The Masai Mara Game Reserve is often called "The Mara" which is the Masai word meaning "Mottled" - a reference to the patchy landscape. Both spellings "Masai" and "Maasai" are acceptable although the latter is more usual when referring to the people. The Masai Mara is a Game Reserve although an inner area is privately owned and is called the Mara triangle. To enter the Mara triangle one has to pay Park fees a fresh. Reserves are normally managed by local authorities and allow lodges, camp sites and the settling of some tribes people with their cattle. National Parks are normally managed by Kenya wildlife service and do not allow any human inhabitation other than for Park Rangers and tourist on safari.
The Masai Mara game reserve is in south-western Kenya.
Named for the Maasai people (the traditional inhabitants of the area) and the Mara River which divides it, it is famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of the wildebeest every July and August, a migration so immense it is called the Great Migration ( One of the 7th wonder of the world ) .
The Masai Mara is most famous for the big population of cats. All other members of the "Big Five" are to be found in the Masai Mara.
Hippopotamus are found in large groups lazing on the mara river.
The wildebeest are the dominant inhabitant of the Masai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions.
Around July of each year these animals migrate from the Serengeti plains to Masai Mara in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October.
The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving an immensity of herbivores: Wildebeest, Thomson's Gazelle, and Zebra.
These numerous migrants are followed along their annual, circular route by a block of hungry predators, most notably lions and hyena.
Please try to follow these guidelines
when visiting the Masai Mara:
1)Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the wildlife (it is very important that the carnivores have some peace alone for their hunting, particularly if they have young to feed). Listen and enjoy the natural sounds of the Mara itself.
2)Try to leave the Mara as you found it. Don't leave any litter (especially if burning or flammable) or remove any plants, wildlife or other items.
3)Don't feed the animals or take any pets with you. Only leave your vehicle or make camp at designated areas (but don't light camp fires unless permitted). Don't hang out of your vehicle or sit on the roof (and don't try stroking passing lion cubs however cute they look!).
4)It is recommended that you use a local driver/guide; this is an advantage because he should be familiar with the area, able to give you lots of information about the animals and their habitat, and know where they can currently be found plus how best to approach them.
5)If you choose to drive yourself then remember that animals have the right of way and don't drive too close to them. Keep to the speed-limit (usually 30-50kph) and don't drive off the tracks damaging vegetation. Make sure your vehicle is reliable, that you carry a map, spare tire and toolkit. Don't travel before sunrise or after sunset.
For more information see: http://www.goshawktours.com/gtkc_001.html
The Masai Mara game reserve is in south-western Kenya.
Named for the Maasai people (the traditional inhabitants of the area) and the Mara River which divides it, it is famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of the wildebeest every July and August, a migration so immense it is called the Great Migration ( One of the 7th wonder of the world ) .
The Masai Mara is most famous for the big population of cats. All other members of the "Big Five" are to be found in the Masai Mara.
Hippopotamus are found in large groups lazing on the mara river.
The wildebeest are the dominant inhabitant of the Masai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions.
Around July of each year these animals migrate from the Serengeti plains to Masai Mara in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October.
The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving an immensity of herbivores: Wildebeest, Thomson's Gazelle, and Zebra.
These numerous migrants are followed along their annual, circular route by a block of hungry predators, most notably lions and hyena.
Please try to follow these guidelines
when visiting the Masai Mara:
1)Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the wildlife (it is very important that the carnivores have some peace alone for their hunting, particularly if they have young to feed). Listen and enjoy the natural sounds of the Mara itself.
2)Try to leave the Mara as you found it. Don't leave any litter (especially if burning or flammable) or remove any plants, wildlife or other items.
3)Don't feed the animals or take any pets with you. Only leave your vehicle or make camp at designated areas (but don't light camp fires unless permitted). Don't hang out of your vehicle or sit on the roof (and don't try stroking passing lion cubs however cute they look!).
4)It is recommended that you use a local driver/guide; this is an advantage because he should be familiar with the area, able to give you lots of information about the animals and their habitat, and know where they can currently be found plus how best to approach them.
5)If you choose to drive yourself then remember that animals have the right of way and don't drive too close to them. Keep to the speed-limit (usually 30-50kph) and don't drive off the tracks damaging vegetation. Make sure your vehicle is reliable, that you carry a map, spare tire and toolkit. Don't travel before sunrise or after sunset.
For more information see: http://www.goshawktours.com/gtkc_001.html