. The reserve is well-known for its large and wildly diversified wildlife species. It also has the highest concentration of wild animals in the world; in fact, over 40% of Africa’s larger mammals can be found roaming the boundless plains and landscapes of the Masai Mara. For those who are passionate about nature and wildlife, the renowned Masai Mara is an African safari destination that should not be missed.
The Masai Mara offers year-round superb game viewing because of its diverse population of resident animals, broad open expanses, moderate climate, and different scenery. The world-famous African Big5, which consists of the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, call its champagne-coloured savannahs home. Although sightings of rhinos are rare, these mysterious and endangered creatures may be seen in the Mara Triangle if you’re extremely fortunate.
Zebra, giraffe, eland, and gazelle are just a few of the amazing and well-known wildlife species that can be seen in the Masai Mara National Reserve, in addition to offering breathtaking up-close views of Africa’s highly sought-after members of the African Big 5.Not to mention a few other well-known predators that roam the Masai Mara freely, such the bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, and renowned spotted hyena, to name just a few.
And that’s not all! We weren’t lying when we said that the Masai Mara is home to a wide variety of numerous wildlife species! Wide-open savannah grasslands in the Masai Mara National Reserve are also home to a staggering variety of antelope, including warthog, blue hartebeest, hippo, crocodile, and red hartebeest. Some of the antelope that may be found here include the topi antelope, eland, reedbuck, impala, and Thomson’s gazelle. Still, this is only a sampling of the vast number of incredible experiences with game and wildlife that you may look forward to and enjoy when you visit the Masai Mara National Reserve. We assure you that the Masai Mara is full of surprises! Not to mention a variety of wildlife highlights, like seeing the renowned Masai giraffe, the largest subspecies of giraffe that is unique to Kenya and Tanzania, and the elusive and endangered African Wild Dog. How amazing is that?
Home to the Big cats
Many people refer to the Masai Mara National Reserve as the “Home of the Big Cats.” It is known for having the largest number of big cats in the world, not just in East Africa. This makes for amazing sightings of big cats (cheetahs, lions, and leopards) and unique experiences with these magnificent creatures. Because of their unique adaptation to the flat plains of the area, cheetahs are among the best predators to observe, and the Masai Mara is one of the best sites to do so. They frequently look for view locations on termite mounds, fallen trees, and even game drive cars! Witnessing the world’s fastest land mammal pursue its prey is an unforgettable experience that cannot be replicated on a Masai Mara safari.
The African big cats really come to life during the Masai Mara Great Migration season, and for good cause. The large cats have an apparently limitless “buffet of meal options” and prey to pursue due to the continuously flowing stream of migrating prey. This is when lions, leopards, and cheetahs become more powerful. They can also bear healthy children who have an abundance of food to thrive.
In the Masai Mara National Reserve, there are numerous lion prides that have been residing there for many years. While male lions are often driven out of the pride by rival males, females remain members of the pride for life.
Birdwatching safari destination
Birding safaris in kenya are in for a treat when they visit the Masai Mara National Reserve, in addition to its profusion of wildlife, African Big 5, and big cat population. The Masai Mara is unquestionably a terrific site to go birding and a great place to see several of Kenya’s resident, uncommon, and exceptional endemic, as well as near-endemic bird species. It is estimated that there are over 570 recorded species of birds in the reserve. Because these specific bird species are limited to Kenya and possibly beyond, they are very well-known and in great demand.
With 57 species of raptors found in the Masai Mara National Reserve alone, it is an especially rich place for raptors. Bateleur are frequently observed circling above predator kills and flying above the green plains of the Masai Mara. Predator kill sites are thus excellent locations to locate and observe up to six different species of vultures during their foraging expedition. The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to an amazing array of other birds, including the Wary Guinea Fowl, White-Tipped Crest, Ross Turaco, Orange Buff Pel’s Fishing Owl, Red-Winged Schalow’s Turaco, and the roving Secretary bird.
