Masai Mara
The Masai Mara Game Reserve is Kenya’s finest wildlife. Your first sight of this incredible natural wonderland is breathtaking; the landscape rolls away in endless savannah, ensuring that the abundant wildlife are never out of site.
From forest and rivers to hills and escarpments to plains,
bush and scrub this diverse landscape is home to an
enormous number of different species. Giant herds of
Elephants wander slowly but purposefully across the
vast grasslands, Gazelle’s, Elands and Topi skip
playfully through beautiful scenery and if you are lucky
you will see one of their major predators, Lions, Cheetahs
and Leopards cunningly lying in wait for their prey
and giving chase.
The Mara River traverses the reserve and it is not unusual to see Hippos bathing in the river and crocodiles lying in the baking sun seemingly asleep but in reality poised to pounce at lightening speed for their next meal. Birds, too, are prolific. Including migrants well over 450 species have been recorded, among them 57 species of birds of prey.
Amazing as it may seem this wealth of beauty both
in the landscape and the multitude of wildlife which
resides here is nothing compared to the amazing sight
of the March of the Wildebeests. Each year, somewhere
far in the South of the Serengeti, millions of wildebeests
lift their heads almost in unison, and begin their
long trek from the Kenyan Border to Masai Mara. Tracked
by predators and circled by vultures their dangerous
journey is a long one. Towards the end of June hundreds
of thousands of Wildebeest arrive in Masai Mara and
driving in the middle of this stampede is truly awe-inspiring,
there is nowhere else on earth to rival this natural
marvel.
It is important to remember that game viewing
is nothing short of excellent all year round. As
well
as the expected better known species you will also
have numerous opportunities to see some of the rarer
and less frequently seen wildlife such as the roan
antelope, hartebeest, Bat-eared foxes, topi and many,
many more. The unique combination of a gentle climate,
beautiful scenery and Abundance of wildlife makes
the Masai Mara Kenya's most popular inland destination
Visas for Kenya
Although Kenyan visas have been/are available at point of entry/the border we do recommend you obtain your visas prior to departure if possible as we cannot always guarantee this. If you plan to purchase your visas on arrival, you will need American dollars cash. Check with your embassy before you leave to see whether you require a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
During the dry seasons: it's cooler from the end of May to early October, and warmer from late November to early March. The dry season from July to March is the best time to see wildlife, and the March of the Wildebeests occurs from June – August.
How to get to the Masai Mara?
The Masai Mara lies about 270 km from Nairobi and takes about 5 hours by road. There are scheduled flights, twice daily from Wilson Airport Nairobi, which take about 40 - 45 minutes.
Medical Information
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required if arriving within 6 days from or via an infected area
Climate
The climate is warm and dry with abundant
seasonal rainfall.
Rainfall: The Masai Mara receives the highest rainfall of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem - an average of 1 000mm of rain per year, concentrated in two seasons - March to June (the so-called "long rains") and October to December ("short rains").
As a result of the rains the Masai Mara has sharp seasonal differences in terms of grass growth and numbers of herbivores. The rain has a knock-on effect on the entire landscape and ecosystem, right down to limiting the number of predators. Rain usually falls during late afternoon or at night.
Temperature: Despite being just a few degrees south of the Equator, daytime temperatures are mild due to the elevated altitude. The nights can be fairly cool. Summer extends from October to April, with December to March being the warmest months. All year minimum temperatures are 11ºC/52ºF and maximum temperatures are 30ºC/86ºF.
Overall, the climate of the Mara is gentle and it is rarely too hot. The cool season is from May to September.
Altitude: Kichwa Tembo lies just a few degrees south
of the Equator, at an altitude of between 1 600 and
2 000 metres above sea level.
People
The majority of the population is African, divided
into three linguistic groups, Bantu, Cushitic and Nilotic,
from which the diverse tribes of Kenya have developed.
KIKUYU
The largest group in the country (approximately 2 million)
and the most successful at adapting culturally. They
migrated to the fertile central highlands between
the 16th and 17th centuries and developed as livestock
and cereal farmers. Many have become highly successful
business people and their representative, Jomo Kenyatta,
became the first president.
SAMBURU
The Samburu are pastoralists, who live to the south
and east of Lake Turkana. The social structure is
essentially a gerontocracy – rule by elders – assuring
the elders first choice among the young unmarried
women. Men are usually about 30 by the time they
marry, but the women marry at about 17 years of age.
MASAI
Probably the most famous of all the Kenyan groups and
related to the Samburu tribe. They are pastoralists,
noted for drinking cattle blood mixed with milk, a mainstay
of their diet. Their love of cattle is legendary and
based on religious beliefs. They are a proud people,
given to superior airs. Tall and slender, they carry
themselves elegantly, dressed in brilliant red cloth
with both men and women adorned with beadwork and metal
jewellery. The Maasai have survived a troubled history
but are under increasing pressure to conform with modern
society.
Important Information
Please try to follow these guidelines when visiting the Masai Mara
1) Noise – keep quiet the predators will get
hungry if you scare of their Lunch and angry particularly
if they have young to feed.
2) Leave Masai Mara as you found it take all litter home with you.
3) Do not feed the animals, stop your vehicle unless at a designated camp and remember however cute they look a lion cub will take your hand off if you put it in the way.
4) It is strongly recommended that you travel with
a guide. This will give you the opportunity to learn
more about the area whilst being safer.
Getting By in Swahili
| Hello | Jambo |
| Yes | Ndiyo |
| No | Hapana baridi |
| How are you? | Habari? |
| Very Well | Mzuri sana |
| and you? | Na wewe? |
| Where are you from? | Unatoka wapi? |
| I'm from. . . . | Natoka |
| Danger | Hatari! |
| Friend | Rafiki |
| Good Bye | Kwaheri |
| Help! | Nisaidia! |
| Ok | Sawa sawa |
| Excuse me | Samahani |
| Please | Tafadhali |
| Thank you | Asante sana |
| Telephone | Simu |
Where are the toilets? |
Wapi choo? |
| I'd like a cold beer | Tafadhali nataka bia pombe |