Kenya Vacation and Travel Guide

Masai Mara Game Reserve The Masai Mara is the most popular game reserve in Kenya, having over 150,000 visitors per year. It lies about 155 miles (250km) south west of Nairobi and borders the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It's landscape comprises of open Savannah grasslands with acacia shrubs. The Name Masai Mara, often refered to as "The Mara" is the

Masai word meaning "Mottled" - a reference to the patchy landscape.

What to see:

This is the place to watch the great wildebeest migration beginning every July. At this time of the year you will also see large numbers of lions, hippos, crocodiles and vultures all of which prey on the weak and young migrating animals.

Lions of Masai Mara*

Masai Warriors Dancing**

Other Wild game you will find here include; elephants, cheetahs, gazelles, giraffes, jackals, leopards, hyenas, ostriches, and a large numbers of birdlife.

Where to stay: Due to Masai Mara’s popularity, there is a lot of high quality accommodation here. The most popular of them include: The Mara Hippo Lodge, Mara Fig Tree Camp, Siana Springs, Sarova Mara Camp, Kichwa Tembo Camp, Mara Intrepids Club, Mara Serena, Mara Sopa Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, Kicheche Camp, Little Governors Camp, Mpata Safari Club and Mara Safari Club.

Wildebeests Migrating in Masai Mara***

Guidelines for visitors:

• Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the wildlife (it is very important that the carnivores have some peace for their hunting, particularly if they have young to feed).
• Don’t leave any litter (especially if burning or flammable) or remove any plants, wildlife or other items from the park.
• Don't feed the animals or take any pets with you.
• Don't hang out of your vehicle or sit on the roof and don't try stroking passing lion cubs however cute they look!
• It is recommended that you use a local driver/guide; this is an advantage because he/she will be familiar with the area.
• If you choose to drive yourself then remember that animals have the right of way and don't drive too close to them. Keep to the speed-limit (usually 30-50kph). Make sure your vehicle is reliable, that you carry a map, spare tyre and toolkit.
• Don't travel before sunrise or after sunset.

Copyright: Mwongera Kioga:

Images under Creative Commons Attribution Licence. * by Wildcat Dunny ** by The Dilly Lama *** by Angela7Dreams