Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most well-known national reserves in Africa. The reserve is situated where Tanzania and Kenya meet. Its limits cross those of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, next door, and this park together make up perhaps the best wildlife viewing area on earth.
Below are some of the activities one can undertake while in the reserve;
1.Watch the Great Wildebeest Migration
The Masai Mara plays host to one of the world’s finest animal spectacles from June to November. The Masai Mara is home to over 1.5 million wildebeest, Thompson’s Gazelles, and other top attractions.In search of grass that is greener, zebras travel from the Serengeti across the Mara River. They face numerous obstacles on the way. The migratory animals must cross the crocodile-infested Mara River, where thousands perish or are eaten by crocodiles, in addition to avoiding predators. The large predators of Africa must be fought off by those who cross the river. The migration’s size is so great that it can be seen from space. Visitors come to see the large number of animals present, the calving season, and the conflict between predator and prey.
2. Take a Hot Air Balloon Safari
If seeing wildlife from a 4×4 vehicle is fantastic, then seeing the enormous Mara plains from the air will astound you, especially if you do it during the great migration. Before heading deep into the savannah for even more breathtaking views of the landscape, the hot air balloon path crosses the Mara River, giving you the opportunity to enjoy an aerial glimpse of the woods, birds, and aquatic creatures. The activity lasts for an hour and is followed by a champagne picnic meal or breakfast on the savanna plains. Certificates are provided to each participant. For families and newlyweds, hot air balloon tours are fantastic. Additionally, it enables visitors to capture stunning images of the reserve.
3. Take a Morning or an Afternoon Game Drive
One of the best spots in Africa to see wildlife is Masai Mara. The Mara Ecosystem provides possibilities to see Africa’s renowned species as well as to shoot stunning pictures and movies. Game drives take place all year long and are planned in locations with the greatest concentration of species. A normal game drive might begin in the morning or the afternoon and is conducted in common tour cars with a retractable roof. At six in the morning, game drives begin. It is the time of day when the majority of animals are most active and present in great numbers as they travel to their feeding grounds in the Masai Mara National Reserve. At 2:00 pm, the afternoon game drive begins and lasts until 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.
4. Doing A Night Game Drive
In addition to daytime game drives, one can also go on a nighttime game drive under the starry night sky. At 6:00 p.m., the night game drive begins, and it lasts until the wee hours of the morning. Amazing opportunities to see leopards, lions, and hyenas pursuing their prey can be had during night game drives. Additionally, you can witness night animals and birds. Mammals that eat plants remain vigilant and on guard at night because they must keep an eye out for prospective predators. Only in privately owned Conservancies and with the assistance of knowledgeable guides are night wildlife drives permitted.
5. Go for Birdwatching
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a birdwatcher’s dream with more than 500 different species of birds. You may keep an eye out for enormous ostriches or observe vultures and other raptors. Other smaller birds can be seen building nests in thickets or along escarpments. Birds like ducks, egrets, geese, herons, ostriches, hornbills, spoonbills, and storks can be seen during a normal birding tour. The martial eagles and vultures, in addition to ostriches, are the most fascinating to regular travelers. Naturalists with extensive experience and knowledge lead birding excursions. These birding guides are knowledgeable about all the many bird, plant, and wildlife species you may see.
6. Visit the Mara River
The Mara River rises in the highlands of Kenya and empties into Lake Victoria. The wildebeest pass through it on their migration from the Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and also serves as a water source for wildlife in the reserve. The Mara River features some of the largest Nile crocodiles in Africa, and its size increases during the rainy season. Due of the abundance of birds, crocodiles, and hippos in the river, most game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve terminate there.
7. Bush Meals and Sundowners
This is one experience you shouldn’t skip if you decide to stay in the Maasai Mara game reserve. In the middle of the savanna, your hotel can set up mobile dining with meals, beverages, and wines. There is nothing better than watching the beautiful sunset in the wilderness.
8. Photograpy safaris and Camping
You will enjoy your time in the Masai Mara National Reserve if you enjoy camping in your spare time. Due to the fact that you will be sleeping amidst the African bush and close to wild creatures, the experience will be unique. The Maasai Mara National Reserve has a lot of camping areas. There are private ones with amenities like kitchens and restrooms in addition to the majority of public ones. Some even feature swimming pools where you may unwind with loved ones. Consider photography. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its magnificent vegetation, fauna, and terrain. The reserve has drawn some of the top wildlife photographers who came to photograph its species and scenery. You don’t need to be a skilled photographer to go on a photographic safari. Anyone with a good camera and a love for photography can take part in the activity.
