The Masai Mara – Kenya’s Pride and Africa’s No. 1 Tourist Destination
Simply referred to as the Mara which means “Mottled” a reference to the patchy landscape, Masai Mara is the number one top destination of tourists in Africa. Managed by local authorities, Masai Mara National Reserve lies 270 kilometers from Nairobi which is about 4-5 hours drive. While if you are to take chartered flights the park is 45 minutes away from the Wilson Airport Nairobi. Masai Mara is also apart of the Serengeti plains and its is also most know for the migration of the wildebeests and also the being a home to the Big Five.
The first site of this Natural speculate land is exhilarating with herds of elephants feeding in the tree rich grassland with an infrequent sight of the ill-tempered Black rhino. It is known to Harbour almost the largest number of wildlife in Africa as next to Serengeti National park. The wildlife in this reserve can be divided into Mammals, reptiles and birds. Mammals are further divided into primates, carnivores and the ungulates (hooved animals). Primates include monkeys, Bush babies and baboons. The even toed and odd toed ungulates include; Rhinos, zebra, buffaloes, giraffe, hippos, warthogs and plenty of antelopes. The carnivores in the reserve include; genets, hyenas, leopards, Jackals, Lions, cheetahs and the endangered wild dogs. This is the best place in Kenya to see the most sought animals the Big Five (Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhinoceros). However the name is shifting from five to nine to include animals like the Giraffe, Zebra, Cheetah, and the Hippos.
The reserve is filled with animals all year round although July, August and September when the Mara is overpopulated with migrating wildebeest and zebras moving. During the same period you get to see even some rare and less frequently seen species like roan antelope in the southwestern sector a handsome creature that is memorable rare countrywide, the Bat eared fox and Topi found no where else in the country apart from Tsavo National park. The amalgamation the scenic landscapes, gentle climate and wildlife makes the Mara Africa Top tourist inland destination.
The most recommended and well worth activity in this park is the Hot air balloon safari which gives you the aerial view of the animals and you can be able to see the real migration which is picturesque and astounding. The air balloon includes heavy breakfast and champagne after accompanied by a certificate. A truly rewarding adventure.
