The Masai Mara is home to Africa’s famous Big Five species, as well as an abundance of other wildlife, including wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, antelope, ostrich, giraffe, cheetah, hyena and many more.

The great wildebeest migration

The Masai Mara also hosts the annual wildebeest migration between the months of July-October, as the herds will make their way from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, crossing the Nile crocodile-infested Mara River which forms an international border between Kenya and Tanzania, in search of better water and grass resources.

Often described as nature’s greatest spectacles, the great migration is one of Africa’s most dramatic survival stories. To stay up to date on the whereabouts of the herds, here’s a great wildebeest migration tracking map.

Excellent birding opportunities

Apart from its abundance of wildlife, birding enthusiasts are treated when visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve. It’s estimated that there are over 570 recorded species of birds in the reserve, which includes species such as the Red-Winged Schalow’s Turaco, White-Tipped Crest, Ross Turaco, Orange Buff Pel’s Fishing Owl, Wary Guinea Fowl and the roaming Secretary bird.

Home of the Big Cats

The Masai Mara is often known as the ‘kingdom of lions’ as they dominate the grasslands of the reserve. The reserve is also home to the popular BBC series, Big Cat Diaries.

It’s well maintained

The Masai Mara National is the most well maintained Kenyan wildlife reserve and accommodates travellers with modest to more high end budgets. If you’re looking for an authentic African safari, then the Mara should be destination of choice.