Masai Mara also locally known as The Mara, is a large game reserve in Kenya. It is contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is named in honor of the Masai Tribe. It is world-renowned for its exceptional populations of lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs and the annual migration of herbivores, to and from the Serengeti every year known as the Great Migration. The Greater Mara Ecosystem encompasses areas known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Triangle, and several Masai Conservancies, including: Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet.
Wildebeest, zebra and few other herbivores migrate into and occupy the Mara reserve, from the Serengeti plains to the south and Loita Plains in the pastoral ranches to the north-east, from July to October or later. Herds of all three species are also resident in the reserve.
All members of the ‘Big Five’ (Elephant, Lion, Leopards, Cape Buffalo and Rhinoceros) are found here. Hippos and crocodiles are found in large groups in the Mara and Talek rivers. Cheetahs, hyenas, jackals and bat eared foxes can also be found in the reserve. The plains between the Mara river and the Esoit Siria Escarpment are probably the best area for game viewing, in particular regarding lion and cheetah.
Wildebeest are the dominant inhabitants of the Masai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions. Around July of each year, these animals migrate north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October. More than 470 species of birds have been identified in the park, many of which are migrants, with almost 60 species being raptors. Birds that call this area home for at least part of the year include: vultures, marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, etc.
Supplement optional extras:
Boat Ride USD 35 per person
Masai Village Visit USD 30 per person
Hot Air Balloon USD 400 per person
Bush Breakfast USD 55 per person
Naivasha to Masai Mara Flight USD 265 per person
Accessibility by Air: Nairobi
Day 1: 14/2/23:
Mumbai- Nairobi- Ol Pejeta
Pickup from your hotel/residence in Nairobi and depart by road to Ol Pejeta Conservancy situated between the foothills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snow capped Mount Kenya.
Arrive at the camp in time for lunch followed by some leisure hours for a siesta/ swim. Later in the afternoon you will proceed on an afternoon game viewing across the vast savannah grasslands, a terrain favored by elephants. Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only one of its kind in Kenya
Overnight at the Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp. (BLD)
Day 2: 15/2/23:
Ol Pejeta- Lake Naivasha
Our destination is Lake Naivasha Country Club. We arrive in time for lunch at our lodge by the lake.
Afternoon is at leisure with optional activities like boat ride on Lake Naivasha, seeing a variety of bird life and hippo colonies which can be organized and paid for locally.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Country Club. (B,L,D)
Day 3: 16/2/23:
Lake Naivasha- Masai Mara
After breakfast, drive through the floor of the Rift Valley arriving in time for lunch at Keekorok Lodge.
Later in the evening, proceed on a game drive in the park. The Masai Mara is an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem to the south. Game abounds here, particularly when the migration is on, and millions of wildebeests and zebras make their way back and forth across the Mara River on their annual trek. The Mara is also noted for its abundance of plains game, lions – particularly the black manned males, elephants, cheetah, rhino and even the elusive leopard.
Dinner and overnight at Keekorok Lodge. (BLD)
Day 4: 17/2/23:
Masai Mara
Full days in the Mara with early morning and late afternoon game drives being provided to explore its vast plains and rolling hills for more game spotting opportunities. You may also proceed on an early morning balloon flight followed by a bubbly bush breakfast (optional extra, supplement cost to apply).
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight at Keekorok Lodge.(BLD)
Day 5: 18/2/23:
Masai Mara
Return to Nairobi by road or fly from the Mara to Nairobi: morning flight (prices on request).
Drop off at Airport.
Tour Ends.
