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Sunset Magical Kenya Lone Tree At The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Magical Sunset Sundowner Lone Tree At The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Facts about Masai Mara National Reserve will give you an insight to the amazing Masai Mara park in Kenya and all the most interesting bits of it. Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s premium protected areas that attract almost half of the tourists to Kenya. No one can think of wildlife safari in Kenya and misses out Masai Mara National Reserve. The size of the park does not even portray a great wildlife experience that is found in the reserve. It’s managed by the local Masai people themselves not like other protected parks of Kenya that are managed by Kenya Wildlife Services. The 8 Facts about Masai Mara National Reserve are the unique factors that make the reserve more popular tourism destinations. These are unique things that can be found or done at the reserve at the expense of other national parks. The local Maasai people have warmly protected the reserve with no jealous hearts hence making all the animals very safe from poaching. The local communities are all enjoying the value of tourism. On 15th Sept every year the local Maasai people celebrate Masai Day. This is when the wildebeest migration starts their journey back to Serengeti hence the locals say goodbye to the wildebeest in a ceremonious way. largest national reserve: The 8 Facts about Masai Mara National Reserve include one that it’s the largest national reserve in Narok County the most famous Masai town in Africa. The reserve was named in honour of the Maasai locals who are the ancestral inhabitants of the region. The name meant the description of the vegetation of the area which is dominated by open savannahs dotted with circles of the Acacia trees. Masai Mara was established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary covering just throw of the stone area before it was enlarged later after seeing the value of conservation by the locals. The high concentration of predators: Among the 8 Facts about Masai Mara National Reserve is that the reserve is much famous for its high concentration of predators population especially Lions and Leopards. One is more sure of seeing in the shy leopards in their leopard’s trail. There has been a great documentary of rare black Leopards that was caught on Camera during night vision. The pictures of the black leopard went viral in many social and travel documentation. The leopards are mostly sited on top of the rocky kopjes in the reserve and on top of the fig trees. Masai mara national reserve has the most popular Leopard named Bella which is mostly sited along the Talek River. Bella is the only wild leopard that is habituated and used for film production. Masai Mara lions are in large pride that is led by the dominant male lion. It is only in Masai mara that the number of Lions grow rapidly. Other predators in Masai Mara National Reserve include Hyenas, cheetahs, Jackals, and many others. The Big Cat Diary was documented in Masai Mara national reserve that is one of the most popular predator documentaries in the world. This showed that the reserve had over 600 lions living around the ecosystem. Big five: Masai Mara national reserve has all the 5 members of African big five which includes the lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and Rhinos. The population of the African big five has been increasing especially with the Elephant population. It is noted that Masai Mara is among the few reserves in Africa where the population of Elephants are increasing dramatically. The small size of the reserve has made it possible for the guests to view all the big five in minimal time possible. This has made the game drive at the park enjoyful throughout the year. Other wildlife in Masai Mara includes the hippos which are abundant in the hippo pool around the mighty Mara river where they share with large Crocodiles. This is the same river where the wildebeest migration occurs from. Giraffes, warthogs, Zebras, Gazelles, Elands, Topis, Cheetahs, hyenas, dik-dik and many more. Wildebeest migration: The wildebeest migration is the largest animal migration on planet earth which happens annually between Kenya Masai Mara national reserve and Serengeti national park of Tanzania. Among the 8 Facts about Masai Mara National Reserve is also that it is one of the lucky reserves in the world to host millions of mobile wildebeest who move according to the rainfall patterns. The wildebeest migration reaches its climax when they cross the Mara River in July. Millions of wildebeest and other grazers like Zebras elands move together from Serengeti national park to Masai Mara national reserve. The great wildebeest migration starts from July and they return back from another corner in October back to Serengeti. The Migration is termed as survival for the fittest as the predators on both sides Serengeti and Masai mara are on alert while the large Nile Crocodiles at the crossing point kill more during the crossing. The wildebeest migration is one of the natural wonders of the world. Bird species: Masai Mara National Reserve has a record of over 570 bird species with more than 50 bird species of Prey which includes: Eagles, vultures, storks, and many others. Birding can be done throughout the year, the bird list is long which includes: Kori bustard, secretary bird, Giant kingfisher, Schalow’s turaco, herons, Usambiro barbet, sooty chat, Southern Ground Hornbill, Magpie Shrike, spurfowl, ostriches, and others. Maasai locals: Maasai tribe is among the few tribes in Africa whose culture has lasted for years without changes. Masai Mara national reserve is among the protected areas in Africa where the locals are jointly leaving together at peace. The presence of the local Maasai people around the park has not only protected the wildlife but diversified the tourism experience with wildlife alongside the cultural tours. The Maasai locals are among the famous tribes in Africa with unique cultures and traditional believes that excites the tourists. Hyena research center: Another Fact about Masai Mara National Reserve is that the reserve serves as a Hyena research center. Masai Mara has the highest concentration of Hyenas in Kenya hence making it easy for the Kenya Wildlife Services to set up the Hyena research center at the reserve. White Giraffes Family: Masai Mara National Reserve is a miracle tourism destination with more unique things happening at the reserve. Of resent their was unique newly born rare zebra which had black dots instead of strings. The park has more than four members of the unique white Giraffes which gave newborn white giraffes making the family of the unique white giraffes multiply. 8 Facts about Masai Mara National Reserve Wildebeest Migration – 8 Facts about Masai Mara National Reserve

History of Masai Mara National Reserve will give you an insight into what the park was and the different historical features that the park grew through. Masai Mara National Reserve which is located in the south western part of Kenya is a tourist destination famously known for its amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. This national park also has a strong background which has greatly contributed to its fame among tourists. This reserve is also made up of lush grassland, acacia woodland, magnificent plateaus, open plains in the rift valley escarpment where wildlife species can be seen roaming and grazing. Masai Mara reserve was established as a wildlife sanctuary named after the Masai people who are inhabitants of the reserve. The word “Mara” is a description in the Maa language which means “spotted” as a way of describing the nature of the tree-dotted landscape in the reserve. It was later extended to the east and it became a game reserve under the management of the Narok county council in 1961. Following the British colonization and influence in Kenya, the Masai Mara reserve was established to preserve the African wildlife and its landscape and this lasted until 1963 when Kenya got its independence. The influence of the British on the Masai Mara National reserve greatly impacted the local community of the Masai who were displaced since the British perceived that they were doing more harm than good to the reserve. The Masai community which makes up parts of the northern, central and southern parts of Kenya lost culturally significant areas of the reserve and this affected their pastoralist way of life since they relied on those lands to sustain the cattle and other livestock they kept. In 1974, part of the reserve was returned to the local community of the Masai people. An additional part of the reserve was also removed in 1976 and by 1984, the size of this reserve had reduced. The trans-Mara council county was formed in the western part of the reserve and the management was divided between the new council and the Narok county council. In 2001, the Mara conservancy took over the management of the Mara triangle which is known for supporting a large number of wildlife species and it also borders the Mara River where the wildebeest cross into the Masai Mara reserve from Serengeti national park annually. The Mara Triangle is also the largest part of the reserve and it consists of the scattered bushes and kopjes where lions can be seen seated as they watch their prey grazing in the central plains and grasslands. Tourists can access the Masai Mara reserve through different means such as by road and by air. By road, tourists can drive from Nairobi to Narok and then proceed to any of the gates which are located in different parts of the reserve. By air, tourists can fly to any of the airstrips in the reserve which organize both domestic or charter flights. Wildlife species which can be seen in the Masai Mara National Reserve include the big five such as lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos as well as other wildlife species such as cheetahs, wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, topis, gazelles, warthogs, elands, jackals, waterbucks, oribis, reedbucks among others. The best time to visit the Masai Mara reserve is in the months of July to October which is the dry season. During this time, tourists can also witness the wildebeest migration which is among the natural wonders of the world. Masai Mara reserve experiences both rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season takes place in the months of November, December, March, and May. History of Masai Mara Wildlife is a major attraction in Masai Mara National Reserve The Masai people who live around the Masai Mara reserve have also contributed to tourism and promoting conservation in the reserve. Tourists visit the Masai villages for different cultural experiences such as watching traditional dance performances, visiting the “manyattas” which are the traditional Masai houses, seeing local arts and crafts among other activities. Tourists who visit the Masai Mara reserve engage in different activities such as game drives which take place in the morning and in the evening, nature walks, hot air balloon safaris, bird watching, cultural visits among others.

Magical Sunset Sundowner Lone Tree At The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Accommodation in Masai Mara National Reserve are very spacious and comfortable for travelers who want to explore the wildlife in Kenya. Masai Mara National Reserve is located in the south western part of Kenya in Narok county. This reserve is also known for its amazing wildlife viewing. There are different accommodation facilities in this reserve which provide lodging for tourists as they explore the reserve. Tourists visit this destination to see different wildlife species and to engage in a number of activities and to see the different attractions around the Masai Mara reserve. The choice of which accommodation facility to stay in depends on different factors. The factors which tourists consider when choosing the accommodation facility in the Masai Mara National reserve include location, service quality, food preferences, security and safety, comfort, prices of the rooms, rooming types among others. The location of the accommodation facility is a very important aspect when choosing an accommodation facility in that the accommodation should be convenient for the tourist as they engage in different activities such as game viewing. Service quality at the accommodation facility looks at the nature of the services which the different service providers at the accommodation facility offer to the tourists. The quality of services also looks at the timeliness of service providers, how they handle customer complaints among other qualities. Food preferences of the tourists also ensure that tourists get the type of food they prefer such as international food, local food. It also looks at the presentation of the food, cleanliness when preparing the food among other factors. Security and safety is an important aspect when choosing the accommodation facility. Tourists should be able to enjoy their safaris without worrying about the safety of their luggage and their own safety as they engage in different activities and see different attractions. Comfort is also very important when choosing the accommodation facility. Price of rooms is also important since this determines whether the tourist will be able to afford the accommodation facility or not during their Kenya safari. Types of the rooms is another important aspect since tourists sometimes prefer to stay in specific rooms during their safaris. Types of rooms at the accommodation facilities include single rooms, double rooms, deluxe rooms, triple rooms among others. Accommodation facilities in Masai Mara reserve consists of different categories which includes luxury accommodation, midrange accommodation and budget accommodation. Tourists can also opt for camping at the different campsites which are designated within the Masai Mara reserve. The campsites for tourists visiting this reserve are both private and public campsites. The accommodation facilities are located in different parts of the reserve which includes the northern expanse, the eastern part, the southern, western and central parts of Masai Mara reserve. These parts of the reserve are also made up of private conservancies. Tourists who stay in accommodation located in the conservancies have an advantage of engaging in some activities which may not be allowed in the reserve such as night game drives. The private conservancies around Masai Mara reserve also favour tourists who prefer less tourists during their safaris. This is because of the limitations which are put in place in the conservancies in regards to the maximum number of guests, vehicles and rooms. Another advantage of staying in the private conservancies around Masai Mara National Reserve is that they are in close proximity of the reserve itself making it convenient and easily accessible for safaris and engaging in different activities within the reserve. The land owners around the Masai Mara reserve have agreements with the owners of the lodges which restrict some activities on their land such as grazing, housing and agriculture. These terms and conditions in the agreements have promoted conservation of the natural habitat of the wildlife species. The landowners also benefit from the revenue generated from the lodges, conservation fees as well as from leases. The tourists are also given access to the conservancies in order to engage in different activities such as game drives, nature walks and cultural visits. Accommodation facilities in Masai Mara reserve The northern part of the Masai Mara reserve is made up of the different conservancies such as Mara north conservancy, Olare Motorogi, Mara Nyaboisho, Ol choro Oiroua, Ol Kinyei and Lemek conservancy. These conservancies offer different accommodation facilities for tourists as well as amazing game viewing experiences. Accommodation facilities in the northern part of the Masai Mara reserve include Luxury accommodation, Midrange accommodation and budget accommodation. The accommodation facilities in the northern part of the Masai Mara reserve include Ngare Serian, Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Speke’s Camp, Mara Plains Camp, Kicheche Bush Camp, Loyk Mara Camp, Ol Seki Mara Camp, Naboisho Camp, Ngerende Island Lodge, Fairmont Mara Safari, Porini Mara Camp, Enkerende Tented Camp, Mara River Lodge. The local communities also benefit from the revenues generated from these accommodation facilities in the reserve through the different projects in health, education, employment in the accommodation facilities among other benefits. The accommodation facilities in the eastern part of the Masai Mara reserve also include the accommodations in the Siana conservancy. The accommodation facilities include Mara bush top for luxury clients. The boutique camp offers accommodation with an African inspired interior for a taste of the African culture. Other accommodation facilities in the eastern part of the Masai Mara reserve include the Leleshwa camp, Entumoto safari camp, Tipilikwani Mara camp, Fig tree camp, Mara leisure camp, Siana springs camp, Ilkeliana Camp among others. Tourists visiting the southern parts of the Masai Mara reserve can stay in the accommodation facilities such as Cottars bush villa, sand river Masai Mara camp, Sala’s camp, Enkewa Mara camp among other accommodations. Accommodation facilities in the western part of the Masai Mara reserve include Bateleur camp, Kichwa tembo tented camp, Sanctuary Olonana camp, Mara Siria camp, Angama mara, Kilima camp, Mara Engai wilderness lodge among others. Tourists staying in the western part of the Masai Mara reserve enjoy seeing the beautiful landscape of the Masai Mara plains, Oloololo escarpment, the Mara river and the Mara triangle. The accommodation facilities in the central part of the Masai Mara reserve include the governor’s il Moran camp, , Mara Ngenche safari camp, Rekero camp, Sentinel Mara camp, Entim camp among others. Tourists staying in the central part of the Masai Mara reserve experience amazing wildlife viewing activities as well as the wildebeest migration which can be seen as the thousands of wildebeest cross the Mara river. Access to the Masai Mara reserve can be through different means such as by road and air. By road, tourists can drive from Nairobi via Narok to any of the entrance gates in the reserve. Entrance gates in Masai Mara reserve include Oloololo gate, Oloolaimutia gate, Sekenani gate, Talek gate and Musiara gate. Some of the lodges in Masai Mara reserve also have airstrips which offer flights to tourists who have safaris to the reserve. Airstrips in this reserve include Shikar airstrip, Ngerende airstrip, Musiara airstrip, Ol Kiombo airstrip, Keekorok airstrip, Sian springs airstrip, Masai Mara Serena airstrip, Kichwa Tembo airstrip, Masai Mara cottars, Olare Orok airstrip among others. Accommodation in Masai Mara National Reserve Accommodation in Masai Mara National Reserve Wildlife species which can be seen in the Masai Mara reserve include lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, hartebeest, waterbucks, reedbucks, zebras, hyenas, warthogs, oribis, cheetahs among others. Tourists can also interact with the local community of the Maasai who are inhabitants of the reserve. The Maasai people have a unique culture that has attracted many tourists to know more about their way of life, see the local arts and craft work, watch traditional dance performances, visit the “manyattas” among other cultural encounters. Activities which tourists engage in during their safaris to Masai Mara reserve include nature walks, cultural visits, game drives which take place in the morning and in the evening, bird watching among other activities. Stay in the best hotels and lodges in the wild as you explore the wilderness and enjoy the beauty of nature in the Masai Mara National reserve and also enjoy viewing the different wildlife species at this destination.

Best time to visit Masai Mara national reserve looks at the most convenient time of the year to go for a trip to this destination for the different activities offered. Putting in mind that wildlife viewing can be done anytime of the year and depending on the activity which the tourist wishes to engage in during their visit to the Masai Mara reserve, the best time to visit this reserve can be determined. July to October are the most favorable months for game viewing and other activities in the Masai Mara reserve. These months are in the dry season which is characterized by short grass and wildlife species gathering around water points making game viewing easier in the reserve. Nature walks are also better carried out during the dry season in July to October when the animals can easily be seen grazing in the open savannah plains Tourists who opt for hot air ballooning as a way of viewing the numerous wildlife species in the Masai Mara such as the lions also find it easier due to the less violent nature of the winds which blow the hot air balloons. The wildebeest migration also takes place during the months of July to October making it favorable for tourists who are interested in experiencing this migration to visit the Masai Mara reserve at this time of the year. January to March are the seasons when different species of wildlife give birth to their young ones in the Masai Mara reserve. This makes it easier to spot large numbers of wildlife species especially the young ones moving around the savannah plains in the reserve. April to June are in the rainy season and this provides the best opportunity to see the beauty of the Masai Mara reserve due to the green nature of the environment and less dusty conditions during a safari. Bird watching is also favorable during the months of April to June due to the presence of the migrant birds as well as the native bird species such as ostriches, herons, hammerkops, storks, secretary birds, vultures, eagles, hawks, kites, grey crowned crane, plovers, lapwings, terns among others which can be spotted in the Masai Mara reserve. There are also fewer people in the Masai Mara reserve during the rainy season which makes it favorable for tourists who prefer less crowds on a safari. Tourists are also advised to put in mind that the rainy season also means muddy roads during the safari. In November the wildebeest migration comes to a slow stop as the wildebeest make their way southwards across the Mara plains to the north eastern parts of the Serengeti national park in Tanzania following reduced rains and pastures in the reserve. The festive season in Masai Mara reserve is also favorable for wildlife viewing safaris and many families can spend time together exploring the wilderness of the reserve where they can see different wildlife species such as wildebeest, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalos, cheetahs, hippos, elephants, zebras among others. An experience with the local community of the Masai people is possible at any time of the year during a visit to the Masai Mara reserve for an experience of getting to know the Masai culture, visiting the traditional homesteads known as “manyattas”, seeing local arts and crafts such as the beaded jewelry, watching traditional dance performances among other exciting cultural activities. Best time for a visit to Masai Mara National Reserve Best time for a visit to Masai Mara National Reserve How to get to Masai Mara reserve Other important aspects to know about Masai Mara reserve before going on a safari to this destination include how to get there. This reserve can be accessed by both air and road means of transport. By road, the Masai Mara reserve can be accessed by driving from Nairobi to Narok then connecting to any of the entry gates into the reserve. By air, tourists can fly to any of the airstrips in the Masai Mara reserve in order to experience the beauty of the reserve and to get an aerial view of the different attractions at this destination. Domestic and charter flights can be organized from Wilson airport to this destination. The different changes in climate during the trips to Masai Mara reserve in the south western part of Kenya are a major factor to consider when choosing the best time to visit this destination to engage in different activities and to see the attractions.

Some of the activities which tourists visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve can engage in include; 1. Game drives are among the ways of wildlife viewing which take place in the Masai Mara National Reserve. These game drives take place at different times of the day and they include morning game drives, evening game drives, and full-day game drives. This reserve does not have night game drives where tourists can experience nocturnal wildlife species. During morning game drives, tourists can view a variety of wildlife species since the animals are more active during this time of day. The wildlife species which can be seen during morning game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve include lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, waterbucks, reedbucks, hartebeest, wildebeests, antelopes, cheetahs, baboons among others. Evening game drives involve watching the wildlife species and enjoying the beautiful sunset in the savannah plains. These evening game drives are less rewarding since the wildlife species are hidden and they take shelter from the sunshine. Full day game drives involve exploring the savannah plains the whole day and observing the behavior of wildlife species in the wild at different times of day as they hunt, graze and roam in the wilderness of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Game drives also take place outside the Masai Mara National Reserve in the different conservancies and these game drives offer unique wildlife viewing experiences such as night game drives which are restricted in some safari destinations. 2. Nature walks in the Masai Mara National Reserve involve exploring the wilderness of the reserve on foot. These walks are carried out in the company of a ranger and a guide for the protection of the tourists as they see different attractions and engage in other activities within the reserve. This activity also gives the tourists a chance to get a close interaction with nature in the reserve. The local community of the Maasai monitor and take care of the reserve which makes it possible for the tourists to have walked through the Masai Mara National Reserve both inside and outside the reserve in the neighboring Maasai villages. Nature walks in the Masai Mara National Reserve are also an excellent way of exercising during the safari as tourists enjoy the beautiful scenery and surroundings around the reserve such as plant species, flowers, trees, reptiles, birds and insects which can be done either in the morning hours or in the afternoon hours of the day. Tourists who are interested in research are also favored during nature walks since they get to pay special attention to the smallest details of the reserve such as plant species, the vegetation in the reserve. Tourists are also able to observe the behavior of the wildlife species closely during nature walks. 3. Cultural visits involve tourists interacting with the local community in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Masai people are known for their nomadic way of life and dependence on their livestock as well as their unique culture. The Masai people are the inhabitants of the Masai Mara National Reserve and they have contributed to tourism in this reserve by supporting conservation practices, acting as tour guides during safaris as well as during other activities in the reserve. Information is also shared with the tourists by the Maasai people about their ways of life, way of dressing, traditional arts and crafts such as beaded jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, earrings among others. Tourists can also watch traditional dance performances as they interact with the local community. Tourists can also learn about the different roles and duties in the society of the Maasai people such as livestock grazing which is done by the males, taking care of the household, children and making jewelry which is done by the women among others. Visits to the traditional Maasai houses which are known as the “manyattas” is another highlight of the cultural visits to this local community. Tourists are able to get information about the way the traditional houses are built, materials used and the reasons for the designs of the traditional Maasai houses. 4. Horseback riding is another unique way of exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve during the wildlife viewing experiences in the reserve. Wildlife species that can be seen during these horseback rides include zebras, topi, giraffe, gazelles, elephants, buffalos, lions among others. The horseback rides follow different routes through the Masai Mara National Reserve and they even go up to the conservancies such as Olare motorogi conservancy, Naboisho Conservancy, and the Mara North conservancy. Exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve on horseback also provides views of the stunning scenery, wildlife grazing, roaming in the plains of the reserve, river meanders, Loita hills and many other attractions within the reserve. 5. Hot air ballooning gives tourists an aerial view of the wildlife species and other attractions within the Masai Mara National Reserve. This activity starts early in the morning which gives the tourists a chance to watch the sunrise and to enjoy breakfast in the wilderness of the reserve while watching the wildlife species grazing and roaming in the distant plains. The duration of the hot air balloon ride is about 1 hour which gives the tourists a chance to explore the beauty of the scenery and the different attractions in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The hot air balloons carry a specific number of people depending on their capacity which ranges from 16 passengers, 12 passengers, 8 passengers, and 4 passengers. This activity is paid independently from the entry fees into the Masai Mara National Reserve. Activities in Masai Mara National Reserve Hot Air Baloon Safaris – Activities in Masai Mara National Reserve 6. Birding is another activity in which tourists visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve can engage in during their safaris. There are a number of bird species in this reserve and they include both migrant birds and the native bird species. The best time for birding in the Masai Mara National Reserve is between the months of October and February as well as in the months of June to July. The bird species include Flamingos, swallows, ostriches, long-tailed cormorants, egrets, herons hammerkops, yellow billed storks, Hadeda Ibis, vultures, kori bustards, secretary birds, fish eagles among others. 7. The wildebeest migration is an attraction that takes place within the Masai Mara National Reserve which attracts visitors from different parts of the world to witness as thousands of wildebeest cross from Serengeti national park to Masai Mara National Reserve. The wildebeest migration takes place during the months of July to October when the pastures are greener in the reserve. These months of the year also favor wildlife viewing and other activities such as nature walks. Tourists can access the Masai Mara National Reserve by both road and air or flight means. By road, tourists can drive or be driven via the route from Nairobi to Narok and then proceed to the entry gates within the reserve such as Sekenani gate, Talek gate, Musiara gate, Oloololo gate, Oloolaimutia gate. There are also different airstrips within the Masai Mara National Reserve which tourists can use to access this reserve and they include Kichwa Tembo airstrip, Olare Orok airstrip, Mara Serena airstrip, Cottars airstrip, Ol kiombo airstrip among others. Visit the Masai Mara National Reserve and engage in a wide range of activities as you explore the reserve and its different attractions.

Description of Masai Mara National Reserve Description of Masai Mara National Reserve gives a preview of what to expect when visiting this reserve, getting to know all the attractions in the reserve, activities for tourists to carry out as they explore the reserve, where tourists can stay during their safaris to the reserve and many other details about the destination. Tourists have very many expectations before they visit a destination such as Masai Mara National Reserve and before the actual visit to the destination, tourists go through a process of information collection about many aspects of the destination such as the location, security, tourist attraction sites, currency among others. After collecting information and selection about Masai Mara National Reserve and its activities and attractions, tourists can proceed to make comparisons about where to stay during their safari, means of transport to use on the safari, when to go for the safari, how to get there, what to do at the destination. Information collection is followed by decision making where tourists make decisions about their safaris such as the dates when to go, which accommodation facilities to stay at in Masai Mara National Reserve, the means of transport to use among other factors. Masai Mara National Reserve has been described as one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in Kenya. There are various wildlife species which can be seen in this reserve such as the big five which include lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos, and elephants. Other wildlife species in this reserve include wildebeest, hartebeest, reedbucks, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, gazelles, antelopes, topi, cheetahs among others. Another important aspect when describing the Masai Mara National Reserve is the landscape around the reserve. The landscape is characterized by dotted trees, savannah plains, scrubs, acacia trees, rolling hills. The word “Mara” which means “spotted” in the Maa language is also a description of the landscape in the reserve. The wildebeest migration is another important aspect that takes place in the Masai Mara National Reserve which can be used to describe the destination. This migration takes place during the months of July to October. During the wildebeest migration, thousands of wildebeest cross from Serengeti national park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in search of greener pastures and water. For tourists to experience this natural wonder of the wildebeest migration in the reserve, the eastern banks of the Mara river are recommended for a closer view. The Mara Triangle is another major attraction in the Masai Mara National Reserve which describes the reserve. This part of the reserve is known for the high concentration of wildlife species which can be spotted grazing and roaming in the open plains of the reserve. The local community which consists of the Masai people is also another major way of describing the attractions in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Tourists who visit this destination interact with the Masai people and they get to know about their way of life, traditional dances, local arts and crafts such as beaded jewelry, “manyattas” which are their traditional homesteads among other cultural activities. The Mara river is another important aspect for the description of the Masai Mara National Reserve. This river is the location where the wildebeest migration takes place and many wildlife species can also be seen along this river. The conservancies are also another major factor that add to the description of Masai Mara National Reserve. The conservancies include Ol kinyei conservancy, Mara north conservancy, Olare Motorogi, Mara Nyaboisho conservancy, Ol choro Oiroua conservancy, and Lemek conservancy. Description of Masai Mara National Reserve Description of Masai Mara National Reserve The conservancies are set aside for purposes of conservation which provide pasture for the wildlife species and to enable free movement of the animals. Tourists can access the Masai Mara National Reserve by road through driving from Nairobi to Narok and then to the park gates. Another way of accessing the reserve is through domestic and charter flights to any of the airstrips such as Ol kiombo airstrip, Kichwa Tembo airstrip, Shikar airstrip, Ngerende airstrip, Musiara airstrip, Keekorok airstrip, Sian springs airstrip, Masai cottars, Olare Olok airstrip among others. The Masai Mara National Reserve can also be described by its remarkable accommodation facilities which are categorized into luxury accommodation, midrange accommodation and budget accommodation. There are different access gates to the Masai Mara National Reserve and they include Talek gate, Sekenani gate, Musiara gate, Oloololo gate, and Oloolaimutia gate. Visit the Masai Mara National Reserve for an experience of wildlife viewing and to explore the attractions of the reserve.

Best time to Visit Masai Mara National Reserve Best time to Visit Masai Mara National Reserve is that time of the year when travelers feel like its more convenient to visit the park for different activities. What is the best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve is the most common question that most travellers who are planning to visit the reserve ask. This is more common to the first time travellers to Africa who do not know how the weather of Kenya is. Masai Mara national reserve is with no doubt the African Mecca in wildlife. More popular not only in Kenya but the entire world. Its premium national reserve that is found at the heart of the Great Rift Valley region. Its dominated by open savannah grassland in the semi-arid area which is occupied mostly by the Maasai Locals who have left in the area for the last decades. The reserve is managed by the locals themselves under the Narok Council and newly formed Trans Mara council. It is one of the few protected areas in Africa that is managed by the locals themselves. The Masai Mara national reserve was named in honor of the Maasai locals which called it Maa which meant looked from far. The reserve is a home of both permanent residents and migratory animals and birds. The bird mostly come during the rainy months of March to May and from November. These are considered the best birding months in Masai Mara if the guests or birders want to get the best. The reserve is located along the migratory route for the most European birds. Masai Mara is famous as an excellent animal viewing destination all year round. However, some guests keep asking What is the best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve? The best time is determined by many factors which are natural and travellers points of interest. The reserve has more permanent wildlife than migratory wildlife. This permanent residents makes it possible for the guest to view the wildlife game throughout the year. What are you looking at when asking What is the best time to visit Masai Mara? Naturally, Kenya like any other African country has two rainy seasons one early which is called longer rain season and the other late in the year called short rainy season. The first longer rains start from March to May and this is considered the low season in Masai Mara national reserve. However, this does not hinder game viewing chances in the reserve as plenty of wildlife is easily viewed during this time. During the rainy season, the park is less crowded making it easy to see the game and the animals are always close. Accommodation is easy to get at more at a low price, it is such a nice time for travellers who do not like staying in crowded areas. This is also the best time for birders and the birds are nesting and breeding. Another advantage for this time of the year is that however much the rains are available it rains mostly at night and little one day time this makes you enjoy all your activities with little interference. Masai Mara is cold during this time on day while warm at night as opposed to dry season. However, during this time you must travel with 4×4 wheel drive cars with an experienced driver-guide. You should also give the local operators to organize for you all fully inclusive packages not good enough for self-drives. This is because some of the areas along the reserve are closed during this time of the year. Some roads are impassable yet google maps may show as good and short cuts to enter the reserve as google will not show the road conditions during the rainy season. The first rainy moths start from Mach to April when the rains are much and some of the camps close down. The second short rains are experienced in November and they are brief for only one month. The rains of November are short and do not affect most of the infrastructure at the reserve. However, the migratory camps move away and stop working during this period of the year. Guests enjoy much during this time only if they use reputable local operators who advise the guests on the packing list before coming for their trip to Masai Mara. Well, preparation is one of the key factors for the success of the safari. The parking list for the rainy season includes a Rainy jacket, good waterproof hiking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and good cameras. The other season is a dry season which is always said the What is the best time to visit Masai Mara. The dry season is also divided into two the first dry season starts from June to October and the second dry season is from December to February. It’s during the dry season that the Masai Mara national reserve is more lively. Every animal has to wake up early to look for something to eat for the day. The early bird rises early for the warm as the predators try their luck to hunt for the prey. During this time all the reserve is accessible and the wildlife viewing is great since it is easy to locate the wildlife along with the water catchment areas. The only challenge is that the best time of doing the game drives are during morning times. This is best considered as What is the best time to visit Masai Mara simply because it moves with the great wildebeest migration that happens annually. The wildebeest migration is the largest animal migration on earth and it happens between Serengeti national park of Tanzania and Masai Mara national reserve. The wildebeest crosses through the Mara River and it happens around July and later returns back to Serengeti in October. Are your intentions of visiting Masai Mara national reserve for the wildebeest migration, then the What is the best time to visit Masai Mara is during the dry season. To catch the live-action of the migration then July is the best time to do it and later in October. You will welcome millions of wildebeests crossing the river and entering the reserve. The game drives are more rewarding though the reserve is more crowded during this time of the year. Best time to Visit Masai Mara National Reserve Wildebeest Migration – Best time to Visit Masai Mara National Reserve Planning to visit Masai mara national reserve and wondering What is the best time to visit Masai Mara. This article will guide you and also highlights the key activities that can be done in the specific times of the year around the Masai mara national reserve. You only need to contact the rightful operator who will give you more guidelines on how to make your Masia Mara safari lifetime experience safari. Masai mara never disappoints as far as you take the right steps to get the best local tour operator. Please note that Masai Mara can be visited all year round and it is all awesome. Please choose the time depending on your free time, preference and purpose of the safari.

Magical Sunset Sundowner In The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Masai Mara Hot air balloon safari Masai Mara Hot air balloon safari : Masai Mara hot air balloon is an ultimate once in a lifetime experience offering a unique way of exploring the endless plains of Masai Mara national reserve. This fascinating and exhilarating safari experience offering you an opportunity to fly over the endless plains high up in the skies above the landscape below composed of the never ending mixture of riverine forests, sprawling savannahs, towering escarpments and rugged rivers. Hot air balloon experience offers a unique vintage point of the abundant wildlife living in the plains of Maasai Mara such as lion, elephants, cape buffaloes, leopards, wildebeests, elands, gazelles among others. Masai Mara Hot air balloon safari Masai Mara Hot air balloon safari Here is a guide to Masai Mara hot air balloon experience FLYING HIGH ABOVE THE PLAINS OF MASAI MARA There is no experience that can be compared to the feeling of freedom and exhalation you get when flying above the African plains of Masai Mara national reserve, hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara national reserve requires tourists to wake up at the crack of the dawn which might sound less than pleasant. However, the rewards of waking up as early as possible for this high flying adventure greatly outweigh the inconvenience of having to set your alarm clock about between 04:00 -05:00 AM. After having a cup of coffee, your guide will pick you from your safari lodge or camp and take you to the balloon launch you will set off the growing feeling of anticipation in you. If you didn’t have a cup of coffee, you will have it at the launch pad as you watch the balloon crew as they inflate the balloon and prepare everything for take-off. Once the balloon is filled and everything is set, you will be guided and climb into the basket beneath the balloon. Your pilot of the day will give you a short briefing before setting the balloon into motion, as the sun begins to rise in to a stunning color band of fiery reds and gold your balloon will slowly rise to the skies which is a sight to lookout for. HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE IN MASAI MARA HOT AIR BALLOONING & THE ANNUAL GREAT MIGRATION Hot air balloon experience is one of the best activities to do in Masai Mara national reserve if you are intending to witness the annual great wildebeest migration, one of the wonders of the wildlife experienced in the world. Wildebeest migration is a wildlife phenomenon and annual movement of over million wildebeests and hundred thousands of zebras and gazelles in search for water and green pasture between the Mara Serengeti ecosystems. In Masai Mara national reserve the migration is present between the months of July and October which is also the best time to fly over the African plains and witness the large herds of wildebeests which are in millions accompanied by zebras and gazelles. Flying above the huge herds in a hot air balloon is one of the best ways to grasp the enormity of migration and what is taking place, other exciting sights to behold during the hot air balloon experience include watching predators such as lions hunting their prey, spotting leopards perched up high in tree and seeing active hyena dens. Every hot air balloon flight brings with it a great opportunity to see new and exciting sight below the plains of Masai Mara, you pilot will make sure to fly you lower at time to allow you to get the best possible pictures. Masai Mara Hot air balloon safari Balloon Safaris Hot air balloon is also the best experience for photographers intending to get incredible pictures of the Masai plains and the annual wildebeest migration. MASAI MARA HOT-AIR BALLOON FLIGHT PRICE Hot air balloon flights are quiet pricey most especially in the remote areas of Masai Mara national reserve, hot air balloon in Masai Mara costs about US$ 500. The balloon rides are quiet pricey and this is because of the fact that the balloons can only be used for a limited number of hours before they need replacing. Normally after approximately 850 flight hours, balloons are retired and a new balloon must e purchased. This is done in order to guarantee the safety of those who board a balloon, what makes the hot air balloon flight expensive is the cost of fuel and the crew that operates the hot air balloon. The crew is made up of 6 members and a licensed balloon pilot, additionally ten more people behind the scenes per balloon are responsible for getting each hot air balloon airborne. In total, hot air balloon flights are operated by a group of quite a big group of people who livelihoods depend on the proceeds from hot air balloon flights. Additionally, each hot air balloon flight requires recovery vehicles, transfer vehicles and backup operations. Also large portions of the hot air balloon flight fee are made up of conservation fees. Price for hot air balloon safari includes Approximately one hour hot air balloon flight Transfer from your safari camp or lodge Champagne style bush breakfast Transfer back to camp after breakfast Conservancy or national reserve landing fees PLANNING A MASAI MARA BALLOON SAFARI As Focus East Africa Tours a trusted tour company we can arrange for your departures for a Masai Mara balloon safari from most of the safari lodges and camps found in the Great Mara Area. If you are planning on doing a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara national reserve, we recommend booking a balloon safari in advance. This safari activity is very popular and gets booked out early most especially in the peak season, so you wouldn’t want to miss out. Also remember to pack some warm clothing, a good camera, binoculars and other personal items. What happens if the weather is poor? Hot air balloon experience bases so much on the weather conditions that why the question asked by most of the tourists is what happens of the hot air balloon flight is cancelled due to poor weather. First and foremost, safety is top priority to the hot air ballooning crew so if the weather is not suitable for the flight, the experience will be cancelled. After the cancellation, your flight will be rescheduled for later time and if its not possible then your money will be refunded.

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Elephants in masai mara Elephants in masai mara Elephants in masai mara, Masai Mara National reserve had the highest population of Elephants on earth. On the past years the reserve was greatly affected by high rate of poaching that led to the great death and reduction of Elephants from 167,000 in 1973 Elephant population census report to around 20,000 Elephants by 1990. But the good news came out in 2015 that there was around 30,000 Elephants in masai mara national reserve after the great work of the rangers, Kenyan government and the Masaai community after joint hard work to protect. To conserve these Elephants and Masai Mara reserve at large the population is steadily growing year in and year out with the current reports show that the growth has increased by 72% since 2014 to date. Its only in Elephants in masai mara that are increasing rapidly in the whole world. Elephants in masai mara There are several factors that has lead to this great achievement which is contributed directly by the Masai Community, Kenyan Government and the Migration of Elephants at the echo systems. The community together with government have applied new mechanisms yearly to cub down the poachers like employing some of the renown poachers to the ranger system. This has helped them mostly to identify the weaknesses poachers use to kill this animals, their best timing, areas and the type of guns they use not forgetting the market where the black ivory is taken. In 2016 the Kenyan officials burnt a big stock of recovered ivory in an open public viewing as they were demonstrating the government intentions of protecting the precious Elephants 100% under the lead of the Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta who aired out that we shall never be the witnesses of the African leaders who stood as we lost our precious Elephants in masai mara in the hands of the poachers. This was one of the largest ivory stock ever burnt in Africa with over 105 tonnes of the ivory, Kenya has been historical when Elephant protection is considered, in 1989 Kenyan president was the first African leader to burn Elephant ivory and this has inspired all the Kenyans to see the great value of conservation and protection of this animals.

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Kenyan Wildlife Photographer :: Photographic Safari Magical Kenya

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Amboseli National Park Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Amboseli National Park : Are you looking for an extraordinary way of exploring Amboseli national park during your Kenya safari, hot air balloon safari experience is the best African safari experience to do. Amboseli national park is the second popular safari destination and national park in Kenya located in the South – Eastern part of Kenya in the Kajiado district. Hot air balloon rides are among the memorable and thrilling safari activities offered in Amboseli national park, hot air balloon rides offer the best views of the Amboseli national park and the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro the tallest mountain on the African continent. This activity is carried out on daily but can easily be cancelled in case the weather does not permits. Hot air balloon safaris in Amboseli national park is operated by Kilimanjaro Balloon Safaris with operation offices just outside Kimana Gate which is at the Southeast section of the park. The cost of hot air balloon experience in Amboseli national park ranges from US$ 500 – US$ 600 per person, this money is used to maintain the balloon baskets and also caters to all the post activities like the bush breakfast and the champagne. The balloons have limit to the weight they are supposed to carry for example there are balloons that are have a limit weight of 125 kilograms per person, if you weigh more than 125 kilograms you have to book two places. Each hot air balloon ride will have an experienced pilot with a team helping out. Note: Children who are below the age of 7 years are not allowed to participate in the balloon safari activity. Commonly asked questions about Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Amboseli National Park How high do the hot air balloons fly? The hot air balloon rides in Amboseli national park can fly as high as 3000 meters from the ground, this allows you to see the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and also enjoy the wildlife a different perspective. What can I bring for the balloon ride? Since you are going to be floating about 3000 meters above the ground, you will need a few things and the most important things that you can carry include a camera, extra camera batteries and binoculars to help you see everything that is in the distance. What should I wear for the balloon ride? You need to wear comfortable attires, unlike as it is commonly thought, the temperatures as the balloon go up change but the truth is the temperatures up are similar to those while on the ground and therefore you need to just dress comfortably and appropriately according the weather. Is hot air ballooning dangerous? No, hot air ballooning in Amboseli national park is not dangerous at all, the balloons and baskets that are used in this experience are made using strong and modern material making them safe for riding. The flight is always smooth and the baskets are always checked before and after the ride. Note: the person (pilots) who is flying the balloons is experienced and will make sure that you are comfortable. Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Amboseli National Park Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Amboseli National Park The ride might feel a bit bumpy a it starts to rise but later on you get used to the air pressure and start enjoying the ride, do not be afraid to go for hot air balloon rides because they are fun and a once – in- a lifetime experience. How long does the ride take and what happens after landing? The hot air balloon ride starts as early as 05:30 am to 06:00 am and will take about a hour after ascent, the pilot will land in an area that is free of wild animals. Upon descent, you will find a tour vehicle waiting for you for where you will find a bush breakfast waiting for your and a champagne toast for everyone who has participated in the balloon ride. Which direction does the balloon take? The balloon floats in the direction in which the wind is blowing, the pilot of the balloon and the chase crew is always in touch with each other so that they get to know the direction the balloon has taken. The fact that each balloon ride takes a different direction makes each ride unique and fun. The balloon Kenya safari step by step To enjoy your hot air balloon ride in Amboseli national park, the crucial thing to do is to keep time because the pilots are time cautious and in case you are late, you might miss out on the ride. Below is a tentative step – by – step process that is supposed to be followed. You will have to wake up an hour early at about 5:00 am Guests are picked from their lodges after taking coffee or tea The briefing will be done at 6:00 am for the pilots After the briefing, it is take off time After an hour, you will land and toast champagne and enjoy a bush breakfast before enjoying other activities around Amboseli national park. Do we get a briefing on what to expect on a balloon ride? Yes, a day before the balloon ride, you are briefed about what to expect and the time and the pilots are also briefed about to treat the tourists, the exact time of starting the ride and at what time to pick you up from the lodge. You need to remember and an slight change in the weather can lead to the cancellation of the hot air balloon ride. What should I expect from the balloon ride? Hot air balloon rides are some of the ways to explore the beautiful Amboseli national park, in Amboseli there are several exciting things that you will see while on the hot air balloon safari in Amboseli and these include Mountain Kilimanjaro, the observation hill and several animals, birds, Lake Amboseli, swamps, wetlands and the surrounding areas. The hot air balloon ride in Amboseli national park offers spectacular aerial view of Amboseli National Park and the surrounding areas including the Masai Villages. When to go for the balloon ride The best time of the year to go for hot air balloon rides in Amboseli national park is during the dry season which is from June to October and January to February, in this period which is a dry season the winds are more favorable. The dry season is also the best time to watch and observe the animals in the park, hot air balloon rides can also be done in the wet season, however if the winds are heavy, it is cancelled and your money will be refunded or rescheduled to another day in case you still have more days on your Kenya wildlife safari in Amboseli national park.

Kenyan Wildlife Photographer :: Photographic Safari Magical Kenya

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Photography by Kenyan photographer Antony Trivet a Kenyan Travel, documentary and lifestyle photographer and storyteller using photography

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Kenyan Wildlife Photographer :: Photographic Safari Magical Kenya

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Antony Trivet Lifestyle Photography Is A Travel And Documentary Photographer Based In Nairobi City County Kenya’s Capital East Africa

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

A vulture is a scavenging bird of prey. The New World vultures include the California condor and the Andean condor; the Old World vultures include the birds that are seen scavenging on carcasses of dead animals on African plains

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Kenyan Wildlife Photographer :: Photographic Safari Magical Kenya

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

The great wildebeest migration is one of the most phenomenal natural spectacles in the world. It is an annual movement by millions of wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, elands and impalas across the greater Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

The hippopotamus, also called the hippo, common hippopotamus or river hippopotamus, is a large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal and ungulate native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus.

The Wildebeest Migration, is one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World” and also known as The World Cup of Wildlife. If there is a safari you should go on, this has it be it. The Maasai Mara and the Serengeti National Park together form what no other reserve or park in Africa can! It is incredible, it is magical, it is indescribable and it is a must! No where in the world is there a movement of animals as immense as the wildebeest migration, over two million animals migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the greener pastures of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya during July through to October. The migration has to cross the Mara River in the Maasai Mara where crocodiles will prey on them. This is one of the highlights as the animals try and cross the Mara River alive.

The great wildebeest migration is one of the most phenomenal natural spectacles in the world. It is an annual movement by millions of wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, elands and impalas across the greater Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

Kenyan Wildlife Photographer :: Photographic Safari Magical Kenya

The great wildebeest migration is one of the most phenomenal natural spectacles in the world. It is an annual movement by millions of wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, elands and impalas across the greater Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

Africa Picnic Site In The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Crocodiles or true crocodiles are large semiaquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. Crocodylinae, all of whose members are considered true crocodiles, is classified as a biological subfamily.

The hippopotamus, also called the hippo, common hippopotamus or river hippopotamus, is a large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal and ungulate native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus.

Mara River Crocodiles or true crocodiles are large semiaquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. Crocodylinae, all of whose members are considered true crocodiles, is classified as a biological subfamily.

Crocodiles or true crocodiles are large semiaquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. Crocodylinae, all of whose members are considered true crocodiles, is classified as a biological subfamily.

Antony Trivet Lifestyle Photography Is A Travel And Documentary Photographer Based In Nairobi City County Kenya’s Capital East Africa

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Hyenas or hyaenas are feliform carnivoran mammals of the family Hyaenidae. With only four extant species, it is the fifth-smallest biological family in the Carnivora, and one of the smallest in the class Mammalia. Despite their low diversity, hyenas are unique and vital components of most African ecosystems

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

The Great Wildebeest Migration The Great Wildebeest Migration The great wildebeest migration is one of the most spectacular animal migrations in the world ranked among the seventh new wonders of the world and referred to as “The world cup of wildlife”, the great wildbeest migration is a thrilling incredible experience displaying the greatest behavior of wildlife in the world which is experienced nowhere in the world but only in Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Wildebeest migration is one of the last mass terrestrial wildlife movements left of the planet involves the migration of giant herds of millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles through Serengeti and Masai mara ecosystems. The wildebeest move in a circular process from Serengeti national park and Masai mara national park and it is this national park where you can get an opportunity to witness the animals as they move with river crossing as the highlight of the experience. as the animals move they cross river Grumeti and river mara which are the highlights of the experience and a reason to why many tourists visit Serengeti national park and masai mara national park. Serengeti national park is a protected national park famous for hosting a high concentration of animals situated in the northeastern region of Tanzania close to the border of Kenya, Serengeti national park stretches through an area of 14750 square kilometers and it is part of the Serengeti Mara ecosystem which covers mara and simiyu regions. The most highlight of the park is experiencing the great annual migration where animals move into plains of the park, apart from animals involved in wildebeest such as gazelles, zebras and wildebeests there are other animals such as lions, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, black rhino, giraffe, Grant’s gazelle, impala, kongoni, topi, eland and many more. Masai mara national reserve is one of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa situated in the south-western region of Kenya, the park is one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the world stretching over an area of 1,510 square kilometers and it sits on the altitude of 1,500 – 2,170 meters above the sea level. masa mara national reserve consists of Mara river where river crossing of the wildebeests is witnessed. Stages of the great wildebeest migration The annual great wildebeest migration goes through stages as the herds move in their cycles from Serengeti national park to Masai mara national reserve. The birthing The birthing stage of the migration is the start of the migration cycle and it happens in the period of January and February, the birthing occurs short grass- plains and results into the birth of over 300,000- 4,000,000 calves which provides a feast for predators such as lions, hyenas, cheetah, leopards and many more which are easily witnessed in dozens scattered to feast on the calves. During the birthing stage the herds spread over the lower northern slopes of the Ngorongoro crater highlands and also scattered around the Olduvai Gorge, the calves are born within two-three weeks of one another, eight months and half months after the rut stage. Witnessing the birthing of calves is a spectacle and the newly born calves gain co-ordination and it is on feet 2-3 minutes after being born, the calf can also run with the herds in 5 minutes after being born and able to outrun predators such as a lioness. Unfortunately, many calves die in the first year of their life because of many factors such as predators who feast on them, malnutrition, fatigue/ disease and getting lost from their mothers. As the herds of wildebeest panic the calves wander off and lose track of their mothers, it is rare for them to find their mothers and it is also rare for a wildebeest cow to adopt any strange calf which makes the calves vulnerable to predators. The start of the circle The wildebeest migration starts at the end of the short dry season around March, as the grass plains of the southernmost Serengeti begin to dry out the herds begin their journey heading towards the western woodlands of Serengeti national park. The movement of wildebeests is dedicated by the weather and the growing new grass, the herds move to start to move from the plains Olduvai gorge heading west towards the small trio lakes of Ndutu, Masek, and Lagarja as they look for water and green grass. The herds are witnessed spreading in the plains of the west of Ndutu and in at the time of the first downpours of rain and distant thunderstorms the herds scatter on the plains of Ndutu. The rut The rut stage of the wildebeest migration starts as the rain starts falling and the herds also start heading north-west past the granite outcrops of Simba and Moru Koppies into the woodlands of the hilly county in the west of Seronera towards Lake Victoria. In the rut stage, half of the wildebeest cows are already mated in less than a month as they consolidate in the woodland and grass plains of the western corridor of Serengeti. Witnessing the rut stage is heavily influenced by the state of the moon and the 0full moon happening in the period of May/June is the best time to witness the most active of the wildebeest. In the rut stage, the vicious fighting between dominant males and territorial males is witnessed, in the process of the fight little violence and serious injuries are registered by the fighting males as they fight for their females. The crossing In the crossing stage of the wildebeest migration, herds start moving from western Serengeti heading north following the rains into Masai mara national reserve of Kenya. As they move the herds’ path is crossed by several rivers that become violet in response to rainfall in catchment areas thus being obstacles to the movement of the herds. From the southern Serengeti, the herds arrive at Mara River in hundreds and prepare to cross the river, for days the herds are seen wandering away from the water’s edge and eventually they chose a crossing point and they cross the river into Masai mara national reserve. The predators Once the herds of wildebeest are in the plains of Maasai mara the predators’ stage begins, in this period the wildebeests spend most of their time feeding and fattening and wandering around green pastures. They repeatedly move around the area grazing on the green pastures and the movement is more dedicated to the need for the food by the wildebeests. As they move they mate, give birth to a newborn and the calves are seen running in minutes which attracts predators to feast on the calves but when the herds move so far it becomes difficult for the predators to follow them. The crossing circle This stage of the migration takes place by late October when the first downpours of short rains start falling on the short grass plains of Serengeti, the rains fill up all seasonal waterholes and bring new flushes of growth. In the crossing circle, the herds move down through the eastern woodlands of Serengeti and among the animals, 90% of them are heavy with young calves, as the herds pass through the wooded country plains they scatter and spread once they reach the open plains. Annual great migration cycle breakdown by months Wildebeest migration happens in cycles and it is explained in dates months of the year and seasons as below January In the month of January the herds of animals involved in the wildebeest migration that is zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests are in Serengeti national park of Tanzania, Serengeti national park is not fenced which facilitates the free movement of these animals down south from the north eastern region to the southern Serengeti, lake Ndutu and Ngorongoro conservation area but they do not enter the crater. As these animals move, they break into mega herds of thousands in each group. The month of January is apparently a calving season, in this season wildebeest give birth to young ones which is an amazing experience. After the presence of the babies the big cat action follows as big animals like lions, hyenas, leopards and wild dogs snatching away the vulnerable calves to eat them as their prey. February In the month of February the animals are sighted grazing in the southern sector, Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, in this period the herds of animals remain in the south and in this period the rut is in a full swing and males are sighted jousting for the right to mate with their receptive females. This period the female wildebeests are heavily pregnant by the time they reach mara, Talek and Grumeti rivers which is an incredible sight to see. The month of February is generally a mating period for the wildebeests. March In the month of March during the wildebeest annual migration, the animals are still in march and in this month most of the pregnant females have already given birth to calves. In this period animals start gathering as they prepare to for another episode of moving to another location. April In the month of April in the wildebeest migration, the herds of animals start moving northward on their journey, in this month most of the herds are already in the central and western region of Serengeti national park. This month is generally a rainy season and the animals stretch out to the western and central corridor of Serengeti as they run at Seronera In this period the best accommodation options to stay so as to enjoy the spectacular wildebeest migration are Asilia’s Dunia Camp, Grumeti River Camp, Serengeti Serena safari lodge, Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Mbalageti Lodge which are both situated in the central Serengeti and western corridor. May In the month of the May herds of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles move in huge columns of 40 kilometers in length moving into the central and western region of Serengeti national park. This period is a dry season meaning the water holes in the plains of Serengeti have dried up which forces the animals to move towards Mara River. Like April, the month of April is also a rainy season in Tanzania and the best accommodation choices to choose from are Asilia’s Dunia Camp, Grumeti River Camp, Serengeti Serena safari lodge, Serengeti Sopa lodge and Mbalageti Lodge. June In the month of June the herds of animals head for central and western Serengeti, the herds are sighted in these section as they get ready for the toughest part of their Odyssey. In this month the weather is cooler and dry which means a few bugs are present as the animals move a cloud of dust is created which is a great opportunity for taking spectacular pictures. In this month the herds of wildebeests spread from the western corridor through the heart of Serengeti, as they move one group tends to move west into the western corridor crossing Grumeti River before exiting Serengeti national park and entering Singita Grumeti reserves. From the reserve the herds heads to Ikorongo game reserve on the Serengeti’s western corridor before arriving in Kogatende in July. In this month the best accommodation facilities to stay to enjoy the sight of wildebeest migration are Grumeti River camp, Faru lodge, Sasakwa lodge, Sabora lodge, Mbalageti Lodge and Kirawira lodge situated in Western corridor. July The month of July is the great action season as it is the period when the herds of animals start their river crossing expedition, in this period the herds reach western Serengeti and Grumeti reserves close enough to the brown waters of the rivers. The other herd heads to north of Serengeti crossing through Seronera, Lobo to Bologonja River near the eastern border of Serengeti with Loliondo reserve at Kleins. In this period the best accommodation to stay at which will offer you amazing sights of the wildebeest migration are Kogatende permanent lodges, Serengeti Lamai and Sayari Camp. August In the period of August, the herds of wildebeests are present in the northern Serengeti at Kogatende, Kogatende is an exceptional destination to witness the migration of wildebeests and in this exact period, they start crossing into Masai mara national park of Kenya. In the moment of the wildebeest, the herds follow the local rain which result into herd splitting and moving either north or south and most time move in both directions in the same day. As a tourists wanting to witness the migration, you need to cross over to Kenya from Serengeti for the spectacular experience. September In the month of September in the wildebeest migration cycle the herds split into smaller groups and some of them remain in northern Serengeti while others cross over to Masai mara national reserve, in this month the wildebeest are in the same area as in the period of August and in September they arrive in northern Serengeti and linger around kogatende and the Lamai Wedge in between. The best place to stay in to spot wildebeest migration in this period include mobile camps such as Kimondo in Lamai Wedge, Alex Walker’s Serian, Serengeti Under canvas, Ubuntu, Chaka and Serengeti safari camp. Permanent camps where to stay at include Sayari and Nomad Lamai Serengeti. October The period of is the best period to enjoy witnessing the wildebeest migration in Masai mara national reserve, in this period mara conservancies are less crowded which gives a great chance to see thousands of animals. In the period of October the animals are in Kogatende and Lamai the northern areas of Serengeti and in Masai, in late October there is light amounts of rainfall received which pushes the herds south and the herds are witnessed crossing over Mara River, the herds are seen gathering at water areas and it is an opportunity to witness the predator action. In this period the best accommodation choices to stay at include Sayari, Nomad Lamai Serengeti which are permanent camps and Ubuntu, Serengeti safari camp, Olakira, Kimondo, Alex Walker’s Serian which are mobile camps. November Like October, in the period of November the herds begin their second migration to the fertile of Ndutu plains from the south, this month experience cool weather conditions as the rain begin to rain and the grassland are extra green which attracts the movement of the herds. When you are on the safari to witness the migration it is better to keep in mind that it rain either in the morning or late and in November the herds spread out. December In the period of December the wildebeests’ cluster in the north-eastern Serengeti particular and southern Serengeti, in this same period calving of the animals begins and the predators who want to feast on the newly off springs start coming closer to the herds. Best time to go for a wildebeest migration safari Wildebeest migration safari is a spectacular sight to see and the best time to go for sightings of this world’s spectacle depends on the time/ season and the place where the animals are crossing through. January to March is a low seen and a calving time for the wildebeests, in this period/season the animals are sighted in the southern region of Serengeti national park in Tanzania. This same period is also an intense big cat action and a rutting period which again takes place in the southern sector of Serengeti national park. June to August is a high season and the wildebeests are spotted around Grumeti river July to October is a high season and in the migration cycle it is a river crossing for the animals where the wildebeests and other animals zebras and gazelles crossing from Northern Serengeti to Masai mara. August to October is also a high season and the wildebeest migration is sighted in mara conservancies of Masai mara national reserve. Points to note when choosing the best period of time to go for wildebeest migration wildebeest migration is a year-round circular journey the bulk of the migration takes place and it is sighted in Serengeti national park in Tanzania River crossing of the wildebeest is more of a less predictable occurrence but it generally occurs from July to October. The best chance to see the river crossing involves staying a whole day at the site of Mara River and for photographers, the best time is to take spectacular shots is mid-day. The Great Wildebeest Migration The Great Wildebeest Migration Where to stay while on a wildebeest migration safari While on a safari to encounter the great annual wildebeest migration, the perfect accommodation facilities to stay are picked according to where the migration is happening at a certain season that is either in Serengeti national park in Tanzania or Masai mara national reserve of Kenya. Accommodation in Serengeti national park is offered by famous mobile camps that is Serengeti safari camps and &beyond’s Serengeti under canvas which are erected at set locations throughout the year, these mobile camps are moved to the spot where the herds of animals are at 2 or 3 times a year. On the route where hundreds of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles pass there is also other mobile camps where you can stay, these mobile camps operate in seasons that is jolly to November and December to march. The other seasons these camps are closed, these camps include Alex Walker’s Serian, Asilia’s Olakira, Ubuntu and Kimondo. Not all tourists are extra adventurous, some are scared of staying at mobile camps, and if that is your case then you can stay at permanent lodges such as Ndutu lodge, Kusini lodge, Serengeti Serena safari lodge, Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Grumeti River Camp, Kirawira lodge, Mbalageti Lodge, Serengeti Lamai, Sayari Camp and many more.

The great wildebeest migration is one of the most phenomenal natural spectacles in the world. It is an annual movement by millions of wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, elands and impalas across the greater Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentarygreat wildebeest migration

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

The giraffe is an African artiodactyl mammal, the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. It is traditionally considered to be one species, Giraffa camelopardalis, with nine subspecies

Zebras are African equines with distinctive black-and-white striped coats. There are three extant species: the Grévy’s zebra, plains zebra and the mountain zebra. Zebras share the genus Equus with horses and asses, the three groups being the only living members of the family Equidae

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Mara Triangle camping Mara Triangle camping : The Mara Triangle is a unique region within the Mara environment that is home to some of the biggest densities of animals that you may see while on a Kenya safari. It is also where the spectacular river crossing during the yearly great migration is observed. The Mara Triangle occupies one third of the Masai Mara national reserve and is located in the southwest of the reserve. It is divided from the reserve by the Mara River and spans an area of 510 square kilometres. Its two natural borders are the Tanzania which is the Serengeti National Park border to the southwest, the Mara River to the east, and the Ol doinyio Escarpment, also known as Oloololo or Siria Escarpment, to the northwest. The Oloololo Escarpment, rising to a height of 400 metres, riverine woodland, red oat meadows, and volcanic hills make up the Mara Triangle’s topography. The Mara Triangle is the finest location to go for a genuine Kenyan safari experience since, despite its enormous concentration of animals, it is always calm, isolated, and less crowded. Here are additional Mara Triangle details. Mara Triangle camping : History of the mara Triangle The region currently referred to as The Triangle covers 510 square kilometres, or roughly one-third of the total area of the Masai Mara National Reserve. The region’s history includes widespread poaching that claimed thousands of animals annually. A coalition of community leaders came together in 2000 to support the preservation of the Mara Triangle and prevent the dwindling population of animals from being poached for their meat, skins, and ivory, which were then sold on the black market. These leaders’ cooperation led to the creation of the non-profit Mara Conservancy, a conservation organisation. This cooperation was the initial stage of a novel relationship between the public and private sectors, involving conservation experts. One third of the 510 square kilometre Masai Mara National Reserve is comprised of the Mara Triangle, which is situated between the Oloololo Escarpment in western Kenya, the Mara River, and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. It can only be accessed via the New Mara Bridge or the Oloololo gate. It receives much fewer visitors and is less congested than the rest of the Maasai Mara region due to the restricted access. With an abundance of wildlife including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, elands, impalas, and predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and cheetahs that are always lurking nearby, the Mara Triangle is a hidden gem that is home to a sizable population of wildlife all year round. Elephants, buffaloes, hippos, baboons, and other wildlife are among the creatures that find refuge and sustenance in the riverine woods that border the banks of the Mara River. During the Great Migration, the deadly Nile crocodiles lurk in the river’s waters, ready to strike at any weaker wildebeests making the perilous crossing. Mara Triangle camping Mara Triangle Conservation Area Mara Triangle camping : Safari accommodations at Mara Triangle Due of rigorous regulations governing the Masai Mara conservancies, there are only a limited amount of lodgings available in the Mara triangle. Specifically, each tourist is only allowed to occupy roughly 350 acres, or 700 acres for a double tent. The Little Governor’s Camp, Angama Mara, and the Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp are among the lodging options in the Triangle. Booking your lodging as soon as you are certain of your Kenya safari dates is crucial if you intend to stay in the Mara Triangle, as there are a few lodging alternatives located within its perimeter. By choosing lodges inside the Triangle, you are helping the Maasai communities, the conservancies, and the lodgings, which try to hire locals whenever possible. The Maasai population in the area benefits directly from the safari accommodations tours even if the staff members do not speak English. Since the Mara Triangle is thought to be the entry point for the big migration, most visitors arrive during the great migration. July through October are your best bet for observing the herds during their trek because of the favourable weather during this time. The “green season,” which runs from November to June, is a great time to see wildlife but unfortunately has significantly fewer visitors and maybe because of the worse weather which is mostly rainy. Camping in the Mara Triangle There are eight private campsites and three public campsites at Mara Triangle. For all of our public campsites, no reservations are needed in advance.

The lion is a species in the family Felidae and a member of the genus Panthera. It has a muscular, deep-chested body, short, rounded head, round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions have a prominent mane.

Lions in Masai Mara Lions in Masai Mara National Reserve Lions Masai Mara national reserve are the biggest cats found in the reserve. Masai Mara is home of the largest population of African big cats not only Kenya but in Africa. The reserve is famous for its greatest number of lions and millions of wildebeests that migrate annually. It is from Masai Mara national reserve lions that the park is termed as the mecca of tourism destination in Africa. The great documentaries of lions are being done from Masai Mara national reserve making it the most premium tourism destination. You cannot dream of African wildlife safari in Kenya and miss out on Masai Mara national reserve due to Masai Mara national reserve lions. It is only in Masai mara that guests are sure of seeing the large prides of lions and other big cats like the shy Leopards. Masai Mara national reserve lions have two large famous prides which include the Cheli and Peacock pride and Enesikiria pride. Masai mara national reserve is one of the tourism destinations with incredible wildlife that includes the African big 5 (Lions, leopards, Buffaloes, Elephants and Rhinos) Masai Mara national reserve lions have steadily increased after long time when the locals could kill the lions if they attack their cattle. The Maasai people also used to hunt the lions as a way of initiating the youth to the warriorhood level. One has to kill a lion in order to be considered as a warrior in Masai land. The lions are always considered as a king of the jungle not because they are the largest but very brave and courageous animals. Lions can have the courage to attacking large herd of Buffaloes or Antelopes when it is alone. Lions always leave in prides that are headed by the male adult lion with several cubs and lioness. The female lions are always the one on a hunt for the prey only been helped by the male sub-adults in case of a big animal. The Masai Mara national reserve lions leave in territories. Each territory is conquered by the adult lions, the fight always breaks if one pride crosses to another. This has made it easy for the rangers to known which pride the guests have seen, how many lions are in the reserve and other important information about the Lions in Masai Mara national reserve. However, much lions are the kings of the jungle, Masai Mara national reserve lions are vulnerable with more competitors hindering their population increase. The humans, leopards and male adult lions themselves kill the young ones. This has affected the growth of the lion numbers in Masai Mara. The Male lions kill the young ones so as to put the females on heat as soon as possible. That is why lioness tend to isolate themselves when almost giving birth and later return when the cubs are grown. They return normally after a minimum of 3 weeks from the date of birth. The lion’s gestation period is 110 days and they give birth to between 1 to 6 vulnerable blind cubs which takes two weeks to start seeing. The female lion always builds a small den where she will keep her cubs with close monitoring from other competitors. She breasts feed and hunts food for the cubs when the time for shifting the lioness carries her cubs by their necks. Lions in Masai Mara national reserve have complicated communication systems upon all the big cats simply because they are the most social ones in all the big cats. However, cheetahs try but lions overpower them in their social mobility, one pride can have even 30 members. They hunt in groups like African wild dogs. The lioness calls softly if they are calling the cubs while the male ones roar while looking for others. If there is an attack and they are charging the lions can Puff, roar, Meows, Moans, Snarls or purrs. They all know the meaning of each call and they act as fast as possible. If the young ones are with their mums, they walk gently but mostly alert, in case of any call from the mothers the cubs have to react very fast. During the mating period, Masai Mara national reserve lions move in pairs of two males and females away from the pride. The lions usually mate once every two years, the females are always restricted to one or two lions for mating in a pride. The females are always in their heat for 2 to 4 days and these few days they over enjoy mating which is done after every 20 to 30 minutes. The lion can reach 50 copulations in a day during the mating period and when the pair is separated from the pride. Lions in Masai Mara National Park Lions in Masai Mara National Park The newly born cubs follow their mothers until they reach 3 months. They are weaned by around 6 to 7 months of age. They start practicing the hunt when they reach 11 months but most active from 2 years of age. The lions have good maturity rates but the survival rates are very low, the lion is sure of surviving if they reach 2 years of age. The lions in the wild reach to their sexual maturity at the age of 3 to 4 years. At this age, some lions remain within the pride while others go and start their own ways and start their new pride. The males mostly separate from the pride and defend their territories while the female lions always tend to remain at the pride. Masai Mara national reserve is a home of wild range of wildlife that attracts more travellers to the reserve. The high concentration of the wildlife makes guests enjoy daily game drives at the park which do not disappoint. The great game includes Buffaloes, Leopards, Cheetahs, Warthogs, Elephants, Wildebeests, Gazelles, Giraffes and many others. Come and enjoy the best of wildlife together with Masai Mara national reserve lions in the most affordable tour packages available.

Lions in Masai Mara National Reserve Lions in Masai Mara National Reserve Lions in Masai Mara National Reserve are very famous and are plenty in the park and being the Kings of the Jungle, travelers love to explore these predators. In the Masai Mara national reserve which is located in the south western part of Kenya, lions have a long history with the Masai people in different aspects such as warriors among the Masai had to prove their ability and to transition into adulthood from childhood by killing a lion. These predators are among the big 5 mammals which are wildlife species which are highly sorted out for by tourists during safaris to Masai Mara national reserve. The big five animals apart from lions include elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and leopards. Visits to Masai Mara reserve to watch the lions is a very rewarding activity and the roars of these wildlife species can be heard as the male ones mark their territory and scare off other males to stay away from their territory. This reserve has a high concentration of lions in its ecosystem. Lions hunt early in the morning, late in the afternoon and during the night time. Hunting is usually done by the females and it involves killing their prey by a bite on the neck or suffocating the prey by clamping down the muzzle. A group of lions are known as a pride and in Masai Mara national reserve these prides are made up of three males, females and their cubs. It’s common to see the females moving with their cubs as they search for their prey. Lions in Masai Mara national reserve can be seen in different locations such as Ol kinyei conservancy, Porini lion camp in Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Serian Mara north conservancy and also in Serian Nkorombo. Lions can be spotted by their unique whisker spot pattern which is a means of their identification. Lions can also be identified by their nose color, mane size and use of ear tears. Many tourists are interested in seeing lions which are commonly referred to as the “king of the jungle”. In Masai Mara national reserve and other locations where they can be seen, these creatures are social compared to other big cats which are solitary. The lions are known for having a lazy character especially when their prey escapes and they try to chase it which is commonly done by the females. These wildlife species are carnivores and they prey on wildlife species such as wildebeest, zebras, buffalos, antelopes and many others. Another interesting fact about lions in the Masai Mara reserve is that they are also known to be scavengers which and they attack hyenas and steal their prey. After hunting which is done when the lions are hungry, they are known to rest and sleep for a long time of about 20 hours. Lions can be identified by their manes and the large darker manes are a characteristic which shows that the lion is very strong and this characteristic often attracts females while scaring away the others. Lions exchange scents by rubbing against each other which is common among the male and females when they meet. Another form of interaction among these creatures is when they are playing with each other they tend to hide their claws to avoid hurting each other. The long tails of lions provide a form of balance when the lion is running and it is also a form of signal to other members of the lion pride. Description of Masai Mara national reserve Masai Mara national reserve is famous for the wildebeest migration and is known for wildlife viewing opportunity all year round. This national reserve is also known for its private conservancies which include Ol Kinyei conservancy, Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Mara North conservancy, Ol Choro Oiroua conservancy, Mara triangle conservancy, Olderikesi conservancy, and Siana conservancy. The private conservancies are put in place to promote efficient wildlife management and to help the local community to benefit from the revenue generated from tourist activity in Masai Mara national reserve. These conservancies offer a range of activities which may not be carried out within the reserves such as night game drives, walking safaris and off the track game drives. There are a number of rules and regulations put in place in the conservancy to avoid scaring away the wildlife species. Many different tourists are interested in visiting Masai Mara national reserve to watch the lions and to enjoy other unique attractions in this national reserve as part of their experiences in Kenya. Other attractions in this reserve include; The Maasai people are another major attraction in this reserve and they are known for their unique culture and nomadic way of life. During interactions with tourists, the Maasai people share a lot of experiences about their traditional way of life such as their “manyattas” which are the traditional houses of the Maasai, the cultural way of dressing where the men wear “shukas”. Tourists also get to watch traditional dance performances of the Maasai during their visits to the Maasai villages. The different conservancies in Masai Mara national reserve are another attraction which can be visited by tourists during safaris to this destination. The great wildebeest migration is a natural wonder which involves movement of thousands of wildebeest as they search for greener pasture and water. This migration takes place annually between Serengeti national park and Masai Mara national reserve. Tourists can observe the herds of wildebeest in the plains of the reserve as they graze. Lions in Masai Mara National Reserve Lions in Masai Mara National Reserve There are a variety of wildlife viewing activities which take place in Masai Mara national reserve and they include the following; Game drives in Masai Mara national reserve take place at different times of the day and they include morning game drives, evening game drives as well as full day game drives. A variety of wildlife species can be seen in the reserve during morning game drives since they are more active at this time of day. Full day game drives offer more chances to observe and watch the wildlife species at different times of the day. Some of the wildlife species which can be seen during game drives in the reserve include wildebeest, kobs, giraffes, gazelles, hippos, hartebeest, zebras, antelopes among others. Nature walks involve exploring the Masai Mara national reserve on foot in search of the different wildlife species in their natural habitat following different trails. These nature walks also involve armed rangers and guides to ensure the experience in the plains of the reserve is safe for the tourists. Hot air balloon safaris involve exploring the Masai Mara national reserve from an aerial view in a hot air balloon. This activity gives a better view of the different attractions within the reserve such as herds of elephants, wildebeest, the beautiful landscape of the reserve among others. Visit Masai Mara national reserve and look out for the legendary predators as they hunt for their prey in the plains of the reserve.

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

The lion is a species in the family Felidae and a member of the genus Panthera. It has a muscular, deep-chested body, short, rounded head, round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions have a prominent mane.

The Masai Mara National Game Reserve And Conservation Areas Exploring Africa Safari Adventure Photographic Wildlife Paradise Narok County Kenya – Antony Trivet Travel Documentary

Kenyan Travel Blogs Influencers Vloggers YouTubers Photographers – Antony Trivet Photography

The lion is a species in the family Felidae and a member of the genus Panthera. It has a muscular, deep-chested body, short, rounded head, round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions have a prominent mane.

The giraffe is an African artiodactyl mammal, the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. It is traditionally considered to be one species, Giraffa camelopardalis, with nine subspecies

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