The Masai Mara National Reserve is located in the Great Rift Valley and is located about 270 kilometers from Nairobi. You can reach this famous nature reserve either by road or by air from Wilson Airport to Nairobi. The flight from Nairobi takes from 40 to 45 minutes. The annual migration of wildlife to gentle sliding meadows, consisting of more than a million wild animals, is incredible and interesting to observe. This is the only place in Kenya where you can find wildlife in abundance grazing on green vegetation. The long rains in April and May lead to green grass, which puts countless wild animals from the Serengeti plain into Tanzania, draining all the grass.
However, this migration, caused by mother nature, is not an easy task for most animals. Old, weak and many newborn calves are unlikely to cope with this for several reasons. The long way from the Serengeti Plain is quite depleted for old and weak animals, leaving them dead and a source of food for predators. Many calves also drowned in the river Mara, while others were killed by hungry crocodiles and other predators. This is because they are easier to catch compared to other adult wildlife. The best time for a tour of the reserves is between July, August and September, when migration is at its peak.
This reserve is ideal for watching games for both large and small animals. It is also the best place to see the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). Other animals that you are likely to see include the cheetah, the giant gazelle, the eland and the hyena. It is also interesting to watch the animals cross the mighty river Mara, giant crocodiles and hippos desperately attack them to fill their empty stomachs. It is also an ideal place for bird watching. Currently, about 450 bird species are recorded, of which 57 bird species are prey to birds. The climate is also mild for visitors, not too hot and with rain falling day or night.
Maasai communities are close neighbors to this reserve and live peacefully with wild animals. They are nomads who depend on cattle and other cattle for their livelihood. They move from one place to another and go long distances in search of food and water for their livestock. Their food is mostly fresh rolled milk and meat from their livestock. They also drink a mixture of blood and milk during ceremonial ceremonies, which are held once a year. The Masai communities are a good example of a Kenyan tribe that takes their traditional rites and ceremonies very seriously. Their communal elders play a large role in society and are there to respect and obedience. As you enjoy your safari in Masai Mare, you can spend the night in luxurious camps that move around the reserve and are located depending on the movement of wildlife.
