Game Drive Safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve: Kenya’s largest and most famous game reserve, Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to Africa’s most magnificent view and teeming wildlife best known for the annual wildebeest migration. The reserve occupies an area of 1,510 square kilometers and it has some of the finest game viewing in the world. This article seeks to reveal the spots to visit in the game drive, attractions on the game drive, as well as other interesting things to do in the Maasai Mara reserve if you take the game drive tourism activity.
The Game Drive Experience
The Big Five
The Maasai Mara is home to Africa’s Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo are some of the large mammalian fauna that are found here. These great beasts are usually the themes of vehicular tours, known as game drives. The relatively large open plains of Mara make it quite easier to find these animals especially the lions and the elephants. Leopards also can be met though they are much more shy, they can often be noticed while they are sleeping in the trees or walking through the bushes. Black rhinoceros are much fewer in number yet it is still possible to sight them if one will be persistent enough in the search. These are large horned animals that are mostly found moving around the plains in large herds.
The Great Migration
One of the greatest spectacles on the planet the Great Migration is witnessed between the months of July and October in the Maasai Mara. This was accompanied by an increasing as over 1. The annual migration is when 5 million wildebeest are trailed by hundreds of thousands of gazelles and zebras from Serengeti in Tanzania to Maasai Mara in search of food. Forcing animals to cross the rivers, especially the Mara River is challenging and sometimes fatal as some animals are likely to encounter crocodiles and big cats.
Diverse Mammals
Not only the local numbered Big Five and migrating wildebeest herds, but also there is a lot of other typical representants of mammals in the Maasai Mara. A sight of giraffes, zebras, cheetah, hyenas, jackals, and different types of antelopes including impala, topi and eland are easily sighted. Frequently for those lucky to visit the Mara and Talek rivers you are likely going to sight hippos and those crocodiles.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is also popular in the Maasai Mara since over 450 bird types have been reported. Such ones are birds of prey including vultures, eagles and hawks, bird of water including stork, heron and kingfisher. Open plains and riverine forests mix perfectly well and will ensure that there are resident as well as migratory birds making bird viewing another activity to enjoy during the game viewing.
Scenic Landscapes
The geography of Maasai Mara is vast with extensive plainland, rolling hills, and acacia woodland, and riverside woodland. The golden grasslands extend to the limit of the viewer’s vision, though it is sprinkled with trees and winding rivers. Even the view is breathtaking starting from the scenary of the natural setting that enhance the presence of the wild animals.
Best Times for a Game Drive
Game drives in the Maasai Mara are most effective in the early morning and …. . late afternoon when animals are likely to be out of their hide. Early morning drives typically start at around 6:According to the regional time it is 00 AM, that is in the breaking of the dawn and with the chill of the early morning. Late afternoon drives begin around 4:00 PM, so you can look the beauty of the sunset while you are discovering our exhibit. This is because July to October food is scarce and many animals migrate to the reserve making it the best time but again the reserve is good for game viewing throughout the year.
Other Activities in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
The other procedure that can be recommended for the visitors is to travel in aerial means and see the sights of the exotic region. Safaris involving hot air balloon ensure that guests are offered far reaching vistas of the expansive planes as well as fauna. These flying adventures include early morning flights that give one a chance to see the sunrise over the Savannah then to be followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Cultural Visits to Maasai Villages
Those who have an interest in experiencing the culture of the indigenous people, the Maasai people in particular can do so during the visit in Maasai Mara. Tours to other Maasai villages are arranged to portray the Maasai peoples’ traditions, dances, and artwork. Such visits give insight into how the Maasai ethically share their lives with some of the wild animals in the region.
Conservation Efforts in Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the real treasures of East Africa, and all efforts are made for the conservation of species and tourism development.
Anti-Poaching Initiatives
That is why the management of the reserve has brought into force efficient measures to counteract the poaching of animals, especially endangered species, like rhinoceroses. Rangers nowadays go on raids and use modern tools to guard against poaching.
Community Involvement
It co-operates with the Maasai people who live around the area with the goals of preservation and ecotourism. The tourism activities enable the Maasai people to participate in the operation of the reserve and grants them employment thus making them grasp the importance of protecting the reserve.
Habitat Restoration
It is constantly undergoing attempts at stabilizing and reconstructing the environment of the reserve. These are; afforestation and reforestation programs, undertaking mitigation of invasive species, and utilizing sustainable land practices. These activities remain useful in making sure that the ecosystems in the Maasai Mara area are sustainable in the long run.
Practical Information for Visitors
Getting There
Road and air are the two common methods through which one can access the Maasai MARA National Reserve. By road, the park lies 5-6 hours’ drive south west of Nairobi, which is Kenya’s capital city. On the other hand there are several airstrips within the reserve that au enable flight from and to Nairobi and other major cities of Kenya thus shortening travelling time.
Park Fees and Permits
All the people intending to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve need to make payments that include entry fees, which differ according to the citizenship of the visitors; Kenyan, Resident and Intentional tourists. Extra charges for such services as hot air balloon services based on the safari and guided nature walks may be required. It is recommended in the areas of the town that one should get the latest on the fees they charge and the permits they let out.
What to Bring
During your game drive safari to the Maasai Mara, some things you should ensure are adequately prepared for are as follows. Recommended items include:
Conclusion
A game drive safari to the Maasai Mara National Reserve gives you a unique experience of one of Africa most famous natural parks. With everything ranging from the Great Migration to the Big Five, and traditional customs of Maasai people, the Maasai Mara offers a variety of experiences. Apart from the game drives other related activities that help in the overall experience of the safari include hot air balloon safaris, nature walks, and cultural encounters. Thus, the Maasai Mara remains one of the most popular destinations for lovers of wildlife and tourism that respects the principles of conservation of natural resources.
