Map
of Masai Mara
The Masai Mara game park is if anything the world's most famous
game reserve. It is the best known and the most patronized game
sanctuary in Kenya. Located on the south western part of Kenya and
within the the Great Rift Valley, the savannah lands of the Masai
Mara hold within their boarders an unsurpassed number of wildlife.
The Masai Mara is teeming with wild animals with over 452 animal
varieties or species having been documented here. Almost all species
of animals can be seen in the Mara.
The
Masai people who dwell in the Mara and its environs are strongly
autonomous people who still practice custom and ritual as an
invaluable part of their lives. They view themselves not just as
dwellers of this area but that they are so much a part of the
existence of the land as the land is a part of their existence.
Customarily, the Masai scarcely hunt and dwelling together with
animals in tranquility is an integral part of their belief. Lions
and Wildebeest have an essential role in their cultural belief as
their own herds of livestock. This exceptional co-existence of man
and wildlife makes this Masai land essentially the world’s most
exceptional wilderness regions.
Year after year the Masai Mara hosts the world’s number one natural event,
The Great Wildebeest Migration from across the Serengeti. From July
to October, the promise of the rains and succulent life supporting
grass in the north attracts close to 1.3 million Wildebeests in
tandem into a single colossal herd. They pour over the border into
the Mara, making a breathtaking entry in a soaring column of life
that extends as far as the eye can see..
At the Mara River they mass as a big group on the river bank before
plunging forwards into the fierce waters, causing a frenzy
as they wrestle against swift currents and crocodiles on the ready
to kill.
The wildebeest bring brand new life to the Mara, not simply through
their cycle of renewal of the grasslands, but also for the predators
that pursue the herds.
The Masai Mara has been named the domain of Lions and these imposing
and sturdy hunters decree over these lands. Cheetahs are also a
regular sight in the Mara, as are Hyena, leopards and minor predators such as
Jackals.
The Mara is a stunning natural beauty, one place where Masai Morans
or worriors
share the plains with the hunting lions, an area of great herds and
ageless cycles of life, death and rebirth.
Wildlife move freely in and out of this vast sanctuary and in and
around the neighboring Masai lands. On the outside of the limits of this
sanctuary, can be found many camping sites and lodges, some of which
offer walking safaris, horse riding and other safari alternatives.
The Loita Hills and the Nguruman hills, both thought of as holy
hills to the Masai, provide high forest camping possibilities for
the fun holidaymaker and great
hiking safaris.
RULES AND
REGULATIONS IN RESERVES AND PARKS.
* Driving off the road is not allowed.
* Stay on the main roads and tracks.
* Visitors are allowed on the roads from 06:00 to 19:00. Do not dis-embark
from your vehicle.
* Do not discard litter in the park, keep your trash until you get to your place of accommodation.
* Avoid over crowding around wildlife and do not harass them.
* You are not allowed to remove or collect anything from the
park.
SIZE OF MASAI MARA
Occupying close to
1,510 kilometers square, The park is made up of three group ranches, the Mara Triangle, Musiara, and Sekenani.
Adjoining the reserve are other group ranches that have been
converted into private wildlife conservancies which are basically an
extension of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and are full of
wildlife. These conservancies consist of: Olare Orok Conservancy, Ol Kinyei
Conservancy, Olderikesi Conservancy and Siana Conservancy.
PARK FEES
These are fees paid at the park and are used for the conservation
activities by the ole-kejuado county council which manages the
reserve. Park fees are on Per Person Per Day basis (pppd). NB: These
rates are for 2010 and in 2011 rates are set to increase from 1st
January.
-
Non
Resident Adult (12+) US$ 80 per day
-
Non
Resident Children (11 and below) US$ 40
-
Resident Adults Ksh. 1000
-
Resident Children Ksh. 500
-
Vehicle 6+ seats Ksh. 1000
-
Vehicle 5 seats or less Ksh. 600
HOW TO GET THERE
There are a couple of ways. The main one by road, the road has
recently redone and most of the road is fantastic. The rough road is
from Mahi Mahu to Suswa Town, after that it is now a great road
(April 2009).
Drive through Narok Town, there is a fuel station called Kenol, you
will find this as you leave the town near the river. It has clean
toilets, good food and fuel. So, past Narok town there is two ways
to the Mara. The main one is take the next main turning on your left
(couple of clicks past Narok) there are plenty of signs on the
corner, and just keep going and follow the tarmac road. The tarmac
does come to an end, but just keep going along the dirt road and you
will end up at Sekenani Gate.
Flying is the other option. There are several companies flying to
the Mara. The man ones include; Air Kenya and Safari link. Their are
also a number of airstrips near most accommodation facilities. These
are; Keekorock air strip,
Serena Airstrip,
Siana Springs Airstrips, Musiara Airstrip
Masai Mara game reports courtesy of
Governor's Camp
January
2009
July 2009
July 2010
Kenya