Covering an area of 1,510 square kilometers Masai Mara National Reserve is located in the southwest of Kenya, 180 km from the capital city Nairobi with breathtaking sceneries and a vast species of both flora and Fauna (plants and animals).The name of the Reserve is derived from two words: Masaai which is the dominant community that lives in the Region near the park and with a Rich cultural history attached to the park and the word MARA which is a Masaai name meaning spotted. The park can be accessed through its six gates, which are, the Sekenani gate, Talek gate, Musiara gate, oloololo gate, olaimutia gate and Sand river gate.
Masaai Mara is surrounded by the Maasai community who initially occupied the reserve and have a great history attached to the reserve. The Masaai are rich and unique in culture from their mode of dressing to how they construct their houses which is evidently visible as you approach the park, although urbanization is slowly gaining momentum the Masaai are steadfast in maintain their rich historical culture which is celebrated all over the world.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking sights and a vast variety of wildlife and activities which make it a must go destination. The attractions that you will be able to experience and witness at the Mara include: This is the annual Movement of wildebeest in the Masai Mara – Serengeti ecosystem which involves the crossing of the famous Mara River by the wildebeest which makes up the largest population of the herd and zebras, elands, Thompson Gazelles, Grant’s gazelle and impalas. The crossing of the River is usually the climax of the whole Migration which occurs annually between December and March or May and November, all dependent on the rain patterns and the seasons which are unpredictable. The Masai Mara is home to a variety of species of wildlife ranging from the big five to the small five to different species of birds the Masai Mara game reserve has it all. The Most common species are the wildebeest, the Zebras Lions, giraffes, Buffalos, Hippos, Elephants, Hyena and occasionally you will be able to see a Black Rhino, leopard, Cheetah, Wild dogs. Masaai Mara is a safe Haven for the Bird watchers as there are 470 different species of birds Present at the game reserve with 46 different birds of prey. The game reserve is also home to a unique spectacle which is rarely seen: They are known as Tano Bora or “The Magnificent five” This is a coalition of five fast cheetahs which does not naturally occur as when a male cheetah the adulthood stature, they become solitary or maybe join up with one to form up a pair, it is rare to see five cheetahs that work seamlessly well in hunting and living together.
A ride in the hot air balloons will make you appreciate the scenery that Mara offers, with a breathtaking view of the wildlife in the savannah and the view of the expansive Mara. Mainly common during sunrise and sunsets to enable you have the great magical view.
The climate is pleasantly warm, with cool nights, all year round. The area is located just south of the Equator, but at an altitude between 1,500 and 1,900 meters (5,000 and 6,200 feet). Temperatures are slightly higher from October to March, while they are slightly cooler from June to August. At night, it can be a bit cold, and the temperature can drop below 10 °C (50 °F), especially from June to August.
The amount of sunshine in Masai Mara is good all year round, since the sky is often clear, although there may be some afternoon cloudiness, which can give rise to showers and thunderstorms, obviously more frequent in the two rainy seasons.
Rainfall amounts to about 1,400 millimeters (55 inches) per year. The wettest month is April, and the driest is July. In the two rainy seasons (see below), especially in April, the rains are abundant and can cause flooding.
