incredible attractions in masai mara national reserve
4 incredible attractions in masai mara national reserve : Masai Mara national park is a remarkable tourist destination and a resident for many numerous attractions which make it one of the fantastic national parks to visit while on your safari in Kenya, the reserve is one of the world’s greatest habitants for the big five that is lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and cape buffaloes.
Masai Mara national park consists of many attractions which make it an incredible tourist destination, this article lists 4 attractions which make the park different from the others and an incredible destination. These attractions include
Masai tribal people
Masai tribal people are a unique group of tribal people living in large communities situated adjacent to Masai Mara national reserve, Masai tribal people are Nilotic ethic group living a nomadic pastoralist’s lifestyle. Masai people inhabit the northern central and southern region of Kenya and the northern region of Tanzania, Masai people are internationally known for their strategic residence near national parks and game reserves in the great lakes region. This is the same case to Masai people who formally resided in the area occupied by Masai Mara national reserve and they also used to graze their large herds of livestock that is cattle, sheep and goat. Masai people are Maa language speaking people who believe in Ngai as their god, they are a remarkable group of people famous for their distinctive customs, local outfits and their traditions. Masai people are highly social people living in groups consisting of more than one family, in the Masai social setting elders of the society are responsible for solving major matters in the group. Socially in the Masai community, a man’s wealth is measured the number of cattle and children, a herd of 50 cattle gives an individual a respectable status since the animals (cattle)are the primary source of food.
Culture in Masai Mara National Reserve
Culture in Masai Mara National Reserve
Diversity of wildlife
Masai Mara national reserve is a renowned habitat for a diversity of wildlife, the park is generally dominated by savannah grasslands with patches of forest galleries which make it a perfect home for animals. Masai Mara national park is famous for two wildlife aspects that’s hosting the big five and experiencing one of the world’s spectacles that is the great wildebeest migration, big five in Masai Mara national reserve include lion, elephants, cape buffalo, leopards and rhinos.
Masai Mara national reserve is one of the national reserves experiencing wildebeest migration together with Serengeti national park of Tanzania, wildebeest migration involves the movement of thousands of animals that is wildebeests, zebras and elands as they cross over from northern Serengeti national park using Mara River. The movement of these animals depends on the rainy season and the movement typically takes place from late march to May and November to early January which is the best time to view the amazing experience.
Other animals living in Masai Mara national reserve includes topi, elands, duikers, coke’s hartebeests, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, bat-eared fox, impalas and many more.
Scenic topography
Masai Mara national reserve is one of the most scenic areas in Kenya, these reserve consists of four topographies that is Ngama hills, Oloololo Escarpment, Mara triangle and central plains which are perfect for nature viewing and photography.
NGAMA HILLS
Ngama hills are one of the beautiful features making the scenic topography of Masai Mara national reserve, these beautiful hills make up this eastern region of the reserve and they stretch from the Mara and Talek River. The hills rinse from above the main entrance gate of Masai Mara national reserve that is Sekenani entrance gate and they are visible from any park of the reserve thus offering a spectacular view. Ngama hills are a prominent feature in the landscape of the reserve and they do not only offer beautiful scenic views but they are useful landmark for game viewing safaris in Masai Mara national reserve. The hills are perfect spot for viewing numerous animals living in the reserve such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, gazelle, antelope, elands, herds of elephants and ostriches as they cross from eastern region of the reserve to the western region using southern Mara Bridge. At southern Mara Bridge you get to enjoy perfect views of large pools of hippos.
MARA TRIANGLE
Mara triangle is a remarkable area in Masai Mara national reserve situated in the southern region of the reserve covering an area of 510 square kilometers, Mara triangle stretches over one – third area of the reserve and it boarders Serengeti national park of Tanzania in the south, Mara River in the east and Oldoinyo escarpment in the north east. Mara triangle is divided from the rest of Masai Mara national reserve by Mara River, though this area is the least visited and less crowded area of the reserve it is a rewarding region as it hosts many animals such as wildebeests, zebras, gazelle, lions, leopards and it has beautiful panoramic views of volcanic views.
Mara triangle is managed by Mara conservancy a non – profitable organization on behalf of Trans- Mara County Council, the area is easily accessible by both road and air. By air the Mara triangle is served by Serena and Kuchiwa Tembo airstrips.
Siria escarpment
Siria escarpment is a class T – Hypsographic type escarpment situated at an elevation of 1,828 meters above the sea level in Masai Mara national reserve, Siria escarpment is part of the great rift valley of Kenya and lies in the rift valley province of the region. The escarpment is also known as Doinya Escarpment, Istria Escarpment, Ololol Escarpment, or Soitolol. The escarpment is made up of a long line of steep slopes separating levels of surface which makes it a beautiful site for sightseeing and for photography.
Central plains
The central plains of Masai Mara national reserve are an a spectacular region to visit while in the reserve, central plains are the heart of Masai Mara national reserve situated between the Mara and Talek rivers. The plains are a fascinating region for game viewing as it hosts a variety of animals such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetah, crocodiles, hippos, bushbucks, vervet and plenty of birds such as Vultures, secretary birds, marabou storks, crowned cranes, ostriches and many more.
Plenty of birds
Masai Mara national reserve is a birding paradise and a remarkable habitant for colorful bird species, the reserve hosts over 470 bird species. Birds in the reserve include migrant species, raptors recognized to over 60 species, birds in the reserve include Vultures, secretary birds, marabou storks, crowned cranes, ostriches, little grebe, long tailed cormorant, African darter, little bittern, dwarf, cattle egret, common squacco heron, purple heron, great white egret, hammerkop, black stock, African open bill stock, glossy ibis, African spoon bill, white headed vulture, African fish eagle, booted eagle, black chested snake-eagle, African crake, African purple swamp hen, kori bustard, grey crowned crane, caspin plover, crowned lapwing, greater painted snipe and many more