Edit

Masai Mara

Introduction

cheeta in Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve (also known as Maasai Mara National Reserve) is one of the most famous of African game parks. It is administered by the Masai people and is well-known for being an end-point of the wildebeest migration that starts in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The reserve contains the Big Five (lion, leopard, African elephant, African buffalo, and black rhinoceros) as well as many other species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Unlike in most other game parks in East Africa, it is possible to drive off-road, leading to more up-close experiences with the wildlife though perhaps at the cost of environmental degradation.

edit

Opening Hours

edit

Cost

It currently costs $70 per day (May 2011) for non-East African resident adults to enter the reserve. Most travellers will visit Masai Mara via an organised tour. A typical 4 day/3 night safari to Masai Mara National Reserve/Lake Nakuru National Park starts and ends in Nairobi, with 2 nights accommodation in the reserve (probably in bandas) and 1 night in Nakuru (probably in a hotel). All meals are provided and the drivers act as guides. The vehicle will most likely be a 4WD minibus with a raisable roof. A group size of 5 is perfect for comfort while both driving and viewing game.

edit

Getting There

By Train

By Car

Most visitors see the Masai Mara via an organised tour, often arranged from Nairobi. It takes about 6 hours to reach the Oloolaimutia entrance from Nairobi.