Wildlife move freely in and out of the reserve, and through neighbouring Maasai lands. Outside the boundaries of the reserve there are many other small camps and lodges, some of which offer walking,horse riding and other safari options.
**
The Mara is perfect for game drives and fortunately some camps plus lodges offer balloon & walking safaris. The various wildlife freely roam out and into the reserve all through to the adjacent Masai lands. Several small lodges plus camps are found outside the reserve boundaries and many offer horse riding and walking safaris in addition to many others.
The Loita Hills and the, both considered sacred to the Maasai, offer high forest trekking opportunities for the adventurous traveller
**
The Masai people consider the Nguruman Escarpment and the Loita Hills sacred and these the best and highest trekking opportunities for travelers who love to adventure.
Maasai Community

South Western Kenya is the heart land of the Maasai. The Maasai are a strongly independent people who still value tradition and ritual as an integral part of their everyday lives.
**
Kenya’s southwest is the center land of the Masai. The Masai are a a strong independent people who up to date hold strong value for tradition, culture and rituals as part of their day to day life..
They regard themselves not just as residents of this area but that they are as much a part of the life of the land as the land is part of their lives.
**
They not only take themselves as residents of this expanse but as part of the existence/life of these lands and believe that these lands are part of them.
Traditionally, the Maasai rarely hunt and living alongside wildlife in harmony is an important part of their beliefs.Lions and Wildebeest play as important a role in their cultural beliefs as their own herds of cattle.
**
Customarily, the Masai people hunt occasionally and harmoniously live together with wildlife which is a vital belief to them. Just like their cattle, the lions plus wildebeests have a vital role in their traditional culture.
This unique co-existence of man and wildlife makes this Maasai land one of the world’s most unique wilderness regions.
**
This exceptional co-existence of wildlife and the Masai people has ranked this Masai land as one among the wildest regions in the world.

How to Get to Masai Mara

Majority of the people that visit the reserve prefer taking flights, Mara has many operational airstrips. They are flights from Nairobi and also the coast. Private Charters are also accessible at the airstrip. Using road transport to Mara may be abit challenging because the roads are in a poor condition and if you can’t take up a flight, then use private transport. Visitors that come to Maasai Mara book a safari offer right from Nairobi or perhaps hire a vehicle.

Narok is the best road transport and takes about 3 hours drive from Nairobi. They are normal buses along with Matatus from Nairobi to Narok and other locations.

The park has constructed inner roads as well as tracks. Although accessing other areas outside the reserve is done by public transport. If you are to try it on your own, you may find difficulties or even got lost on the way. Many Safari operators can easily plan particular hikes, treks as well as tours in any destination of interest.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

What to do in Masai Mara

Wildlife Safari

The Masai Mara Game is a famous tourist attraction in Kenya, it’s acknowledged as Africa’s best wildlife reserve. The major reason as why people visit this area is because they want to catch a glimpse of the wildlife. The abundance of the wildlife in Mara will surely make your dream come true.

The best time to visit the Mara is from July to October, it’s a period when the great wildebeest migration takes place from Serengeti to the reserve. You get a chance to see the natural beauty of Africa at its best. Annually there is an anticipation of rain and better pasture in the north that attracts over 1.3million wildebeest into a solitary huge herd. There is a grand entrance of the wildebeest on the southern plains of Mara and as they get close to the riverbank, they make a thrilling sight that keeps you wondering how blessed Africa is.

The best spot to catch a glance of the wildebeest is on the riverbank as the animals fight with the awaiting crocodiles. The herds come along with other predators; it’s such a great experience for a lifetime. At this moment lions are easily spotted either on a hunt or as they rest, they are common in all corners of the reserve.Hyena, Jackals as well as cheetah are also seen and some are predators.

Taking up a safari to Mara will surely give you a chance to see many wildlife in just a day. The open grassland has massive herds of Topi, Gazelle, Giraffe as well as Zebra. Surprisingly the predators move along with the herds, the Musiara swamp is a habitat to the large herds of elephants that may want to cool off the heat. As you move alongside the riverbanks of Talek and Mara, you will get a good view of large concentration of crocodiles and hippos as they chilly in the cool water. The riverine forest is a home to many bird species and monkeys.

Very early morning and afternoon is the best time to go on a game drive. During Midday, the heat is too much and all animals move towards the river to cool off the heat and relax. At this time, you may fail to spot even a single animal. Game drives done in the morning and afternoon enable you experience the beauty of Africa as the sun rises and sets.

Game viewing is made in tailored-made vehicles. They are spacious with open topped roofs to allow take the best picture of the animals in the wilderness. There are sequences of preserved roads cross the reserve. There are tour companies that provide a package that takes all day game drives with some bit of resting during midday. It’s such an exciting moment as you game watch all kinds of wildlife.
Guided walks in the African bush are planned by some safari camps and lodges; it’s the best way to catch a glimpse of the wilderness as you will discover wildlife in their natural environment. Some lodges as well as camps have a podium where you can get a good view of the animals moving around the reserve.

For a wonderful experience on this African wilderness, a balloon safari can be the best you can opt for. Safari companies can organize such a package, It offers an amazing view of the open plains of Mara and still see large herds of wildlife below as they graze.
Besides the huge herds as well as predators of Mara, the reserve is acknowledged for its reptiles, primates along with different kinds of bird species. As you encounter Mara, you will surely love its eco-system. You will appreciate the beauty of the reserve.
Just in case you want to specialize in spotting a particular animal or bird specie, get in touch with a tour operator who can give you expert guides and services depending on your demand.

Trekking (Foot Safari)

Safari lodges and camp arrange forest walks in the reserve, it’s quite risky but done with the help of a guided operator .Loita hills are another attraction in the reserve, you easily hike or walk through as you see different kinds of wildlife. Many Maasai settle around this area which covers an area of about 78 square miles, it’s surrounded by forests and hills of a close to 6560 feet.
The only way to get a good view of these hills by the using a local Maasai guide, they are familiar with the best corners of the area and will definitely you give the best information concerning the Maasai culture and their beliefs.

Encounter the African bush by taking up a guided foot safari, walking through the forest will make you discover the true wilderness of Africa. As you trail, you will easily see the wildlife basing on the sound they make. You will love the natural smell of the earth and the experienced tracker will give you the best directions on how to track the animals. The safari operator will still teach you how to cover up your scent with the moving wind in the forest. You are requested to keep quiet as you trek so as to get a closer look of the animals. At this moment, your sense are all alert as they yarn to see the animals feed, play as well as rest in their natural environment. In case you are threatened by the animal, you feel the adrenaline rush all over your body. But all this is part of the adventure in Africa.

There are hardly any encounters as thrilling as a closer look at the lion, buffalo as well as elephant. It’s the most exhilarating moments that will make you alive again, take note that foot safari can be enjoyed by a well trained tour guide that will be ready to protect you in case of anything. Many tour operators plan hikes and treks in Loita hills and Nguruman escarpment.
Horse Riding (Horseback Safari)
The best way to get a wonderful view of the animals is by taking up a horse ride and this is done outside the major reserve. you will move at your own pace as you see massive herds of wildlife grazing. This safari is organized by experienced riders who can tour the area on their own. Its a wonderful experience that you will keep remembering for the rest of your life.

Fishing

Fishing tours can be carried out along Lake Victoria; the reserve can plan this as well. You can decide to take a flight from Mara to Rusinga Island; it has the best fishing spot that offers tackle, guides and boats. Tourists may spend a night at the lodge or get back to Mara.

Balloon Safaris

For an amazing view on this stunning wilderness, balloon safaris will give you the best of your experience. Many safari lodges as well as safari companies plan for this activity. Once you are in the air, you get a beautiful view of the great plain and see a massive herd of wildlife in their natural environment.

Bird Watching

Mara is also famous for its bird species, particular birding safaris can be organized by different safari companies. The Reserve has over 500 species and among these include White headed Vulture, Ostrich, Secretary Bird, Corncrake, Lesser Kestrel, Madagascar Squacco Heron and many others. Common species that are easily seen in the reserve include Crowned Eagles, Yellow Billed Ox pecker and Liacc Breasted Roller.

Herbalism
Just in case you are interested in herbal medicine, safari lodges, camps and ranches in Mara can certainly plan for its visitors to get information about the traditional medicines as well as the ceremonial rites of the Maasai.

When we talk about Kenya’s culture, herbalism is a key part in the lives of the local people. Traditional healers mixed different herbs and made medicine that treated all kinds of diseases and ailment that affected the people. This act is still on in this modern world,Daktari wa Miti Shamba is a well known healer in providing traditional treatment.

As the act is getting off market, research shows that these herbs were of a great advantage to the people. Although the only problem was that the treatment was disguised by the generation that kept on coming up. Thus as the act dies away, traditional are left out and so attachment is put the scientific medicine.

People have come up with ways of doing research on this medicine, Visitors can organize and visit the traditional healers and learn more about their practices. Once you spend time with these traditional people, you will surely learn a lot about their customs long with beliefs of the local people.

The reserve has over 95 species of mammals including the reptiles along with amphibians. Bird species range from 400 and above. This area has all kinds of wildlife that can’t be easily spotted in Africa. Once you visit the reserve, you will definitely see the big five such a as rhino, lion, leopard, elephant as well as buffalo. Other animals include nocturnal bat-eared fox, Roan antelope, Coke’s hartebeest, topi, Impala, Cheetah, Hippopotami and the Greant’s gazelle. Although take note that the Masai Mara is the home to the wildebeest.

What makes this reserve so unique is the fact that the wildebeest move in millions in addition to other animals like zebra and Thompson’s Gazelle, they from the Serengeti plains in search of pasture and water in the north and after sometime return to the south in the month of October.

Masai Mara Attractions
Masai Mara has the best attraction of the Great Rift Valley that is surrounded by the Lake Nakuru.The reserve is known as the wonders of the world because of the great wildebeest along with the different kinds of bird species. It has scenic view of the plains along with the big cats hunting in the wild. The Masai culture is also exciting as the people are so hospital. To have the best story of your safari to Masai Mara is by visiting during July and October; the experience is for a life time.

Getting to Masai Mara
Masai Mara is a few miles away from Nairobi, it’s a 6 hours drive by a vehicle. The roads are not in good condition and you can only access it by using a 4WD vehicle. Please endeavor not to travel during the rainy season because the roads are impassable. Majority of tourists prefer flying to Masai Mara National Park, it’s a bit expensive but worth the expereince.You can book a ticket with Kenya Airways, it has daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport and the flight takes about 45 minutes

Where to Stay
It has the best accommodation ranging from lodges to camps; they are budget friendly and are based on one’s preferences or demands. The campsites are so beautiful and all you have to do is to put up the tent and enjoy the night with the sounds of the wildlife. Luxury tented camps as well as safari lodges offer better services and facilities to its visitors. The experience at this reserve is for a lifetime.

The reserve has massive grassland plains with many herds of Topi, Gazelle, Giraffe along with the Zebra. It’s surrounded by Acacia forests that are a home to many bird species along with monkeys. The Musiara Swamp has big herd of buffalo and elephants, they are easily spotted in this area.Talek rivers and Mara attract big concentrations of crocodiles as well as hippos, it’s a place where they relax and cool off the heat.

Maasai Mara, Wildebeest Migration

The Masai Mara is gifted with the great wildebeest migration from Serengeti each year; it’s the world’s best amazing adventure. The best time to catch a glimpse of these wildebeest is from July to October. The anticipation of rain along with the grassland in the north attracts more than 1.3 million wildebeest into one group of a huge herd. They transverse the border into Mara, creating a thrilling entrance in a heaving line that extends from one corner to another.

When they get to Mara River, they make one huge group along the riverbanks prior to getting into the water. At this moment you will catch a glance of how they fight with the waiting crocodiles. The experience is worth it. The Mara is made up of the wildebeest that brings life to the reserve including the predators that come along the migration.

The Mara has been acknowledged as the territory of Lions and these royal and potent hunters take over the grasslands. Cheetah is easily spotted in the Mara along with some predators like jackals and Hyena. It’s a beautiful natural wonder of the world, an area where the Maasai fighters share an open plain with the hunting lions. It’s prominent for its powerful herds and the never-ending cycles of life.

The Mara is certainly the best operating Kenyan’s reserve and it has the best accommodation that ranges from lodges and camps. They are budget friendly and offer the best services and facilities to its visitors. It has the best reliable safari operators that will give you the best guide to your tour. The best activity done at the reserve is game drives and others that include balloon safaris and forest walk.

On your visit to Mara, you will be welcomed by many animals because its wildlife is spotted in every corner of the reserve. They move to all the surrounding Maasai lands, there are lodges and camps that are constructed close to the reserve and provide activities like horse riding, forest walks and other safari alternatives.

The Nguruman along with the Loita hills Escarpment are regarded as the best places in the region because they give chances to forest trekkers to enjoy nature at its best. It’s an adventurous moment in every traveler’s life.

Maasai Community
The Maasai are easily allocated in the southwestern part of Kenya, they are great people that up to now they still attach value to their culture as well as rituals as something important in their day to day lives.They are not just settlers on the land but owns of the land and they treasure everything that belongs to them.

Truth be told, the Maasai don’t poach on the wildlife that is surrounding them because they believe that it’s also part of the cattle that they rear. They have a strong belief about the wildebeest and lions and endeavor to live in peace with them. The fact that man and wildlife co-exist on the same land, makes Kenya the world’s most amazing wilderness spot.