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Maasai Mara National Reserve

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The Masai Mara is a must-see for every safari traveler. Take to the crystal blue skies for a birds-eye-view of the golden African plains and its many inhabitants. For a more up close and personal encounter, embark on a thrilling jeep safari among the area’s lions, elephants and other wildlife. The Masai Mara National Reserve & conservancies never fail to entice and excite.

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The greatest wildlife 'travelling roadshow' on earth.

The Masai Mara features a stunning kaleidoscope of wild and rugged landscapes, warm and welcoming people and an exciting array of creatures – big and small. World famous for hosting the epic Great Migration, the Masai Mara welcomes 1,5 million wildebeests onto its sprawling savannahs each July through October. The Masai Mara National Reserve and conservancies are brimming with life and offer safari travelers a wide variety of activities to choose from. Whether you take to the skies on a high flying hot air balloon adventure at sunrise or hit the road in a 4x4 safari vehicle, you’re sure to leave the Masai Mara with unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.

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Highlights of the Great Migration​

​As the herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles enter the Masai Mara they are met by more than their fair share of lethal predators. Aside from the threat of the big cats, the herds are also faced with over 3000 crocodiles lurking in the murky waters of the Mara River during their river crossing. Watching the herds blindly jump from riverbank ledges and into the river waters is spectacular to say the least. Eventually the massive herds are rewarded with spoils of the wide open Masai Mara plains. For a short while, life is good. When the food supply dwindles and the rains move on, so do the herds.

​Showtime... when to expect the herds?

​The best time to see the Great Migration in the Masai Mara is from July to October. Keep in mind though, mother nature is her own boss. We will provide you with a very probable outline of when to expect those special moments during the Great Migration, but obviously there is no way to know for certain that the herds will cross a river during a particular period of time. Weather can be unpredictable and late rains or early rains can result in a delayed or early migration pattern. The good news is that the Masai Mara has plenty of wildlife to enjoy all year round. The months that are most frequently mentioned as the best time of year to visit the Great Migration, July to October, are also the busiest months in the Masai Mara. It is safe to say that you won’t have the herds to yourself during these months. You can expect more safari travelers within the Masai Mara National Reserve.

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Other fun activities to do

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  • Maasai village - Visit a traditional Maasai tribal village, the Maasai live in structures known as 'Manyatta which are low height dwellings, essentially huts, made of mud, cow dung and wood, with a single entrance and minimal side windows. Clusters of these manyatta huts, which form a homestead or village, are known as a Maasai Boma

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  • Hot air balloon safaris - Every dawn is an entirely new adventure, different from any other, just before sunrise, at about 6:30AM. As you rise the Maasai Mara, plains open up before your eyes to feast on the golden sunrise, enchanting sceneries, plains, game below as the winds gently blows the basket deeper into the reserve. The pilot is at hand pointing out at the wildlife below with plenty of photographic opportunities unfolding. Soar silently with 360 degrees of spectacular savannah lasting approximately one hour, depending on wind conditions. Upon landing between 7:15 and 7:30 AM, observe the complete deflation of the balloon envelope as vehicles wait for you for a short drive to your morning hearty breakfast which is set up on the picturesque savannah plains of the Mara, typically under the shade of a single balanite tree. Sit down to a full bush breakfast in the Kenyan style, complete with eggs to order, sausages, fresh juices, fruits, cereals and, of course, sparkling wine.

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  • Walking Safaris - Cultural walks in Maasai Mara are remarkable Kenya cultural tours offering tourists an opportunity to visit the Maasai people and experience their exquisite traditions, cultures and norms. The Maasai are nomadic pastoralists depending on rearing of live stock and while visiting their communities sharing boundaries with the reserve you will enjoying viewing their circular houses (The Bomas) built using local materials, visit primarily schools, be entertained by local dances and drama, interact with the locals, participate in circumcision ceremonies among others which will enlighten you more about the Maasai culture and traditions. 

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