The Maasai Mara is regarded as the most
favorite and is definitely the most popular game reserve
in Kenya, having over 140,000 visitors per year. The reserve
lies approx 270km west of Nairobi and covers an area of
approximately 1,510 sq km, bordering with the Serengeti
National Park in Tanzania. The landscaped is mostly open
Savannah grasslands and acacia shrubland.
Starting any time from late July the wildebeest
follow the rains and grazing to the wide and open grasslands
of what has become known as "the Mara". They may
be late, but they will always make the trip, driven by dry
conditions in the Serengeti and led by the lightning and
thunder to the north. Come November they start the homeward
leg, bound again for the Serengeti.
At this time of the year you will see a
large number of lion, hippo, crocodile and vultures all
of which prey on the weak and young migrating animals. Other
game to be found in the Maasai Mara at any time of the year
include; elephants, cheetahs, baboons, gazelles, giraffes,
jackals, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, water buffalo, ostriches,
and a large variety of antelope and birdlife.
