Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara, located to the southwest of Nairobi, is the most popular of the Kenyan reserves, and without doubt the greatest safari destination in Kenya. The Maasai Mara plays host to Africa’s greatest natural spectacle the annual wildebeest migration and is home to countless species of wildlife including the Big Five. The high density of predators such as lion and cheetah make it a film maker’s dream location.
The Mara River, which runs through the reserve, separates east from west and is the showplace for the spectacular river crossings of millions of wildebeest and zebra during their annual migration from the Serengeti Plains to the lush plains of the Mara between June and October. There is an amazing profusion of wildlife to be found all year round including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, impalas, hyenas and leopards. Birdlife is prolific and many migrant species such as European storks can be seen as well as more than 500 local birds, an ornithologist’s delight.
When it comes to game viewing there is nowhere in East Africa that can promise the visitor such an amazing concentration of wildlife in such a pristine setting. As well as classic game drives the Maasai Mara is the perfect place to enjoy a hot air balloon safari. Adjacent to the reserve are a number of private conservancies with luxurious lodges, which offer a more exclusive safari experience.