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Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Location: Narok County, Kenya
Area: 1,510 km2 (580 sq. mi)
Overview
Initially established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary it covered 520km2(200sq mi) of the present area inclusive of the Mara Triangle. An extension was done to cover 1,821 km2 and converted to a Game Reserve where the Narok County Council took over management of the reserve. The Park of the reserve was given a National Reserve status in 1974, and the remaining area of 159km2 was returned to the local communities. The park was later reduced to its current size in 1984.
TransMara County Council was formed in the western part of the reserve, and control was divided between the new council and the existing Nark County Council. In May 2001, the not-for-profit Mara Conservancy took over the management of the Mara Triangle which covers the western part of the reserve. It is bounded by the Serengeti National Park to the south, the Sira/Oloololo escarpment to the west, and the Maasai pastoral ranches to the north, east, and west.
The terrain of the reserve is primarily open grassland with seasonal riverlets. In the southeast region are clumps of the distinctive acacia tree. It has a semi-arid climate with biannual rains and two distinct rainy seasons. Elevation: 1,500 – 2,180m with a Temperature range: of 12 -30 degrees (54-86 F).
This reserve is accessible by road from Nairobi approx. 5 hr. 3 min (254.2 km/157.96 miles) and by air into 10 airstrips namely: Shikar airstrip Mara northern conservancy serving Elephant Pepper Camp, Royal Mara Safari Lodge. Ngerende airstrip serving Richards Camps, Kicheche Mara, Saruni Camp. Musiara airstrip Little Governors Camp, Governors Camp, IL Moran Camp, Serian Camp. Ol Kiombo Airstrip serving Mara Explorer, Naibor Camps, Mara Intrepids, Base Camp, Kicheche Bush Camp, and Rekero Camp.
Keekorok airstrip in the southeast serving Cottar’s 1920s, Mara Sarova, and Salas Camp. Siana Springs airstrip serves Mara Bushtops, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara, and others. Serena airstrip serves mainly Mara Serena Lodge and others. Kichwa Tembo airstrip serves Bateleurs camp and Olonana Camp. Maasai Mara Cottars. Maasai Mara Olare Orok.
Re-known as the 7th wonder of the world where wildebeest are dominant inhabitants of the Maasai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions, around July each year, these animals migrate north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide involving blue wildebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, topi, elands, and grant’s zebras.
Antelopes found include grants’ gazelle, impalas, duikers, and coke’s hartebeests. The large carnivores are also found here with the ‘Big Five’ including lions, African leopards, African bush elephants, African buffalo, and the black and white rhinos seen all year round. The best times to visit the Mara is from late June to early October, however, the reserve is open all year round.
The Uniqueness of this Game Reserve
- One of the most famous and important conservation and wilderness areas in Africa.
- The only wildlife reserve with an indigenous black rhino population.
- Maasai Mara ecosystem was classified among the ‘seven wonders of the world’ due to the yearly spectacular great migration of over 1 million wildebeest and other herbivores by a pool of experts conducted by ABC Television’s Good Morning America.
Luxury accommodation Options from our partners in Mara Game Reserve
- Sand River Masai Mara (16 tented/1 family tent)
- Basecamp Masai Mara (17 tents)
- Little Governors Camp (17 tents)
- Mara Expedition Camp (5 spacious tents)
- Rekero Camp (9 spacious Tents)
- Governor’s IL Moan (10 luxury tents)
- Emboo Camp (6 rooms) * electric safaris
- Entumoto Main Camp ( 4 families + 3 doubles ensuite)
- Entumoto Toto ( 2 Family tents + 2 doubles)
Activities at the Game Reserve
- Game viewing drives
- Guided nature walks
- Hot-Air balloon safari
- Picnics
- Experience the culture of the Maasai community
- Horseback riding safaris
- Great Migration viewing
- Scenic flight tours
- Mobile Camping
- Sundowner
- Bush breakfast, lunch.
- Photographic safaris
- Bird watching
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