Game drive safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve: Maasai Mara National Reserve is located in the southwestern parts of Kenya along the Kenya – Tanzania border. This reserve is named after its inhabitants the Maasai who have a unique and untapped culture with a nomadic way of life despite the fast-changing world trends. The Maasai named the reserve “Mara” which means “spotted” a way of describing the distribution of the vegetation in the Maasai Mara reserve which consists of savanna plains, scrubs, and trees. Maasai Mara National Reserve is not only famously known for the wildebeest migration but is also home to a variety of wildlife species deeming it an ideal destination for game drives and safaris which include viewing the big five that the lion, buffalo, hippo, elephant, and leopard. A variety of bird species also exist in the Maasai Mara reserve for birding adventures.
Game drive safaris in Maasai Mara National Park are typically conducted in 4×4 safari vehicles driven by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the park and its wildlife. the vehicles are open-sided, allowing for unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Game drive in the park is usually done in three sessions in Morning which start at 6:30 am and to 10:30 am and this is the best time to catch up with the African sunrise and a rewarding time to see animals actively looking for food or hunting in an open savannah grassland as well as seeing cats and leopards going back from there hid outs, you can also be able to see a wide range of animals quench their thirsty near river banks, evening game drive starts at 4 pm till 6:30 pm this is the final time to catch them coming out from their hideouts, resting under the tree shades as they graze in groups and Night game drive which starts at 6:00 pm till 7:30 pm this is the final time to see nocturnal animals in the park, enjoy cheetahs, cats have they hunt their fellow animals. The reserve has an ecosystem that is supportive of to wide range of animal species with the most famous big cats such as Lions, Leopards, Elephants, buffaloes, and black and white rhinos. Other species include Gazelles, Giraffes, Oribis, hartebeest, zebras, hippos, crocodiles many more. Note that, all sessions are strictly done by the armed guide never go to the park without an escort and we recommend our travelers always pack their clear cameras to film this incredible experience in their lifetime.
In addition to wildlife viewing, game drive safaris in Maasai Mara also offer the opportunity to learn about the local Maasai culture and traditions. Many safari guides are members of the Maasai community and are happy to share their knowledge and insights in their way of life with visitors.
Other activities to combine with game drive safari in Maasai Mara National Park
Guided nature walks
These also take place in Maasai Mara National Park in the company of tour guides and representatives of the Maasai as they take tourists around safe trails which offer a view of the Maasai Mara plains and the wildlife as they graze. The Maasai also share tales about their traditions, way of life, history and information about the wildlife and how they track the animals. Picnics can also be taken during these nature walks which offer an ideal picnic spot. The language barrier and safety of tourists are not an issue during these nature walks as linguist guides are present to translate for the tourists and act as intermediaries between the Maasai guides and the tourists.
Bird watching
Maasai Mara National Park is one of Kenya’s top birding destinations. The park is home to over 450 bird species out of which more than 45 species of birds of prey. The reserve hosts the largest bird on planet Earth that is the Ostrich also commonly known as “the Maasai Ostrich”, making it ideal for bird lovers in Kenya. The park’s diverse habitat includes open savannah, river banks, rocky sides and the Great Rift Valley escarpments, which support a wide range of birds. during your birdwatching tour in the park, birdwatchers will have the chance to spot different kinds of bird species such as Rosy-throated long and magpie Shrike, Ostrich, long-tailed Cormorant, Little Bittern, Cattle Egret, Rufous-billied Heron, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Hamerkop, Marabou stork, Yellow-billed stork, Hadeda Ibis, Sacred Ibis, Ruppels Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, African Fish Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Kori bustard, Secretary bird, Sooty chat, Usambiro barbet among others.
Horseback riding safari
Horseback riding safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve offers a different perspective and a more intimate any of exploring the hidden gems of the park. riding through the grasslands and open plains on horseback allows visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the African wilderness in a way that is impossible from a vehicle. During your horseback riding safari in the park, you will have the chance to spot a wide variety of animals including famous Big Five safari animals like lions, buffaloes, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Horseback riding safari in Maasai Mara also offers the opportunity or explore areas of the park that are incredible by vehicle. Riders can navigate through the dense vegetation, cross rivers and climb hills to reach the hidden viewpoints, offering a truly immersive and adventurous experience.
Cultural encounter
This involves interaction between the tourists and the Maasai community as the tourists visit the Maasai homesteads called manyattas for this encounter. The manyattas are made of dung and other local materials and surrounded by a gate made of thorns to keep the animals kept by the Maasai from roaming around. The Maasai build their manyattas in one gate which is a sense of togetherness of their community. During the community walks, the Maasai perform their cultural dance for the tourists as a form of entertainment which is famously described as a jumping dance. The Maasai also explain their norms, beliefs and traditional ceremonies to the tourists.
Great Migration wildebeest viewing
Embarking on a Great Migration wildebeest viewing safari in Maasai Mara offers a front-row seat to this awe-inspiring event. Visitors have the chance to witness the massive herds as they navigate through the savannahs, grasslands and rivers crossing, offering a truly unforgettable wildlife experience. Experienced guides lead safari tours in Maasai Mara, taking visitors to strategic viewpoints and locations where the herds are likely to be found. These guides are knowledge about the behavior of the animals as well as the best times and places to witness the Great Migration in action. During your Great Migration wildebeest safari, you will have the chance to observe the wildebeest as they move in synchronized patterns, grazing and communicating with each other. You will also marvel at the amazing predators such as lions, leopards and hyenas, creating opportunities for thrilling wildlife sightings. watching a lioness stalk her prey or a cheetah chase down a gazelle adds an extra layer of excitement and drama to the safari experience.
Hot air balloon safari
Hot air balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara are typically conducted in the early morning, when the air is cool and calm, and the wildlife is most active. As the sun rises over the savannah, you will see animals beginning their daily lion stalking their prey, elephants bathing in rivers and giraffes on acacia trees. During the balloon ride, you will have a chance to see the Great Migration from above, as thousands of wildebeest and zebras move in a seemingly endless line across the plains. The sight of this natural spectacle from the air is truly unforgettable.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about game drive safaris in Maasai Mara National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while you are in the country.
